Current national and international guidelines for the management of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) recommend the use of inhaled long-acting bronchodilators, inhaled glucocorticoids and their combinations for maintenance treatment of moderate to severe stable COPD. Areas covered: The role of fluticasone furoate (FF) and vilanterol (VI) once daily combination therapy for the regular treatment of patients with stable COPD is discussed in this review. Expert commentary: The regular treatment of moderate to severe stable COPD with once daily FF/VI combination therapy is effective, as seen in in several large placebo-controlled clinical trials involving many thousands of patients. FF/VI improved lung function, decreased respiratory symptoms and decreased the number of COPD exacerbations, including COPD-related hospitalizations. FF/VI combination therapy has also been approved for this indication in most countries. The use of this combination therapy may significantly decrease the economic costs for some National Health Services.
Keywords: COPD; airway inflammation; beta2-agonists; bronchodilators; inhaled glucocorticoids.