Boehringer Ingelheim plans to roll out several major presentations focusing for its respiratory disease portfolio at the upcoming European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress, September 26-30. The German company is currently focusing on the development of several products for various respiratory diseases with significant unmet medical needs.
Presentations will include data supporting the use of the recently approved Spiolto® Respimat® (tiotropium/olodaterol) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), OFEV® (nintedanib) for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and Spiriva® Respimat® (tiotropium) in asthma.
COPD is a group of lung diseases in which airflow is blocked and breathing becomes difficult. Tiotropium/olodaterol is a combination of a beta agonist (LABA) and long-acting muscarinic antagonist, both of which can help with breathing.
IPF refers to a thickening and scarring of the lungs that is caused by unknown factors. The disease results in difficulty breathing and is eventually fatal. Nintedanib inhibits an enzyme known as a kinase, which blocks several pathways that are involved in lung tissue scarring. In addition, tiotropium on its own can act as an effective bronchodilator for asthma.
According to a press release issued by Boehringer Ingelheim, presentations will include:
1) Head-to-head ENERGITO® study comparing benefits of Spiolto® Respimat® to LABA/ICS therapy in COPD and sub-analysis of OTEMTO® 1&2 trials showing quality of life improvement
2) New long-term efficacy and safety data of OFEV® (INPULSIS®-ON) in patients with IPF, plus new analyses from INPULSIS® trials on the efficacy of OFEV® in further patient subgroups
3) MezzoTinA-asthma® data analyzing the benefit of adding Spiriva® Respimat® to at least ICS maintenance therapy in adults, with or without a LTRA* at baseline
“With the first approvals of OFEV® and Spiolto® Respimat®, 2015 marks a pivotal year for the company and our ongoing commitment to developing innovative solutions for patients with respiratory diseases,” noted Dr. William Mezzanotte, Vice President and Head of Respiratory Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim. “The data to be presented at ERS 2015 add to the growing body of evidence across our portfolio and help to further characterize the efficacy and safety of our medicines to support physicians and patients alike.”
In addition to the presentations, Boehringer Ingelheim will host a media briefing on September 28 (12.45-14.00 CET, Industry Press Briefing Room, ERS Press Center), and will also host several symposia focusing on IPF, asthma and COPD.
Based on the extensive number of presentations that the company will sponsor at the ERS International Congress, Boehringer Ingelheim believes that it will be a “landmark year” for the presentation and availability of data from the company in the area of respiratory illness.