Comparable Efficacy and Tolerability of Formoterol (Foradil®) Administered via a Novel Multi-Dose Dry Powder Inhaler (Certihaler™) or the Aerolizer® Dry Powder Inhaler in Patients with Persistent Asthma

Background: For maximum treatment compliance there is a need to provide asthma patients with devices that suit their particular preferences. The Foradil ® Certihaler™ is a novel multi-dose dry powder inhaler developed to increase the choice of devices available. Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of formoterol administered via the Foradil Certihaler, or via the single-dose inhaler Foradil ® Aerolizer ® . Methods: This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-dummy, incomplete block crossover, dose-ranging and pharmacokinetic study in patients with persistent asthma. Sixty-seven patients (mean 48.0 years) were randomized to formoterol 5, 10, 15 and 30 µg twice daily via the Certihaler, 12 µg formoterol b.i.d. via the Aerolizer, or placebo in four 1-week double-blind treatment periods separated by 1-week single-blind washouts. Results: All formoterol doses delivered via the Certihaler or the Aerolizer significantly increased FEV 1 compared with placebo (p < 0.0001). Formoterol demonstrated an onset of action of