title: Inhaled beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate extrafine fixed combination for the treatment of asthma.
abstract: Inhaled therapy is often considered the cornerstone of asthma management and international guidelines recommend combination therapy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting-beta2-agonists (LABA) in a large proportion of asthmatic patients. The effectiveness of ICS/LABA is dependent on the correct choice of device and proper inhalation technique, this influences drug delivery and distribution along the bronchial tree, including the most peripheral airways. The fixed combination of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate (BDP/FF) is the only extrafine formulation available in pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) and in dry powder inhaler (DPI). Here, we focus on the recent significant advances regarding BDP/FF fixed combination for the treatment of asthma.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit , University of Parma , Parma , Italy.
authors.forename: Ernesto
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Crisafulli
authors.affiliation: b Division of Internal and Respiratory Medicine , Malcantonese Hospital, Giuseppe Rossi Foundation , Castelrotto , Switzerland.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zanini
authors.affiliation: c Paediatrics Department, Cystic Fibrosis Unit , University Hospital , Parma , Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pisi
authors.affiliation: d Allergy and Immunology Unit , Salvatore Maugeri Foundation (IRCCS) , Pavia , Italy.
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pignatti
authors.affiliation: e Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A ., Parma , Italy.
authors.forename: Gianluigi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Poli
authors.affiliation: e Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A ., Parma , Italy.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scuri
authors.affiliation: a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit , University of Parma , Parma , Italy.
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chetta
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D058995:Dry Powder Inhalers; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D036501:Metered Dose Inhalers; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D001507:Beclomethasone; D000068759:Formoterol Fumarate
keywords: Asthma; DPI; beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate; extrafine; fixed combination; inflammation; pMDI; small airways