The efficacy and safety of the novel long-acting β2 agonist vilanterol in patients with COPD: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Vilanterol (GW642444M) (VI) is a novel, inhaled, long-acting β(2) agonist with inherent 24-h activity under development as a once-daily combination therapy with an inhaled corticosteroid for COPD and asthma. This study assessed the dose response, efficacy, and safety of VI at doses of 3 to 50 μg in patients with moderate to severe COPD.

Methods: Six hundred two patients (intent-to-treat) were randomized (double-blind) to VI 3, 6.