Possibilities of formoterol to enhance the peripheral lung deposition of the inhaled liposome corticosteroids

The pulmonary distribution and clearance of 99mTc-labelled beclomethasone dipropionate (Bec)–dilauroylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC) were compared in nine asthmatic patients on inhaled steroids after a 1-week medical treatment period of long-acting β 2-agonist formoterol. The patients were given formoterol 12μg (Oxis Turbuhaler ®) twice daily in addition to their own regular inhaled corticosteroid therapy. Gamma lung scintigraphy and lung function tests were performed before and after formoterol treatment. The bronchodilating effect of the combined therapy was significant: 1-week usage of inhaled formoterol enhanced peripheral lung deposition of beclomethasone liposome and thus diminished central/peripheral deposition ratio (C/P ratio). All measured lung function values except FEV 1/FVC % improved after the medication period, although statistically significant levels were not reached. A systemic positive connection was seen between enhanced lung functions and greater lung deposition measured as AUC (0–24h)/24. Beclomethasone liposome formulation maintained its long-lasting effect in connection with formoterol treatment. At the 4-h measurement, 76% of the liposome-entrapped radioactivity still remained in the lungs before and 75% after the medication period.