New COPD Drug Approved by FDA

The FDA has approved Anoro Ellipta for once-daily use in the management of airflow obstruction with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The drug consists of a combination of umeclidinium—an anticholinergic that stops airway muscles from tightening—and vilantero, a beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) that relaxes muscles in the airways allowing air to flow easily in and out of the lungs.

It is administered via an inhaler. In a trial of over 2400 patients with COPD, the drug was associated with improved lung function compared with placebo. It carries boxed warnings of asthma-related death associated with LABAs.

The drug should not be used in patients with asthma or as a rescue inhaler in acute bronchospasm.

Possible side effects include narrowing and obstruction of the respiratory airway, cardiovascular events, pressure in the eyes, and worsening of urinary retention.

The most commonly reported side effects were sore throat, sinus infection, respiratory tract infection, constipation, diarrhea, extremity pain, muscle spasms, and neck and chest pain.

–Michael Potts

FDA approves Anoro Ellipta to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [press release]. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm379057.htm