Novartis’ Ultibro Breezhaler (indacaterol/glycopyrronium bromide) was superior in reducing exacerbations (flare ups) and improving lung function compared to twice-daily Seretide Accuhaler (salmeterol/fluticasone (SFC)), in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These findings from the head-to-head LANTERN study were presented for the first time at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in Munich, Germany.
The LANTERN study showed Ultibro Breezhaler significantly reduced the rate of moderate-to-severe exacerbations by 31 per cent compared to SFC[1], in moderate-to-severe COPD patients with a history of one exacerbation or none in the previous year. In addition, Ultibro Breezhaler patients had significantly increased lung function, as compared to SFC after 26 weeks of treatment. The safety profile of Ultibro Breezhaler was comparable to SFC[1].
“These new results from LANTERN provide further evidence of the potential of Ultibro Breezhaler to deliver better exacerbation reduction and improvements in lung function, compared to the current standard of care,” said Vasant Narasimhan, Global Head of Development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals[1],[2].
The new findings from LANTERN support the use of Ultibro Breezhaler as an alternative steroid-free treatment to SFC in moderate-to-severe COPD patients[1]. This approach is consistent with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2014 guidelines[3].
COPD symptoms can have a major negative impact on a patient’s ability to breathe and function, reducing their quality of life[3],[4].
References:
- Zhong N et al. Efficacy and safety of once-daily QVA149 compared with twice-daily salmeterol/fluticasone combination (SFC) in patients with COPD: the LANTERN study. [ERS abstract 700090; Session 281; Date: September 8 2014 Time: 12:50-14:40].
- Ultibro Breezhaler EU Summary of Product Characteristics. [Online] 3 October 2013. Available at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/002679/WC500151255.pdf [Accessed 23 July 2014].
- Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Updated 2014. http://www.goldcopd.org/uploads/users/files/GOLD_Report2014_Feb07.pdf [Accessed 23 July 2014].
- Joshi M, Joshi A, Bartter T. Symptom burden in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2012;18:97-103.
EP News Bureau – Mumbai