Indacaterol maleate for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a partially reversible, progressive obstructive disorder. Bronchodilators are the mainstay of treatment since they improve lung function and patient-reported outcomes and reduce acute exacerbations. Long-acting inhaled bronchodilators (at present including the once-daily antimuscarinic tiotropium, and the twice-daily beta(2)-agonists formoterol and salmeterol) are recommended as first-line treatment for patients with persistent symptoms. Indacaterol maleate has been developed as a new once-daily inhaled beta(2)-selective agonist.

Methods: This article reviews the published literature on the pharmacologic properties and the Phase II and III trials that have evaluated the safety and efficacy of this new agent.

Results: The reader will obtain an appreciation of the safety and efficacy of indacaterol and the role that it might play in the future management of COPD of varying severity.

Conclusions: Indacaterol is a new, once-daily beta(2)-agonist with an onset of action within 5 min and a duration of bronchodilation of at least 24 h. In doses of 150 and 300 microg, it has sustained benefits over 6 - 12 months with respect to both bronchodilation and patient-reported outcomes and is well-tolerated with an acceptable safety profile.