Pharmacologic rationale, efficacy and safety of the fixed-dose co-formulation of indacaterol and glycopyrronium

Girolamo Pelaia; Rosario Maselli; Luca Gallelli

doi:10.4081/mrm.2014.399

Pharmacologic rationale, efficacy and safety of the fixed-dose co-formulation of indacaterol and glycopyrronium

Authors

Girolamo Pelaia Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Campus Universitario “S. Venuta”, Catanzaro
Rosario Maselli Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Campus Universitario “S. Venuta”, Catanzaro
Luca Gallelli Department of Health Science, Section of Pharmacology, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081/mrm.2014.399

Keywords:

Co-formulation, Dual bronchodilation, Glycopyrronium, Indacaterol, LABA, LAMA, Synergism, QVA149

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a widespread respiratory disorder, usually characterized by progressive and poorly reversible airflow limitation. Inhaled long-acting bronchodilators, namely LABA (long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists) and LAMA (long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists) are the mainstay of COPD treatment. Because the symptoms of many patients with COPD do not satisfactorily improve by using a single, either LABA or LAMA bronchodilator, the synergism of action resulting from the combination of the different bronchodilating mechanisms activated by LABA and LAMA, respectively, can significantly contribute to a better disease control. Based on these clinical and pharmacological considerations, several LABA/LAMA fixed-dose combinations have been developed and experimentally evaluated. Within such a context, the drug co-formulation containing indacaterol and glycopyrronium is probably the LABA/LAMA association which has been most extensively studied during the last few years.