Aclidinium bromide (Eklira Genuair®▼) has been launched as a new inhaled treatment for use in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
This new product is an inhaled anticholinergic in the same class as tiotropium. It is intended for twice daily administration in a novel inhaler device. The NHS list price is £28.60 for 60 doses.
In clinical studies lasting for 6 months it has been shown to provided a clinically significant improvement in FEV1, reduce breathlessness (as assess by the Transition Dyspnoea Index) and improve quality of life (as assessed by the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire). Additionally, a pooled analysis of 6-month and 3-month controlled studies indicated a reduction in the rate of exacerbations requiring treatment with antibiotics or steroids or resulting in hospital admission when compared to placebo.
No studies have been performed to compare this new medication with tiotropium and the product is also subject to intensive safety monitoring as only limited data are available from the clinical trials.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of this new product. As with any new product, initial use should be cautious while clinical experience develops.