An update on pharmacologic management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a widespread disease process with important clinical and economic implications. This review will summarize new pharmacotherapy for the treatment of COPD.

Several recent clinical trials have led to the approval of new inhaler therapies for COPD. Many of these are specifically targeting combination long-acting β-agonists and long-acting muscarinic antagonists for late stage COPD.

Several new bronchodilators are available on the market, especially in combination form. The new drug combinations have positive data though clinical relevance, and comparisons to available and well established therapies are still needed. Specifically, translating improved forced expiratory volume into meaningful clinical outcomes remains challenging.