The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of a 250-mcg dose of roflumilast for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for 4 weeks, followed by the use of 500-mcg therapeutic doses, according to a statement from the drug’s marketer, AstraZeneca.
The larger doses of roflumilast (Daliresp) are currently indicated for reducing the risk of COPD exacerbations in patients with severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations, according to the statement. The selective phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, roflumilast, was approved for this use in 500-mcg doses in 2011. The new smaller doses of the drug are being offered to help reduce the rate of treatment discontinuation with use of the higher therapeutic dosing. The 250-mcg doses of roflumilast are not to be used as treatment for COPD.
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“As the only once-daily tablet to provide enhanced protection against COPD exacerbations when added to current bronchodilator therapy, this is an important new dosing option to help patients start and stay on treatment. Exacerbations are associated with hospitalizations and an accelerated decline in lung function, and these patients living with COPD need effective treatment options,” Tosh Butt, vice president, respiratory, at AstraZeneca, said in the press release.
The approval of use of the 250-mcg doses was based on data from the OPTIMIZE study (Evaluation of Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of Roflumilast trial, 250 mcg and 500 mcg, as an add-on to Standard COPD Treatment to Treat Severe COPD), according to the statement.
Over 12 weeks, the percentage of patients stopping treatment was significantly lower in those first given 250 mcg of roflumilast daily for 4 weeks, followed by 500 mcg once a week for 8 weeks (18.4%), compared with those given 500 mcg of roflumilast daily for 12 weeks (24.6%; odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.93; P = .017).
In eight controlled clinical trials, the most common adverse effects were diarrhea, weight loss, nausea, headache, back pain, influenza, insomnia, dizziness, and decreased appetite.