According to AstraZeneca, data from the PATHOS real world study show fewer exacerbations and fewer hospitalizations for COPD patients treated with the Symbicort Turbuhaler than for those treated with Seretide (Advair). The study was published online in the Journal of Internal Medicine. The PATHOS study reviewed the medical records of 5,468 patients in Sweden who were treated with ICS/LABA combination inhalers from 1999 to 2009.
Data showed that the budesonide/formoterol combination reduced the annual rate of moderate to severe exacerbations by 26% compared to fluticasone/salmeterol, rates of COPD-related hospitalization by 29%, and hospital days due to COPD exacerbation by 34%.
AstraZeneca Executive VP for Global Medicines Development Briggs Morrison commented,“PATHOS is an example of how real world evidence can complement randomized clinical trials, in this case to better understand the outcomes of COPD treatment. COPD is a debilitating disease that currently affects 210 million people worldwide and will grow to become the third leading cause of death by 2020. COPD exacerbations are a major driver of the direct costs associated with the disease. With a portfolio of products and a robust development pipeline, AstraZeneca sees respiratory medicine as an area where our expertise can make a real difference for patients and thereby provide growth for our business.”
Read the AstraZeneca press release.
Read the Journal of Internal Medicine abstract.
