The FDA has approved an inhaled fixed-dose combination (Breo Ellipta – GSK/Theravance) of the corticosteroid fluticasone furoate and the long-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist (LABA) vilanterol trifenatate for once-daily treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The FDA has approved an inhaled fixed-dose combination of the long-acting anticholinergic umeclidinium (ue mek" li din' ee um) and the long-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist (LABA) vilanterol (Anoro Ellipta – GSK/Theravance) for once-daily maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Anoro Ellipta is the first product available in the US that combines two long-acting bronchodilators in a single delivery device.

The FDA has approved Trelegy Ellipta (GSK), a fixed-dose combination of the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) fluticasone furoate, the long-acting antimuscarinic agent (LAMA) umeclidinium, and the long-acting beta₂-agonist (LABA) vilanterol. It is available as a dry powder inhaler for once-daily maintenance treatment of COPD and to reduce COPD exacerbations in patients with a history of exacerbations. Trelegy Ellipta is the first three-drug inhaler for treatment of COPD to become available in the US.

The FDA has approved Incruse Ellipta (GSK), a single-agent inhaler containing the long-acting anticholinergic umeclidinium, for once-daily maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Umeclidinium was initially approved in combination with the long-acting beta₂-adrenergic agonist vilanterol as Anoro Ellipta.

The FDA has approved Arnuity Ellipta (GSK), a single-agent inhaler containing the corticosteroid fluticasone furoate, for once-daily maintenance treatment of asthma in patients ≥12 years old. Fluticasone furoate is also available in combination with the long-acting beta₂-agonist vilanterol as Breo Ellipta for treatment of asthma and COPD.

Olodaterol (Striverdi Respimat – Boehringer Ingelheim), a new inhaled long-acting beta2-agonist, has been approved by the FDA for once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is not approved for treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD or for treatment of asthma. Olodaterol is the third long-acting beta2-agonist to be approved by the FDA for once-daily use; indacaterol (Arcapta Neohaler), which is available as a single agent, and vilanterol, which is available only in fixed-dose combinations with the...

The FDA has approved a fixed-dose combination of the long-acting anticholinergic glycopyrrolate and the long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) formoterol (Bevespi Aerosphere – AstraZeneca) for long-term maintenance treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Glycopyrrolate/formoterol is the fourth long-acting anticholinergic/LABA combination to be approved in the US, but the first to become available in a metered-dose inhaler. Glycopyrrolate/indacaterol (Utibron Neohaler), umeclidinium/vilanterol (Anoro Ellipta), and tiotropium/olodaterol (Stiolto...

View the Table: Correct Use of Inhalers for COPD

The FDA has approved two new inhalers for long-term maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Seebri Neohaler (Novartis) contains the long-acting anticholinergic glycopyrrolate. Utibron Neohaler (Novartis) contains both glycopyrrolate and the long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) indacaterol. Glycopyrrolate/indacaterol is the third fixed-dose combination of a long-acting anticholinergic and a LABA to become available in the US; umeclidinium/vilanterol (Anoro Ellipta) and tiotropium/olodaterol (Stiolto Respimat) were approved...

View the Comparison Table: Inhaled Drugs for Treatment of COPD