title: Therapeutic potential for novel ultra long-acting β2-agonists in the management of COPD: biological and pharmacological aspects.
abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by progressive airflow limitation. In moderate-to-severe COPD, long-acting bronchodilators are the basis of therapy. Inhaled long-acting β(2)-agonists (LABAs) are used for the treatment of COPD. LABAs have been in use since the 1990s enabling persistent bronchodilation for 12 hours; however, sustained bronchodilation is desirable. Compared with twice-daily LABAs, new LABAs with ultra-long duration (ultra-LABAs) could provide improvements in efficacy and compliance with fast onset of action, 24-hour bronchodilation and a good safety profile. Several novel ultra-LABAs showing once-daily delivery profiles are in development. In this article, we discuss these novel agents' properties and clinical trials of their efficacy and safety, including the only licensed ultra-LABA, indacaterol.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Brescia, 1st Divisione di Medicina, Az Spedali Civili, Pzza Spedali Civili 1, 25100 Brescia, Italy. malerba@med.unibs.it
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Malerba
authors: Alessandro
authors: A
authors: Radaeli
authors: Jaymin B
authors: JB
authors: Morjaria
mesh_terms: D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents