Photo Credit: iStock.com/Mohammed Haneefa Nizamudeen
The following is a summary of “Real-Life Effectiveness of Budesonide/Formoterol as Maintenance and Reliever Treatment via the Elpenhaler® Device in Patients with Asthma: The NOTOS Observational Study,” published in the April 2025 issue of Journal of Asthma and Allergy by Gogali et al.
Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting β2-agonist combinations were essential for effective asthma treatment, with ICS/formoterol regimens used as both controller and reliever medications according to GINA 2019 guidelines.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to assess the real-life effectiveness of budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FOR) with the Elpenhaler ® device on asthma control, QoL, and lung function in patients with asthma.
They assessed adult patients with asthma using BUD/FOR via Elpenhaler. Assessments included the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-6), Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (MiniAQLQ), and spirometry. The incidence of exacerbations, frequency of rescue therapy use, and safety data were recorded.
The results showed that among 1,107 individuals, significant clinical improvements were seen at 6 months in ACQ-6 scores [mean change −1.55 (95% CI −1.61 to −1.4), P< 0.001], MiniAQLQ scores [1.76 (95% CI 1.68 to 1.82), P< 0.001], and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) [0.35 L (95% CI 0.31 to 0.38), P< 0.001]. Subgroup analysis based on maintenance treatment—Group A (BUD/FOR 200/6 μg as needed), Group B (BUD/FOR 200/6 μg maintenance), and Group C (BUD/FOR 400/12 μg maintenance)—and reliever type (none, BUD/FOR, or short-acting β2-agonists) showed improvements across all categories, with the highest gains noted in the group using the higher maintenance dose. The frequency of rescue therapy use declined markedly, and no safety concerns were identified.
Investigators concluded that treatment with BUD/FOR using the Elpenhaler device significantly improved asthma control, QoL, and lung function over 6 months.
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