A randomized study using functional respiratory imaging to characterize bronchodilator effects of glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate delivered by a metered dose inhaler using co-suspension delivery technology in patients with COPD

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2018 Aug 30:13:2673-2684. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S171707. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Background: Functional respiratory imaging (FRI) uses high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans to assess changes in airway volume and resistance.

Patients and methods: In this randomized, double-blind, 2-week, crossover, Phase IIIB study, patients with moderate-to-severe COPD received twice-daily glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate delivered by a metered dose inhaler (GFF MDI, 18/9.6 μg) and placebo MDI, formulated using innovative co-suspension delivery technology. Co-primary endpoints included the following: specific image-based airway volume (siVaw) and specific image-based airway resistance (siRaw) at Day 15, measured using FRI. Secondary and other endpoints included the following: change from baseline in post-dose forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and inspiratory capacity (IC; spirometry) and ratio to baseline in post-dose functional residual capacity (FRC) and residual volume (RV; body plethysmography).

Results: Twenty patients (46-78 years of age) were randomized and treated; of whom 19 completed the study. GFF MDI treatment increased siVaw by 75% and reduced siRaw by 71% vs placebo MDI (both P<0.0001). Image-based airway volume (iVaw) and image-based airway resistance (iRaw), without adjusting for lobe volume, demonstrated corresponding findings to the co-primary endpoint, as lobe volumes did not change with either treatment. Approximately 48% of the delivered dose of glycopyrronium and formoterol fumarate was estimated to be deposited in the lungs. Compared with placebo, GFF MDI treatment improved post-dose FEV1 and IC (443 mL and 454 mL, respectively; both P<0.001) and reduced FRC and RV (13% and 22%, respectively; both P<0.0001). There were no significant safety findings.

Conclusion: GFF MDI demonstrated significant, clinically meaningful benefits on FRI-based airway volume and resistance in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Benefits were associated with improvements in FEV1, IC, and hyperinflation.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02643082.

Keywords: GFF MDI; LAMA/LABA; airway resistance; airway volume; hyperinflation; inspiratory capacity.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Belgium
  • Bronchodilator Agents / administration & dosage
  • Bronchodilator Agents / pharmacology*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Formoterol Fumarate / administration & dosage
  • Formoterol Fumarate / pharmacology*
  • Germany
  • Glycopyrrolate / administration & dosage
  • Glycopyrrolate / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • London
  • Male
  • Metered Dose Inhalers
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / drug therapy*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / physiopathology
  • Respiration*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Glycopyrrolate
  • Formoterol Fumarate

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02643082