The Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Tolerability of Aclidinium Bromide 400 μg Administered by Inhalation as Single and Multiple (Twice Daily) Doses in Healthy Chinese Participants

Purpose

To date, aclidinium pharmacokinetic (PK) studies have focused on Caucasian populations, and no data are available for Chinese populations. We aimed to characterize the PK and safety profile of aclidinium and its metabolites (LAS34823 and LAS34850) following single and multiple (twice-daily; BID) dosing in healthy Chinese participants, and to compare PK data between Chinese and Caucasian populations.

Materials and methods

In this Phase I, open-label study (NCT03276052), healthy participants from a single site in China received aclidinium bromide 400 µg via a dry powder inhaler. The Day 1 single dose was followed by a washout period of 96 hours. On Days 5 through 8, participants received BID doses.

Results

Twenty healthy Chinese participants, aged 18-45 years, were enrolled. Aclidinium absorption was rapid (median time to maximum concentration [tmax] 0.08 hours post-dose following single/multiple doses). LAS34823 had a similar median tmax of 0.08 hours, whereas LAS34850 tmax occurred later (median 2.50-3.00 hours). Aclidinium, LAS34823, and LAS34850 concentrations declined in a bi-phasic manner; geometric mean half-life was 13.5 hours (single dosing) and 21.4 hours (multiple dosing), while steady state was generally achieved after 5 days' continuous dosing. Area under the concentration-time curve during a dosage interval (AUCτ) metabolite to parent ratios for LAS34823 were 2.6 (Day 1) and 2.9 (Day 9), while LAS34850 had ratios of 136.0 and 94.8, respectively. Aclidinium accumulation occurred after 5 days of BID dosing (LS mean accumulation ratio for AUCτ Day 9/Day 1: 214.1% [90% CI, 176.5, 259.6]); LAS34823 accumulation was similar, while LAS34850 accumulation was lower. Between-participant exposure variability was moderate to high for aclidinium and LAS34823, and low for LAS34850.

Conclusion

Single and multiple doses of aclidinium were well tolerated in healthy Chinese participants. The safety profile of and exposure to aclidinium was consistent with previous studies conducted in Caucasian populations.

Is it preferable to administer a bronchodilator once- or twice-daily when treating COPD?

Nocturnal and early morning symptoms are common and uncomfortable in many patients with COPD, and are likely to affect their long-term outcomes. However, it is still debated whether it is better to give long-acting bronchodilators once- or twice-daily to symptomatic COPD patients. The functional link between circadian rhythms of autonomic tone and airway calibre explains why the timing of administration of bronchodilators in chronic airway diseases can induce different effects when taken at different biological (circadian) times. However, the timing also depends on the pharmacological characteristics of the bronchodilator to be used. Because the profile of bronchodilation produced by once-daily vs. twice-daily long-acting bronchodilators differs throughout 24 h, selecting long-acting bronchodilators may be customized to specific patient preferences based on the need for further bronchodilation in the evening. This is especially helpful for people who experience respiratory symptoms at night or early morning. Compared to placebo, evening bronchodilator administration is consistently linked with persistent overnight improvements in dynamic respiratory mechanics and inspiratory neural drive. The current evidence indicates that nocturnal and early morning symptoms control is best handled by a LAMA taken in the evening. In contrast, it seems preferable to use a LABA for daytime symptoms. Therefore, it can be speculated that combining a LAMA with a LABA can improve bronchodilation and control symptoms better. Both LAMA and LABA must be rapid in their onset of action. Aclidinium/formoterol, a twice-daily combination, is the most studies of the available LAMA/LABA combinations in terms of impact on daytime and nocturnal symptoms.

Cough as an adverse effect on inhalation pharmaceutical products

Cough is an adverse effect that may hinder the delivery of drugs into the lungs. Chemical or mechanical stimulants activate the transient receptor potential in some airway afferent nerves (C-fibres or A-fibres) to trigger cough. Types of inhaler device and drug, dose, excipients and formulation characteristics, including pH, tonicity, aerosol output and particle size may trigger cough by stimulating the cough receptors. Release of inflammatory mediators may increase the sensitivity of the cough receptors to stimulants. The cough-provoking effect of aerosols is enhanced by bronchoconstriction in diseased airways and reduces drug deposition in the target pulmonary regions. In this article, we review the factors by which inhalation products may cause cough.

Deterioration of Nighttime Respiratory Mechanics in COPD: Impact of Bronchodilator Therapy

BACKGROUND

COPD is associated with nighttime respiratory symptoms, poor sleep quality, and increased risk of nocturnal death. Overnight deterioration of inspiratory capacity (IC) and FEV₁ have been documented previously. However, the precise nature of this deterioration and mechanisms by which evening bronchodilation may mitigate this occurrence have not been studied.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the effect of evening dosing of dual, long-acting bronchodilation on detailed nocturnal respiratory mechanics and inspiratory neural drive (IND)?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study assessed the effects of evening long-acting bronchodilation (aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate: 400/12 μg) or placebo on morning trough IC (12 h after the dose; primary outcome) and serial overnight measurements of spirometry, dynamic respiratory mechanics, and IND (secondary outcomes). Twenty participants with COPD (moderate/severe airway obstruction and lung hyperinflation) underwent serial measurements of IC, spirometry, breathing pattern, esophageal and transdiaphragmatic pressures, and diaphragm electromyography (diaphragmatic electromyography as a percentage of maximum; IND) at 6 time points from 0 to 12 h after the dose and compared with sleeping IND.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, evening bronchodilation was not associated with increased morning trough IC 12 h after the dose (P = .48); however, nadir IC (lowest IC, independent of time), peak IC, area under the curve for 12 h after the dose, and IC for 10 h after the dose were improved (P < .05). During placebo, total airways resistance, lung hyperinflation, IND, and tidal esophageal and transdiaphragmatic pressure swings all increased significantly overnight compared with baseline evening values; however, each of these parameters improved with bronchodilator treatment (P < .05) with no change in ventilation or breathing pattern.

INTERPRETATION

Respiratory mechanics significantly deteriorated at night during placebo. Although the morning trough IC was unchanged, evening bronchodilator treatment was associated consistently with sustained overnight improvements in dynamic respiratory mechanics and inspiratory neural drive compared with placebo CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02429765.

The discovery and development of aclidinium bromide for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

INTRODUCTION

Bronchodilators, including long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists (LAMAs), are a mainstay of the pharmacological treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). LAMAs act as bronchodilators principally by antagonizing airway smooth muscle cells M₃ muscarinic receptors. Aclidinium bromide is a twice-daily LAMA which was developed to improve on the efficacy and/or safety of previous LAMAs. Area covered: Herein, the authors present the pharmacotherapeutic role of aclidinium in COPD and point out unmet need in this research area. The following aspects are covered: a) the discovery and medicinal chemistry of aclidinium bromide; b) an overview of the market; c) its mechanism of action; d) its pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile derived from pre-clinical studies; e) the clinical studies which led to its licensing; f) the evidence from meta-analyses; g) the aclidinium/formoterol fixed dose combination for COPD and h) priorities in this area of research. Expert opinion: Aclidinium bromide has the pharmacological properties, safety and efficacy profile and inhaler characteristics which makes it a valuable therapeutic option for pharmacological management of patients with COPD. Due to its rapid biotransformation into inactive metabolites, aclidinium is potentially one of the safest LAMAs. Further head-to-head randomized clinical trials are required to define efficacy and safety of aclidinium when compared to once-daily LAMAs. The clinical relevance of airway anti-remodeling effects of aclidinium has to be defined.

The safety of anticholinergic bronchodilators for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

INTRODUCTION

Poorly absorbable quaternary ammonium-inhaled muscarinic antagonists both as the short-acting ipratropium and as long-acting (12 - 24 h) agents (tiotropium, glycopyrronium, aclidinium and umeclidinium) have all demonstrated statistically and clinically significant efficacy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared with placebo. However, controversy has arisen concerning the safety of this class of agents principally regarding their association with both fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular toxicity.

AREAS COVERED

The safety of both ipratropium and the long-acting muscarinic antagonists is reviewed with a major emphasis on potential cardiovascular toxicity, based on published clinical trials data and results of analyses of pooled data, meta-analyses, and observational studies. Since glycopyrronium, aclidinium, and umeclidinium have become available only relatively recently, more emphasis will be placed on the more extensive literature concerning the safety of the older anticholinergic compounds, the short-acting ipratropium, and the long-acting tiotropium in its dry powder formulation, as well as its newer soft mist inhaler delivery device.

EXPERT OPINION

Pooled analyses and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of tiotropium in both its dry powder and soft mist formulations, as well as some observational studies, have implicated this agent as increasing the risk of nonfatal and fatal cardiovascular events. However, the most robust evidence based on large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of relatively long duration specifically designed to evaluate the cardiovascular safety of tiotropium have not confirmed these safety concerns. Because of the relatively limited amount of safety data for the newer long-acting muscarinic antagonists compared to the far more extensive experience with tiotropium, it will be important to accumulate additional safety information from post-marketing pharmacovigilance for these newer agents.

Efficacy and safety of aclidinium bromide in patients with COPD: A phase 3 randomized clinical trial in a Korean population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Aclidinium bromide ('aclidinium') is a novel, inhaled long-acting muscarinic antagonist. Therapeutic effects of aclidinium on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been demonstrated in Caucasian populations in several clinical trials. This was a randomized, double-blind, multi-centre phase-3 clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aclidinium in a Korean population.

METHODS

A total of 263 Korean patients with moderate-to-severe COPD were randomized to receive aclidinium (400 μg, bd) (Genuai) or placebo via a dry-powder inhaler. The primary end point was change in trough forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 ) at 12 weeks. Other lung function measurements, COPD exacerbation, health status (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), dyspnoea (Transition Dyspnea Index (TDI) and safety were assessed throughout the study period.

RESULTS

A significant improvement in trough FEV1 from baseline was shown with aclidinium compared with the placebo (0.126 L, P < 0.0001). Significant improvements were also demonstrated in peak FEV1 (0.190 L, P < 0.0001), SGRQ and TDI. Furthermore, aclidinium significantly reduced the prevalence of exacerbations (aclidinium, 5.4%; placebo, 15.6%, P < 0.05), and the duration of exacerbations was shorter compared with placebo (rate ratio: 0.27; P < 0.05). Aclidinium (400 μg) was well tolerated and the prevalence of adverse events was comparable with the placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhaled aclidinium (400 μg) was shown to be safe and efficacious in Korean patients with moderate-to-severe COPD.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01636401 at Clinicaltrials.gov.

Pharmacokinetics of aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate fixed-dose combination compared with individual components: A phase 1, open-label, single-dose study

Inhaled, long-acting bronchodilators represent a cornerstone of maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate 400/12 μg fixed-dose combination (FDC) has recently been licensed for use in adults with COPD in the European Union. This phase 1, randomized, open-label, 3-way, complete crossover, single-dose study assessed the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of an FDC, aclidinium bromide 400 μg, and formoterol fumarate 12 μg, all administered via Genuair™ to 30 healthy subjects. The rate and extent of absorption were comparable for aclidinium/formoterol FDC and individual monotherapies; aclidinium/formoterol FDC and aclidinium alone: Cmax , 270 and 215 pg/mL, respectively; AUC0-t , 229 and 222 pg · h/mL, respectively; aclidinium/formoterol FDC and formoterol alone: Cmax , 11 and 9.3 pg/mL, respectively; AUC, 36 and 32.4 pg · h/mL, respectively. There were no major differences in relative bioavailability between the combination and monotherapies: the aclidinium Cmax and AUC0-t were 26% and 3% higher, respectively, with aclidinium/formoterol FDC compared with aclidinium alone, and 18% and 11% higher, respectively, compared with formoterol alone. Aclidinium/formoterol FDC was well tolerated; the incidence of adverse events was low and similar to the monotherapies. Aclidinium/formoterol FDC was not associated with any major differences in rate and extent of absorption or relative bioavailability compared with monotherapies.

Clinical potential of aclidinium bromide in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Three long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) are now available in Europe, providing clinicians and patients with a choice of interventions, which is important in COPD, which is clinically a heterogeneous disease. The first LAMA, tiotropium, has been widely used over the last decade as a once-daily maintenance therapy in stable COPD to improve patients' health-related quality of life and to reduce the risk of exacerbations. Administered via the HandiHaler(®) device, it is safe and well tolerated. Another new once-daily LAMA, glycopyrronium, has also been shown to improve health status and reduce exacerbations, and is well tolerated. The subject of this review is a third LAMA, aclidinium bromide, which was approved as a twice-daily maintenance bronchodilator treatment. In the pivotal Phase III clinical trials, patients receiving aclidinium achieved significantly greater improvements in lung function, reductions in breathlessness, and improvements in health status compared with placebo, for up to 24 weeks. In continuation studies, these improvements were sustained for up to 52 weeks. Pooled data showed exacerbation frequency was significantly reduced with aclidinium versus placebo. Preclinical and pharmacological studies demonstrating low systemic bioavailability and a low propensity to induce cardiac arrhythmias were translated into a favorable tolerability profile in the clinical trial program - the adverse event profile of aclidinium was similar to placebo, with a low incidence of anticholinergic and cardiac adverse events. While additional studies are needed to evaluate its full clinical potential, aclidinium is an important part of this recent expansion of LAMA therapeutic options, providing clinicians and patients with an effective and well-tolerated COPD treatment.

The role of aclidinium bromide in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

INTRODUCTION

Inhaled bronchodilators remain a cornerstone of treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); current guidelines recommend initiating inhaled bronchodilators as either monotherapy or combination therapy depending on disease severity and exacerbation risk to improve air flow and reduce breathlessness. Aclidinium bromide is a twice-daily, long-acting muscarinic antagonist recently approved in the United States and Europe and carries significant promise as an alternative long-acting inhaled antimuscarinic agent for the treatment of moderate-to-severe COPD.

OBJECTIVE

This review describes the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of aclidinium bromide.

DISCUSSION

Clinical trials have demonstrated improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1 second, nighttime symptom control, disease-related quality of life, and delay in time to first COPD exacerbation with aclidinium use compared with placebo. Commonly reported adverse effects include headache, nasopharyngitis, and cough. One trial reported narrow-angle glaucoma; however, no other serious adverse events have been reported to date.

CONCLUSION

Overall, aclidinium bromide has been found to be safe and effective for the treatment of moderate-to-severe COPD. Further clinical trials comparing aclidinium bromide to standard therapies are needed to fully elucidate its role in the treatment of COPD.

Aclidinium bromide for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Bronchodilators are the mainstay for symptom relief in the management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Aclidinium bromide is a new long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that differs from tiotropium by its higher selectivity for M3 muscarinic receptors with a faster onset of action. However, the duration of action of aclidinium is shorter than for tiotropium. It has been approved as maintenance therapy for stable, moderate to severe COPD, but its efficacy and safety in the management of COPD is uncertain compared to other bronchodilators.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of aclidinium bromide in stable COPD.

SEARCH METHODS

We identified randomised controlled trials (RCT) from the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register of trials (CAGR), as well as www.clinicaltrials.gov, World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website and Almirall Clinical Trials Registry and Results. We contacted Forest Laboratories for any unpublished trials and checked the reference lists of identified articles for additional information. The last search was performed on 7 April 2014 for CAGR and 11 April 2014 for other sources.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Parallel-group RCTs of aclidinium bromide compared with placebo, long-acting beta2-agonists (LABA) or LAMA in adults with stable COPD.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted data. We sought missing data from the trial authors as well as manufacturers of aclidinium. We used odds ratios (OR) for dichotomous data and mean difference (MD) for continuous data, and reported both with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. We applied the GRADE approach to summarise results and to assess the overall quality of evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

This review included 12 multicentre RCTs randomly assigning 9547 participants with stable COPD. All the studies were industry-sponsored and had similar inclusion criteria with relatively good methodological quality. All but one study included in the meta-analysis were double-blind and scored low risk of bias. The study duration ranged from four weeks to 52 weeks. Participants were more often males, mainly Caucasians, mean age ranging from 61.7 to 65.6 years, and with a smoking history of 10 or more pack years. They had moderate to severe symptoms at randomisation; the mean post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was between 46% and 57.6% of the predicted normal value, and the mean St George's Respiratory Questionnaire score (SGRQ) ranged from 45.1 to 50.4 when reported.There was no difference between aclidinium and placebo in all-cause mortality (low quality) and number of patients with exacerbations requiring a short course of oral steroids or antibiotics, or both (moderate quality). Aclidinium improved quality of life by lowering the SGRQ total score with a mean difference of -2.34 (95% CI -3.18 to -1.51; I(2) = 48%, 7 trials, 4442 participants) when compared to placebo. More patients on aclidinium achieved a clinically meaningful improvement of at least four units decrease in SGRQ total score (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.31 to 1.70; I(2) = 34%; number needed to treat (NNT) = 10, 95% CI 8 to 15, high quality evidence) over 12 to 52 weeks than on placebo. Aclidinium also resulted in a significantly greater improvement in pre-dose FEV1 than placebo with a mean difference of 0.09 L (95% CI 0.08 to 0.10; I(2) = 39%, 9 trials, 4963 participants). No trials assessed functional capacity. Aclidinium reduced the number of patients with exacerbations requiring hospitalisation by 4 to 20 fewer per 1000 over 4 to 52 weeks (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.46 to 0.88; I(2) = 0%, 10 trials, 5624 people; NNT = 77, 95% CI 51 to 233, high quality evidence) compared to placebo. There was no difference in non-fatal serious adverse events (moderate quality evidence) between aclidinium and placebo.Compared to tiotropium, aclidinium did not demonstrate significant differences for exacerbations requiring oral steroids or antibiotics, or both, exacerbation-related hospitalisations and non-fatal serious adverse events (very low quality evidence). Inadequate data prevented the comparison of aclidinium to formoterol or other LABAs.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Aclidinium is associated with improved quality of life and reduced hospitalisations due to severe exacerbations in patients with moderate to severe stable COPD compared to placebo. Overall, aclidinium did not significantly reduce mortality, serious adverse events or exacerbations requiring oral steroids or antibiotics, or both.Currently, the available data are insufficient and of very low quality in comparisons of the efficacy of aclidinium versus tiotropium. The efficacy of aclidinium versus LABAs cannot be assessed due to inaccurate data. Thus additional trials are recommended to assess the efficacy and safety of aclidinium compared to other LAMAs or LABAs.

Long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists for the treatment of chronic airway diseases

Acetylcholine (neuronal and non-neuronal origin) regulates bronchoconstriction, and mucus secretion. It has an inflammatory effect by inducing attraction, survival and cytokine release from inflammatory cells. Muscarinic receptors throughout the bronchial tree are mainly restricted to muscarinic M1, M2 and M3 receptors. Three long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists (LAMAs) were approved for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Europe: once-daily tiotropium bromide; once-daily glycopyrronium bromide; and twice-daily aclidinium bromide. All have higher selectivity for M3 receptors than for M2 receptors, and dissociate more slowly from the M3 receptors than they do from the M2 receptors. Some LAMAs showed anti-inflammatory effects [inhibition of neutrophil chemotactic activity and migration of alveolar neutrophils, decrease of several cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) including interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and leukotriene (LT)B4] and antiremodeling effects (inhibition of mucus gland hypertrophy and decrease in MUC5AC-positive goblet cell number, decrease in MUC5AC overexpression). In the clinic, LAMAs showed a significant improvement of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), quality of life, dyspnea and reduced the number of exacerbations in COPD and more recently in asthma. This review will focus on the three LAMAs approved in Europe in the treatment of chronic airway diseases.

Long-term safety and efficacy of twice-daily aclidinium bromide in patients with COPD

BACKGROUND

Aclidinium is a novel, long-acting muscarinic antagonist indicated for maintenance treatment of COPD.

METHODS

In this 52-week, parallel-group, double-blind study, patients with moderate-to-severe COPD were randomized (1:1) to receive aclidinium twice-daily (BID) 200 μg or 400 μg via a novel, dry powder inhaler (Genuair(®)/Pressair(®)) [Registered trademarks of Almirall, SA, Barcelona, Spain for use within the European Union, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland as Genuair(®) and within the United States as Pressair(®)]. Safety, the primary objective, was assessed via adverse events (AEs), clinical laboratory tests, vital signs, and 12-lead electrocardiograms. Efficacy was evaluated using spirometry, SGRQ, and rescue medication use.

RESULTS

A total of 605 patients were randomized in the study. The percentage of patients reporting any treatment-emergent AE (TEAE) was comparable between groups; most TEAEs were mild or moderate. Anticholinergic TEAEs were reported by low percentages of patients in either treatment group (dry mouth: 200 μg, 1.3%; 400 μg, 2.7%; constipation: 200 μg, 2.9%; 400 μg, 1.7%). Cardiac TEAEs were also reported by a low percentage of patients (<2% for any event in any group) and did not appear to be dose dependent. There were no clinically relevant abnormalities in other safety outcomes. Both aclidinium 200 μg and 400 μg resulted in improvements from baseline to Week 52 in FEV1, with numerically greater increases observed with the higher dose. Clinically important improvements in SGRQ scores and a reduction in rescue medication use were observed throughout the study for both doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term treatment with aclidinium 200 μg or 400 μg BID was well tolerated, with sustained benefits in lung function and health status in patients with COPD throughout the 1-year study.

Aclidinium bromide: an alternative long-acting inhaled anticholinergic in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of aclidinium bromide, a novel, long-acting inhaled muscarinic receptor antagonist approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2012, as a treatment in the management of moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

DATA SOURCES

Literature was identified through PubMed/MEDLINE (2000-March 2013) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts using the search terms aclidinium, COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, anticholinergic, and muscarinic antagonist. In addition, US government websites, including fda.gov and clinicaltrials.gov, were reviewed for pertinent information. Forest Laboratories, Inc provided previously unpublished clinical trial data. All reference citations from identified publications were reviewed for possible inclusion.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

All identified Phase 1, 2a, 2b, and 3 studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of aclidinium bromide were reviewed.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Once- and twice-daily aclidinium bromide was assessed for efficacy and safety in patients with moderate to severe COPD. In comparison to placebo, aclidinium significantly improves trough and peak forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Significant increases in trough and peak FEV1 were sustainable for up to 64 weeks. In addition to improvement in trough and peak FEV1, twice-daily aclidinium 400 μg induced clinically meaningful improvements in the health status of patients with moderate to severe COPD. Aclidinium was generally well tolerated, with headache, cough, diarrhea, and nasopharyngitis the most common treatment-related adverse effects noted in clinical trials. Aclidinium did not demonstrate a difference in the incidence of systemic anticholinergic-associated adverse effects in comparison to placebo or active comparator.

CONCLUSIONS

Aclidinium bromide is a novel, inhaled, long-acting anticholinergic that, when administered at the FDA-approved dose, safely produces clinically and statistically significant bronchodilation and improves health status in patients with moderate to severe COPD. Long-term clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of aclidinium are warranted.

One-year extension study of ACCORD COPD I: safety and efficacy of two doses of twice-daily aclidinium bromide in patients with COPD

This was a 52-week, double-blind, extension study in which COPD patients previously treated with twice-daily (BID) aclidinium bromide 200 μg or 400 μg during a 12-week lead-in study (ACCORD COPD I) continued the same treatment, while patients previously receiving placebo were rerandomized (1:1) to aclidinium 200 μg or 400 μg BID. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term safety and tolerability of aclidinium treatment. Efficacy outcomes included bronchodilation, health status, and rescue medication use. A total of 467 patients completed the lead-in study and 291 patients consented to participate in the extension. At study end, the percentages of patients who reported a treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) were similar for both treatments (200 μg, 77.4%; 400 μg, 73.7%). Incidence of anticholinergic TEAEs was low and similar for both treatments, with dry mouth reported in only 1 patient (400 μg). Cardiac TEAEs were reported by a similarly low percentage of patients (<5% for any event in any group) with no apparent dose dependence. Improvements from baseline in lung function were greatest for patients who received continuous aclidinium treatment and those who were rerandomized from placebo to aclidinium 400 μg; these improvements were generally sustained throughout the study. Health status and overall rescue medication use was improved from baseline for both treatments. The safety profile of twice-daily aclidinium and sustained improvements in lung function and health status throughout the 52-week extension study support its use as a long-term maintenance treatment for patients with COPD. (Clinical trial registration number NCT00970268).

Aclidinium bromide for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

INTRODUCTION

Although there are some challenges with current therapies, the growing evidence that tiotropium bromide is important in the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has led to enthusiastic investigation in search of novel muscarinic antagonists which share some of the beneficial characteristics of tiotropium and perhaps improve upon less desirable ones.

AREAS COVERED

Aclidinium bromide is a new muscarinic antagonist that has been developed to relieve symptoms in patients with COPD. Preclinical data showed that it has an intriguing pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile. Aclidinium bromide was initially assessed as a once-daily bronchodilator. Subsequently, it has been evaluated as a twice-daily agent to increase the size of the clinical effect. Pivotal Phase III trials have documented that aclidinium bromide 400 μg twice-daily shows clinically meaningful effects in lung function and other important supportive outcomes, such as health-related quality of life, dyspnea and night-time/early morning symptoms, and is safe.

EXPERT OPINION

Aclidinium bromide can to be used as an alternative to tiotropium or a long-acting β₂-agonist. It is likely that the device used to deliver aclidinium, Genuair inhaler, a novel, multidose and a breath-actuated dry powder inhaler (DPI), will be important for the possible success of this drug. However, additional Phase III trials to assess advantages over tiotropium bromide and long-acting β₂-agonists are required to allow the place of aclidinium bromide to be fully elucidated.

Aclidinium bromide twice daily for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review

The inhaled, long-acting muscarinic antagonist, aclidinium bromide, was indicated in July 2012 in Europe and the USA for the maintenance of bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Although initially investigated as a once-daily agent, a lower than expected improvement in trough forced expiratory volume over 1 s prompted re-evaluation as a twice-daily (b.i.d.) regimen. The dose approved for use in Europe, 400 μg b.i.d., achieved statistically significant improvements in lung function, reductions in breathlessness, and improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for up to 24 weeks of treatment in the pivotal phase 3 trials (AClidinium in Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Disease I [ACCORD COPD I] [12 weeks] and Aclidinium To Treat Airway obstruction In COPD patieNts [ATTAIN] [24 weeks]). These improvements were sustained during maintenance therapy of up to 52 weeks. Pooled data from the ATTAIN and ACCORD studies (both included a placebo arm) showed that exacerbation frequency was significantly reduced, although neither study was prospectively designed to evaluate this endpoint. Pharmacological and preclinical studies demonstrated the low systemic bioavailability of aclidinium and the low propensity to induce cardiac arrhythmias. The good tolerability of aclidinium was confirmed in the phase 3 program up to 52 weeks of treatment. The adverse event (AE) profile of the approved dose, 400 μg b.i.d., was similar to that of placebo, with a low incidence of anticholinergic and cardiac AEs. Aclidinium is delivered via the Genuair(®) multidose dry powder inhaler (Almirall Sofotec GmBH, Bad Homburg, Germany). The device is simple to use with multiple feedback mechanisms ensuring consistent dose delivery. In summary, aclidinium 400 μg b.i.d. is effective for the treatment of patients with COPD, offering improvements in lung function, breathlessness, and HRQoL, with a good safety profile and a low incidence of anticholinergic and cardiac AEs.

Long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists for the treatment of respiratory disease

The use of muscarinic receptor antagonists in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is well established. More recently, the potential for long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists (LAMAs) in the treatment of asthma has also been investigated. While LAMAs offer advantages over short-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists, in terms of a reduced dosing frequency, there remains a need for therapies that improve symptom control throughout both the day and night, provide better management of exacerbations and deliver improved health-related quality of life. Furthermore, the potential for unwanted anticholinergic side effects, particularly cardiovascular effects, remains a concern for this class of compounds. Novel LAMAs in clinical development for the treatment of respiratory disease include: aclidinium bromide, NVA237 (glycopyrronium bromide), GP-MDI, EP-101, CHF-5259, umeclidinium bromide, CHF-5407, TD-4208, AZD8683 and V-0162. These compounds offer potential advantages in terms of onset of action, symptom control and safety. In addition, a number of LAMAs are also being developed as combination treatments with long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) or inhaled glucocorticosteroids, potentially important treatment options for patients who require combination therapy to achieve an optimal therapeutic response as their disease progresses. More recently, compounds such as GSK961081 and THRX-198321 have been identified that combine LAMA and LABA activity in the same molecule, and have the potential to offer the benefits of combination therapy in a single compound. Here, we review novel LAMAs and dual action compounds in clinical development, with a particular focus on how they may address the current unmet clinical needs in the treatment of respiratory disease, particularly COPD.

The potential for aclidinium bromide, a new anticholinergic, in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) play a central role in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Previously, only one LAMA (tiotropium) was available for the treatment of COPD, necessitating the development of other therapeutic options due to the heterogeneity of COPD and patient responses to treatment. This article reviews the COPD management potential of aclidinium bromide, a LAMA administered twice daily (BID) by a multidose dry powder inhaler that is indicated for maintenance treatment of COPD. Aclidinium possesses kinetic selectivity for the M3 versus M2 receptor and is rapidly hydrolyzed in plasma to two major inactive metabolites, resulting in a low and transient systemic exposure and minimizing the potential for systemic side effects. A pharmacokinetic study with multiple doses of twice-daily aclidinium demonstrated the short half-life of aclidinium in plasma, suggesting that a steady state may be reached as early as the second day postdose. In a phase II study, twice-daily aclidinium 400 µg provided 24-hour bronchodilation, with significant improvements versus tiotropium during the second half of the day. In two phase III studies (ACCORD I and ATTAIN), both aclidinium 200 µg and 400 µg BID provided statistically significant improvements in trough forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and other related lung function measurements. Improvements in peak FEV1 on day 1 were comparable to those at study end, demonstrating that aclidinium provides maximal bronchodilation after the first dose that is maintained over time. Health status was significantly improved and dyspnea, nighttime and morning symptoms of COPD were likewise significantly reduced with aclidinium. Numerically greater improvements in efficacy were observed with the 400 µg dose compared with the lower dose, with similar safety profiles between the two doses and a low incidence of anticholinergic side effects. The approved therapeutic dose of aclidinium 400 µg BID is thus an effective new treatment option for patients with COPD.

The Genuair® inhaler: a novel, multidose dry powder inhaler

This article reviews the Genuair(®) inhaler, a novel, multidose, breath-actuated dry powder inhaler. The inhaler design includes visual and acoustic feedback to reassure patients that they have taken their medication correctly, a dose indicator and a lock-out mechanism to prevent the use of an empty inhaler. The inhaler has medium airflow resistance and uses an optimised dispersion system to ensure effective deagglomeration of the inhalation powder. In vitro studies have demonstrated that the inhaler delivers a reproducible aerodynamic aerosol quality and is reliable under various thermal and mechanical stress conditions. Further studies in vitro have demonstrated that the total emitted dose and fine particle dose are both consistent over a range of inhalation flows from 45 to 95 l/min, as well as being independent of inhalation volume (2 l vs. 4 l) and storage conditions. In healthy subjects, delivery of aclidinium bromide 200 μg via the inhaler achieved high lung deposition (approximately 30% of the metered dose). A further study has shown that patients with moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can generate sufficient inspiratory airflow through the inhaler to reliably inhale the full dose and reset the inhaler. The inhaler has been used to deliver aclidinium in many clinical trials and the available data indicate that it has high acceptability amongst patients.

Mass balance and metabolism of aclidinium bromide following intravenous administration of [¹⁴C]-aclidinium bromide in healthy subjects

Aclidinium bromide is a novel, inhaled long-acting muscarinic antagonist with low systemic activity developed for the treatment of COPD. It is an ester compound rapidly hydrolysed in plasma into inactive alcohol and acid metabolites. In this Phase I, open-label study, the rates and routes of elimination of radioactivity following intravenous administration of [¹⁴C]-aclidinium bromide were determined. The metabolites of aclidinium were also characterized and identified in plasma and excreta. Twelve healthy males were randomized (1:1) to receive a single intravenous 400 µg dose of [phenyl-U-¹⁴C]- or [glycolyl-U-¹⁴C]-aclidinium bromide (via 5 min infusion) to label alcohol or acid metabolites of aclidinium, respectively. Safety and tolerability were assessed over a 9-day period. Following intravenous administration, the parent compound was rapidly hydrolysed into its acid and alcohol metabolites. Primary excretion routes for [phenyl-U-¹⁴C]- and [glycolyl-U-¹⁴C]-aclidinium were renal (urine: 65% and 54%, respectively; feces: 33% and 20%, respectively), with 1% excreted as unchanged aclidinium. A total of three treatment-emergent adverse events in two subjects were reported and were related to infusion site pain. Overall, aclidinium is rapidly hydrolysed into two main metabolites, which are predominantly excreted in urine. Aclidinium bromide 400 µg administered intravenously was safe and well tolerated in healthy subjects.

Efficacy and safety of a 12-week treatment with twice-daily aclidinium bromide in COPD patients (ACCORD COPD I)

BACKGROUND

This Phase III study evaluated the efficacy and safety of twice-daily aclidinium 200 μg and 400 μg versus placebo in the treatment of moderate-to-severe COPD.

METHODS

In this 12-week, double-blind, multicenter trial, patients were randomized (1:1:1) to inhaled twice-daily aclidinium 200 μg, aclidinium 400 μg, or placebo. Primary and secondary endpoints were changes from baseline in trough FEV₁ and peak FEV₁ at Week 12, respectively. Health status (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ]), COPD symptoms (Transitional Dyspnea Index [TDI], night and early morning symptoms), and safety were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 561 patients (mean age, 64 ± 9 years) with a mean baseline FEV₁ of 1.36 ± 0.54 L (47.2% of predicted value) were randomized. At Week 12, aclidinium 200 μg and 400 μg showed significant improvements from baseline in mean (95% CI) trough FEV₁ compared with placebo by 86 (45, 127) mL and 124 (83,164) mL, respectively, and in peak FEV₁ by 146 (101, 190) mL and 192 (148, 236) mL, respectively (p ≤ 0.0001 for all). Both aclidinium doses also provided significant improvements in SGRQ, TDI and almost all COPD symptom scores compared with placebo (p < 0.05 for all). Incidences of adverse events (AEs) were similar across treatment groups. The incidence of anticholinergic AEs was low and similar across groups (dry mouth: 0.5%-1.6%; constipation: 0%-1.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of moderate-to-severe COPD patients with twice-daily aclidinium 200 μg and 400 μg was associated with significant improvements in bronchodilation, health status, and COPD symptoms. Both doses were well tolerated and had safety profiles similar to placebo.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This ACCORD I study (AClidinium in Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Disease I) was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00891462) as "Efficacy and Safety of Aclidinium Bromide for Treatment of Moderate to Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)".

Aclidinium bromide, a novel long-acting muscarinic antagonist for COPD with improved preclinical renal and urinary safety profile

AIMS

Aclidinium bromide is a novel, long-acting, inhaled muscarinic antagonist currently in registration phase for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Since urinary difficulty and retention have been reported for anticholinergic agents such as tiotropium and ipratropium, it is important to examine the preclinical urinary and renal safety profile of aclidinium.

MAIN METHODS

The effect of aclidinium on urine and electrolyte excretion, renal function and voiding cystometry was analysed in conscious water-loaded Wistar rats (10-1000 μg/kg, s.c.), anaesthetised Beagle dogs (1000 μg/kg, i.v.) and anaesthetised guinea pigs (3-100μg/kg, intratracheally), respectively. Aclidinium plasma levels were determined in an independent study. Active comparators were tiotropium (all studies) and ipratropium (cystometry only).

KEY FINDINGS

Aclidinium 1000 μg/kg had no effect on urine excretion in rats, in contrast to tiotropium 100 μg/kg which significantly decreased this parameter (p<0.05). Aclidinium 1000 μg/kg also had no effect on renal function in Beagle dogs. In guinea pigs, aclidinium 3-100 μg/kg had no effect on urinary bladder function, whereas tiotropium and ipratropium 100 μg/kg decreased the peak micturition pressure (p<0.05), increased the volume of urine retained in the bladder (p<0.01) and showed a trend to decrease the volume of urine excreted.

SIGNIFICANCE

Aclidinium had no significant effect on urinary and renal function in the animal models studied. These results, together with the rapid plasma clearance of aclidinium reported previously, suggest a lower propensity to induce urinary retention in humans than tiotropium and ipratropium.

Profile of aclidinium bromide in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Bronchodilators provide the mainstay of pharmacologic therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and anticholinergic bronchodilators, in particular, appear to be the most effective. There are currently two anticholinergic agents available in the US for the treatment of COPD (ipratropium bromide and tiotropium bromide), but several others are in various stages of development. Aclidinium bromide, a novel, long-acting, anticholinergic bronchodilator, is currently in Phase III trials for the management of COPD. Available evidence suggests that aclidinium is a safe and well tolerated drug with a relatively rapid onset and a sufficient duration of action to provide once-daily dosing. This article will provide a pharmacologic profile of aclidinium bromide and review the preclinical and clinical studies evaluating its safety and efficacy in the treatment of COPD.

Efficacy of aclidinium bromide 400 μg twice daily compared with placebo and tiotropium in patients with moderate to severe COPD

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of aclidinium bromide bid, a novel, long-acting, muscarinic antagonist, was assessed in patients with moderate to severe COPD.

METHODS

In this phase IIa randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, crossover trial, patients with moderate to severe COPD received aclidinium 400 μg bid, tiotropium 8 μg once daily, and placebo for 15 days, with a 9- to 15-day washout between treatment periods. Treatments were administered through the Genuair or HandiHaler dry powder inhalers. The primary end point was mean change from baseline in FEV(1) AUC(0-12/12h) (area under the curve where the numbers represent the time period for which data were collected divided by the number of hours over which the data are averaged [eg, 0-12 h postdose divided by 12 h]) on day 15. Secondary end points were changes from baseline in FEV(1) AUC(12-24/12h), FEV(1) AUC(0-24/24h), morning predose FEV(1), peak FEV(1), and COPD symptom scores.

RESULTS

Thirty patients with COPD were randomized, and 27 completed the study. Mean change from baseline in FEV(1) AUC(0-12/12h) at day 15 was significantly greater for aclidinium and tiotropium over placebo (P < .0001). Mean changes from baseline in FEV(1) AUC(12-24/12h), FEV(1) AUC(0-24/24h), morning predose FEV(1), and peak FEV(1) at day 15 were significantly greater for aclidinium and tiotropium over placebo (P < .0001 for all except P < .001 for FEV(1) AUC(12-24/12h) tiotropium vs placebo). Improvements were significantly greater with aclidinium vs tiotropium on day 1 for all of the normalized AUC values of FEV(1) as well as on day 15 for FEV(1) AUC(12-24/12h) (P < .05 for all). COPD symptoms were significantly improved from baseline with aclidinium vs placebo (P < .05) but not with tiotropium.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with COPD, aclidinium 400 μg bid compared with placebo provided clinically meaningful improvements in 24-h bronchodilation that generally were comparable to tiotropium 18 μg daily but with significant differences in favor of aclidinium observed in the average nighttime period. Larger studies with longer treatment duration are ongoing to confirm the efficacy of aclidinium 400 μg bid on bronchodilation and COPD symptoms.

TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT00868231; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of aclidinium bromide, a muscarinic antagonist, in adults with normal or impaired renal function: A phase I, open-label, single-dose clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Aclidinium bromide is an inhaled, long-acting muscarinic antagonist currently in development for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Renal impairment may affect drug clearance.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, safety, and tolerability of aclidinium bromide and its metabolites in patients with normal and impaired renal function to determine whether dosing adjustments are required when renal dysfunction is present.

METHODS

This was a Phase I, open-label, single-center, single-dose clinical trial conducted in Munich, Germany. Adults with varying degrees of renal function were assigned to 4 groups (n = 6 for each) based on creatinine clearance, including normal renal function (>80 mL/ min), mild renal insufficiency (>50-≤80 mL/min), moderate renal insufficiency (>30-≤50 mL/min), and severe renal insufficiency (<30 mL/min). Single doses of aclidinium bromide 400 μg were administered using a multidose dry powder inhaler. Blood and urine samples were obtained before dosing and at various time points up to 48 hours after dosing to analyze the PK parameters of aclidinium bromide and its metabolites. Plasma PK Parameters were AUC₀₋(t), MJC₀₋(∞) C(max), T(max), t(½) CL/F and apparent volume of distribution during the terminal phase Xz; urinary parameters were the amount of aclidinium or acid or alcohol metabolite excreted in urine, the percentage of the dose excreted in urine (fe), and renal clearance (CL(R)). Tolerability was assessed using physical examination, vital signs, 12-lead ECG recordings, laboratory tests, and adverse-event (AE) reports. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the median PK values between the normal and impaired renal function groups. Pearson correlation coefficients and linear regression models were used to analyze the relationship between creatinine clearance and AUC₀₋(∞) and between creatinine clearance and CL(R) for aclidinium and its metabolites.

RESULTS

A total of 16 men and 8 women were included in the study. All participants were white; mean (SD) age was 55 (10.7) years and weight was 70.8 (9.2) kg. Aclidinium Cmax was observed in plasma by 5 minutes after dosing (ie, median Tmax) and did not differ significantly among the renal function groups. Plasma concentrations of aclidinium declined after reaching Cmax, with median t(½) values ranging from 2.07 to 4.18 hours across all renal function groups. Most of the individual t(½) values were between 1.5 and 3.5 hours, regardless of the degree of renal insufficiency. No significant relationship between AUC₀₋(∞)) and creatinine clearance was observed (Pearson correlation coefficient = -0.0446; P = NS). Urinary excretion of aclidinium was very low, with a mean 0.090% (median 0.078%) of the dose recovered from the urine in participants with normal renal function. Eight AEs were reported in 7 participants after drug administration; all were mild to moderate in severity and resolved spontaneously. There were no serious drug-related AEs and no deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

The plasma PK parameters of aclidinium bromide were not significantly altered after a single inhaled dose of aclidinium bromide 400 μg in this small group of patients with various degrees of impaired renal function. The very low urinary excretion of aclidinium in all renal function groups indicates that renal function plays a minor role in aclidinium plasma clearance. Aclidinium appeared well tolerated in the population studied. These results suggest that aclidinium dose adjustment on the basis of renal function may not be necessary.

An update on the efficacy and safety of aclidinium bromide in patients with COPD

Aclidinium is a potent and selective muscarinic antagonist, which interacts rapidly with muscarinic receptors and shows subnanomolar affinity for the five human muscarinic receptors (M(1)-M(5)); its association rate for the M(3) receptor is similar to that of ipratropium and 2.6 times faster than that of tiotropium. Aclidinium dissociates slightly faster from M(2) and M(3) receptors than tiotropium but much more slowly than ipratropium. A potent bronchodilatory activity has been observed after inhaled administration of aclidinium. Aclidinium undergoes rapid hydrolysis in the plasma into two major compounds, the alcohol (LAS34823) and the carboxylic acid (LAS34850) metabolites, resulting in low and transient systemic exposure to the active drug. The two major metabolites show no significant affinity for human muscarinic receptors. A potent bronchodilatory activity has been observed after inhaled administration of aclidinium. Clinical trials have provided evidence of sustained bronchodilation similar to that observed with tiotropium. Trial results have confirmed the positive safety profile of aclidinium, particularly in terms of a very low propensity to cause anticholinergic adverse events. Aclidinium is now moving to phase III clinical development for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Anticholinergic treatment in airways diseases

The prevalence of chronic airways diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma is increasing. They lead to symptoms such as a cough and shortness of breath, partially through bronchoconstriction. Inhaled anticholinergics are one of a number of treatments designed to treat bronchoconstriction in airways disease. Both short-acting and long-acting agents are now available and this review highlights their efficacy and adverse event profile in chronic airways diseases.