The results of two clinical trials reinforce the benefits of Spiolto Respimat as first line maintenance therapy for COPD, according to manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim.

Boehringer Ingelheim today announced new data from two trials presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress 2015. A post-hoc analysis from OTEMTO 1 & 2 indicates that Spiolto Respimat provides significant quality of life improvements over Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium) or placebo, right from the initial stage when patients first need maintenance therapy.

In addition, the ENERGITO study shows that the lung function improvement with Spiolto Respimat (tiotropium/olodaterol) is superior to a steroid-containing therapy (LABA/ICS FDC) in patients with moderate to severe COPD.

From early in the course of COPD, decreasing lung function makes it more and more difficult for people to breathe. To cope with feeling breathless, patients reduce their activity and change their lifestyles which can lead to a ‘downward spiral’ of their condition. This in turn results in a large physical and emotional impact on people living with the disease.

Providing optimal treatment right from the start of maintenance therapy can give patients the best chance of managing their symptoms, keeping active and maintaining their quality of life, Boehringer says.

“These two trials further characterise the relevant benefits Spiolto Respimat provides compared to two commonly prescribed maintenance treatments: Spiriva Respimat and a LABA/ICS FDC,” said Dr William Mezzanotte, vice president and head of Respiratory Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim. “The lung function and quality of life improvements shown in these trials add to the growing body of evidence supporting the benefit of using Spiolto Respimat at the initiation of maintenance therapy for COPD.”

View the full story at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com