Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim highlight new COPD data

Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim are presenting new clinical data on the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment Spiriva at the European Respiratory Society congress in Vienna this week.

During the event, the companies are highlighting data from a recent trial showing the benefits the tiotropium bromide inhalation powder can provide compared to placebo.

Meanwhile, retrospective analyses of the Uplift trials will underline the therapy's long-term safety profile and shed light on wider issues associated with the lung condition.

It has been noted, for example, that a single first COPD exacerbation can lead to an increased rate of decline in lung function one to two years afterwards.

Dr Tunde Otulana, vice-president of clinical development and medical affairs at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "This data generates an important hypothesis about COPD exacerbations and lung function that might prove useful in future COPD and Spiriva clinical studies."

Last week, Pfizer also announced data from a post-hoc analysis of the heart failure therapy Inspra, showing its benefits in reducing rates of hospitalisation among patients.