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Ultra-Long-Acting β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists

An Emerging Therapeutic Option for Asthma and COPD?

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Abstract

There has been a real interest recently in developing once-daily β2-adrenoceptor agonists (ultra-long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists [ultra-LABAs]) for treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in an attempt to simplify their management, although an increasing amount of convincing data show an association of LABAs with a rise in asthma-related deaths and life-threatening experiences. This paper reviews the effects of different ultra-LABAs that are at varying stages of development. Arformoterol, carmoterol, indacaterol and GSK-159797 are ultra-LABAs that are likely to be introduced into the market before 2010. It is plausible that once-daily dose administration of an LABA will lead to increased convenience for patients, which may also lead to enhancement of adherence, and may have advantages leading to improved overall clinical outcomes in patients with asthma and COPD.

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Notes

  1. The use of tradenames is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.

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Acknowledgements

Professor Matera has received honoraria for consulting and/or financial support for attending meetings from Altana, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, Novartis and Pfizer. Professor Cazzola has received honoraria for speaking and consulting and/or financial support for attending meetings from Altana, AstraZeneca, Aventis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Dey, GSK, Meda, Menarini Farmaceutici, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanovel and Valeas, and is a member of the speaker bureau of Novartis. No funding has been provided for this article.

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Matera, M.G., Cazzola, M. Ultra-Long-Acting β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists. Drugs 67, 503–515 (2007). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200767040-00002

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