Profile of a fixed-dose combination of tiotropium/olodaterol and its potential in the treatment of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, debilitating disorder that results in frequent exacerbations and impacts quality of life. It represents a growing burden of health care cost, both from societal and economic perspectives. Short- and long-acting bronchodilators remain the mainstay of therapy in COPD patients. New fixed-dose combination inhalers with novel pharmacological combinations of long-acting β(2)-agonists and muscarinic antagonists and delivered once-daily through a variety of devices are currently being developed and licensed for the treatment of COPD. There is mounting research suggesting that combining a fixed dose of a β(2)-agonist and a muscarinic antagonist achieves better bronchodilation and clinical outcomes compared with either agent alone. These once-daily dosing inhalers are anticipated to impact favorably on patient preference and compliance. This review examines the fixed-dose combination of tiotropium bromide and olodaterol delivered by a Respimat(®) Soft Mist™ inhaler at doses of 2.5/5 μg and 5/5 μg in moderate-to-very-severe COPD, and its potential role in COPD compared with other long-acting β(2)-agonist with long-acting muscarinic antagonist combinations and delivery devices.