Effect of indacaterol/glycopyrronium on ventilation and perfusion in COPD: a randomized trial.

RATIONALE: The long-acting ß2-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist combination indacaterol/glycopyrronium (IND/GLY) elicits bronchodilation, improves symptoms, and reduces exacerbations in COPD. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lung with hyperpolarized gas and gadolinium contrast enhancement enables assessment of whole lung functional responses to IND/GLY. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was assessment of effect of IND/GLY on global ventilated lung volume (%VV) versus placebo in COPD. Lung function, regional ventilation and perfusion in response to IND/GLY were also measured. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study assessed %VV and pulmonary perfusion in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD after 8 days of once-daily IND/GLY treatment (110/50 µg) followed by 8 days of placebo, or vice versa, using inhaled hyperpolarized 3He gas and gadolinium contrast-enhanced MRI, respectively. Lung function measures including spirometry were performed for each treatment after 8 days. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 31 patients randomized, 29 completed both treatment periods. IND/GLY increased global %VV versus placebo (61.73% vs. 56.73%, respectively, least squares means treatment difference: 5.00% [90% CI 1.40 to 8.60]; P = 0.025). IND/GLY improved whole lung index of ventilation volume to perfusion volume (V/Q) ratio versus placebo; 94% (90% CI 83 to 105) versus 86% (90% CI 75 to 97; P = 0.047), respectively. IND/GLY showed a trend to improve diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (+ 0.66 mL/min/mmHg; P = 0.082). By Day 8, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was increased by 0.32 L versus placebo (90% CI 0.26 to 0.38; P < 0.0001), substantiating earlier findings and providing evidence of assay sensitivity for this trial. CONCLUSIONS: IND/GLY improved lung ventilation assessed by 3He MRI after 1 week of treatment. This observation may provide mechanistic support for the symptomatic clinical benefit shown with IND/GLY in COPD. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02634983).

Impact of baseline symptoms and health status on COPD exacerbations in the FLAME study.

BACKGROUND: COPD is a heterogeneous disease and patients may respond differently to therapies depending on baseline symptom burden. METHODS: This post-hoc analysis from the 52-week FLAME study investigated the impact of baseline symptom burden in terms of health status, dyspnoea, bronchitis status, eosinophil levels and smoking status on the subsequent risk of moderate or severe exacerbations. Health status was measured by St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score (higher ≥46.6 and lower < 46.6) and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score (higher ≥17 and lower < 17); dyspnoea and bronchitis were assessed via an electronic diary (eDiary). Differential response to once-daily indacaterol/glycopyrronium (IND/GLY) 110/50 µg versus twice-daily salmeterol/fluticasone (SFC) 50/500 µg was assessed. RESULTS: Data from 3354 patients was analysed. The risk of exacerbations was lower in patients who had less severe health impairment (rate ratio [RR] [95% CI]): SGRQ-C, (0.88 [0.78, 0.99]); CAT, 0.85 [0.75, 0.96]) and lower dyspnoea (0.79 [0.69, 0.90]) at baseline versus those with more severe health impairment and higher dyspnoea, respectively. Compared with SFC, IND/GLY led to better prevention of moderate-to-severe exacerbations in the majority of groups studied. CONCLUSION: Patients with more severe health status impairment and greater symptom burden at baseline subsequently experienced more exacerbations in the FLAME study. IND/GLY was overall more effective in preventing exacerbations versus SFC, regardless of baseline symptom burden. Our results suggest that future studies on novel exacerbation therapies should consider targeting patients with higher symptom burden at baseline. CLINICAL TRIAL IDENTIFIER: NCT01782326.

Efficacy and safety of topical sofpironium bromide gel for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis: A phase II, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial.

BACKGROUND: Primary axillary hyperhidrosis has limited noninvasive, effective, and well-tolerated treatment options. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the topical treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis with the novel anticholinergic sofpironium bromide. METHODS: A phase II, multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blinded study. Participants were randomized to 1 of 3 dosages or vehicle, with daily treatment for 42 days. Coprimary end points were the percentage of participants exhibiting ≥1-point improvement in the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Measure-Axillary (HDSM-Ax) score by logistic regression, and change in HDSM-Ax as a continuous measure by analysis of covariance. Pair-wise comparisons were 1-sided with α = 0.10. RESULTS: At the end of therapy, 70%, 79%, 76%, and 54% of participants in the 5%, 10%, 15%, and vehicle groups exhibited ≥1-point improvement in HDSM-Ax (P < .05). Least-square mean (SE) changes in HDSM-Ax were -2.02 (0.14), -2.09 (0.14), 2.10 (0.14), and -1.30 (0.14) (all P ≤ .0001). Most treatment-related adverse events were mild or moderate. LIMITATIONS: Not powered to detect changes in gravimetric sweat production. CONCLUSION: Sofpironium bromide gel produced meaningful reductions in hyperhidrosis severity and had an acceptable safety profile.

FLIGHT1 and FLIGHT2: Efficacy and Safety of QVA149 (Indacaterol/Glycopyrrolate) versus Its Monocomponents and Placebo in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

RATIONALE: Current Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) strategy recommends the combination of two long-acting bronchodilators of different pharmacologic classes for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) if symptoms are not adequately controlled by a single bronchodilator. OBJECTIVES: The FLIGHT1 and FLIGHT2 studies evaluated the efficacy and safety of QVA149 (indacaterol/glycopyrrolate), a fixed-dose combination of a long-acting ß2-agonist (indacaterol) and a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (glycopyrrolate), compared with its monocomponents and placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. METHODS: FLIGHT1 and FLIGHT2 were 12-week, identical, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo- and active-controlled studies. Patients were randomized (1:1:1:1) to indacaterol/glycopyrrolate (27.5/15.6 µg twice daily), indacaterol (27.5 µg twice daily), glycopyrrolate (15.6 µg twice daily), or placebo, all delivered via the Neohaler device. The primary objective was to demonstrate the superiority of indacaterol/glycopyrrolate versus its monocomponents for standardized area under the curve from 0-12 hours for FEV1 at Week 12. Secondary objectives included St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score and transition dyspnea index total score and reduction in daily rescue medication use with indacaterol/glycopyrrolate versus placebo. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In total, 2,038 patients were included in the pooled analysis. Indacaterol/glycopyrrolate was statistically superior in terms of FEV1 area under the curve from 0-12 hours compared with its monocomponents (P < 0.001). Statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score, transition dyspnea index total score, and reduction in rescue medication use were observed with indacaterol/glycopyrrolate compared with placebo (P < 0.001). The safety profile was comparable across the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Indacaterol/glycopyrrolate twice daily can be an alternative treatment option for the management of symptomatic patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 01727141 and NCT 0171251).

Effects of indacaterol/glycopyrronium (QVA149) on lung hyperinflation and physical activity in patients with moderate to severe COPD: a randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover study (The MOVE Study).

BACKGROUND: Physical activity limitation is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and is associated with worse health status, and increased hospitalisation and mortality. Long-acting bronchodilators, either alone or in combination, have been shown to improve exercise intolerance. However, none of these studies were designed with physical activity as primary outcome. This study assessed the effect of indacaterol/glycopyrronium fixed dose combination (IND/GLY) 110/50 µg once daily (OD) versus placebo on lung hyperinflation (inspiratory capacity [IC]) and physical activity in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. METHODS: In this multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, patients received IND/GLY or placebo OD in two 21-day treatment periods (14-day washout between periods). Eligible patients were ≥40 years of age, current or ex-smokers (smoking history ≥10 pack-years), with post-salbutamol forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 40-80 % predicted, and FEV1:forced vital capacity <0.70. The co-primary endpoints were peak IC after 21 days and average daily activity-related energy expenditure. Key secondary endpoints were average number of steps per day and the duration of at least moderate activity per day. Peak IC and FEV1 on Day 1, and trough IC and FEV1 after 21 days were other secondary endpoints. RESULTS: A total of 194 patients were randomised (65.5 % male, mean age 62.8 years, mean FEV1 61.6 % predicted), with 183 (94.3 %) completing the study. Compared with placebo, IND/GLY significantly increased peak IC after 21 days (difference 202 mL, p < 0.0001), activity-related energy expenditure (difference 36.7 kcal/day, p = 0.040), and the average number of steps per day (difference 358, p = 0.029), with a trend towards an improvement in the duration of at least moderate activity (difference 4.4 min, p = 0.264). IND/GLY was associated with statistically significant improvements versus placebo in peak IC and FEV1 on Day 1, and trough IC and FEV1 after 21 days. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was 22.8 % with IND/GLY and 22.9 % with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, compared with placebo, IND/GLY reduced hyperinflation, and, despite no patient education or lifestyle advice, improved daily physical activity levels. This suggests that IND/GLY has the potential to impact two of the main clinical concerns in the care of patients with COPD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01996319 .

Efficacy and safety of once-daily QVA149 compared with the free combination of once-daily tiotropium plus twice-daily formoterol in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD (QUANTIFY): a randomised, non-inferiority study.

BACKGROUND: QVA149 is a once-daily (o.d.) inhaled dual bronchodilator containing a fixed-dose combination of the long-acting ß2-agonist indacaterol and the long-acting muscarinic antagonist glycopyrronium for the treatment of COPD. The QUANTIFY study compared QVA149 with a free-dose bronchodilator combination of tiotropium plus formoterol (TIO+FOR) in improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with COPD. METHODS: This multicentre, blinded, triple-dummy, parallel-group, non-inferiority study randomised patients aged ≥40 years with moderate-to-severe COPD (post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) ≥30% to <80% predicted) to QVA149 110/50 µg o.d. or TIO 18 µg o.d.+ FOR 12 µg twice daily (1:1) for 26 weeks. The primary endpoint was to demonstrate non-inferiority in HRQoL assessed using St George's Respiratory Questionnaire-COPD (SGRQ-C). The prespecified non-inferiority margin was 4 units. Secondary endpoints included Transition Dyspnoea Index (TDI) score, pre-dose FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC) and safety. RESULTS: Of the 934 patients randomised (QVA149=476 and TIO+FOR=458), 87.9% completed the study. At week 26, non-inferiority was met for SGRQ-C (QVA149 vs TIO+FOR; difference: -0.69 units; 95% CI -2.31 to 0.92; p=0.399). A significantly higher percentage of patients achieved a clinically relevant ≥1 point improvement in TDI total score with QVA149 (49.6%) versus TIO+FOR (42.4%; p=0.033). QVA149 significantly increased pre-dose FEV1 (+68 mL, 95% CI 37 mL to 100 mL; p<0.001) and FVC (+74 mL, 95% CI 24 mL to 125 mL; p=0.004) compared with TIO+FOR at week 26. The incidence of adverse events was comparable between both treatments (QVA149=43.7% and TIO+FOR=42.6%). CONCLUSIONS: QVA149 is non-inferior to TIO+FOR in improving HRQoL, with clinically meaningful and significant improvements in breathlessness and lung function in patients with COPD. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01120717.

Dual bronchodilation with QVA149 reduces patient-reported dyspnoea in COPD: the BLAZE study.

We evaluated the effect of QVA149, a dual bronchodilator combining indacaterol and glycopyrronium, on direct patient-reported dyspnoea in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this multicentre, blinded, double-dummy, three-period crossover study, 247 patients were randomised to once-daily QVA149 110/50 µg, placebo or tiotropium 18 µg. Superiority of QVA149 versus placebo (primary objective) and tiotropium (secondary objective) was assessed for improvement in dyspnoea via the self-administered computerised (SAC) version of the Baseline and Transition Dyspnoea Index after 6 weeks. Secondary end-points included lung function, rescue medication use and safety. After 6 weeks, the SAC Transition Dyspnoea Index total score was significantly higher with QVA149 versus placebo (least squares mean (LSM) treatment difference 1.37, p<0.001) and tiotropium (LSM treatment difference 0.49, p=0.021). QVA149 provided significant improvements in lung function, with higher forced expiratory volume in 1 s area under the curve from 0-4 h post-dose versus placebo and tiotropium at day 1 and week 6 (all p<0.001). Rescue medication use was significantly lower with QVA149 versus placebo (p<0.001) and tiotropium (p=0.002). All treatments were well tolerated. Once-daily QVA149 provided superior improvements in patient-reported dyspnoea and lung function versus placebo and tiotropium. These benefits were associated with improvements in other symptoms and reduced use of rescue medication.

Effect of dual bronchodilation with QVA149 on cardiac safety in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVES: QVA149 is a dual bronchodilator, containing a fixed-dose combination of the long-acting ß2-agonist indacaterol and long-acting muscarinic antagonist glycopyrronium, for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here we assess the potential of QVA149 (440/200 µg) at 4-fold the therapeutic dose for causing cardiac pharmacodynamic (PD) effects. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized study estimated the time-matched largest heart rate (HR) change and average HR change (over 24 hours) from baseline for QVA149 vs. placebo in healthy subjects. Similar analyses were done for QVA149 vs. indacaterol 600 µg, glycopyrronium 200 µg, and salmeterol 200 µg. The time-matched and average change from baseline in QT interval corrected for HR using Fridericia's formula (QTcF), effects on serum potassium and blood glucose, pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, and safety were also assessed. RESULTS: Of 50 subjects randomized, 43 completed the study. QVA149, when compared with placebo, showed the time-matched largest mean increase and decrease in HR of 5.69 bpm and -2.51 bpm, respectively, and average HR change from baseline of 0.62 bpm. QVA149 showed no tachycardic potential compared with indacaterol and no relevant tachycardic effect compared with glycopyrronium. No consistent differences were seen in the time-matched largest mean change and average change from baseline in QTcF for QVA149 vs. other treatments. There were no relevant effects of QVA149 on serum potassium and blood glucose. There was no apparent PK/PD relationship between the observed exposures to indacaterol and glycopyrronium in QVA149 on HR and QTcF. There were no deaths or serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: Overall, short-term administration of QVA149 showed a good cardiovascular safety and tolerability profile in healthy subjects.

Dual bronchodilation with QVA149 versus single bronchodilator therapy: the SHINE study.

We investigated the efficacy and safety of dual bronchodilation with QVA149 versus its monocomponents indacaterol and glycopyrronium, tiotropium and placebo in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, 26-week trial. Patients (n = 2144) were randomised (2:2:2:2:1) to receive once-daily QVA149 (indacaterol 110 µg/glycopyrronium 50 µg), indacaterol 150 µg, glycopyrronium 50 µg, open-label tiotropium 18 µg or placebo. The primary end-point was trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) at week 26 for QVA149 versus its monocomponents. Secondary end-points included dyspnoea, health status, rescue medication use and safety. Trough FEV1 at week 26 was significantly improved (p<0.001) with QVA149 compared with indacaterol and glycopyrronium (least squares mean (LSM) differences 0.07 L and 0.09 L, respectively), tiotropium and placebo (LSM differences 0.08 L and 0.20 L, respectively); these beneficial effects were sustained throughout the 26-week study. QVA149 significantly improved dyspnoea and health status versus placebo (p<0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) and tiotropium (p = 0.007 and p = 0.009, respectively) at week 26. All treatments were well tolerated. Dual bronchodilation with once-daily QVA149 demonstrated superior and clinically meaningful outcomes versus placebo and superiority versus treatment with a single bronchodilator, with a safety and tolerability profile similar to placebo, supporting the concept of fixed-dose long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting ß2-agonist combinations for the treatment of COPD.

Efficacy and safety of once-daily NVA237 in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD: the GLOW1 trial.

BACKGROUND: NVA237 is a once-daily dry-powder formulation of the long-acting muscarinic antagonist glycopyrronium bromide in development for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The glycopyrronium bromide in COPD airways clinical study 1 (GLOW1) evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of NVA237 in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. METHODS: Patients with COPD with a smoking history of ≥ 10 pack-years, post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) < 80% and ≥ 30% predicted normal and FEV1/forced vital capacity < 0.70 were enrolled. Patients were randomized to double-blind treatment with NVA237 50 µg once daily or placebo for 26 weeks with inhaled/intranasal corticosteroids or H1 antagonists permitted in patients stabilized on them prior to study entry. The primary outcome measure was trough FEV1 at Week 12. RESULTS: A total of 822 patients were randomized to NVA237 (n = 552) or placebo (n = 270). Least squares mean (± standard error) trough FEV1 at Week 12 was significantly higher in patients receiving NVA237 (1.408 ± 0.0105 L), versus placebo (1.301 ± 0.0137 L; treatment difference 108 ± 14.8 mL, p < 0.001). Significant improvements in trough FEV1 were apparent at the end of Day 1 and sustained through Week 26. FEV1 was significantly improved in the NVA237 group versus placebo throughout the 24-hour periods on Day 1 and at Weeks 12 and 26, and at all other visits and timepoints. Transition dyspnoea index focal scores and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores were significantly improved with NVA237 versus placebo at Week 26, with treatment differences of 1.04 (p < 0.001) and -2.81 (p = 0.004), respectively. NVA237 significantly reduced the risk of first moderate/severe COPD exacerbation by 31% (p = 0.023) and use of rescue medication by 0.46 puffs per day (p = 0.005), versus placebo. NVA237 was well tolerated and had an acceptable safety profile, with a low frequency of cardiac and typical antimuscarinic adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Once-daily NVA237 was safe and well tolerated and provided rapid, sustained improvements in lung function, improvements in dyspnoea, and health-related quality of life, and reduced the risk of exacerbations and the use of rescue medication. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01005901.

Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Indacaterol/Glycopyrronium/Mometasone Furoate After Administration of Combination Therapies Using the Breezhaler® Device in Patients with Asthma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Clinical evidence suggests no clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions between indacaterol (IND), glycopyrronium (GLY) and mometasone furoate (MF). A population pharmacokinetic (popPK) analysis was conducted to identify structural models describing systemic pharmacokinetic profiles of IND, GLY and MF, and estimate the effect of covariates on their pharmacokinetics following inhalation as IND/GLY/MF. METHODS: Pharmacokinetic data from 698 patients with asthma were pooled from two Phase III studies that evaluated IND/MF medium- (150/160 µg) and high-dose (150/320 µg), IND/GLY/MF medium- (150/50/80 µg) and high-dose (150/50/160 µg), and a device bridging Phase II study with MF. One popPK model was developed each for IND, GLY and MF using a nonlinear mixed-effect modelling approach. Maximal and trough plasma concentrations were compared across formulations and studies, including data for IND/GLY from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The effect of predefined covariates on the pharmacokinetics of components was evaluated using a full covariate modelling approach. RESULTS: The final pharmacokinetic models were two-compartment disposition models with first-order elimination and sequential zero-order/first-order absorption (IND), with bolus administration and first-order elimination (GLY), and with mixed zero-order/first-order absorption and first-order elimination (MF). All model parameters were estimated with good precision (% relative standard error: IND and MF ≤25%; GLY <10%). No clinically relevant covariate effect was observed on the pharmacokinetics of IND, GLY and MF. IND and GLY pharmacokinetic profiles were similar across different formulations. CONCLUSION: Two-compartment popPK models adequately described the pharmacokinetics of IND, GLY and MF. The effect of covariates was not clinically relevant. The pharmacokinetic profiles of MF were comparable for combination products at corresponding medium- or high-dose inhaled corticosteroids. On a population level, the pharmacokinetics of IND and GLY were comparable between patients with asthma and COPD.

Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Different Types of Inhaled Long-Acting ß2-Agonist Plus Inhaled Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist vs Inhaled Long-Acting ß2-Agonist Plus Inhaled Corticosteroid Fixed-Dose Combinations in COPD A Propensity Score-Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite multiple available fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of inhaled long-acting ß2-agonists (LABAs) plus long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) and LABAs plus inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for COPD, uncertainty remains regarding their comparative effects. RESEARCH QUESTION: Can comparative effectiveness and safety of LABA plus LAMA (LABA/LAMA) and LABA plus ICS (LABA/ICS) FDCs vary by different individual components of the dual combinations in COPD? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a new user, propensity score-inverse probability of treatment weighting cohort study to compare the effectiveness and safety of two frequently used LABA/LAMA FDCs (indacaterol plus glycopyrronium [IND/GLY] and vilanterol plus umeclidinium [VI/UMEC]) vs three commonly prescribed LABA/ICS FDCs (salmeterol plus fluticasone propionate [SAL/FP], formoterol fumarate plus budesonide [FF/BUD], and formoterol fumarate plus beclomethasone dipropionate [FF/BDP]) using the Taiwanese nationwide health care claims from 2014 through 2017. The primary effectiveness outcome was the annual moderate to severe exacerbation rate, and safety outcomes included risks of severe pneumonia and cardiovascular disease requiring hospitalization. Weighted generalized linear mixed models and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the effectiveness and safety outcomes, respectively. RESULTS: Patients with COPD initiating IND/GLY and VI/UMEC showed an 11% (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80-0.98) and 20% (IRR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.71-0.90) reduced annual rate of moderate to severe exacerbations, respectively, than those initiating SAL/FP, but showed a similar rate as those initiating FF/BUD or FF/BDP. Both LABA/LAMA FDCs, compared with SAL/FP and VI/UMEC vs FF/BDP, were associated with a 27% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.59-0.90) to 42% (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.48-0.70) reduced pneumonia risk. Cardiovascular risk was comparable in five groups. An intraclass difference existed in rates of moderate to severe COPD exacerbation and risks of pneumonia among LABA/ICS FDCs, but not between LABA/LAMA FDCs. INTERPRETATION: Both LABA/LAMAs vs SAL/FP are associated with a lower exacerbation rate and pneumonia risk, but exhibit similar effectiveness and safety outcomes compared with FF/BDP or FF/BUD, suggesting that comparative effects may differ by individual components of the dual therapies in COPD.

Two cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease evaluated by dynamic-ventilatory digital radiography for pulmonary function and assessment of treatment efficacy.

Spirometry is a crucial test used in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic has posed numerous challenges in performing spirometry. Dynamic-ventilatory digital radiography (DR) provides sequential chest radiography images during respiration with lower doses of radiation than conventional X-ray fluoroscopy and computed tomography. Recent studies revealed that parameters obtained from dynamic DR are promising for evaluating pulmonary function of COPD patients. We report two cases of COPD evaluated by dynamic-ventilatory DR for pulmonary function and treatment efficacy and discuss the potential of dynamic DR for evaluating COPD therapy.

QVA149 demonstrates superior bronchodilation compared with indacaterol or placebo in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: This randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, four-period crossover study assessed the efficacy and safety of once-daily QVA149, a dual bronchodilator consisting of the long-acting ß2-agonist indacaterol and the long-acting muscarinic antagonist glycopyrronium (NVA237), in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Patients (N=154) were randomly assigned to receive QVA149 (indacaterol/NVA237) 300/50 µg, indacaterol 300 µg, indacaterol 600 µg, or placebo, once daily for 7 days with a 7-day washout period between each treatment. The primary endpoint was trough forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (mean of 23 h 15 min and 23 h 45 min post-dose values) on day 7. Other endpoints included trough FEV1 on day 1, individual time point FEV1 and monitoring and recording of all adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 135 (87.7%) patients completed the study (all randomly assigned patients: mean age 61.7 years, 61.4% male, post-bronchodilator FEV1 52.2% predicted, FEV1/forced vital capacity 47.6%). The estimated treatment difference (95% CI) for trough FEV1 on day 7 between QVA149 and placebo was 226 ml (192 to 260; p<0.001). The estimated treatment difference between QVA149 and indacaterol 300 and 600 µg was 123 ml (89 to 157; p<0.001) and 117 ml (83 to 150; p<0.001), respectively. The improvements in mean trough FEV1 exceeded the predefined minimal clinically important differences of 100­140 ml for QVA149 versus placebo and indacaterol. Similar results were observed on day 1. All treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: QVA149 demonstrated rapid and sustained bronchodilation with significant improvements compared with indacaterol monotherapy and placebo in patients with COPD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00570778.

Cardiovascular safety of QVA149, a combination of Indacaterol and NVA237, in COPD patients.

This study assessed the cardiovascular safety of QVA149, an inhaled, once daily, bronchodilator combination containing two 24-hour bronchodilators, the long-acting ß(2)-agonist indacaterol and the long-acting muscarinic antagonist glycopyrronium (NVA237). In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 257 patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were randomised to receive QVA149 (indacaterol/NVA237) 600/100 microg, 300/100 microg or 150/100 microg, indacaterol 300 µg or placebo, once daily for 14 days. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in 24-h mean heart rate versus placebo on Day 14. 255 patients were included in the safety analysis (mean age 63.8 years, 76.5% male, post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV(1)] 53.2% predicted, FEV(1)/FVC [forced vital capacity] 50.0%, mean 24-h heart rate 79.6 bpm). There were no clinically significant differences in the 24-h mean heart rate on Day 14 between the three doses of QVA149 and placebo or indacaterol. The confidence intervals of these treatment differences (contrasts) were within the pre-specified equivalence limit (-5 to 5 bpm). No clinically relevant differences in QTc interval (Fridericia's) were observed between groups on Days 1, 7 and 14. Once-daily QVA149 was well tolerated in COPD patients with a cardiovascular safety profile and overall adverse event rates similar to placebo.

Long-acting dual bronchodilator therapy (indacaterol/glycopyrronium) versus nebulized short-acting dual bronchodilator (salbutamol/ipratropium) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Most guidelines recommend long-acting bronchodilators over short-acting bronchodilators for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The available evidence for the guidelines was based on dry powder or pressurized metered dose inhalers, but not nebulizations. Nevertheless, there is considerable, poorly evidenced based, use of short acting nebulized bronchodilators. METHODS: This was an investigator initiated, randomized, active controlled, cross-over, double-blind and double-dummy single centre study in patients with stable COPD. The active comparators were indacaterol/glycopyrronium 110/50 µg as Ultibro® via Breezhaler® (IND/GLY) and salbutamol/ipratropium 2,5/0,5 mg via air driven nebulization (SAL/IPR), both given as a single dose on separate days. The primary end point was the area under the FEV1 curve from baseline till 6 h. Secondary end points included change in Borg dyspnoea score, adverse events and change in hyperinflation measured by the inspiratory capacity. RESULTS: A total of 33 COPD patients completed the trial and were evaluable, most of them were ex-smokers. The difference between the tested regimens for the primary endpoint, FEV1 AUC 0-6 h, 2965 ± 1544 mL (mean ± SD) for IND/GLY versus 3513 ± 1762 mL for SAL/IPR, was not significant (P = 0.08). The peak in FEV1 was higher and was reached faster with SAL/IPR compared to IND/GLY. No other significant differences were detected for the secondary endpoints including the Borg score, or adverse events. CONCLUSION: Among patients with stable COPD, dry powder long-acting single inhalation of a LABA and a LAMA (IND/GLY) was not superior compared to nebulized short-acting salbutamol plus ipratropium (SAL/IPR) in its bronchodilating effects over 6 h.The effects of the nebulization kicked in faster and peaked higher. The observed differences may be caused by the difference in dosing between the two regimens. The improvement in Borg dyspnoea score did not favour the nebulization. Long-term outcomes were not assessed in this study.

Relieving exertional dyspnea during the 3-min constant speed shuttle test in patients with COPD with indacaterol/glycopyrronium versus tiotropium: the RED trial.

BACKGROUND: Exertional dyspnea is a cardinal feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a major cause of activity limitation. Although dual bronchodilation is more effective than bronchodilator monotherapy at improving resting pulmonary function, it is unclear to which extent this translates into superior relief of exertional dyspnea. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial comparing indacaterol 110 µg/glycopyrronium 50 µg once daily (OD) with tiotropium 50 µg OD in patients with moderate to severe COPD and resting hyperinflation (functional residual capacity >120% of predicted value). The primary outcome was Borg dyspnea score at the end of a 3-min constant speed shuttle test after 3 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in Borg dyspnea score after the first dose of study medication, expiratory flows and lung volumes. Statistical analysis was conducted using a cross-over analysis of variance model with repeated measurements. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients with COPD and a mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 54 ± 11% (mean ± SEM) predicted participated in the cross-over phase of the trial. Compared with baseline, there was a decrease in dyspnea after the first dose of medication with indacaterol/glycopyrronium [mean -1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.49 to -0.52] but not with tiotropium alone (mean -0.36, 95% CI -0.81 to 0.08). The reduction in dyspnea after the first dose was statistically significant between the two treatments (mean difference of -0.64, 95% CI -1.11 to -0.17). Despite indacaterol/glycopyrronium providing further bronchodilation and lung deflation throughout the trial, the reduction in dyspnea was not sustained at 3 weeks of treatment (mean between-treatment difference at 3 weeks of 0.09, 95% CI -0.44 to 0.61). CONCLUSION: In comparison with bronchodilator monotherapy, indacaterol/glycopyrronium provided greater immediate exertional dyspnea relief, although this difference was not sustained after 3 weeks of therapy despite evidence of further bronchodilation and lung deflation.The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.