Boehringer Ingelheim has launched a new chronic obstructive pulmonary disease drug, Striverdi in the UK and Ireland.
Striverdi (olodaterol) is the second molecule to be licenced for delivery via the company’s Respimat Soft Mist inhaler, following the COPD blockbuster Spiriva (tiotropium). The drug was approved in Europe in November based on results from a Phase III programme that included more than 3,000 patients with moderate to very severe disease.
Data has demonstrated that Striverdi, a once-daily long-acting beta2 agonist, significantly improved lung function versus placebo and is comparable to improvements shown with the older LABA formoterol. The NHS price for the drug is £26.35 for a 30-day supply.
Boehringer cited Richard Russell at Wexham Park Hospital as saying that the licensing of Stirverdi will be welcomed by clinicians as it provides another option. He added that the trial results showing improvements in lung function “are particularly impressive considering the study design, which allowed participants to continue their usual treatment regimen. This reflects more closely the real-world patient population”.
Significantly, the company is also developing olodaterol in combination with Spiriva, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist. LAMA/LABA combinations provide the convenience of delivering the two major bronchodilator classes.
