Spotlight on fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol in COPD: design, development, and potential place in therapy

Abstract

COPD is characterized by persistent airflow obstruction caused by exposure to irritants including cigarette smoke, dust, and fumes. According to the latest GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) guidelines, a combination of inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting β₂ agonists, and long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists can be used for group D COPD patients who are at high risk for exacerbations. Umeclidinium/fluticasone furoate/vilanterol is one such triple-combination therapy currently under development with some completed and several ongoing clinical trials. This review paper summarizes the pharmacologic profiles of these medications and highlights findings from clinical trials, including safety and efficacy data, while speculating on the role of this therapy in current treatment for COPD.

Keywords:

• COPD
• umeclidinium
• fluticasone furoate
• vilanterol
• triple therapy

Disclosure

Dr Charlie Strange has current, past, or pending grants in COPD from the Alpha-1 Foundation, CSL Behring, Entera Health, Grifols, Shire, and the NIH. He consults for Abeona, AstraZeneca, CSL Behring, and Grifols, on COPD. Dr Chitra Lal has received grant support from Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Invado Pharmaceuticals and is a consultant for Ikaria Pharmceuticals. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.