Developments in inhaled combination therapies: patent activity 2013-2014

Since the 1970s, the treatment options for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have increasingly relied upon the use of inhaled drug formulations, generally from handheld inhaler devices. The introduction of combinations of a corticosteroid with a long-acting β2 agonist has dramatically transformed the accepted treatment paradigm. This has led to a dramatic increase in the development of novel combinations of inhaled drugs, including long-acting muscarinic antagonists with long-acting β2 agonists, as well as triple combinations, and of devices for their delivery.

This review considers recent patent filings claiming inhaled drug combinations, or devices delivering them, that are useful in the treatment of asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The modest level of activity in patent filings relating to inhaled combinations is surprising. Many of the patents are from the major players in the respiratory market segment, with only one inhalation technology specialist showing significant activity. The limited activity from generics companies is explained by the limited range of active ingredients whose use they can usefully claim.