Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical efficacy of albuterol RespiClick^™ dry-powder inhaler in the treatment of asthma

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Incorrect use of inhaler devices by patients with asthma is common and can adversely affect clinical outcomes. Devices that are straightforward to use are less likely to result in dosing errors and can improve patients’ satisfaction with therapy and adherence. A novel dry-powder formulation of the rescue bronchodilator albuterol (salbutamol) administered using a multidose dry-powder inhaler (mDPI; RespiClick™) has recently been approved in the USA.

Areas covered: Studies on the albuterol mDPI were identified in searches of PubMed and www.clinicaltrials.gov. Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, efficacy, and safety data, and patients’ experiences with the albuterol mDPI are presented.

Expert opinion: The albuterol mDPI has an efficacy/tolerability profile consistent with other inhaled forms of albuterol, and is reliable, easy to use, and associated with a high level of patient satisfaction. This is the first albuterol dry-powder inhaler (DPI) to become available in the USA, with most other formulations being delivered using a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI). The availability of a breath-actuated device avoids the challenge of coordinating actuation and breathing when using pMDIs, and could simplify treatment for patients also using a DPI for controller medication. Additional features of RespiClick, such as an integrated dose counter and minimal pre-inhalation preparation, facilitate its use.

KEYWORDS:

• Albuterol
• asthma
• breath-actuated
• bronchodilation
• multidose dry-powder inhaler
• rescue inhaler
• RespiClick
• salbutamol
• short-acting beta-agonist

Declaration of interest

M Welch serves on the speakers bureau of the following companies: Merck, Mylan, Nestlé, and Teva. His clinical research center has received recent research support and grants from the following companies: Merck, Teva, Mylan, Perrigo, Circassia, Aimmune Therapeutics, Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc, GlaxoSmithKline, Glenmark Specialty, Janssen Research & Development, Roxane Laboratories, Novartis, Cephalon, Cytos Biotechnology. Editorial assistance was provided by Kirsteen Munn of Anthemis Consulting Ltd, funded by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Frazer, PA. Teva provided a single medical-accuracy review of the final draft. The author was not compensated and retained full editorial control over the content of the paper. The author has no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.