Dual bronchodilator therapy with aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Inhaled bronchodilator therapy is a mainstay of treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite the number and types of treatments available, the control of symptoms and exacerbations remains suboptimal, and adherence to, and persistence with, inhaled therapy is generally poor. Results from clinical studies suggest that dual bronchodilator therapy with long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists (LAMAs) and long-acting beta(2) adrenergic receptor agonists (LABAs) may provide additional benefit over LAMA or LABA monotherapy without additive effects on safety and tolerability. Several combinations of a LAMA plus a LABA have recently become available in a single inhaler for maintenance therapy for adults with moderate-to-severe COPD, including aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate, glycopyrronium/indacaterol and umeclidinium/vilanterol. Here, we review clinical data demonstrating significant improvements in bronchodilation, 24-h symptoms, and health status with aclidinium/formoterol twice daily, and discuss how this treatment can be implemented in clinical practice as part of a patient-focused approach to disease control.