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A new drug has been found to improve the breathing of people suffering from a chronic lung disease, US research has shown.
Inhaling the anticholinergic aclidinium bromide has been proven an effective treatment for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to two phase III studies by Forest Laboratories and Laboratorios Almirall.
COPD is a disease of the lungs in which the airways become narrowed. This leads to a limitation of the flow of air to and from the lungs, causing shortness of breath. The condition is often caused by the long-term effects of cigarette smoke on the lungs.
In both the Aclidinium Clinical Trial Assessing Efficacy and Safety in Moderate to Severe COPD Patients (ACCLAIM/COPD) I&II studies, once-daily aclidinium bromide showed a statistically significant difference compared with placebo in the primary endpoint, trough FEV1 – a measure of pulmonary function that is decreased in moderate to severe COPD patients.
A spokesperson from makers of the drug Almirall said: “The studies confirm the bronchodilatory effect of aclidinium at the dose tested, although the magnitude was lower than seen in previous studies.
“We are working actively with Forest and members of the ACCLAIM/COPD Steering Committee to fully understand these findings to determine the best way forward, including the extent of the benefit possible from dosing alternatives.”
Copyright PA Business 2008
