Boehringer Ingelheim is confident its once-daily formulation of the COPD drug olodaterol can provide long-acting relief of the ailment's symptoms, and the company has positive Phase II results to support that belief. If approved, the treatment would be another use for the company's propellant-free inhaler.
In a randomized, double-blind study of COPD patients, the once-daily formulation demonstrated significant improvements in lung function for at least 24 hours over a placebo. There were no adverse events reported, and the drug was well-tolerated at all doses, the company reported. "In this study, olodaterol was shown to be a true once-daily (long-acting beta 2 agonist), providing 24-hour bronchodilation in COPD patients," said Guy Joos, one of the head investigators, in a statement.
Olodaterol remains an in-progress treatment, delivered through Boehringer's FDA-approved Respimat Soft Mist inhaler, and the company hasn't disclosed a timeline for seeking regulatory approval. Long-term, Boehringer is looking to combine olodaterol with on-the-market tiotropium, creating a combination COPD therapy, delivered via Respimat. The company believes it will improve patients' lives beyond simple bronchodilation.
"Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to advancing respiratory research and treatment," Senior Vice President Klaus Dugi said in a statement. "We are leading the field in the endeavor to achieve this, being the company that brought tiotropium to patients worldwide."
- read Boehringer's release
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