Comparison of the effect of beclometasone/formoterol in asthma patients after methacholine‐induced bronchoconstriction: a non‐inferiority study using metered dose versus dry powder inhaler.

Abstract

Aim

To demonstrate the non‐inferiority of extrafine beclomethasone/formoterol Fumarate (BDP/FF) dry powder inhaler (DPI) vs extrafine BDP/FF pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) (Foster® 100/6 μg NEXThaler® and pMDI, respectively) in the onset of reliever effect after methacholine induced bronchospasm in asthmatic patients, evaluated in terms of FEV₁ at 5 min post‐dose. The DPI provides an alternative device option for patients who cannot use a pMDI properly during an acute asthma attack.

Methods

Sixty‐five patients received one inhalation of BDP/FF DPI, BDP/FF pMDI or placebo after methacholine challenge, according to a double‐blind, double‐dummy, cross‐over design. Lung function and Borg dyspnoea score were assessed up to 30 min post‐dose.

Results

FEV₁ adjusted mean difference between BDP/FF DPI and BDP/FF pMDI at 5 min post‐dose was 2 ml (95% CI: ‐0.060; 0.065). A similar result was observed at the other time points. Median time to 85% recovery in FEV₁ was 8 min for BDP/FF DPI, 7.5 min for BDP/FF pMDI and 28 min for placebo (p = 0.554 DPI vs pMDI). The Borg score improved after treatment with both BDP/FF DPI and pMDI and the effect was greater than after placebo. Median time to reach 50% recovery was 4.2 min for BDP/FF DPI, 4.0 min for BDP/FF pMDI and 10.0 min for placebo (p = 0.609 DPI vs pMDI).

Conclusions

Extrafine Foster® NEXThaler®, a flow independent DPI, is comparable to extrafine Foster® pMDI when administered as reliever therapy after methacholine challenge, thus supporting the Maintenance And Reliever Therapy (MART) approach also with NEXThaler®.

http://bit.ly/2VcX1Gr