Fixed-dose combination of three drugs, i.e. LABA/LAMA/ICS for COPD: Results of a real-world study from India.

Background: The use of triple therapy with inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-agonist and long-acting antimuscarinics has been shown to be beneficial in COPD patients who continue to have symptoms and exacerbations, despite receiving dual bronchodilator combinations. This study assessed the real-world effectiveness and safety of once-daily, fixed-dose combination of Tiotropium/Formoterol/Ciclesonide (TFC) (18 mcg/12 mcg/400 mcg) via dry powder inhaler (DPI) or metered dose inhaler (MDI) in patients with COPD.

Patients And Methods: In this 24-week, open-label, prospective, non-comparative, multicentre, real-world study, COPD patients requiring triple therapy as judged by their physician, were enrolled. The primary endpoint was mean change from baseline in pre-dose Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV) at week 24. Pre and post-dose (30 min) FEV, Forced Vital capacity (FVC), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) score and safety were also evaluated. A post-hoc analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the triple drug combination among smoker and non-smoker COPD patients.

Results: Out of the 297 patients enrolled [mean age 61 ± 10 years; 84.8% males; 55.2% smokers and post-dose FEV (% predicted) 39 ± 16%], 253 completed the study. Mean change in pre-dose FEV from baseline to week 24 increased significantly after administering the triple drug combination [580 ± 600 mL, 95% CI (510, 650 mL), p < 0.0001]. The increase in the pre-dose FEV was significant at all time points (p < 0.0001). Similar improvements were seen in pre-dose FVC, post-dose FEV and post-dose FVC across all time points. CAT scores and the proportion of patients with improved mMRC score improved at all visits. The post-hoc analysis showed that TFC significantly increased pre-dose FEV both among smokers [mean change 200 ± 430 mL, 95% CI (130, 270 mL), p < 0.0001] as well as non-smokers [990 ± 470 mL, 95% CI (900, 1070 mL), p < 0.0001] at week 24. This difference was significant from week 12 onwards. Mean change in pre and post-dose FEV and FVC was significant across all visits between the two groups. At week 24, CAT score reduced significantly from baseline (overall: -6.6 ± 6.07; smokers: -5.17 + 6.96; non-smokers: 8.06 ± 4.44; all p < 0.0001). The mean difference between the two groups was 2.88 (p < 0.0001) at week 24. TFC was well tolerated.

Conclusion: In this real world, multicentre study in India, TFC significantly improved lung function, symptoms and quality of life among all patients with COPD, but the effect was more pronounced among non-smoker COPD patients.