A review of  mometasone furoate / formoterol  in the treatment of asthma.
BACKGROUND
Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease affecting the airways causing inflammation, airway hyperreactivity (AHR), and respiratory symptoms. Frequently, asthma can be effectively treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) but in more severe cases additional drugs are required, such as long-acting β2-agonists (LABA). Mometasone furoate (MF) is a synthetic steroid exhibiting a strong affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor as well as a low bioavailability and a high plasma protein binding. In most cases, MF only requires once daily administration. Formoterol fumarate (F) is a full β2-agonist with a rapid onset and 12 h of duration.


METHODS
The present paper reviews the current knowledge of the novel combination of MF and F for the treatment of asthma. Furthermore, a description of the individual components is included.


CONCLUSIONS
At present, only few clinical studies of MF/F are available for review and more studies of MF/F efficacy are needed, especially comparative studies on other ICS/LABA drugs. However, it does not appear from the reviewed literature that MF/F or its individual components are inferior to other equivalent treatments.
Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Respiratory Medicine L, Respiratory Research Unit, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark. cgwestergaard@hotmail.com
Christian Grabow
CG
Westergaard
Celeste
C
Porsbjerg
Vibeke
V
Backer
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004983:Ethanolamines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate; D006801:Humans; D000068656:Mometasone Furoate; D011244:Pregnadienediols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004983:Ethanolamines; D011244:Pregnadienediols; D000068656:Mometasone Furoate; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate