Efficacy and safety of formoterol delivered through the Novolizer, a novel dry powder inhaler (DPI) compared with a standard DPI in patients with moderate to severe asthma.
OBJECTIVE
Because of environmental concerns CFC-containing pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDI) had to be replaced by dry powder inhalers (DPI). The Novolizer, a novel DPI has previously been shown to be as effective as the Turbuhaler in delivering budesonide. The objective of this study was to show non-inferiority of inhaled formoterol therapy delivered through the Novolizer compared to formoterol delivered through the Aerolizer in patients suffering from moderate to severe asthma.


METHODS
In this double-blind, double-dummy, multicentre study 392 patients were randomised and received a dose of 12 microg formoterol twice daily for 4 weeks either through the Aerolizer or the Novolizer. FEV1 after 4 weeks of treatment was the primary variable. Secondary variables were FVC, PEF, consumption of short-acting; 2 adrenoceptor agonists, asthma symptoms, tolerability and safety.


RESULTS
After 4 weeks of treatment, the mean trough FEV1 (95% CI) was 2.34 L (2.24-2.45) for the Novolizer and 2.31 L (2.21-2.41) for the Aerolizer. Non-inferiority was proven (p<0.0001, pre-defined; of 0.25 L). All secondary variables (incl. PEF) confirmed these findings. Treatment with both devices was safe and well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Inhalation of 12 microg formoterol twice daily via Novolizer was shown to be equally therapeutically effective compared to the inhalation via Aerolizer in the treatment of moderate to severe persistent asthma. Treatment via both inhalers was safe and well tolerated.
Otto-Knapp
R
R
Charité, Virchow Klinikum, Humboldt University, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
Conrad
F
F
Hösch
S
S
Metzenauer
P
P
Maus
J
J
Noga
O
O
Petzold
U
U
Kunkel
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004983:Ethanolamines; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate