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CHEST: Novel LABA Improves Lung Function in COPD 

Indacaterol, an investigational long-acting beta2-agonist, showed benefits over both placebo and salmeterol (Serevent) for moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a randomized trial, researchers reported here.

Through 26 weeks, the drug significantly improved bronchodilation, health status, and dyspnea over both control arms, although the benefits reached clinical importance over the placebo group only, according to Oliver Kornmann, MD, of Mainz University Hospital in Germany.

Indacaterol "shows a trend toward improvement over salmeterol," he reported at the American College of Chest Physicians meeting.

Action Points

* Explain to interested patients that indacaterol has not been approved in either the U.S. or Europe.

* Note that this study was published as an abstract and presented at a conference. These data and conclusions should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

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