Nanoscale colocalized thermal and chemical mapping of pharmaceutical powder aerosols.

Inhalation of pharmaceutical aerosol formulations is widely used to treat respiratory diseases. Spatially resolved thermal characterization offers promise for better understanding drug release rates from particles; however, this has been an analytical challenge due to the small particle size (from a few micrometers down to nanometers) and the complex composition of the formulations. Here, we employ nano-thermal analysis (nanoTA) to probe the nanothermal domain of a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation containing a mixture of fluticasone propionate (FP), salmeterol xinafoate (SX), and excipient lactose, which is widely used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, atomic force microscopy-infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) and AFM force measurements are performed to provide nanochemical and nanomechanical information to complement the nanothermal data. The colocalized thermal and chemical mapping clearly reveals the surface heterogeneity of the drugs in the aerosol particles and demonstrates the contribution of the surface chemical composition to the variation in the thermal properties of the particles. We present a powerful analytical approach for in-depth characterization of thermal/chemical/morphological properties of dry powder inhaler particles at micro- and nanometer scales. This approach can be used to facilitate the comparison between generics and reference inhalation products and further the development of high-performance pharmaceutical formulations.

Preclinical evaluation of novel synthesised nanoparticles based on tyrosine poly(ester amide) for improved targeted pulmonary delivery.

Fixed dose combinations (FDCs) incorporating two or three medicines in a single inhaler have been created to enhance patient compliance and hence clinical outcomes. However, the development of dry powder inhalers (DPIs), particularly for FDCs, faces challenges pertinent to formulation uniformity and reproducibility. Therefore, this project aimed to employ nanotechnology to develop a FDC of DPIs for market-leading medicines-fluticasone propionate (FP) and salmeterol xinafoate (SAL)-for asthma management. Nanoaggregates were prepared using a novel biocompatible and biodegradable poly(ester amide) based on the amino acid tyrosine, utilising a one-step interfacial polymerisation process. The produced tyrosine poly (ester amide) drug-loaded nanoparticles were evaluated for content uniformity, PSA, FTIR, TEM, DSC, XRD and aerodynamic performance (in vitro and in vivo). The optimised formulation demonstrated high entrapment efficiency- > 90%. The aerodynamic performance in terms of the emitted dose, fine particle fraction and respirable dose was superior to the carrier-based marketed product. In-vivo studies showed that FP (above the marketed formulation) and SAL reached the lungs of mice in a reproducible manner. These results highlight the superiority of novel FDC FP/SAL nanoparticles prepared via a one-step process, which can be used as a cost-effective and efficient method to alleviate the burden of asthma.

Pharmacokinetic Models for Inhaled Fluticasone Propionate and Salmeterol Xinafoate to Quantify Batch-to-Batch Variability.

Advair Diskus is an essential treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is a dry powder inhaler with a combination of fluticasone propionate (FP) and salmeterol xinafoate (SX). However, the pharmacokinetics (PK) batch-to-batch variability of the reference-listed drug (RLD) hindered its generic product development. This work developed the PK models for inhaled FP and SX that could represent potential batch variability. Two batches each of the reference and the test product (R1, R2, T1, T2) of Advair Diskus (100 µg FP/50 µg SX inhalation) were administered to 60 healthy subjects in a 4-period, 4-sequence crossover study. The failure of the bioequivalence (BE) between R1 and R2 confirmed the high between-batch variability of the RLD. Non-linear mixed effect modeling was used to estimate the population mean PK parameters for each batch. For FP, a 2-compartment model with a sequential dual zero-order absorption best described the PK profile. For SX, a 2-compartment model with a first-order absorption model best fit the data. Both models were able to capture the plasma concentration, the maximum concentration, and the total exposure (AUCinf) adequately for each batch, which could be used to simulate the BE study in the future. In vitro properties were also measured for each batch, and the batch with a higher fraction of the fine particle (diameter < 1 µm, < 2 µm) had a higher AUCinf. This positive correlation for both FP and SX could potentially assist the batch selection for the PK BE study.

Regular treatment with formoterol and an inhaled corticosteroid versus regular treatment with salmeterol and an inhaled corticosteroid for chronic asthma: serious adverse events.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is characterised by chronic inflammation of the airways and recurrent exacerbations with wheezing, chest tightness, and cough. Treatment with inhaled steroids and bronchodilators can result in good control of symptoms, prevention of further morbidity, and improved quality of life. However, an increase in serious adverse events with the use of both regular formoterol and regular salmeterol (long-acting beta2-agonists) compared with placebo for chronic asthma has been demonstrated in previous Cochrane Reviews. This increase was statistically significant in trials that did not randomise participants to an inhaled corticosteroid, but not when formoterol or salmeterol was combined with an inhaled corticosteroid. The confidence intervals were found to be too wide to ensure that the addition of an inhaled corticosteroid renders regular long-acting beta2-agonists completely safe; few participants and insufficient serious adverse events in these trials precluded a definitive decision about the safety of combination treatments. OBJECTIVES: To assess risks of mortality and non-fatal serious adverse events in trials that have randomised patients with chronic asthma to regular formoterol and an inhaled corticosteroid versus regular salmeterol and an inhaled corticosteroid. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Airways Register of Trials, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and two trial registries to identify reports of randomised trials for inclusion. We checked manufacturers' websites and clinical trial registers for unpublished trial data, as well as Food and Drug Administration (FDA) submissions in relation to formoterol and salmeterol. The date of the most recent search was  24 February 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included controlled clinical trials with a parallel design, recruiting patients of any age and severity of asthma, if they randomised patients to treatment with regular formoterol versus regular salmeterol (each with a randomised inhaled corticosteroid) and were of at least 12 weeks' duration. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion in the review, extracted outcome data from published papers and trial registries, and applied GRADE rating for the results. We sought unpublished data on mortality and serious adverse events from study sponsors and authors. The primary outcomes were all cause mortality and non-fatal serious adverse events. We chose not to calculate an average result from all the formulations of formoterol and inhaled steroid, as the doses and delivery devices are too diverse to assume a single class effect. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-one studies in 11,572 adults and adolescents and two studies in 723 children met the eligibility criteria of the review. No data were available for two studies; therefore these were not included in the analysis. Among adult and adolescent studies, seven compared formoterol and budesonide to salmeterol and fluticasone (N = 7764), six compared formoterol and beclomethasone to salmeterol and fluticasone (N = 1923), two compared formoterol and mometasone to salmeterol and fluticasone (N = 1126), two compared formoterol and fluticasone to salmeterol and fluticasone (N = 790), and one compared formoterol and budesonide to salmeterol and budesonide (N = 229). In total, five deaths were reported among adults, none of which was thought to be related to asthma. The certainty of evidence for all-cause mortality was low, as there were not enough deaths to permit any precise conclusions regarding the risk of mortality on combination formoterol versus combination salmeterol. In all, 201 adults reported non-fatal serious adverse events. In studies comparing formoterol and budesonide to salmeterol and fluticasone, there were 77 in the formoterol arm and 68 in the salmeterol arm (Peto odds ratio (OR) 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82 to 1.59; 5935 participants, 7 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). In the formoterol and beclomethasone studies, there were 12 adults in the formoterol arm and 13 in the salmeterol arm with events (Peto OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.43 to 2.08; 1941 participants, 6 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). In the formoterol and mometasone studies, there were 18 in the formoterol arm and 11 in the salmeterol arm (Peto OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.47 to 2.20; 1126 participants, 2 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). One adult in the formoterol and fluticasone studies in the salmeterol arm experienced an event (Peto OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.00 to 3.10; 293 participants, 2 studies; low-certainty evidence). Another adult in the formoterol and budesonide compared to salmeterol and budesonide study in the formoterol arm had an event (Peto OR 7.45, 95% CI 0.15 to 375.68; 229 participants, 1 study; low-certainty evidence). Only 46 adults were reported to have experienced asthma-related serious adverse events. The certainty of the evidence was low to very low due to the small number of events and the absence of independent assessment of causation. The two studies in children compared formoterol and fluticasone to salmeterol and fluticasone. No deaths and no asthma-related serious adverse events were reported in these studies. Four all-cause serious adverse events were reported: three in the formoterol arm, and one in the salmeterol arm (Peto OR 2.72, 95% CI 0.38 to 19.46; 548 participants, 2 studies; low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Overall, for both adults and children, evidence is insufficient to show whether regular formoterol in combination with budesonide, beclomethasone, fluticasone, or mometasone has a different safety profile from salmeterol in combination with fluticasone or budesonide. Five deaths of any cause were reported across all studies and no deaths from asthma; this information is insufficient to permit any firm conclusions about the relative risks of mortality on combination formoterol in comparison to combination salmeterol inhalers. Evidence on all-cause non-fatal serious adverse events indicates that there is probably little to no difference between formoterol/budesonide and salmeterol/fluticasone inhalers. However events for the other formoterol combination inhalers were too few to allow conclusions. Only 46 non-fatal serious adverse events were thought to be asthma related; this small number in addition to the absence of independent outcome assessment means that we have very low confidence for this outcome. We found no evidence of safety issues that would affect the choice between salmeterol and formoterol combination inhalers used for regular maintenance therapy by adults and children with asthma.

Pharmacokinetics of salmeterol and its main metabolite α-hydroxysalmeterol after acute and chronic dry powder inhalation in exercising endurance-trained men: Implications for doping control.

As of 2020, use of beta2 -agonist salmeterol is restricted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and is only permitted by inhalation at therapeutic doses not exceeding 200 µg in 24 h. In contrast to beta2 -agonists salbutamol and formoterol, WADA has not established a urine threshold for salmeterol despite its muscle hypertrophic actions observed in animals. Herein, we investigated plasma (0-4 h) and urine (0-24 h) concentrations (by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry [UHPLC-MS/MS]) of salmeterol and α-hydroxysalmeterol after dry powder inhalation at supratherapeutic (400 µg) and high therapeutic (200 µg) doses, and after seven consecutive days of therapeutic inhalation (200 µg × day-1 ) in 11 healthy endurance-trained men. During each trial, participants inhaled salmeterol before 1½ h moderate-intensity cycling. Mean ± SD maximum urine concentrations of salmeterol unadjusted for specific gravity reached 4.0 ± 1.6, 2.1 ± 1.5, and 2.2 ± 1.1 ng × ml-1 for 400 µg, 200 µg, and seven consecutive days of 200 µg, respectively, with corresponding maximum urine concentrations of α-hydroxysalmeterol being 11.6 ± 6.1, 5.7 ± 4.6, and 6.5 ± 2.6 ng × ml-1 . Within the relevant window for doping control (first 6 h post-inhalation), the present data (119 samples), along with 64 biobank urine samples, showed that a combined salmeterol and α-hydroxysalmeterol urine threshold with equal cut-offs of 3.3 ng × ml-1 was superior to a salmeterol-only threshold to discriminate therapeutic (200 µg) from supratherapeutic use (400 µg) with a sensitivity of 24% with 0% false positives when applying the WADA technical document (TD2019DL.v2) method of specific gravity adjustment. Thus, a combination of urine salmeterol and α-hydroxysalmeterol concentrations may be suitable for discriminating between therapeutic and supratherapeutic prohibited inhalation of salmeterol.

Impact of baseline COPD symptom severity on the benefit from dual versus mono-bronchodilators: an analysis of the EMAX randomised controlled trial.

RATIONALE: Symptom relief is a key treatment goal in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, there are limited data available on the response to bronchodilator therapy in patients at low risk of exacerbations with different levels of symptom severity. This study compared treatment responses in patients with a range of symptom severities as indicated by baseline COPD assessment test (CAT) scores. METHODS: The 24-week EMAX trial evaluated the benefits of umeclidinium/vilanterol versus umeclidinium or salmeterol in symptomatic patients at low exacerbation risk who were not receiving inhaled corticosteroids. This analysis assessed lung function, symptoms, health status, and short-term deterioration outcomes in subgroups defined by a baseline CAT score [<20 (post hoc) and ⩾20 (pre-specified)]. Outcomes were also assessed using post hoc fractional polynomial modelling with continuous transformations of baseline CAT score covariates. RESULTS: Of the intent-to-treat population (n = 2425), 56% and 44% had baseline CAT scores of <20 and ⩾20, respectively. Umeclidinium/vilanterol demonstrated favourable improvements compared with umeclidinium and salmeterol for the majority of outcomes irrespective of the baseline CAT score, with the greatest improvements generally observed in patients with CAT scores <20. Fractional polynomial analyses revealed consistent improvements in lung function, symptoms and reduction in rescue medication use with umeclidinium/vilanterol versus umeclidinium and salmeterol across a range of CAT scores, with the largest benefits seen in patients with CAT scores of approximately 10-21. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with symptomatic COPD benefit similarly from dual bronchodilator treatment with umeclidinium/vilanterol. Fractional polynomial analyses demonstrated the greatest treatment differences favouring dual therapy in patients with a CAT score <20, although benefits were seen up to scores of 30. This suggests that dual bronchodilation may be considered as initial therapy for patients across a broad range of symptom severities, not only those with severe symptoms (CAT ⩾20).Trial registration: NCT03034915, 2016-002513-22 (EudraCT number).The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Fixed-dose combination of indacaterol/glycopyrronium/mometasone furoate once-daily versus salmeterol/fluticasone twice-daily plus tiotropium once-daily in patients with uncontrolled asthma: A randomised, Phase IIIb, non-inferiority study (ARGON).

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of once-daily (o.d.) fixed-dose combination of indacaterol (IND), glycopyrronium (GLY) and mometasone furoate (MF) via Breezhaler® versus concurrent administration of salmeterol/fluticasone (SAL/FLU) twice-daily (b.i.d.) via Accuhaler®+Tiotropium (TIO) o.d. via Respimat® was evaluated in patients with uncontrolled asthma. METHODS: Patients (aged ≥18 years), symptomatic (Asthma Control Questionnaire [ACQ]-7 ≥1.5) despite treatment with long-acting ß2-agonist/inhaled corticosteroid medium- or high-dose, received IND/GLY/MF high- (150/50/160 µg) or medium-dose (150/50/80 µg) o.d. or SAL/FLU high-dose (50/500 µg) b.i.d.+Tio 5 µg o.d. for 24 weeks. The primary objective was to confirm the non-inferiority of either dose of IND/GLY/MF to SAL/FLU high dose + TIO in terms of Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Additional endpoints: ACQ-7, lung function, health status (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ]), exacerbations, and safety after 24 weeks. RESULTS: IND/GLY/MF high- and medium-dose met the primary endpoint, confirming non-inferiority to SAL/FLU high dose + TIO for AQLQ (least square mean treatment difference [Δ]: 0.073 and -0.038, respectively; both p < 0.001). IND/GLY/MF high-dose improved ACQ-7 (Δ: -0.124; p = 0.004), trough FEV1 (Δ: 96 mL; p < 0.001), peak expiratory flow (morning [Δ: 9.56 L/min; p = 0.005], evening [Δ: 9.15 L/min; p = 0.006]) and SGRQ (Δ: -2.00; p = 0.04) versus SAL/FLU high dose + TIO. Improvements in these endpoints were comparable for IND/GLY/MF medium-dose and SAL/FLU high dose + TIO. Adverse events were generally comparable across treatments. CONCLUSIONS: IND/GLY/MF high- and medium-dose o.d. via a single inhaler were non-inferior to SAL/FLU high-dose b.i.d. + TIO o.d. via two inhalers for AQLQ. IND/GLY/MF high-dose o.d. improved lung function, asthma control and health status versus SAL/FLU high dose + TIO, while IND/GLY/MF medium-dose had comparable efficacy but at a corresponding lower steroid dose.

Comparative Safety and Effectiveness of Inhaled Corticosteroid and Long-Acting ß2-Agonist Combinations in Patients With COPD.

BACKGROUND: The differential risk of pneumonia among inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use in patients with COPD requires more investigation, especially regarding beclomethasone-containing inhalers. The goal of this study was to compare the risk and benefit profile of different ICS/long-acting ß2-agonist (LABA) combinations in patients with COPD. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted by using national health insurance claims data from the years 2009 to 2015 in Taiwan and included patients with COPD with new ICS/LABA use. Propensity score matching and Cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios of severe pneumonia and acute exacerbation for different ICS/LABA users. RESULTS: Both budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FOR) dry-powder inhalers and beclomethasone/formoterol (BEC/FOR) metered-dose inhalers, compared with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FLU/SAL) delivered via the same device type, were associated with a lower risk of severe pneumonia (BUD/FOR hazard ratio [HR], 0.83 [95% CI, 0.70-0.98]; BEC/FOR HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.58-0.81]) and severe acute exacerbation (BUD/FOR HR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.78-0.99]; BEC/FOR HR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.72-0.93]). After additionally adjusting for the average daily ICS dose, BUD/FOR dry-powder inhaler users continued to have a significantly decreased risk of severe pneumonia (18%), although BEC/FOR metered-dose inhaler users did not. The results were consistent in most of the prespecified subgroups and across all the sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This study augments the existing evidence concerning the different safety and effectiveness outcomes of ICS/LABA combinations in patients with COPD, which may be considered when making clinical treatment decisions.

Revealing the Regional Localization and Differential Lung Retention of Inhaled Compounds by Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

Background: For the treatment of respiratory disease, inhaled drug delivery aims to provide direct access to pharmacological target sites while minimizing systemic exposure. Despite this long-held tenet of inhaled therapeutic advantage, there are limited data of regional drug localization in the lungs after inhalation. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and retention of different chemotypes typifying available inhaled drugs [slowly dissolving neutral fluticasone propionate (FP) and soluble bases salmeterol and salbutamol] using mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Methods: Salmeterol, salbutamol, and FP were simultaneously delivered by inhaled nebulization to rats. In the same animals, salmeterol-d3, salbutamol-d3, and FP-d3 were delivered by intravenous (IV) injection. Samples of lung tissue were obtained at 2- and 30-minute postdosing, and high-resolution MSI was used to study drug distribution and retention. Results: IV delivery resulted in homogeneous lung distribution for all molecules. In comparison, while inhalation also gave rise to drug presence in the entire lung, there were regional chemotype-dependent areas of higher abundance. At the 30-minute time point, inhaled salmeterol and salbutamol were preferentially retained in bronchiolar tissue, whereas FP was retained in all regions of the lungs. Conclusion: This study clearly demonstrates that inhaled small molecule chemotypes are differentially distributed in lung tissue after inhalation, and that high-resolution MSI can be applied to study these retention patterns.

Real-world effectiveness of umeclidinium/vilanterol versus fluticasone propionate/salmeterol as initial maintenance therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a retrospective cohort study.

Background and objective: Retrospective claims data in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) initiating maintenance therapy with inhaled fixed-dose combinations of long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting ß2-agonist (LAMA/LABA) versus inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/LABA have not been reported. Methods: Retrospective observational study in a COPD-diagnosed population of commercial and Medicare Advantage with Part D (MAPD) enrollees aged ≥40 years from a US health insurer database. Patients initiated umeclidinium/vilanterol (UMEC/VI [62.5/25 µg]) or fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FP/SAL [250/50 µg]) between April 1, 2014 and August 31, 2016 (index date) and had 12 months continuous enrollment pre- and post-index. Exclusion criteria included an asthma diagnosis in the pre-index period/index date; ICS-, LABA-, or LAMA-containing therapy during the pre-index period; or pharmacy fills for both UMEC/VI and FP/SAL, multiple-inhaler triple therapy, a non-index therapy, or COPD exacerbation on the index date. Adherence (proportion of days covered [PDC] ≥80%) was modeled using weighted logistic regression following inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Weighted Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression following IPTW were performed for incidence of COPD exacerbation and escalation to multiple-inhaler triple therapy. Results: The study population included 5306 patients (1386 initiating UMEC/VI and 3920 initiating FP/SAL). Adjusted odds of adherence were 2.00 times greater among UMEC/VI than FP/SAL initiators (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.62─2.46; P<0.001). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for first exacerbation was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.74-1.01; P=0.067) among UMEC/VI versus FP/SAL initiators. UMEC/VI initiators had 35% lower adjusted risk of escalation to multiple-inhaler triple therapy (HR 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47-0.89; P=0.008) versus FP/SAL. On-treatment, UMEC/VI initiators had an adjusted 30% reduced risk of a first moderate/severe COPD exacerbation (HR 0.70; 95% CI: 0.54-0.90; P=0.006). Conclusion: Patients with COPD initiating UMEC/VI had higher adherence and longer time before escalation to multiple-inhaler triple therapy than FP/SAL initiators.

Step-Up Therapy in Black Children and Adults with Poorly Controlled Asthma.

BACKGROUND: Morbidity from asthma is disproportionately higher among black patients than among white patients, and black patients constitute the minority of participants in trials informing treatment. Data indicate that patients with inadequately controlled asthma benefit more from addition of a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) than from increased glucocorticoids; however, these data may not be informative for treatment in black patients. METHODS: We conducted two prospective, randomized, double-blind trials: one involving children and the other involving adolescents and adults. In both trials, the patients had at least one grandparent who identified as black and had asthma that was inadequately controlled with low-dose inhaled glucocorticoids. We compared combinations of therapy, which included the addition of a LABA (salmeterol) to an inhaled glucocorticoid (fluticasone propionate), a step-up to double to quintuple the dose of fluticasone, or both. The treatments were compared with the use of a composite measure that evaluated asthma exacerbations, asthma-control days, and lung function; data were stratified according to genotypic African ancestry. RESULTS: When quintupling the dose of fluticasone (to 250 µg twice a day) was compared with adding salmeterol (50 µg twice a day) and doubling the fluticasone (to 100 µg twice a day), a superior response occurred in 46% of the children with quintupling the fluticasone and in 46% of the children with doubling the fluticasone and adding salmeterol (P = 0.99). In contrast, more adolescents and adults had a superior response to added salmeterol than to an increase in fluticasone (salmeterol-low-dose fluticasone vs. medium-dose fluticasone, 49% vs. 28% [P = 0.003]; salmeterol-medium-dose fluticasone vs. high-dose fluticasone, 49% vs. 31% [P = 0.02]). Neither the degree of African ancestry nor baseline biomarkers predicted a superior response to specific treatments. The increased dose of inhaled glucocorticoids was associated with a decrease in the ratio of urinary cortisol to creatinine in children younger than 8 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to black adolescents and adults, almost half the black children with poorly controlled asthma had a superior response to an increase in the dose of an inhaled glucocorticoid and almost half had a superior response to the addition of a LABA. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; BARD ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01967173.).

Genetic effects on efficacy to fluticasone propionate/salmeterol treatment in COPD.

PURPOSE: No studies have investigated genetic effects on quality of life (QoL) measurements like improvements in the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatments with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FSC). Therefore, in addition to testing genetic effects on change from baseline in trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), genetic associations that may predict SGRQ response to FSC treatment were investigated in this analysis. METHODS: This post hoc exploratory genome-wide genetic analysis included subjects from 10 clinical trials: NCT01772134, NCT01772147, NCT00633217, NCT01817764, NCT01879410, NCT01822899, NCT01323621, NCT01342913, NCT01323634, and NCT01706328. The Genetics Analysis Population (subjects who provided written consent, a blood sample for genetic research, and were successfully genotyped) included 2005/2900 subjects in the intent-to-treat sample, who received FSC, for testing association with change from baseline in trough FEV1 and 1188/2005 subjects for testing SGRQ responses (change from baseline SGRQ score and categorical response by SGRQ score with Responders achieving >4 unit decrease at end of study treatment). MAIN FINDINGS: One locus on chromosome 20 with seven variants with low minor allele frequencies significantly associated with change from baseline SGRQ score. The binary SGRQ response provided similar trends for association but did not attain genome-wide significance levels. No genetic association was detected with change from baseline in trough FEV1. CONCLUSIONS: Common variants are unlikely to play a role in response to FSC.

Salmeterol Xinafoate (SX) loaded into mucoadhesive solid lipid microparticles for COPD treatment.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the main health problems worldwide. It is characterised by chronic inflammation in the lungs that leads to progressive, chronic, largely irreversible airflow obstruction. The use of long-acting ß agonists remain today the frontline treatment for COPD with the aim of minimizing side effects and enhancing therapeutic usefulness. To this purpose, in this paper, mucoadhesive solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) containing a long-acting ß-2 agonist, Salmeterol Xinafoate (SX) were prepared, characterised (size, z-potential, aerodynamic diameter, turbidimetric evaluations, drug loading and entrapping efficiency) and tested in a model of bronchial epithelial cells. It was demonstrated that the incorporation of SX into SLMs led to the production of particles suitable for inhalation and more efficient than the free molecule at increasing the cAMP expression in bronchial epithelial cells. In conclusion, the prepared systems, due to their aerodynamic behaviour and mucoadhesive properties, could improve the retention time of SX in the lung epithelium and its therapeutic effect, thus representing a good strategy for the treatment of COPD patients.

Investigation of Electrostatic Behavior of Dry Powder-Inhaled Model Formulations.

The accumulation of electrostatic charge on drug particles and excipient powders arising from interparticulate collisions or contacts with other surfaces can lead to agglomeration and adhesion problems during the manufacturing process, filling, and delivery of dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations. The objective of the study was to investigate the role of triboelectrification to better understand the influence of electrostatic charge on the performance of DPIs with 2 capsule-based dimensionally similar devices constructed with different materials. In addition, strategies to reduce electrostatic charge build up during the manufacturing process, and the processes involved in this phenomenon were investigated. Electrostatic charge measurements showed that there was a significant difference in electrostatic charge generated between tested formulations and devices. This affects particle detachment from carrier and thus significantly impacts aerosol performance. Conditioning fluticasone DPI capsules at defined temperature and humidity conditions reduced electrostatic charges acquired during manufacturing. Conditioning salmeterol DPI capsules at same conditions seemed disadvantageous for their aerosol performance because of increasing capillary forces and solid bridge formation caused by water absorption. Knowledge and understanding of the role of electrostatic forces in influencing DPI formulation performance was increased by these studies.

Loss of bronchoprotection with ICS plus LABA treatment, ß-receptor dynamics, and the effect of alendronate.

BACKGROUND: Loss of bronchoprotection (LOBP) with a regularly used long-acting ß2-adrenergic receptor agonist (LABA) is well documented. LOBP has been attributed to ß2-adrenergic receptor (B2AR) downregulation, a process requiring farnesylation, which is inhibited by alendronate. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether alendronate can reduce LABA-associated LOBP in inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-treated patients. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-design, proof-of-concept trial. Seventy-eight participants with persistent asthma receiving 250 µg of fluticasone twice daily for 2 weeks were randomized to receive alendronate or placebo while initiating salmeterol for 8 weeks. Salmeterol-protected methacholine challenges (SPMChs) and PBMC B2AR numbers (radioligand binding assay) and signaling (cyclic AMP ELISA) were assessed before randomization and after 8 weeks of ICS plus LABA treatment. LOBP was defined as a more than 1 doubling dose reduction in SPMCh PC20 value. RESULTS: The mean doubling dose reduction in SPMCh PC20 value was 0.50 and 0.27 with alendronate and placebo, respectively (P = .62). Thirty-eight percent of participants receiving alendronate and 33% receiving placebo had LOBP (P = .81). The after/before ICS plus LABA treatment ratio of B2AR number was 1.0 for alendronate (P = .86) and 0.8 for placebo (P = .15; P = .31 for difference between treatments). The B2AR signaling ratio was 0.89 for alendronate (P = .43) and 1.02 for placebo (P = .84; P = .44 for difference). Changes in lung function and B2AR number and signaling were similar between those who did and did not experience LOBP. CONCLUSION: This study did not find evidence that alendronate reduces LABA-associated LOBP, which relates to the occurrence of LOBP in only one third of participants. LOBP appears to be less common than presumed in concomitant ICS plus LABA-treated asthmatic patients. B2AR downregulation measured in PBMCs does not appear to reflect LOBP.

Effect of particle deposition density of dry powders on the results produced by an in vitro test system simulating dissolution- and absorption rates in the lungs.

The surface area of the air/liquid interface in the lungs is substantial, so deposited doses of aerosol medicines per interface surface area when administered via the inhalation route is always quite low. However, in most in vitro systems used for dissolution testing of dry powder inhalables, the dose per surface area is generally much higher. The aim of this study was to investigate in one in vitro lung dissolution system, the DissolvIt, the manner in which the deposited dose per test surface area of drug particles influences the simulated dissolution- and absorption rate. Here we used the dissolution test method DissolvIt to investigate the influence on dissolution behavior by varying the deposited surface density of tested drugs. Dry powders of three different active pharmaceutical ingredients with different solubilities were used; salmeterol, budesonide and fluticasone propionate. It was found that by varying the dose density from 0.23 to 29 µg/cm2 the dissolution- and absorption rate of test particles was affected for all three substances, with decreasing relative dissolution rates above certain dose limits. The effect was much more prominent with the least soluble fluticasone propionate. In contrast, in a real lung it has been shown that a tenfold increase of the even less soluble fluticasone furoate did not affect the pulmonary dissolution- and absorption as measured in the ex vivo isolated perfused rat lung. This indicates that the deposited particle dose on the test surface used must be carefully considered in all in vitro dissolution testing apparatuses used for inhalation drugs, especially when aiming for in vitro-in vivo correlations. Conclusive data show that in the DissolvIt system consistent normalized dissolution- and absorption data can be obtained if the deposition density of test substance are kept below 1 µg/cm2 and the variability between the initial drug doses is smaller than 10-15% expressed as standard deviation.

Does device matter for inhaled therapies in advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? A comparative trial of two devices.

OBJECTIVE: COPD patients have challenges for effective use of inhalers due to advanced age, fixed airflow obstruction and comorbid medical conditions. Published clinical trials investigate drug efficacy but rarely consider the inhaler device. This trial investigates device efficacy, comparing clinical outcomes for the same medication via two different devices. Our intention was to communicate the results and to critically appraise the study protocol to inform planning of future device comparison research. Subjects with spirometry confirming at least moderate COPD were randomly assigned to inhaler sequence; starting with Accuhaler or metered dose inhaler and spacer (MDI/s). After baseline testing, subjects were assigned to fluticasone propionate/salmeterol xinafoate (SFC) 500/50 mcg twice daily via the first device for 6 weeks' duration, then changed to the alternate device for the following 6 weeks. Subjects were reassessed in terms of health-related quality of life (HRQL), exercise endurance and lung function after each exposure period. RESULTS: The recruitment target was not achieved due to unanticipated developments within the pharmaceutical industry, potentially compromising the study's power. Study outcomes did not differ significantly according to the allocated inhaler device even after adjusting for baseline lung function or inhaler technique. Recommendations for future device comparison protocols are offered. Trial registration Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, Current Controlled Trials ACTRN12618000075280, date of registration: 18.01.2018. Retrospectively registered.

Treatment adherence and level of control in moderate persistent asthma in children and adolescents treated with fluticasone and salmeterol / Adesão ao tratamento e nível de controle da asma persistente moderada em crianças e adolescentes tratados com fluticasona e salmeterol

Abstract Objective: There is a scarcity of studies that assessed the association between adherence to combination therapy and asthma control in pediatric patients. The authors investigated the association between adherence to fluticasone propionate/salmeterol xinafoate combination-metered aerosol and the level of asthma control in children. Methods: This was a prospective observational study of 84 patients aged 5-16 years with moderate persistent asthma, who remained uncontrolled despite the use of 1000 µg/day of inhaled nonextrafine-hydrofluoric alkane-beclomethasone dipropionate in the three months prior to study enrollment. Participants were prescribed two daily doses of FP (125 µg)/salmeterol xinafoate (25 µg) combination by metered aerosol/spacer for six months. Adherence rates were assessed using the device's dose counter after the 2nd, 4th, and 6th months of follow up. Asthma control was assessed using a simplified Global Initiative for Asthma 2014 Report classification. Results: Mean adherence rates after the second, fourth, and sixth months were 87.8%, 74.9%, and 62.1% respectively, for controlled asthma, and 71.7%, 56.0%, and 47.6% respectively, for uncontrolled asthma (all p-values ≤ 0.03). The proportion of children achieving asthma control increased to 42.9%, 67.9% and 89.3% after the 2nd, 4th and 6th months of follow-up, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Adherence rates between 87.8% in the 2nd month and 62.1% in the 6th month were strong determinants of asthma control.

Resumo Objetivo: São escassos os estudos que avaliaram a relação entre a taxa de adesão à combinação de proprionato de fluticasona/xinafoato de salmeterol e o nível de controle da asma na infância. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar essa relação. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo observacional com 84 participantes, de 5 a 16 anos, todos eles com asma persistente moderada que permaneceram não controlados apesar do uso de 1.000 µg/dia de dipropionato de beclometasona em partículas não extrafinas nos três meses que antecederam a admissão no estudo. Os participantes receberam prescrição de 125 µg de propionato de fluticasona e 25 µg xinafoato de salmeterol através de inalador pressurizado, duas vezes ao dia, e foram avaliados após o 2°, 4° e 6° meses de tratamento. A taxa de adesão foi obtida por meio do contador analógico de doses incorporado ao inalador. A classificação do nível de controle da asma foi baseada numa simplificação das recomendações da Global Initiative for Asthma. Resultados: As taxas de adesão aos 2, 4 e 6 meses para a asma controlada foram 87,8%, 74,9% e 62,1% e para a asma não controlada de 71,7%, 56,0% e 47,6% (p ≤ 0,03), respectivamente. A proporção de pacientes com asma controlada elevou- se para 42,9%, 67,9% e 89,3% nas três avaliações subsequentes (p ≤ 0,001). Conclusões: Taxas de adesão entre 87,8% no 2° mês e de 62,1% no 6° mês foram determinantes para o nível de controle da asma.

Treatment adherence and level of control in moderate persistent asthma in children and adolescents treated with fluticasone and salmeterol.

OBJECTIVE: There is a scarcity of studies that assessed the association between adherence to combination therapy and asthma control in pediatric patients. The authors investigated the association between adherence to fluticasone propionate/salmeterol xinafoate combination-metered aerosol and the level of asthma control in children. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of 84 patients aged 5-16 years with moderate persistent asthma, who remained uncontrolled despite the use of 1000µg/day of inhaled nonextrafine-hydrofluoric alkane-beclomethasone dipropionate in the three months prior to study enrollment. Participants were prescribed two daily doses of FP (125µg)/salmeterol xinafoate (25µg) combination by metered aerosol/spacer for six months. Adherence rates were assessed using the device's dose counter after the 2nd, 4th, and 6th months of follow up. Asthma control was assessed using a simplified Global Initiative for Asthma 2014 Report classification. RESULTS: Mean adherence rates after the second, fourth, and sixth months were 87.8%, 74.9%, and 62.1% respectively, for controlled asthma, and 71.7%, 56.0%, and 47.6% respectively, for uncontrolled asthma (all p-values≤0.03). The proportion of children achieving asthma control increased to 42.9%, 67.9% and 89.3% after the 2nd, 4th and 6th months of follow-up, respectively (p≤0.001). CONCLUSION: Adherence rates between 87.8% in the 2nd month and 62.1% in the 6th month were strong determinants of asthma control.

Bioequivalence of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol (FS) given by the FS Spiromax® and Seretide Accuhaler® systems
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OBJECTIVE: To determine pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of fluticasone propionate (FP) and salmeterol (SAL) in healthy volunteers following administration as two inhalations from the FS Spiromax 500/50 µg and Seretide Accuhaler 50/500 µg inhalers, without (study 1, n = 79) and with charcoal block (study 2, n = 77). Safety was also assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In two single-center, open-label, randomized two-period crossover studies, PK parameters were calculated from plasma drug concentrations obtained pre-dose through 36 hours post-dose. Bioequivalence was established if the 90% confidence intervals for the geometric mean ratios of the area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve from time zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0-t) and the maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) for the comparison of both FP and SAL were within 0.80 - 1.25. RESULTS: In study 1, in subjects administered FS Spiromax, the mean (standard deviation (SD)) FP AUC0-t and Cmax were 1,622.64 (419.44) pg×h/mL and 151.36 (40.37) pg/mL, respectively, vs. 1,487.52 (341.25) pg×h/mL and 137.57 (33.64) pg/mL with Seretide Accuhaler. Mean (SD) SAL AUC0-t and Cmax with FS Spiromax were 408.42 (155.40) pg×h/mL and 269.48 (105.74) pg/mL, respectively, vs. 401.79 (125.32) pg×h/mL and 265.66 (87.28) pg/mL with Seretide Accuhaler. Comparable data were seen in study 2 with charcoal block. Bioequivalence of FS Spiromax with Seretide Accuhaler was observed both without and with charcoal block for FP and SAL for both AUC0-t and Cmax. Both study treatments were well tolerated, with a similar incidence of adverse events reported with the single use of FS Spiromax (23% study 1, 16% study 2) and Seretide Accuhaler (22%, 15%). CONCLUSION: FS Spiromax 500/50 µg (± charcoal block) was bioequivalent to Seretide Accuhaler 50/500µg.
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