Boehringer Ingelheim's Stiolto Respimat granted FDA approval

German family-owned drug major Boehringer Ingelheim says that the US Food & Drug Administration approved once-daily Stiolto Respimat (tiotropium bromide and olodaterol) inhalation spray.

The drug has been approved as a long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Stiolto Respimat is under review in the European Union, probably under the name of Spiolto.

Danny McBryan, vice president of clinical development and medical affairs at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "A recent review of landmark studies indicates that loss of lung function is more accelerated in the early stages of COPD. While no treatment slows the rate of decline, maintenance treatment with Stiolto Respimat initiated at the time of diagnosis will improve lung function.”