Clinical implications of the tiotropium/olodaterol inhaler for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

ABSTRACT

Oral inhalation is the recommended delivery method of medications for the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, patients may struggle when using the various available inhaler platforms, and, as a result, may fail to achieve the benefit of the prescribed medication. Propellant-based, pressurized metered-dose inhaler and powder-based, dry powder inhaler devices are currently the most commonly prescribed delivery systems. Each of these devices has its own advantages and challenges. The Respimat® Soft Mist™ inhaler (SMI) (Boehringer Ingelheim) is a delivery system that incorporates features intended to improve orally inhaled drug delivery to these patients. These features include simple device actuation, patient inspiratory effort-independent aerosol generation, and a slower spray emission with a longer spray duration, helping to mitigate issues with precise aerosol release and breath coordination. We review the clinical trials assessing lung deposition, efficacy, and safety, and patient satisfaction for the Respimat® SMI. These data indicate that the Respimat® SMI is a device capable of delivering a consistent, clinically effective dose of medication that patients can use and prefer, which may provide significant clinical benefits for patients with COPD.

KEYWORDS:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• pressurized metered-dose inhaler
• dry powder inhaler
• soft mist inhaler
• lung deposition
• efficacy
• safety
• patient preference

Acknowledgments

Medical writing assistance was provided by Stephanie Rippon, MBio, of Complete HealthVizion, which was contracted and compensated by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Declaration of interest

GTF reports receipt of research support and consulting, advisory board and speaker fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, AstraZeneca, Pearl Therapeutics, Forest, and Sunovion; research support and consulting and advisory board fees from Novartis; research support and speaker fees from GlaxoSmithKline; consulting and advisory board fees from Verona; consulting fees from Receptos; and research support from Theravance and Sanofi. RND reports receipt of consulting fees from Boehringer Ingelheim from 2002–2012. He also reports being a Respiratory Drug Delivery (RDD) Symposium co-organizer and proceedings editor. This ongoing scientific meeting often includes delegates from Boehringer Ingelheim and, in the past, Boehringer Ingelheim has sponsored sessions at RDD meetings. A Postgraduate Medicine peer reviewer on this manuscript declares they are a consult for Boehringer Ingelheim, the manufacturer of the Respimat® SMI. All other Postgraduate Medicine peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This manuscript was supported by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc.