Asthma Treatment Tiotropium Receives Positive Results

Date: Sep-05-2012First Phase III Data for Tiotropium in Symptomatic Asthma Patients Treated with ICS/LABA Published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Data simultaneously presented at the 2012 European Respiratory Society Congress

Boehringer Ingelheim presented today the first data from the Phase III UniTinA-asthma™ program. In two studies, presented at the 2012 European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria, tiotropium delivered once daily via the Respimat® inhaler significantly improved lung function and reduced asthma exacerbations in patients who remained symptomatic on current treatment with at least high dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting beta agonists (LABA). This data was simultaneously published online in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The two PrimoTinA-asthma™ studies were replicate double-blind parallel-group trials including asthma patients with post-bronchodilator FEV1 30% over >2 days.

There were also improved scores observed in the asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) and the asthma quality of life questionnaire in one trial, and a trend towards improvement in the ACQ in the other study.

In these studies, the rate of adverse events reported in the tiotropium add-on and placebo add-on groups was similar. The most commonly reported adverse events were nasopharyngitis and headache.

"These first Phase III results from the UniTinA-asthma™ program are encouraging based on their potential to provide a new treatment option for adults with asthma, approximately half of whom remain symptomatic despite current treatment options and may be suffering from asthma exacerbations," said Tunde Otulana, MD, Vice President, Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, Respiratory, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "We are committed to evaluating tiotropium in a wide range of asthma patients."

About UniTinA-AsthmaTM

The PrimoTinA-asthma™ studies are a part of the comprehensive Phase III trial program UniTinA-asthma™ which includes a number of clinical trials in adults, adolescents and pediatric patients across different asthma severities who remain symptomatic/uncontrolled on current treatment with inhaled corticosteroids. The program includes over 4,000 patients in more than 150 sites globally.

About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease characterised by airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. When a person with asthma comes into contact with an asthma trigger (e.g. infections, pollen, smoke), their airways can become inflamed, swollen and constricted and excess mucus is produced. These reactions can cause the airways to become narrower and irritated, making it difficult to breathe. People suffering from asthma experience recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing.

As of May 2011, an estimated 235 million people worldwide suffer from asthma. Estimates have shown that the number of people with asthma could grow to as many as 400-450 million people worldwide by 2025.

By avoiding asthma triggers, one can help to reduce the severity of asthma. Although asthma cannot be cured, appropriate management can control the disease in many patients. However, many patients still suffer from uncontrolled asthma despite the available treatment options. They can continue to have symptoms and lifestyle restrictions and might even require emergency care.

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.