Inhaled Steroids/Long-Acting Bronchodilators for Asthma

Overseen By Arthur F Gelb, MD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 4

Sponsor: Gelb, Arthur F., M.D.

Must be taking: Inhaled corticosteroids, Long acting beta2agonists

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Breakthrough Therapy This drug has been fast-tracked for approval by the FDA given its high promise

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

50 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to identify the causes of airflow problems in people with moderate to severe asthma, despite treatment. Researchers are examining how inhaled medications, such as steroids and long-acting bronchodilators (including Budesonide/Formoterol and Fluticasone/Salmeterol), affect different parts of the airways. They will also investigate whether small airway blockages or reduced lung elasticity contribute to breathing issues. The trial is suitable for non-smokers with stable asthma who often struggle with breathing despite treatment. Participants may use various inhaler medications as part of the study. As a Phase 4 trial, the treatment is already FDA-approved and proven effective, and this research aims to understand how it benefits more patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since it involves treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators, you may need to adjust your current asthma medications. Please consult with the trial coordinators for specific guidance.

What is the safety track record for these treatments?

Research shows that both budesonide/formoterol and fluticasone/salmeterol are well-tolerated asthma treatments. Studies have found budesonide/formoterol to be safe and effective for long-term use. Specifically, one study confirmed that using this combination in a single inhaler is as safe as using them separately.

Similarly, fluticasone/salmeterol has proven effective without increasing the risk of serious asthma-related issues. For instance, patients using this combination did not experience a significant rise in serious asthma problems.

Various studies with asthma patients have tested both treatments, demonstrating positive safety results. These treatments help improve breathing and control asthma symptoms. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers enthusiastic about this study treatment?

Researchers are excited about these treatments, Budesonide/Formoterol and Fluticasone/Salmeterol, because they combine inhaled steroids with long-acting bronchodilators to tackle asthma more effectively. Unlike standard treatments, which often separate these components, these combinations offer both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilation benefits in one inhaler, potentially improving convenience and adherence for patients. Additionally, the use of different active ingredients like budesonide and fluticasone may offer varied options for patients who respond differently to treatments, thus personalizing asthma management. This trial could help refine dosing and explore the potential benefits of these combinations in real-world asthma management.

What is the effectiveness track record for inhaled steroids and long-acting bronchodilators in treating asthma?

This trial will observe the effects of different combinations of inhaled steroids and long-acting bronchodilators for asthma. Studies have shown that both Budesonide/Formoterol and Fluticasone/Salmeterol effectively treat asthma. Research indicates that Budesonide/Formoterol can reduce severe asthma attacks by more than 60% and improve lung function over time, proving more effective than rescue inhalers alone. In contrast, Fluticasone/Salmeterol has significantly improved quality of life and managed asthma symptoms without increasing serious asthma-related problems. Both treatments are well-regarded for controlling asthma symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Participants in this trial may receive varying doses of these treatments as part of the observational study arm. ^{2 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Arthur F Gelb, MD

Principal Investigator

Arthur F Gelb Medical Corporation

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for stable, treated asthmatics aged 10-80 who are current non-smokers with a minimal smoking history. Participants should have specific levels of lung function reduction after using albuterol. Pregnant individuals cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 10 and 80 years old.

My lung function tests show severe asthma or COPD.

My asthma is under control with treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnancy

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta2 agonists to evaluate airflow limitation mechanisms

8 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including spirometry and exhaled nitric oxide measurements

4 weeks

Long-term Observation

Long-term observation to evaluate mechanisms of expiratory airflow limitation and presence of emphysema

1-5 years

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Budesonide/Formoterol
• Fluticasone/Salmeterol

Trial Overview

The study tests the effects of two inhaled treatments: budesonide/formoterol and fluticasone/salmeterol on airflow limitation in asthma patients. It aims to identify which airways are affected and how inflammation can be reduced using different doses.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Asthma observational study arm Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Asthmatics in this arm may be on varying dose of inhaled fluticasone 100-500mcg/salmeterol 50mcg bid via Advair MDI or equivalent dose via Diskus bid or Symbicort (budesonide 80-160mcg/formoterol 4.5mcg bid)or Dulera 100-200mcg mometasone/5 mcg formoterol bid, tiotropium 18mcg capsule daily. This is an observational study and additional pharmacologic intervention may include antibiotic and tapering doses of corticosteroids.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Gelb, Arthur F., M.D.

Lead Sponsor

Trials

7

Recruited

350+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study involving 40 adult asthmatics, the pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) with extra-fine particles (FORM/BDP) showed a greater improvement in lung function compared to the pMDI with non-extra-fine particles (FORM/BUD), although overall treatment outcomes were similar between the two.

Patient preferences indicated that while FORM/BDP was perceived to have a higher flume velocity and was more effective in reaching the trachea and bronchus, it also caused more irritation than FORM/BUD, highlighting the importance of patient experience in asthma management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of Two pMDIs in Adult Asthmatics: A Randomized Double-Blind Double-Dummy Clinical Trial. Nam, TH., Kang, SY., Lee, SM., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 11,693 patients with persistent asthma, the combination of budesonide and formoterol was found to have a similar risk of serious asthma-related events compared to budesonide alone, demonstrating its safety in this context.

Patients treated with budesonide-formoterol experienced a 16.5% lower risk of asthma exacerbations compared to those on budesonide, indicating that this combination therapy is more effective in managing asthma symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Serious Asthma Events with Budesonide plus Formoterol vs. Budesonide Alone. Peters, SP., Bleecker, ER., Canonica, GW., et al.[2017]

In a 52-week study involving 708 patients with moderate to severe asthma, the combination of budesonide/formoterol showed a significantly lower rate of asthma exacerbations compared to budesonide alone, indicating improved efficacy in asthma management.

The safety profile of budesonide/formoterol was acceptable, with no significant differences in adverse events or clinical abnormalities compared to budesonide, suggesting that adding a long-acting beta(2)-adrenergic agonist (LABA) to inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) is safe for long-term use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term safety and asthma control with budesonide/formoterol versus budesonide pressurized metered-dose inhaler in asthma patients. Peters, SP., Prenner, BM., Mezzanotte, WS., et al.[2022]

Salmeterol/fluticasone propionate significantly improves lung function and asthma symptoms compared to inhaled corticosteroids alone, with benefits sustained over a year in a well-designed trial involving symptomatic asthma patients.

This combination therapy is generally well tolerated across different age groups and offers a corticosteroid-sparing effect, making it a cost-effective option for asthma maintenance treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Salmeterol/fluticasone propionate: a review of its use in asthma. McKeage, K., Keam, SJ.[2021]

In a study involving 512 children aged 5-12 with persistent asthma, fluticasone propionate/formoterol was found to be superior to fluticasone alone in improving lung function, as measured by FEV1, over 12 weeks.

Fluticasone/formoterol was non-inferior to fluticasone/salmeterol, indicating it is as effective as this combination treatment, while all treatments were well tolerated with few severe exacerbations reported.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate/formoterol fumarate in pediatric asthma patients: a randomized controlled trial. Płoszczuk, A., Bosheva, M., Spooner, K., et al.[2019]

In a review of five studies involving 5537 participants, fluticasone/salmeterol showed a lower odds ratio for exacerbations requiring oral steroids compared to budesonide/formoterol, although this difference was not statistically significant, indicating a potential but uncertain benefit.

Both treatments demonstrated similar efficacy in lung function and overall asthma management, suggesting that neither therapy is clearly superior, and further research is needed to clarify their relative safety and effectiveness, especially in children under 12.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Combination fluticasone and salmeterol versus fixed dose combination budesonide and formoterol for chronic asthma in adults and children. Lasserson, TJ., Ferrara, G., Casali, L.[2020]

Salmeterol/fluticasone propionate, administered via inhalers, is at least as effective as separate treatments for improving lung function and asthma symptoms, making it a reliable maintenance therapy for asthma patients.

In a well-designed 1-year study, this combination therapy was shown to be more effective than adjusted-dose budesonide/formoterol and is considered a cost-effective option compared to other asthma treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Inhaled salmeterol/fluticasone propionate: a review of its use in asthma. Reynolds, NA., Lyseng-Williamson, KA., Wiseman, LR.[2021]

Fluticasone propionate/formoterol fumarate (FP/FORM) combination therapy improved lung function in children with asthma, showing similar efficacy to fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FP/SAL) over a 12-week period, with no significant differences in safety or tolerability between the two treatments.

The study involved 211 children aged 4-12 years, and both therapies were well-tolerated, with FP/FORM showing no adverse effects on plasma cortisol levels, indicating it is a safe long-term treatment option.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A 12-week open-label, randomized, controlled trial and 24-week extension to assess the efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate/formoterol in children with asthma. Emeryk, A., Klink, R., McIver, T., et al.[2018]

Fluticasone propionate/formoterol (flutiform) significantly improved lung function in asthma patients compared to both Skyepharma fluticasone and GSK fluticasone, with a mean difference in FEV1 of 0.161 L and 0.185 L respectively, indicating its superior efficacy.

The safety profile of fluticasone/formoterol was comparable to that of fluticasone alone, with fewer treatment-emergent adverse events (32.9%) compared to the other formulations (39.7% for SKP FP and 40.4% for GSK FP).

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Superiority of fluticasone propionate/formoterol fumarate versus fluticasone propionate alone in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma: a randomised controlled trial. Pertseva, T., Dissanayake, S., Kaiser, K.[2015]

Budesonide/formoterol is associated with a significantly lower incidence of pneumonia adverse events compared to salmeterol/fluticasone, with an odds ratio of 0.47, based on a systematic review of 12 trials involving both treatments.

The analysis also found that serious pneumonia adverse events were significantly lower with budesonide/formoterol (odds ratio of 0.41), suggesting it may be a safer option for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Budesonide/formoterol vs. salmeterol/fluticasone in COPD: a systematic review and adjusted indirect comparison of pneumonia in randomised controlled trials. Halpin, DM., Gray, J., Edwards, SJ., et al.[2022]

In a study involving adults with asthma, fluticasone/formoterol demonstrated a faster onset of bronchodilation compared to fluticasone/salmeterol, with nearly four times the odds of achieving bronchodilation within 5 minutes after dosing on day 0.

Over 12 weeks, fluticasone/formoterol consistently provided greater improvements in lung function (FEV1) compared to fluticasone/salmeterol, suggesting it may enhance treatment adherence for asthma patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Onset of bronchodilation with fluticasone/formoterol combination versus fluticasone/salmeterol in an open-label, randomized study. Aalbers, R., Brusselle, G., McIver, T., et al.[2017]

Fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (Advair) is an effective treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), improving lung function, reducing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life for some patients.

This combination inhaler not only acts as a potent bronchodilator but also helps decrease the frequency of exacerbations in patients with more severe COPD, although careful patient selection is important for optimal outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fluticasone propionate/salmeterol for the treatment of chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease. Dransfield, MT., Bailey, WC.[2019]

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