title: Pharmacologic rationale, efficacy and safety of the fixed-dose co-formulation of indacaterol and glycopyrronium.
abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a widespread respiratory disorder, usually characterized by progressive and poorly reversible airflow limitation. Inhaled long-acting bronchodilators, namely LABA (long-acting β2-adrenergic agonists) and LAMA (long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists) are the mainstay of COPD treatment. Because the symptoms of many patients with COPD do not satisfactorily improve by using a single, either LABA or LAMA bronchodilator, the synergism of action resulting from the combination of the different bronchodilating mechanisms activated by LABA and LAMA, respectively, can significantly contribute to a better disease control. Based on these clinical and pharmacological considerations, several LABA/LAMA fixed-dose combinations have been developed and experimentally evaluated. Within such a context, the drug co-formulation containing indacaterol and glycopyrronium is probably the LABA/LAMA association which has been most extensively studied during the last few years.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Campus Universitario "S. Venuta", Viale Europa, Località, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Girolamo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pelaia
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Respiratory Diseases, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Campus Universitario "S. Venuta", Viale Europa, Località, Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Maselli
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Science, Section of Pharmacology, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gallelli
keywords: Co-formulation; Dual bronchodilation; Glycopyrronium; Indacaterol; LABA; LAMA; QVA149; Synergism