TORONTO and RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The use of Advair Diskus(R) 250/50 (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder) demonstrated a 30% reduction in exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have a history of exacerbations as compared with salmeterol alone, according to new data presented today at the International Conference of the American Thoracic Society meeting in Toronto.
COPD is a progressive, life-threatening lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema or both. Exacerbations are flare-ups or episodes of worsening COPD symptoms that often require additional treatment, such as antibiotics, oral corticosteroids and in some cases hospitalization. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, or coughing up excess mucus beyond normal day-to-day variations. Seventy-seven (77) percent of patients with COPD report experiencing at least one exacerbation within the past year.
The randomized study of 797 patients was a replicate study which found that after a year of treatment, patients treated with Advair Diskus 250/50 had a 30% reduction in the rate of annual exacerbations compared to salmeterol (p<0.001). In an analysis of time to first moderate/severe exacerbation, there was a 25 percent reduction in risk with Advair compared to salmeterol (p=0.003). And Advair also reduced the annual rate of exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids by 40 percent (p<0.001).
The study was one of two new studies reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration prior to granting approval last month for the expanded use of Advair for the reduction of COPD exacerbations in patients with a history of exacerbations and in a broader COPD patient population which includes patients with chronic bronchitis, emphysema or both. The studies conducted to support the new indication were one year in duration thus lengthening the duration of established efficacy and safety.
"Reducing exacerbations is one of the primary goals of COPD treatment, and this second study presented today shows convincingly that Advair effectively addresses this pressing need," said Antonio Anzueto, MD, University of Texas Health Science Center. "This data reaffirms my belief in Advair as an effective treatment for my patients with COPD."
Advair contains two medications, an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist, that work together to improve lung function and reduce exacerbations, two primary goals in the management of COPD.
Background on COPD
An estimated 24 million Americans suffer from COPD, which is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. COPD is a progressive, life-threatening lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is characterized by airflow obstruction, a limitation in lung function, which makes it difficult to breathe. Most patients have components of both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Symptoms of COPD include chronic cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, an increased effort to breathe and increased mucus production. Typically, patients with COPD develop shortness of breath during exertion, which continues and gradually worsens. Most patients also develop a productive, chronic cough. Over time, many patients suffer from shortness of breath so severe that it interferes with their most basic daily activities including sleeping, talking, and even dressing. The gradual loss of lung function, coupled with other symptoms and exacerbations, often lead to hospitalization and can be disabling and life-threatening.
About Advair in COPD
Advair Diskus 250/50 is indicated for the maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. Advair Diskus 250/50 is also indicated to reduce exacerbations in patients with a history of exacerbations. Advair Diskus 250/50 is the only approved strength for COPD because an efficacy advantage of the higher strength Advair Diskus 500/50 over Advair Diskus 250/50 has not been demonstrated.
Patients should only take one inhalation of Advair twice a day. People with COPD taking Advair may have a higher chance of pneumonia. Patients should call their doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms: change in amount or color of sputum, fever, chills, increased cough, or increased breathing problems. Advair may increase the risk of osteoporosis and some eye problems (cataracts or glaucoma). Patients should have regular eye exams. Thrush in the mouth and throat may occur. Patients should tell their doctor if they have a heart condition or high blood pressure before taking Advair. Do not use Advair with long-acting beta2-agonists for any reason. Advair does not replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden symptoms.
For more information about Advair please visit http://www.gsk.com/. About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline is one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. GlaxoSmithKline is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information visit http://www.gsk.com/.
