A randomized study using functional respiratory imaging to characterize bronchodilator effects of glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate delivered by a metered dose inhaler using co-suspension delivery technology in patients with COPD.

Background: Functional respiratory imaging (FRI) uses high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans to assess changes in airway volume and resistance.

Patients and methods: In this randomized, double-blind, 2-week, crossover, Phase IIIB study, patients with moderate-to-severe COPD received twice-daily glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate delivered by a metered dose inhaler (GFF MDI, 18/9.6 μg) and placebo MDI, formulated using innovative co-suspension delivery technology. Co-primary endpoints included the following: specific image-based airway volume (siVaw) and specific image-based airway resistance (siRaw) at Day 15, measured using FRI. Secondary and other endpoints included the following: change from baseline in post-dose forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ) and inspiratory capacity (IC; spirometry) and ratio to baseline in post-dose functional residual capacity (FRC) and residual volume (RV; body plethysmography).

Results: Twenty patients (46-78 years of age) were randomized and treated; of whom 19 completed the study. GFF MDI treatment increased siVaw by 75% and reduced siRaw by 71% vs placebo MDI (both P <0.0001). Image-based airway volume (iVaw) and image-based airway resistance (iRaw), without adjusting for lobe volume, demonstrated corresponding findings to the co-primary endpoint, as lobe volumes did not change with either treatment. Approximately 48% of the delivered dose of glycopyrronium and formoterol fumarate was estimated to be deposited in the lungs. Compared with placebo, GFF MDI treatment improved post-dose FEV1 and IC (443 mL and 454 mL, respectively; both P <0.001) and reduced FRC and RV (13% and 22%, respectively; both P <0.0001). There were no significant safety findings.

Conclusion: GFF MDI demonstrated significant, clinically meaningful benefits on FRI-based airway volume and resistance in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Benefits were associated with improvements in FEV1 , IC, and hyperinflation.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02643082.