Beclomethasone/formoterol fixed combination for the management of asthma: patient considerations

Gabriele Nicolini1, Nicola Scichilone2, Andrea Bizzi3, Alberto Papi4, Leonardo M Fabbri51Medical Department, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma, Italy; 2University of Palermo, DIMPEFINU, Palermo, Italy; 3Department of Scientific Affairs, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma, Italy; 4Research Center on Asthma and COPD, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; 5Section of Respiratory Diseases, University of Modena, Modena, ItalyAbstract: Drugs for asthma and other chronic obstructive diseases of the lungs should be preferably delivered by the inhalation route to match therapeutic effects with low systemic exposure. Inhaled drugs are delivered to the lungs via different devices, mainly metered dose inhalers and dry powder inhalers, each characterized by specific inhaler technique and instructions for use. The patient–device interaction is part of the prescribed therapy and can have a relevant impact on adherence and clinical outcomes. The most suitable device should be considered for each patient to assure the correct drug intake and adherence to the prescribed therapy. The development of new drugs/devices in the past decades improved the compliance with inhaler and possibly drug delivery to the bronchi. The present review focuses on the recently developed beclomethasone/formoterol extrafine fixed combination and technical aspects of drug delivery to the lungs in patient’s perspective.Keywords: beclomethasone, formoterol, modulite, extrafin