1
|
Arslan B, Çetin GP, Yilmaz İ. The Role of Long-Acting Antimuscarinic Agents in the Treatment of Asthma. J Aerosol Med Pulm Drug Deliv 2023; 36:189-209. [PMID: 37428619 DOI: 10.1089/jamp.2022.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The journey of using anticholinergics in the treatment of asthma started with anticholinergic-containing plants such as Datura stramonium and Atropa belladonna, followed by ipratropium bromide and continued with tiotropium, glycopyrronium, and umeclidinium. Although antimuscarinics were used in the maintenance treatment of asthma over a century ago, after a long time (since 2014), it has been recommended to be used as an add-on long-acting antimuscarinic agent (LAMA) therapy in the maintenance treatment of asthma. The airway tone controlled by the vagus nerve is increased in asthma. Allergens, toxins, or viruses cause airway inflammation and inflammation-related epithelial damage, increased sensory nerve stimulation, ganglionic and postganglionic acetylcholine (ACh) release by inflammatory mediators, intensification of ACh signaling at M1 and M3 muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs), and dysfunction of M2 mAChR. Optimal anticholinergic drug for asthma should effectively block M3 and M1 receptors, but have minimal effect on M2 receptors. Tiotropium, umeclidinium, and glycopyrronium are anticholinergic agents with this feature. Tiotropium has been used in a separate inhaler as an add-on treatment to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting β2-agonist (LABA), and glycopyrronium and umeclidinium have been used in a single inhaler as a combination of ICS/LABA/LAMA in asthma in recent years. Guidelines recommend this regimen as an optimization step for patients with severe asthma before initiating any biologic or systemic corticosteroid therapy. In this review, the history of antimuscarinic agents, their effectiveness and safety in line with randomized controlled trials, and real-life studies in asthma treatment will be discussed according to the current data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Arslan
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Chest Diseases, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Gülden Paçacı Çetin
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Chest Diseases, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - İnsu Yilmaz
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Chest Diseases, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Calhoun WJ, Chupp GL. The new era of add-on asthma treatments: where do we stand? ALLERGY, ASTHMA, AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 18:42. [PMID: 35598022 PMCID: PMC9124422 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-022-00676-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Globally, a small proportion (5–12%) of asthma patients are estimated to have severe disease. However, severe asthma accounts for disproportionately high healthcare resource utilization. The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) management committee recommends treating patients with asthma with inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting β2-agonists and, when needed, adding a long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist or biologic agent. Five biologics, targeting different effectors in the type 2 inflammatory pathway, are approved for asthma treatment. However, biologics have not been compared against each other or add-on inhaled therapies in head-to-head clinical trials. As a result, their positioning versus that of current and anticipated small-molecule strategies is largely unknown. Furthermore, with the emergence of biomarkers for predicting response to biologics, a more personalized treatment approach—currently lacking with inhaled therapies—may be possible. To gain perspective, we reviewed recent advances in asthma pathophysiology, phenotypes, and biomarkers; the place of biologics in the management and personalized treatment of severe asthma; and the future of biologics and small-molecule drugs. We propose an algorithm for the stepwise treatment of severe asthma based on recommendations in the GINA strategy document that accounts for the broad range of phenotypes targeted by inhaled therapies and the specificity of biologics. In the future, both biologics and small molecules will continue to play key roles in the individualized treatment of severe asthma. However, as targeted therapies, their application will continue to be focused on patients with certain phenotypes who meet the specific criteria for use as identified in pivotal clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William J Calhoun
- Divisions of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, and Allergy/Immunology; and Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 4.116 John Sealy Annex, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-0568, USA.
| | - Geoffrey L Chupp
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale Center for Asthma and Airway Disease, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Puggioni F, Brussino L, Canonica GW, Blasi F, Paggiaro P, Caminati M, Latorre M, Heffler E, Senna G. Frequency of Tiotropium Bromide Use and Clinical Features of Patients with Severe Asthma in a Real-Life Setting: Data from the Severe Asthma Network in Italy (SANI) Registry. J Asthma Allergy 2020; 13:599-604. [PMID: 33204116 PMCID: PMC7667506 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s274245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Patients with uncontrolled asthma despite high doses of inhaled corticosteroid therapy plus another controller are defined as severe asthmatics. Tiotropium bromide respimat (TBR) is the only long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) approved for severe asthma. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency of severe asthmatics treated with TBR and characterize their clinical features in a real-life, registry-based setting. Materials and Methods Baseline data from the Severe Asthma Network in Italy (SANI) registry have been analyzed to determine the use of TBR and other LAMA, and to compare clinical, functional and inflammatory features associated with the use of LAMA. Results Among a total of 698 enrolled patients, 35.9% were treated with LAMA (23.3% TBR, 4.5% tiotropium bromide handihaler, 4.5% aclidinium, 3.4% glycopyrronium bromide 0.3% umeclidinium bromide). Age of asthma onset was higher in patients taking LAMA, whom, compared to others were more frequently former smokers. They also had a higher annual exacerbation rate, experienced worst asthma control, worst disease-related quality of life and poorer lung function. Bronchiectasis was more frequently found in LAMA users (25.9% vs 13.1%). Conclusion TBR is still underused in severe asthma in a real-life setting, while a relevant proportion of patients are treated with other LAMA that are not approved for severe asthma treatment. Patients taking LAMA have features characteristic of even more severe asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Puggioni
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy - Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS - Rozzano (MI), Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University - Pieve Emanuele (MI), Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Brussino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, SSDDU Allergologia e Immunologia Clinica, Università degli Studi di Torino, AO Ordine Mauriziano Umberto I - Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Walter Canonica
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy - Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS - Rozzano (MI), Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University - Pieve Emanuele (MI), Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Blasi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Internal Medicine Department, Respiratory Unit and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Paggiaro
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Molecular Biology and Critical Care, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Caminati
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Allergy Unit and Asthma Center, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Manuela Latorre
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Molecular Biology and Critical Care, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy - Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS - Rozzano (MI), Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University - Pieve Emanuele (MI), Milan, Italy
| | - Gianenrico Senna
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Allergy Unit and Asthma Center, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tran TN, King E, Sarkar R, Nan C, Rubino A, O'Leary C, Muzwidzwa R, Belton L, Quint JK. Oral corticosteroid prescription patterns for asthma in France, Germany, Italy and the UK. Eur Respir J 2020; 55:13993003.02363-2019. [PMID: 32165402 PMCID: PMC7270349 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02363-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are used to manage asthma exacerbations and severe, uncontrolled asthma, but OCS use is associated with adverse effects. We aimed to describe the patterns of OCS use in the real-world management of patients with asthma in western Europe. We used electronic medical records from databases in France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom from July 2011 through February 2018. Patients aged ≥12 years with an asthma diagnosis, at least one non-OCS asthma medication within ±6 months of diagnosis, and available data ≥6 months prior to and ≥90 days after cohort entry were included. High OCS use was defined as OCS ≥450 mg prescribed in a 90-day window during follow-up. Baseline characteristics and OCS use during follow-up were described overall and by OCS use status. Of 702 685 patients with asthma, 14–44% were OCS users and 6–9% were high OCS users at some point during follow-up. Annual prevalence of high OCS use across all countries was ∼3%. High OCS users had a mean of between one and three annual OCS prescriptions, with an average daily OCS dosage of 1.3–2.2 mg. For patients who continued to meet the high-use definition, daily OCS exposure was generally stable at 5.5–7.5 mg for ≥2 years, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Our study demonstrates that OCS use is relatively common across the four studied European countries. Data from this study may provide decisive clinical insights to inform primary care physicians and specialists involved in the management of severe, uncontrolled asthma. This study gives a real-world snapshot of oral corticosteroid (OCS) use in western Europe, by highlighting an opportunity to shift towards corticosteroid-sparing therapies or safer alternatives that mitigate the risk of OCS-associated adverse effects http://bit.ly/3cB8kk8
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer K Quint
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bleecker ER, Menzies-Gow AN, Price DB, Bourdin A, Sweet S, Martin AL, Alacqua M, Tran TN. Systematic Literature Review of Systemic Corticosteroid Use for Asthma Management. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 201:276-293. [PMID: 31525297 PMCID: PMC6999108 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201904-0903so] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic corticosteroid use to manage uncontrolled asthma and its associated healthcare burden may account for important health-related adverse effects. We conducted a systematic literature review to investigate the real-world extent and burden of systemic corticosteroid use in asthma. We searched MEDLINE and Embase databases to identify English-language articles published in 2010–2017, using search terms for asthma with keywords for oral corticosteroids and systemic corticosteroids. Observational studies, prescription database analyses, economic analyses, and surveys on oral/systemic corticosteroid use in children (>5 yr old), adolescents (12–17 yr old), and adults with asthma were included. We identified and reviewed 387 full-text articles, and our review included data from 139 studies. The included studies were conducted in Europe, North America, and Asia. Overall, oral/systemic corticosteroids were commonly used for asthma management and were more frequently used in patients with severe asthma than in those with milder disease. Long-term oral/systemic corticosteroid use was, in general, less frequent than short-term use. Compared with no use, long-term and repeated short-term oral/systemic corticosteroid use were associated with an increased risk of acute and chronic adverse events, even when doses were comparatively low. Greater oral/systemic corticosteroid exposure was also associated with increased costs and healthcare resource use. This review provides a comprehensive overview of oral/systemic corticosteroid use and associated adverse events for patients with all degrees of asthma severity and exposure duration. We report that oral/systemic corticosteroid use is prevalent in asthma management, and the risks of acute and chronic complications increase with the cumulative oral corticosteroid dosage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene R Bleecker
- Division of Genetics, Genomics and Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona
| | | | - David B Price
- Department of Primary Care Respiratory Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.,Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore
| | - Arnaud Bourdin
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Stephen Sweet
- Research Evaluation Unit, Oxford PharmaGenesis Ltd., Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jenkins C. Barriers to achieving asthma control in adults: evidence for the role of tiotropium in current management strategies. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2019; 15:423-435. [PMID: 30936705 PMCID: PMC6422417 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s177603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of a range of treatment options and management guidelines, a high proportion of adults with asthma remain uncontrolled. The challenge of managing uncontrolled asthma includes providing efficacious treatment while limiting side effects, recognizing situations when a change in asthma therapy is required, and considering patient preferences and satisfaction. In line with the Global Initiative for Asthma report, asthma management is based on a backbone of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy and use of add-on therapies to achieve disease control. This review considers whether add-on options could be better utilized in clinical practice. A number of long-acting muscarinic antagonists are in development, but tiotropium is the most widely studied for use in asthma. Evidence demonstrating the efficacy of tiotropium as an add-on therapy to at least ICS in adults with symptomatic mild, moderate, and severe asthma is presented from randomized controlled trials and real-world evidence. In addition, the benefit of tiotropium therapy in a wide range of patient phenotypes and disease severities without the need for biomarker assessment is discussed. Additional strategies that complement this approach, such as recognizing and overcoming barriers to adherence, ensuring optimal device use, and education and support to enhance patient–physician communication, are discussed. Physician education can also help raise awareness that additional management options are available for patients with moderate-to-severe asthma who remain uncontrolled on ICS/long-acting β2-agonist treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Jenkins
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, The George Institute for Global Health and Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cheng WC, Wu BR, Liao WC, Chen CY, Chen WC, Hsia TC, Tu CY, Chen CH, Hsu WH. Clinical predictors of the effectiveness of tiotropium in adults with symptomatic asthma: a real-life study. J Thorac Dis 2018; 10:3661-3669. [PMID: 30069364 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2018.05.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) tiotropium improved lung function and reduced risks of exacerbation when added on to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) with or without long-acting B2 agonists (LABAs) in patients with uncontrolled asthma. However, studies predicting the effectiveness of tiotropium based on patients' clinical characteristics were limited. Methods We conducted this retrospective study at a single medical center from July 2016 to July 2017, and used asthma control test (ACT) to evaluate the effectiveness of tiotropium add-on therapy in patients with uncontrolled asthma. The effectiveness was shown by an increase in ACT score from baseline of 3 or greater after 3 months of tiotropium add-on therapy. Results Patients with uncontrolled asthma despite the use of low- or medium- to high-dose of ICS plus LABA (n=160) were analyzed. Among patients having good response (n=112, ACT score increased ≥3 points) to tiotropium (TGR group) and patients having poor response (n=48, ACT increased <3 points) to tiotropium (TPR group), their baseline characteristics including age, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap (ACO), cigarette use, initial FEV1, serum IgE level, eosinophil count, and BMI were significantly different. Univariate analysis showed that old age, ACO, cigarette use, initial FEV1 <80%, and BMI >30 were predictors of the effectiveness of tiotropium. Patients with high serum total IgE level >430 µg/L and eosinophil count >0.6×109/L had a negative impact on response to tiotropium. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the independent factor of poor response to tiotropium was high serum IgE level >430 µg/L. Conclusions Tiotropium add-on therapy in patients with uncontrolled asthma was effective. However, patients with serum total IgE level >430 µg/L were less likely to benefit from tiotropium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chien Cheng
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung
| | - Bing-Ru Wu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung
| | - Wei-Chih Liao
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center, China Medical University, Taichung.,Department of Internal Medicine, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center, China Medical University, Taichung
| | - Chih-Yu Chen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung
| | - Wei-Chun Chen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung.,Department of Internal Medicine, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center, China Medical University, Taichung.,Department of Respiratory Therapy, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung
| | - Te-Chun Hsia
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung.,Department of Internal Medicine, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center, China Medical University, Taichung.,Department of Respiratory Therapy, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung
| | - Chih-Yen Tu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung.,Department of Life Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung
| | - Chia-Hung Chen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center, China Medical University, Taichung.,Taiwan Clinical Trial Consortium for Lung Diseases (TCoC), Taichung
| | - Wu-Huei Hsu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zervas E, Samitas K, Papaioannou AI, Bakakos P, Loukides S, Gaga M. An algorithmic approach for the treatment of severe uncontrolled asthma. ERJ Open Res 2018. [PMID: 29531957 PMCID: PMC5838355 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00125-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A small subgroup of patients with asthma suffers from severe disease that is either partially controlled or uncontrolled despite intensive, guideline-based treatment. These patients have significantly impaired quality of life and although they constitute <5% of all asthma patients, they are responsible for more than half of asthma-related healthcare costs. Here, we review a definition for severe asthma and present all therapeutic options currently available for these severe asthma patients. Moreover, we suggest a specific algorithmic treatment approach for the management of severe, difficult-to-treat asthma based on specific phenotype characteristics and biomarkers. The diagnosis and management of severe asthma requires specialised experience, time and effort to comprehend the needs and expectations of each individual patient and incorporate those as well as his/her specific phenotype characteristics into the management planning. Although some new treatment options are currently available for these patients, there is still a need for further research into severe asthma and yet more treatment options. Stepwise approach for the treatment of severe asthmahttp://ow.ly/rLPl30i0TyZ
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios Zervas
- 7th Respiratory Medicine Dept and Asthma Center, Athens Chest Hospital "Sotiria", Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Samitas
- 7th Respiratory Medicine Dept and Asthma Center, Athens Chest Hospital "Sotiria", Athens, Greece
| | | | - Petros Bakakos
- 1st Respiratory Medicine Dept, Athens Chest Hospital "Sotiria", University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stelios Loukides
- 2nd Respiratory Medicine Dept, Attikon Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Mina Gaga
- 7th Respiratory Medicine Dept and Asthma Center, Athens Chest Hospital "Sotiria", Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tiotropium for the Treatment of Asthma: Patient Selection and Perspectives. Can Respir J 2018; 2018:3464960. [PMID: 29670674 PMCID: PMC5833870 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3464960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic disease of airway inflammation with a large global burden. Despite established, guideline-based stepwise therapy, a significant proportion of patients remain symptomatic and poorly controlled. As such, there is a need for additional safe, effective, convenient, and cost-effective therapies that can be broadly applied across a range of asthma phenotypes. Tiotropium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) that leads to bronchodilation by blocking endogenous acetylcholine receptors in the airways. Tiotropium has long been approved for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and it has recently been recognized for its safety and efficacy in improving lung function and controlling asthma. Evidence from several Phase III trials in the adult and paediatric population has shown that tiotropium is well tolerated and significantly improves a range of endpoints as an add-on treatment to ICS therapy, regardless of baseline characteristics and clinical phenotypes. Consequently, regulatory authorities worldwide have recently licensed tiotropium as the only LAMA approved for the treatment of asthma. This review provides an overview of safety and efficacy data and discusses the use of tiotropium in patients across the range of asthma severities, ages, and phenotypes.
Collapse
|
10
|
Bonini M, Scichilone N. Tiotropium in asthma: back to the future of anticholinergic treatment. Clin Mol Allergy 2017; 15:20. [PMID: 29213218 PMCID: PMC5713051 DOI: 10.1186/s12948-017-0076-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is among the most common chronic diseases worldwide; however, despite progresses in the understanding of the patho-physiological mechanisms and advances in the development of new therapeutic options and strategies, the disease remains uncontrolled in a not trivial proportion of subjects. Thus, the need of new molecules to treat the underlying biological and functional abnormalities and to control symptoms is strongly advocated by clinicians. In this scenario, the most recent GINA guidelines have included the use of tiotropium bromide in the most severe and uncontrolled forms of the disease, in addition to treatment with inhaled corticosteroid plus long acting beta adrenergic agents. Indeed, a large body of evidence has accumulated to support the use of tiotropium bromide in asthma. The current review paper provides a state of the art systematic revision of findings on the efficacy and safety of tiotropium in the adult and paediatric asthma population. To this aim, electronic searches were undertaken in the most common scientific databases from the date of inception to March 2017. Robust and high quality evidence showed that tiotropium is effective and safe in both adults and children/adolescents. Predictive markers of response have been also suggested, as well as cost–benefit analyses reported. The tiotropium bronchodilator effect seems to be not solely related to the reduction of the smooth muscle tone. However, the observations on anti-inflammatory properties or reduction in mucus production, despite highly interesting, have been only demonstrated in in vitro studies and animal models, therefore advocating for further specifically designed investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bonini
- Airways Division, Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Royal Brompton Hospital & Imperial College, Dovehouse Street, London, SW3 6LY UK
| | - Nicola Scichilone
- Department of Biomedicine and Internal and Specialistic Medicine (DIBIMIS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Radovanovic D, Santus P, Blasi F, Mantero M. The evidence on tiotropium bromide in asthma: from the rationale to the bedside. Multidiscip Respir Med 2017; 12:12. [PMID: 28484598 PMCID: PMC5420159 DOI: 10.1186/s40248-017-0094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe and poorly controlled asthma still accounts for a great portion of the patients affected. Disease control and future risk management have been identified by international guidelines as the main goals in patients with asthma. The need for new treatment approaches has led to reconsider anticholinergic drugs as an option for asthma treatment. Tiotropium is the first anticholinergic drug that has been approved for children and adults with poorly controlled asthma and is currently considered as an option for steps 4 and 5 of the Global Initiative for Asthma. In large randomized clinical trials enrolling patients with moderate to severe asthma, add-on therapy with tiotropium has demonstrated to be efficacious in improving lung function, decreasing risk of exacerbation and slowing the worsening of disease; accordingly, tiotropium demonstrated to be non inferior compared to long acting beta-agonists in the maintenance treatment along with medium to high inhaled corticosteroids. In view of the numerous ancillary effects acting on inflammation, airway remodeling, mucus production and cough reflex, along with the good safety profile and the broad spectrum of efficacy demonstrated in different disease phenotypes, tiotropium can represent a beneficial alternative in the therapeutic management of poorly controlled asthma. The present extensive narrative review presents the pharmacological and pathophysiological basis that guided the rationale for the introduction of tiotropium in asthma treatment algorithm, with a particular focus on its conventional and unconventional effects; finally, data on tiotropium efficacy and safety. from recent randomized clinical trials performed in all age categories will be extensively discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dejan Radovanovic
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), University of Milan, Pulmonary Unit, Ospedale L. Sacco, ASST Fatebenfratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Pierachille Santus
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), University of Milan, Pulmonary Unit, Ospedale L. Sacco, ASST Fatebenfratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Blasi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Cardio-thoracic unit and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Mantero
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Cardio-thoracic unit and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Voorham J, Vrijens B, van Boven JF, Ryan D, Miravitlles M, Law LM, Price DB. Does co-payment for inhaler devices affect therapy adherence and disease outcomes? A historical, matched cohort study. Pragmat Obs Res 2017; 8:31-41. [PMID: 28458590 PMCID: PMC5403123 DOI: 10.2147/por.s132658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment has been shown to depend on patient-level factors, such as disease severity, and medication-level factors, such as complexity. However, little is known about the impact of prescription charges - a factor at the health care system level. This study used real-life data to investigate whether co-payment affects adherence (implementation and persistence) and disease outcomes in patients with asthma or COPD. METHODS A matched, historical cohort study was carried out using two UK primary care databases. The exposure was co-payment for prescriptions, which is required for most patients in England but not in Scotland. Two comparison cohorts were formed: one comprising patients registered at general practices in England and the other comprising patients registered in Scotland. Patients aged 20-59 years with asthma, or 40-59 years with COPD, who were initiated on fluticasone propionate/salmeterol xinafoate, were included, matched to patients in the opposite cohort, and followed up for 1 year following fluticasone propionate/salmeterol xinafoate initiation. The primary outcome was good adherence, defined as medication possession ratio ≥80%, and was analyzed using conditional logistic regression. Secondary outcomes included exacerbation rate. RESULTS There were 1,640 patients in the payment cohort, ie, England (1,378 patients with asthma and 262 patients with COPD) and 619 patients in the no-payment cohort, ie, Scotland (512 patients with asthma and 107 patients with COPD). The proportion of patients with good adherence was 34.3% and 34.9% in the payment and no-payment cohorts, respectively, across both disease groups. In a multivariable model, no difference in odds of good adherence was found between the cohorts (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.85-1.27). There was also no difference in exacerbation rate. CONCLUSION There was no difference in adherence between matched patients registered in England and Scotland, suggesting that prescription charges do not have an impact on adherence to treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaco Voorham
- Observational & Pragmatic Research Institute Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bernard Vrijens
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Job Fm van Boven
- Unit of PharmacoEpidemiology and PharmacoEconomics, Department of Pharmacy.,Department of General Practice, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dermot Ryan
- Allergy and Respiratory Research Group, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marc Miravitlles
- Department of Pulmonology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lisa M Law
- Observational & Pragmatic Research Institute Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David B Price
- Observational & Pragmatic Research Institute Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Primary Care, The Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists for Difficult-to-Treat Asthma: Emerging Evidence and Future Directions. Drugs 2017; 76:999-1013. [PMID: 27289376 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-016-0599-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a complex disease where many patients remain symptomatic despite guideline-directed therapy. This suggests an unmet need for alternative treatment approaches. Understanding the physiological role of muscarinic receptors and the parasympathetic nervous system in the respiratory tract will provide a foundation of alternative therapeutics in asthma. Currently, several long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) are on the market for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of tiotropium, a LAMA, as add-on therapy in uncontrolled asthma. These studies led to FDA approval for tiotropium use in asthma. In this review, we discuss how the neurotransmitter acetylcholine itself contributes to inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and remodeling in asthma. We further describe the current clinical studies evaluating LAMAs in adult and adolescent patients with asthma, providing a comprehensive review of the current known physiological benefits of LAMAs in respiratory disease.
Collapse
|
14
|
Halpin DMG. Tiotropium in asthma: what is the evidence and how does it fit in? World Allergy Organ J 2016; 9:29. [PMID: 27679681 PMCID: PMC5022240 DOI: 10.1186/s40413-016-0119-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite current therapeutic approaches asthma remains uncontrolled in a significant proportion of patients. Short-acting anticholinergic bronchodilators have a very long history of use in asthma, and recent data confirms the importance of acetylcholine as both a bronchoconstrictor and as a regulator of inflammation and remodeling in the lungs. Data from a comprehensive clinical trial programme, as well as use in primary care, show the efficacy and safety of tiotropium in adults with mild to moderate asthma when it is added to ICS and in severe asthma when it is added to high doses of ICS plus LABA, as well as in adolescents. Tiotropium is cost effective and its benefits are not restricted to particular phenotypes, making it a useful addition to the therapeutic options recommended by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) for people with poorly controlled asthma at steps 4 & 5.
Collapse
|
15
|
Vogelberg C. Tiotropium in the add-on treatment of asthma in adults: clinical trial evidence and experience. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2016; 10:525-533. [PMID: 27612491 PMCID: PMC5933593 DOI: 10.1177/1753465816662571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease, and its treatment is frequently
challenging despite detailed national and international guidelines. While basic
anti-inflammatory therapy usually consists of inhaled corticosteroids in doses
adapted to the asthma severity, add-on treatment with bronchodilators is
essential in more severe asthma. Only recently, the long-acting anticholinergic
tiotropium was introduced into the GINA guidelines. This review reports on the
studies that have been performed with tiotropium in adult asthmatic patients.
Following early proof-of-concept studies, several studies with tiotropium as an
add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), with or without a long-acting
beta agonist (LABA), demonstrated convincing clinical benefit for patients.
Important lung function parameters and quality of life scores significantly
improved shortly after onset of the add-on therapy with tiotropium, and some
studies even demonstrated non-inferiority against salmeterol. All studies
reported an excellent safety profile of tiotropium. The still growing body of
tiotropium studies, both in adults and children, will help to identify the
position of tiotropium in future asthma guidelines and might also indicate which
patients benefit most from an add-on therapy with tiotropium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Vogelberg
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
McKeage K. Tiotropium Respimat®: A Review of Its Use in Asthma Poorly Controlled with Inhaled Corticosteroids and Long-Acting β2-Adrenergic Agonists. Drugs 2016; 75:809-16. [PMID: 25895466 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-015-0393-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Tiotropium bromide (Spiriva®) solution for inhalation via the Respimat® Soft Mist™ inhaler is a long-acting anticholinergic agent approved in the EU for the add-on maintenance treatment of asthma in adults currently receiving maintenance therapy with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (≥800 µg budesonide per day or equivalent) and a long-acting β2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) and who have experienced at least one severe exacerbation in the previous year. Tiotropium Respimat® added to maintenance ICS/LABA treatment significantly improved lung function after 6 months' treatment and extended the time to the first asthma exacerbation in two well-designed, replicate, phase III trials in patients with poorly controlled asthma despite treatment with an ICS (≥800 µg budesonide/day or equivalent) and a LABA. Tiotropium Respimat® was also associated with a reduced incidence of severe asthma exacerbations and an increase in the median time to asthma worsening. The drug was well tolerated in asthma patients throughout 48 weeks' treatment, with a generally similar incidence of serious adverse events in tiotropium Respimat® and placebo treatment groups. Thus, in patients with poorly controlled asthma despite receiving high-dose ICS and a LABA, tiotropium Respimat® provides a valuable treatment option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate McKeage
- Springer, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, 0754, Auckland, New Zealand,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang K, Tian P, Fan Y, Wang Y, Liu C. Assessment of second-line treatments for patients with uncontrolled moderate asthma. Int J Clin Exp Med 2015; 8:19476-19480. [PMID: 26770595 PMCID: PMC4694495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the best second-line treatments for patients with uncontrolled moderate asthma. METHODS A single-center, random study was conducted in adult patients with uncontrolled moderate asthma to evaluate the effects of add-on treatments. After add-on treatments for 4 and 12 weeks, the concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), average daily durnal peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability and asthma control test (ACT) score were measured. RESULTS 94 patients have been divided into three groups to take different add-on treatments, in tiotropium bromide group, montelukast sodium group and double-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) group. After four weeks, most patients improved their symptoms and ACT scores, with lower concentration of FeNO and small PEF variability. In double-dose ICS group, almost all patients took the complete controls of asthma, compared to those in other two groups. After additional 12 weeks' therapy, patients in all three groups nearly achieved complete controls of asthma. There were two patients with pneumonia in double-dose ICS group. Patients in double-dose ICS group had higher ACT scores, lower concentrations of FeNO and smaller PEF variabilities, but a higher risk of pneumonia, compared to those in other two groups. The differences of PEF variabilities and ACT scores between tiotropium group and double-dose ICS group were not significant. CONCLUSION Tiotropium in combination with ICS plus LABA showed the similar effects with double-dose ICS plus LABA, without adverse effects, which might be the best option for optimal control of asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, P.R. China
| | - Panwen Tian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yu Fan
- Department of Radiotherapy, Sichuan Cancer HospitalChengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, P.R. China
| | - Ye Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, P.R. China
| | - Chuntao Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|