A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group, multicenter, dose-reduction trial of the minimal effective doses of budesonide and fluticasone dry-powder inhalers in adults with mild to moderate asthma.

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids are established first-line anti-inflammatory treatment for asthma. Clinical trials comparing inhaled corticosteroids must take into consideration that because of their excellent effect at low doses, they typically induce a near-maximal response in asthma patients.

Objective: The aim of the present dose-response study was to estimate the minimal effective doses (MEDs) of budesonide and of fluticasone propionate via dry-powder inhaler in adults with mild to moderate asthma.

Faster onset of bronchodilation with formoterol than with salmeterol in patients with stable, moderate to severe COPD: results of a randomized, double-blind clinical study.

Objectives: To compare the onset and magnitude of bronchodilation after dry powder inhalations of formoterol fumarate (Foradil Aerolizer) versus salmeterol xinofoate (Serevent Diskus) with respect to normalized (*) forced expiratory volume in 1 s area under the curve 0 to 1 h after inhalation (FEV1 AUC*0-1 h).

Design: A double-blind, double-dummy, multicentre, randomized, placebo controlled, single-dose, five-period crossover study.

Setting: Five centres in four countries - one centre each in France, Greece and Italy, and two centres in the Netherlands.