Advair Reduces Exacerbations In COPD Patients

The use of Advair Diskus 250/50 (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder) demonstrated a 30% reduction in exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have a history of exacerbations as compared with salmeterol alone, according to new data presented today at the International Conference of the American Thoracic Society meeting in Toronto.

COPD is a progressive, life-threatening lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema or both. Exacerbations are flare-ups or episodes of worsening COPD symptoms that often require additional treatment, such as antibiotics, oral corticosteroids and in some cases hospitalization. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, or coughing up excess mucus beyond normal day-to-day variations. Seventy-seven (77) percent of patients with COPD report experiencing at least one exacerbation within the past year.

The randomized study of 797 patients was a replicate study which found that after a year of treatment, patients treated with Advair Diskus 250/50 had a 30% reduction in the rate of annual exacerbations compared to salmeterol (p<0.001). In an analysis of time to first moderate/severe exacerbation, there was a 25 percent reduction in risk with Advair compared to salmeterol (p=0.003). And Advair also reduced the annual rate of exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids by 34 percent (p<0.001).

The study was one of two new studies reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration prior to granting approval last month for the expanded use of Advair for the reduction of COPD exacerbations in patients with a history of exacerbations and in a broader COPD patient population which includes patients with chronic bronchitis, emphysema or both. The studies conducted to support the new indication were one year in duration thus lengthening the duration of established efficacy and safety.

"Reducing exacerbations is one of the primary goals of COPD treatment, and this second study presented today shows convincingly that Advair effectively addresses this pressing need," said Antonio Anzueto, MD, University of Texas Health Science Center. "This data reaffirms my belief in Advair as an effective treatment for my patients with COPD."