Roflumilast for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Roflumilast is a new phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor that has recently completed Phase III trials for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Preclinical studies have shown that roflumilast targets inflammatory processes in COPD, with beneficial effects on tobacco-induced lung inflammation, lung fibrosis and remodeling, mucociliary malfunction and oxidative stress. Two recent, 1-year Phase III trials in COPD have shown that roflumilast reduces exacerbations and improves lung function in patients with COPD who have symptoms of chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations. Two other 6-month Phase III trials have demonstrated the beneficial effects of roflumilast in patients already receiving treatment with the long-acting β-agonist salmeterol or the long-acting muscarinic antagonist tiotropium. This article reviews the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and preclinical pharmacology of roflumilast, the clinical studies supporting its use in COPD and its side-effect profile.