A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, single-dose, crossover trial evaluating the efficacy and safety profiles of two dose levels (12 and 24 microg) of formoterol-HFA (pMDI) vs. those of a dose level (24 microg) of formoterol-DPI (Foradil/Aerolizer) and of placebo (pMDI or Aerolizer) in moderate to severe asthmatic patients.

Abstract

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have traditionally been used as propellants in pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), which are often used to deliver drugs to the lungs for the treatment of reversible obstructive airways diseases. However, CFCs are harmful to the environment and need to be phased out. In response to that phase-out of environmentally harmful CFCs, the pharmaceutical industry is developing a new generation of pMDI formulations for the inhaled treatment of asthma. These formulations contain hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs) in redesigned metered-dose inhalers.