Merck unveils phase III data for Dulera as COPD therapy

Merck has reported positive data from a pair of phase III trials involving its Dulera treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The inhalation aerosol, which was tested in two 26-week investigational studies, was shown to significantly improve lung function when compared with treatment using mometasone furoate.

Both trials involved patients of 40 years and older with moderate to very severe COPD.

Data from the studies will be formally presented at CHEST 2011, the 77th annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians, in Hawaii this week.

"These investigational studies confirm Merck's commitment to research in respiratory diseases," said James Fish, executive director of global scientific affairs at Merck Research Laboratories.

Study investigator Dr Dennis E Doherty of the University of Kentucky added that the medical community must "continue evaluating potential treatment options for our patients with COPD".

Dulera is already available for the treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 years and older in the US. It combines two medicines used to treat asthma – mometasone furoate and formoterol fumarate.