FDA Approves New COPD Treatment

The FDA today approved a new treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): tiotropium bromide and olodaterol (Stiolto Respimat) inhalation spray.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s product is indicated as a long-term, once-daily treatment of airflow obstruction, and it can be used to treat chronic bronchitis and emphysema. However, it was not approved to treat asthma or acute deterioration of COPD.

The FDA’s nod to Stiolto Respimat was based on trials of more than 5000 COPD patients. The spray was shown to significantly improve lung function over tiotropium and olodaterol alone.

“A recent review of landmark studies indicates that loss of lung function is more accelerated in the early stages of COPD,” Danny McBryan, MD, vice president of clinical development and medical affairs, respiratory, at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc, said in a press release. “While no treatment slows the rate of decline, maintenance treatment with Stiolto Respimat initiated at the time of diagnosis will help health care providers with their goal of improving lung function.”

Boehringer Ingelheim's inhaler, Respimat, produces a mist that allows

patients to breathe in naturally, allowing the medication to travel deep into the lungs, according to the manufacturer.

COPD is estimated to be the third leading cause of death by 2030, the press release stated.