Role of dual bronchodilators in COPD: A review of the current evidence for indacaterol/glycopyrronium

Publication date: Available online 4 April 2017 Source:Pulmonary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Author(s): Joachim H. Ficker, Klaus F. Rabe, Tobias Welte In this review, we summarize the rationale for combining long-acting bronchodilators in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the evidence for the long-acting bronchodilator combination indacaterol/glycopyrronium (IND/GLY). Clinical practice guidelines generally recommend the use of long-acting bronchodilators in the treatment of patients with all severities of COPD, either as a first-choice or alternative-choice therapy. Combining classes of long-acting bronchodilators can result in superior improvements in lung function and clinical outcomes compared with bronchodilator monotherapy, as observed in studies of free combinations of long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) and long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs). LABA/LAMA fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) can also significantly improve lung function, dyspnea, symptoms and health status and reduce exacerbations and rescue medication use versus an inhaled corticosteroid/LABA, with a comparable safety profile and lower incidence of pneumonia. The LABA/LAMA FDC of IND/GLY is approved for use in the management of COPD. This review summarizes the evidence for IND/GLY, including its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile, and published efficacy and safety data from clinical trials in patients with COPD. We also explore the unmet needs in COPD...
Source: Pulmonary Pharmacology and Therapeutics - Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research