An analysis of data from Boehringer Ingelheim’s WISDOM study showed that withdrawal of ICS for COPD patients using the Spiriva Handihaler tiotropium bromide DPI plus salmeterol is associated with a higher exacerbation rate in patients with ≥ 4% eosinophils in their blood, according to a new article published in Lancet Respiratory Medicine. Approximately 20% of the patients in that study fell into that subgroup, BI says.
GOLD guidelines say that “In COPD patients with FEV1 < 60% predicted, regular treatment with inhaled corticosteroids improves symptoms, lung function, and quality of life, and reduces the frequency of exacerbations. Inhaled corticosteroid therapy is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia. Withdrawal from treatment with inhaled corticosteroids may lead to exacerbations in some patients.”
BI says that “Even within this severe population, only a small minority of patients in the study benefited from the inclusion of ICS in their treatment regimen” and suggests that the eosinophil blood test “may provide a practical tool to help healthcare providers identify the small subset of patients who may benefit” from the addition of ICS.
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals VP, Clinical Development & Medical Affairs, Respiratory, Danny McBryan said, “These results further inform the current debate about the appropriate role of ICS in the treatment of COPD. Boehringer Ingelheim has an ongoing commitment to help healthcare providers and patients better understand how to optimally treat COPD. We look forward to additional studies on this topic to provide us with more information.”
Read the Boehringer Ingelheim press release.
Read the Lancet Respiratory Medicine abstract.
