AstraZeneca will demonstrate the breadth and depth of its industry-leading respiratory disease medicines with more than 60 abstracts and scientific presentations at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2016 International Conference in San Francisco, California, May 13-18, 2016.

Data support AstraZeneca’s novel inhaled combinations, precision medicines and innovative science, which targets new pathways in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Highlights include:

  •  11 abstracts focused on Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrrolate/formoterolfumarate 9 mcg/4.8 mcg), recently approved by the US FDA, a novel fixed-dose dual bronchodilator pMDI utilizing AstraZeneca’s Co-Suspension Technology for the treatment of COPD. LABAs, such as formoterol fumarate, one of the active ingredients in Bevespi Aerosphere, increase the risk of asthma-related death. The most common adverse reactions with BEVESPI AEROSPHERE were urinary tract infection and cough. Bevespi Aerosphere is not a rescue medication.
  • Biomarker data on benralizumab, an anti–eosinophil monoclonal antibody currently in Phase III trials in both severe asthma and COPD. The data evaluate the potential for baseline serum biomarkers of the IL-13 pathway as well as high baseline blood eosinophils to predict treatment response. These data may be of value for both benralizumab and tralokinumab (IL-13 monoclonal antibody).
  • Data highlighting breakthrough science aimed at addressing and potentially modifying the underlying causes of respiratory diseases, with a research focus on key biological pathways, including eosinophilic disease, Th2-driven disease and epithelial-driven pathobiology.

In addition, data will be presented evaluating the effects on lung function and airway inflammation of roflumilast, the oral PDE4 inhibitor, initiated in addition to standard therapy with corticosteroids and antibiotics at the onset of an acute exacerbation of COPD.

Tom Keith-Roach, Vice President, Global Product Strategy for Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, said: “Respiratory is one of AstraZeneca’s main therapy areas and it’s exciting that the data being shared at ATS demonstrate how rapidly our pipeline and portfolio are developing. We believe that Bevespi Aerosphere and investigational compounds, including benralizumab, will be important options for patients living with respiratory conditions worldwide.”