Reduced All-Cause Mortality in the ETHOS Trial of Budesonide/Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Parallel-Group Study.

Rationale: In the phase III, 52-week ETHOS (Efficacy and Safety of Triple Therapy in Obstructive Lung Disease) trial in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (NCT02465567), triple therapy with budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate (BGF) significantly reduced all-cause mortality compared with glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate (GFF). However, 384 of 8,509 patients were missing vital status at Week 52 in the original analyses.Objectives: To assess the robustness of the ETHOS mortality findings after additional data retrieval for patients missing Week 52 vital status in the original analyses.Methods: Patients with moderate to very severe COPD and prior history of exacerbation received twice-daily dosing with 320/18/9.6 µg of BGF (BGF 320), 160/18/9.6 µg of BGF (BGF 160), 18/9.6 µg of GFF, or 320/9.6 µg of budesonide/formoterol fumarate (BFF) (all delivered via a single metered-dose Aerosphere inhaler). Time to death (all-cause) was a prespecified secondary endpoint.Measurements and Main Results: In the final retrieved dataset, which included Week 52 vital status for 99.6% of the intent-to-treat population, risk of death with BGF 320 was significantly lower than GFF (hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.80; unadjusted P = 0.0035). There were no significant differences in mortality when comparing BGF 320 with BFF (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-1.16; P = 0.1721), nor were significant differences observed when comparing BGF 160 against either dual comparator. Results were similar when the first 30, 60, or 90 days of treatment were excluded from the analysis. Deaths from cardiovascular causes occurred in 0.5%, 0.8%, 1.4%, and 0.5% of patients in the BGF 320, BGF 160, GFF, and BFF groups, respectively.Conclusions: Using final retrieved vital status data, triple therapy with BGF 320 reduced the risk of death compared with GFF, but was not shown to significantly reduce the risk of death compared with BFF, in patients with COPD. Triple therapy containing a lower dose of inhaled corticosteroid (BGF 160) was not shown to significantly reduce the risk of death compared with the dual therapy comparators.

Triple Inhaled Therapy at Two Glucocorticoid Doses in Moderate-to-Very-Severe COPD.

BACKGROUND: Triple fixed-dose regimens of an inhaled glucocorticoid, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and a long-acting ß2-agonist (LABA) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been studied at single dose levels of inhaled glucocorticoid, but studies at two dose levels are lacking. METHODS: In a 52-week, phase 3, randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of triple therapy at two dose levels of inhaled glucocorticoid in patients with moderate-to-very-severe COPD and at least one exacerbation in the past year, we assigned patients in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive twice-daily inhaled doses of triple therapy (inhaled glucocorticoid [320 µg or 160 µg of budesonide], a LAMA [18 µg of glycopyrrolate], and a LABA [9.6 µg of formoterol]) or one of two dual therapies (18 µg of glycopyrrolate plus 9.6 µg of formoterol or 320 µg of budesonide plus 9.6 µg of formoterol). The primary end point was the annual rate (the estimated mean number per patient per year) of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations, as analyzed in the modified intention-to-treat population with the use of on-treatment data only. RESULTS: The modified intention-to-treat population comprised 8509 patients. The annual rates of moderate or severe exacerbations were 1.08 in the 320-µg-budesonide triple-therapy group (2137 patients), 1.07 in the 160-µg-budesonide triple-therapy group (2121 patients), 1.42 in the glycopyrrolate-formoterol group (2120 patients), and 1.24 in the budesonide-formoterol group (2131 patients). The rate was significantly lower with 320-µg-budesonide triple therapy than with glycopyrrolate-formoterol (24% lower: rate ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69 to 0.83; P<0.001) or budesonide-formoterol (13% lower: rate ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.95; P = 0.003). Similarly, the rate was significantly lower with 160-µg-budesonide triple therapy than with glycopyrrolate-formoterol (25% lower: rate ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.83; P<0.001) or budesonide-formoterol (14% lower: rate ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.95; P = 0.002). The incidence of any adverse event was similar across the treatment groups (range, 61.7 to 64.5%); the incidence of confirmed pneumonia ranged from 3.5 to 4.5% in the groups that included inhaled glucocorticoid use and was 2.3% in the glycopyrrolate-formoterol group. CONCLUSIONS: Triple therapy with twice-daily budesonide (at either the 160-µg or 320-µg dose), glycopyrrolate, and formoterol resulted in a lower rate of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations than glycopyrrolate-formoterol or budesonide-formoterol. (Funded by AstraZeneca, ETHOS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02465567.).

Functional respiratory imaging assessment of glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate metered dose inhalers formulated using co-suspension delivery technology in patients with COPD.

BACKGROUND: Functional respiratory imaging (FRI) is a quantitative postprocessing imaging technique used to assess changes in the respiratory system. Using FRI, we characterized the effects of the long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), glycopyrrolate metered dose inhaler (GP MDI), and the long-acting ß2-agonist (LABA), formoterol fumarate metered dose inhaler (FF MDI), on airway volume and resistance in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: Patients in this phase IIIb, randomized, double-blind crossover study received twice-daily GP MDI (18 µg) and FF MDI (9.6 µg). Primary endpoints were specific (i.e. corrected for lobar volume) image-based airway volume (siVaw) and specific image-based airway resistance (siRaw), measured using FRI. Secondary and other endpoints included additional FRI, spirometry, and body plethysmography parameters. Postdose efficacy assessments were performed within 60-150 min of dosing on day 15. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were randomized and 19 completed both treatment periods. GP MDI and FF MDI both achieved significant improvements from baseline to day 15 in siVaw [11% (p = 0.0187) and 23% (p < 0.0001) increases, respectively] and siRaw [25% (p = 0.0219) and 44% (p < 0.0001) reductions, respectively]. Although, on average, improvements were larger for FF MDI than GP MDI, some individuals displayed greater responses with each of the two treatments. These within-patient differences increased with airway generation number. Spirometry and body plethysmography endpoints showed significant improvements from baseline in inspiratory capacity for both treatments, and numeric improvements for other endpoints. CONCLUSION: Both GP MDI and FF MDI significantly improved siRaw and siVaw at day 15 versus baseline. FRI endpoints demonstrated increased sensitivity relative to spirometry and body plethysmography in detecting differences between treatments in a small number of patients. Intra-patient differences in treatment response between the LAMA and the LABA provide further support for the benefit of dual bronchodilator therapies. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02937584 The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

A phase III study of triple therapy with budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate metered dose inhaler 320/18/9.6 µg and 160/18/9.6 µg using co-suspension delivery technology in moderate-to-very severe COPD: The ETHOS study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Single inhaler triple therapies providing an inhaled corticosteroid, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist, and a long-acting ß2-agonist (ICS/LAMA/LABAs) are an emerging treatment option for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nevertheless, questions remain regarding the optimal patient population for triple therapy as well as the benefit:risk ratio of ICS treatment. METHODS: ETHOS is an ongoing, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, parallel-group, 52-week study in symptomatic patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD and a history of exacerbation(s) in the previous year. Two doses of single inhaler triple therapy with budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate metered dose inhaler (BGF MDI 320/18/9.6 µg and 160/18/9.6 µg) will be compared to glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate (GFF) MDI 18/9.6 µg and budesonide/formoterol fumarate (BFF) MDI 320/9.6 µg, all formulated using co-suspension delivery technology. Outcomes include the rate of moderate/severe (primary endpoint) and severe COPD exacerbations, symptoms, quality of life, and all-cause mortality. Sub-studies will assess lung function and cardiovascular safety. STUDY POPULATION: From June 2015-July 2018, 16,044 patients were screened and 8572 were randomized. Preliminary baseline demographics show that 55.9% of patients had experienced ≥2 moderate/severe exacerbations in the previous year, 79.1% were receiving an ICS-containing treatment at study entry, and 59.9% had blood eosinophil counts ≥150 cells/mm3. CONCLUSIONS: ETHOS will provide data on exacerbations, patient-reported outcomes, mortality, and safety in 8572 patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD receiving triple and dual fixed-dose combinations. For the first time, ICS/LAMA/LABA triple therapy with two different doses of ICS will be compared to dual ICS/LABA and LAMA/LABA therapies. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02465567.

An Open-Label Study Evaluating the Performance of the Dose Indicator in a Metered Dose Inhaler Delivering Glycopyrrolate and Formoterol Fumarate in Patients with Moderate-to-Very Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

BACKGROUND: GFF MDI is a glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate fixed-dose combination metered dose inhaler formulated using co-suspension delivery technology. This open-label, single-arm multicenter study (NCT02268396) evaluated the accuracy, reliability, and functionality of the GFF MDI AeroCount® dose indicator when used by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study enrolled subjects (40-80 years of age) with an established clinical history (≥6 months) of COPD, who completed an electronic diary twice daily to record study-drug administration time, the number of actuations used, and pre- and post-dose dose indicator readings. The primary endpoint was the percentage of devices for which the number of subject-reported actuations was consistent (±20 actuations) with the dose indicator-based actuation count (equal to 130 minus the dose indicator reading) at the end of the treatment period (4 weeks). Safety was monitored throughout the study. RESULTS: A total of 138 subjects with moderate-to-very severe COPD (50.7% male; mean [standard deviation (SD)] age 62.1 [8.3] years) were enrolled and treated. Subject-reported actuation count and dose indicator-based actuation counts were consistent for 96.4% (132/137) of devices at the end of the treatment period (4 weeks) in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population and for all devices in the per-protocol (PP) population. The mean (SD) dose indicator-based actuation and subject-reported actuation counts in the ITT population (n = 137) were 113.4 (18.9) and 117.0 (19.0), respectively, with a mean (SD) difference of 3.6 (7.9). The mean (SD) dose indicator-based actuation and subject-reported actuation counts in the PP population (n = 112) were 116.8 (8.7) and 119.7 (8.1), respectively. There were no unexpected safety findings. CONCLUSIONS: This study supported the accuracy, reliability, and utility of the dose indicator integrated into the GFF MDI device when used by patients with COPD.

Randomized dose-ranging study of a budesonide metered-dose inhaler by using co-suspension delivery technology in asthma.

BACKGROUND: This is the first study of the inhaled corticosteroid, budesonide, delivered by metered-dose inhaler (BD MDI) using innovative co-suspension delivery technology in adults with asthma. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the effects of BD delivered by MDI on lung function and safety. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, 4-week cross-over, placebo-controlled, phase IIb study of adults (18-65 years of age) with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma. The subjects received twice-daily BD MDI 320 µg, 160 µg, and placebo MDI, and either BD MDI 80 µg or 40 µg. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in morning trough forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) at the end of the treatment period (EOT). Secondary endpoints included change from baseline in morning and evening predose peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), rescue medication use, and Asthma Control Questionnaire 5-question version (ACQ-5) score. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 147 subjects were randomized. All doses of BD MDI improved morning trough FEV1 at EOT, and morning and evening predose PEFR in the last treatment week versus placebo (all p < 0.01), with improvements in trough FEV1 exceeding 100 mL for BD MDI 320 µg, and 160 µg only. Compared with placebo, all BD MDI doses reduced rescue medication use in the last week of treatment (p < 0.01) and improved ACQ-5 scores at EOT (all p < 0.01). All treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the data demonstrated greater efficacy improvements for the higher doses of BD MDI (320 µg and 160 µg), with similar adverse event profiles compared with the lower doses. Hence, BD MDI 320 µg and 160 µg warrant further evaluation in subjects with persistent asthma.Clinical trial NCT02105012, www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of three doses of co-suspension delivery technology glycopyrronium MDI in Japanese patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

PURPOSE: Due to the burden of COPD in Japan, new pharmacologic treatments are needed to meet patient requirements. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of glycopyrronium (GP) delivered via metered dose inhaler (MDI) in Japanese patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. METHODS: This Phase IIb, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, 7-day, crossover study compared GP MDI 28.8, 14.4, and 7.2 µg with placebo MDI (all administered as two inhalations, twice daily). The primary endpoint was change from baseline in morning pre-dose trough forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) on Day 8. Secondary endpoints included FEV1 area under the curve from 0 to 2 hours (AUC0-2) and peak change from baseline in FEV1 on Days 1 and 8 and forced vital capacity AUC0-2 on Day 8. Safety was also assessed. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03256552; http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were randomized and 62 were included in the modified intent-to-treat population (mean age 67.5 years). All three GP MDI doses significantly improved change from baseline in morning pre-dose trough FEV1 on Day 8 compared with placebo MDI (least squares mean differences 108-131 mL; all p<0.0001). Significant improvements in secondary efficacy endpoints were also observed for all three GP MDI doses compared with placebo MDI (all p<0.0001). Dose-response plateaued at GP MDI 14.4 µg. No significant safety findings were observed with any GP MDI dose or placebo MDI. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that GP MDI 14.4 µg (7.2 µg per inhalation) is the most appropriate dose for use in Phase III studies in Japanese patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

The pharmacokinetics of three doses of budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate dihydrate metered dose inhaler compared with active controls: A Phase I randomized, single-dose, crossover study in healthy adults.

The budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate dihydrate metered dose inhaler (BGF MDI) is an inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting ß2-agonist fixed-dose combination formulated with innovative co-suspension delivery technology that is in clinical development for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This randomized, Phase I, single-dose, six-treatment, four-period, crossover study (NCT01980615) examined the pharmacokinetic (PK) and safety profile of three doses of BGF MDI (320/14.4/10 µg [equivalent to budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate 320/18/9.6 µg], 160/14.4/10 µg and 80/14.4/10 µg), two doses of a budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate fixed-dose combination (BUD/FORM MDI 320/9 µg and 160/9 µg; not using co-suspension delivery technology) and a glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate dihydrate co-suspension delivery technology MDI (GFF MDI 14.4/10 µg) in healthy volunteers (18-45 years of age). PK parameters included area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 h (AUC0-12), AUC up to the last measurable concentration (AUC0-t), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and time to maximum plasma concentration (tmax). Safety was monitored throughout the study. Of 84 subjects randomized, 76 completed the study. BGF MDI 320/14.4/10 µg was bioequivalent to BUD/FORM MDI 320/9 µg for budesonide for Cmax, AUC0-12 and AUC0-t (primary objective). Dose proportionality was observed for the budesonide component between BGF MDI 80/14.4/10 µg and BGF MDI 160/14.4/10 µg, and between BGF MDI 160/14.4/10 µg and BGF MDI 320/14.4/10 µg. Systemic exposure to glycopyrronium and formoterol after BGF MDI 320/14.4/10 µg treatment was similar to GFF MDI 14.4/10 µg. The rate of adverse events was 3.7-17.9% across treatments without any serious adverse events. In conclusion, BGF MDI 320/14.4/10 µg had a similar budesonide PK profile to BUD/FORM MDI 320/9 µg. No PK drug-drug interactions were observed when budesonide was added to glycopyrronium and formoterol fumarate dihydrate. These data support the use of budesonide 320 µg and 160 µg in future clinical trials of BGF MDI in COPD.

A phase IIb randomized, chronic-dosing, incomplete block, cross-over study of glycopyrronium, delivered via metered dose inhaler, compared with a placebo and an active control in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

BACKGROUND: Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and long-acting ß2-agonist (LABA) bronchodilators are key to the pharmacologic treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This Phase IIb study investigated the safety and efficacy of four doses of the LAMA glycopyrronium (GP) delivered using co-suspension delivery technology via metered dose inhaler (MDI). The study was part of a wider clinical trial program performed to determine the optimal dose of GP MDI, the LABA formoterol fumarate dihydrate (FF) MDI, and glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate dihydrate (GFF) MDI fixed-dose combination to be taken forward into Phase III studies. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, 7-day chronic-dosing, three-period incomplete block, cross-over study, patients with moderate-to-severe COPD received two of the four doses of GP MDI (28.8 µg, 14.4 µg, 7.2 µg, and 3.6 µg) twice daily (BID), and either placebo MDI BID or open-label ipratropium MDI 34 µg four times daily. The primary efficacy endpoint was forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) area under the curve from 0 to 12 h (AUC0-12) relative to baseline on Day 7. Secondary and exploratory efficacy endpoints were assessed on Days 1 and 7. Safety and tolerability were evaluated throughout the study. RESULTS: All GP MDI treatments were superior to placebo MDI for the primary efficacy endpoint (all p < 0.0001). However, only GP MDI 28.8 µg and 14.4 µg demonstrated statistical superiority to placebo MDI for all secondary efficacy endpoints analyzed in this study, with the exception of GP MDI 14.4 µg versus placebo MDI for the proportion of patients achieving ≥12% improvement in FEV1. No nominally significant differences were observed between GP MDI 28.8 µg and GP MDI 14.4 µg for any of the endpoints. All doses of GP MDI were well tolerated, with no unexpected safety findings. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that there was no advantage of GP MDI 28.8 µg compared with GP MDI 14.4 µg. It therefore added to the evidence from the Phase I/II clinical trial program, which identified GP MDI 14.4 µg as the most appropriate dose for use in the Phase III clinical studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01350128). Registered May 09, 2011.

24-h bronchodilation and inspiratory capacity improvements with glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate via co-suspension delivery technology in COPD.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may vary throughout the day and it is important that therapeutic approaches provide 24-h symptom control. We report the results of two phase IIIb crossover studies, PT003011 and PT003012, investigating the 24-h lung function profile of GFF MDI (glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate 18/9.6 µg delivered using innovative co-suspension delivery technology) administered twice daily. METHODS: Patients with moderate-to-very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease received 4 weeks' treatment with each of GFF MDI, placebo MDI, and open-label tiotropium (PT003011 only). Lung function was assessed over 24 h on day 29 of each treatment period. The primary outcome was forced expiratory volume in 1 second area under the curve from 0 to 24 h (FEV1AUC0-24). Other outcomes included change from baseline in average daily rescue medication use over the treatment period. In addition, we conducted a post-hoc analysis of data pooled from both studies to further characterize the effect of GFF MDI on inspiratory capacity. RESULTS: GFF MDI treatment significantly increased FEV1AUC0-24 versus placebo in studies PT003011 (n = 75) and PT003012 (n = 35) on day 29 (both studies p < 0.0001), with similar improvements in FEV1AUC versus placebo for hours 0-12 and 12-24. In PT003011, improvements with GFF MDI versus tiotropium in FEV1AUC were greater during hours 12-24 compared to 0-12 h. GFF MDI treatment also resulted in a significant reduction in rescue medication use versus placebo (-0.84 [p<0.0001] and -1.11 [p=0.0054] puffs/day in PT003011 and PT003012, respectively), and versus tiotropium in PT003011 (-0.44 [p=0.017] puffs/day). A post-hoc pooled analysis showed patients treated with GFF MDI were more likely to achieve a >15% increase from baseline in inspiratory capacity than patients treated with placebo or tiotropium (72.1%, 19.0% and 47.0% of patients, respectively after the evening dose on day 29). There were no significant safety/tolerability findings. CONCLUSIONS: GFF MDI significantly improved 24-h lung function versus placebo in patients with moderate-to-very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with similar benefits in the second 12-h period compared to the first, supporting twice-daily dosing of GFF MDI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pearl Therapeutics, Inc.; www.clinicaltrials.gov ; NCT02347072 and NCT02347085 . Registered 21 January 2015.

Erratum: Erratum: Efficacy of Formoterol Fumarate Delivered by Metered Dose Inhaler Using Co-Suspension™ Delivery Technology Versus Foradil® Aerolizer® in Moderate-To-Severe COPD: A Randomized, Dose-Ranging Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.15326/jcopdf.4.1.2016.0158.].

A randomized, seven-day study to assess the efficacy and safety of a glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate fixed-dose combination metered dose inhaler using novel Co-Suspension™ Delivery Technology in patients with moderate-to-very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting ß2-agonist combinations are recommended for patients whose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not managed with monotherapy. We assessed the efficacy and safety of glycopyrrolate (GP)/formoterol fumarate (FF) fixed-dose combination delivered via a Co-Suspension™ Delivery Technology-based metered dose inhaler (MDI) (GFF MDI). METHODS: This was a Phase IIb randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, chronic-dosing (7 days), crossover study in patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD ( NCT01085045 ). Treatments included GFF MDI twice daily (BID) (GP/FF 72/9.6 µg or 36/9.6 µg), GP MDI 36 µg BID, FF MDI 7.2 and 9.6 µg BID, placebo MDI, and open-label formoterol dry powder inhaler (FF DPI) 12 µg BID or tiotropium DPI 18 µg once daily. The primary endpoint was forced expiratory volume in 1 s area under the curve from 0 to 12 h (FEV1 AUC0-12) on Day 7 relative to baseline FEV1. Secondary endpoints included pharmacokinetics and safety. RESULTS: GFF MDI 72/9.6 µg or 36/9.6 µg led to statistically significant improvements in FEV1 AUC0-12 after 7 days' treatment versus monocomponent MDIs, placebo MDI, tiotropium, or FF DPI (p ≤ 0.0002). GFF MDI 36/9.6 µg was non-inferior to GFF MDI 72/9.6 µg and monocomponent MDIs were non-inferior to open-label comparators. Pharmacokinetic results showed glycopyrrolate and formoterol exposure were decreased following administration via fixed-dose combination versus monocomponent MDIs; however, this was not clinically meaningful. GFF MDI was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: GFF MDI 72/9.6 µg and 36/9.6 µg BID improve lung function and are well tolerated in patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01085045 . Registered 9 March 2010.

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind dose-ranging study of glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate fixed-dose combination metered dose inhaler compared to the monocomponents and open-label tiotropium dry powder inhaler in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

BACKGROUND: This study formed part of the dose selection for a glycopyrrolate (GP)/formoterol fumarate (FF) fixed-dose combination formulated using novel Co-Suspension™ Delivery Technology and delivered via a metered dose inhaler (GFF MDI). The study aimed to confirm the optimal dose of GP to formulate with FF 9.6 µg in the fixed-dose combination product, GFF MDI. METHODS: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, chronic-dosing, balanced incomplete block, crossover study (NCT01587079) compared five doses of GFF MDI (18/9.6, 9/9.6, 4.6/9.6, 2.4/9.6 and 1.2/9.6 µg, twice daily [BID]) with its monocomponents FF MDI 9.6 µg and GP MDI 18 µg (both BID) and open-label tiotropium (18 µg once daily) as the active control. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s area under the curve from 0 to 12 h (FEV1 AUC0-12) on Day 7. RESULTS: In total, 159 patients were randomized to treatment and 132 patients (52.2% male, mean age 62.8 years) were included in the intent-to-treat population. All doses of GFF MDI (except 1.2/9.6 µg) resulted in statistically significant improvements in FEV1 AUC0-12 versus monocomponents and open-label tiotropium. GFF MDI 18/9.6 µg consistently showing the greatest improvement over monocomponents and open-label tiotropium. Adverse events for each GFF MDI dose were similar versus GP MDI 18 µg, FF MDI 9.6 µg and open-label tiotropium. CONCLUSIONS: These findings further support selection of GP 18 µg as the optimal dose to combine with FF MDI 9.6 µg for advancement into Phase III clinical trials of GFF MDI.

Dose-response to inhaled glycopyrrolate delivered with a novel Co-Suspension™ Delivery Technology metered dose inhaler (MDI) in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

BACKGROUND: This study forms part of the first complete characterization of the dose-response curve for glycopyrrolate (GP) delivered using Co-Suspension™ Delivery Technology via a metered dose inhaler (MDI). We examined the lower GP MDI dose range to determine an optimal dose for patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, chronic-dosing, balanced incomplete-block, placebo-controlled, crossover study compared six doses of GP MDI (18, 9, 4.6, 2.4, 1.2, and 0.6 µg, twice daily [BID]) with placebo MDI BID and open-label tiotropium dry powder inhaler (18 µg, once daily [QD]) in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Patients were randomized into 1 of 120 treatment sequences. Each sequence included 4 of 8 treatments administered for 14-day periods separated by 7- to 21-day washout periods. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s area under the curve from 0 to 12 h (FEV1 AUC0-12) on Day 14. Secondary efficacy endpoints included peak change from baseline (post-dose) in FEV1 and inspiratory capacity (IC) on Days 1, 7, and 14; change from baseline in morning pre-dose trough FEV1 on Days 7 and 14; change from baseline in 12-h post-dose trough FEV1 on Day 14; time to onset of action (≥10 % improvement in mean FEV1) and the proportion of patients achieving ≥12 % improvement in FEV1 on Day 1; and pre-dose trough IC on Days 7 and 14. Safety and tolerability were also assessed. RESULTS: GP MDI 18, 9, 4.6, and 2.4 µg demonstrated statistically significant and clinically relevant increases in FEV1 AUC0-12 compared with placebo MDI following 14 days of treatment (modified intent-to-treat population = 120). GP MDI 18 µg was non-inferior to open-label tiotropium for peak change in FEV1 on Day 1 and morning pre-dose trough FEV1 on Day 14. All doses of GP MDI were well tolerated with no unexpected safety findings. CONCLUSIONS: These efficacy and safety results support GP MDI 18 µg BID as the most appropriate dose for evaluation in Phase III trials in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01566773 . Registered 27 March 2012.

Efficacy of Formoterol Fumarate Delivered by Metered Dose Inhaler Using Co-Suspension™ Delivery Technology Versus Foradil® Aerolizer® in Moderate-To-Severe COPD: A Randomized, Dose-Ranging Study.

Background: Co-Suspension™ Delivery Technology offers a novel pharmaceutical platform for inhaled drug therapy. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose study (NCT01349868) evaluated the efficacy of a range of doses for formoterol fumarate (FF) delivered using Co-Suspension delivery technology via a pressurized metered dose inhaler (MDI) versus placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Secondary objectives included determination of non-inferior efficacy and systemic exposure compared with open-label Foradil® 12 µg (Foradil® Aerolizer®; formoterol fumarate dry powder inhaler). Methods: Patients received each of the 6 study treatments (FF MDI [7.2, 9.6 and 19.2µg], placebo MDI and open-label Foradil® [12 and 24µg]), separated by 3-10 days. Spirometry was performed 60 and 30 minutes prior to and at regular intervals up to 12 hours post-administration of study drug. The primary outcome measure was the change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) area under the curve between 0 and 12 hours (AUC0-12) relative to test day baseline. Results: A total of 50 patients were randomized to study treatment sequences. All doses of FF MDI demonstrated superiority to placebo (p<0.0001) and non-inferiority to Foradil® 12µg, on bronchodilator outcome measures. No serious adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusions: This study demonstrates non-inferiority of bronchodilator response and bioequivalent exposure of FF MDI 9.6µg to Foradil® 12µg, with both agents exhibiting a similar safety profile in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. This study supports the selection of FF MDI 9.6µg for further evaluation in Phase III trials.

A randomized study of formoterol fumarate in a porous particle metered-dose inhaler in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

BACKGROUND: Formoterol fumarate (FF) is a well-established long-acting ß2-agonist. This represents the first clinical study of FF in a metered-dose inhaler (FF MDI) based on proprietary lipid-based porous-particle engineering technology. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, 5-period, crossover study (NCT00880490), subjects received 2.4, 4.8, and 9.6 µg of FF MDI, open-label Foradil(®) Aerolizer(®) (FA) 12 µg, and placebo. Spirometry was performed at baseline, 15 and 30 min, and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11.5, and 12 h post-dose. RESULTS: Thirty-four subjects were enrolled. Improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was similar between FF MDI 9.6 µg and FA. Change in FEV1 area under the curve for 0-12 h (AUC0-12) for each FF MDI dose demonstrated superior efficacy versus placebo (P < .001 for all 3 doses). Over 12 h and at each time point, FF MDI 9.6 µg was non-inferior to FA for FEV1 AUC0-12 with the 95% CI's supporting a maximum difference of approximately 45 mL. Peak and trough FEV1, forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow rate, peak inspiratory capacity, and pharmacokinetics confirmed the primary endpoint, with dose ordering of the FF MDI 2.4, 4.8, and 9.6 µg, and comparability of FF MDI 9.6 µg to FA. All 3 doses of FF MDI were safe and well-tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that of placebo and FA. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of FF MDI 9.6 µg were comparable to FA 12 µg and with similar safety to placebo and FA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT NCT00880490.