Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
32.4K
Improved lung function with beclomethasone/formoterol versus beclomethasone alone in asthma: the FORCE2 study
Steven Weinstein1, Lorenzo Legramandi2, Kusum Mathews2
1Allergy and Asthma Specialists Medical Group, Huntington Beach, CA, USA.
Summary
The combination of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) plus formoterol fumarate (FF) significantly improved lung function in asthma patients compared to BDP alone. Both inhaled therapies were found to be safe and well-tolerated.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Asthma management relies on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting beta-agonists (LABA).
- Fixed-dose combinations offer convenience and potentially improved adherence.
- Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) is an ICS, and formoterol fumarate (FF) is a LABA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of an inhaled BDP/FF combination versus BDP alone in asthma patients.
- To confirm the safety and tolerability profile of the BDP/FF combination.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week randomized controlled trial involving 576 asthma patients.
- Patients received either BDP/FF or BDP via a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI).
- Primary endpoint: change in FEV1 area under the curve (AUC0-12h); Secondary endpoint: peak FEV1 within 3 hours post-dose.
Main Results:
- The BDP/FF group showed statistically significant improvements in FEV1 AUC0-12h and peak FEV1 compared to the BDP group.
- Adjusted mean differences favored BDP/FF by 104 mL and 124 mL, respectively (p < 0.001).
- Adverse event rates were similar between groups (26.9% vs. 26.4%), with most events being mild to moderate.
Conclusions:
- The addition of formoterol fumarate (FF) to beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) enhances lung function in asthma patients.
- The BDP/FF combination therapy is effective and well-tolerated, similar to BDP monotherapy.
- This study confirms the benefit of combining ICS and LABA for asthma control.
Related Concept Videos
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
692
Chronic obstructive pulmonary isease (COPD) involves a group of progressive lung disorders characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS), encompassing features of both asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a group of progressive lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. ACOS leads to complex clinical presentations that combine the inflammatory...
692
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
1.7K
Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
1.7K
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
4.0K
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
4.0K
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
1.6K
Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce...
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce...
1.6K
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
3.0K
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
3.0K
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
1.5K
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
1.5K