FLAME study shows superiority of Novartis' Ultibro Breezhaler over Seretide in reducing COPD exacerbations

First large-scale study to confirm Ultibro Breezhaler is an effective steroid-free option that both reduces exacerbations and improves lung function in COPD patients with one or more exacerbations in the past year, compared to Seretide.

This finding is consistent with the earlier LANTERN trial and is now expanded to patients with at least one exacerbation in the previous year. The safety profiles of the two treatments were consistent with their known profiles, according to the initial FLAME results.

"Today's FLAME study results provide clear further evidence that Ultibro Breezhaler is more effective than Seretide in reducing COPD exacerbations, events linked to significant patient suffering and more rapid progression of the disease," said Vasant Narasimhan, Global Head of Development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. "We believe FLAME challenges our historical reliance on inhaled corticosteroids and may support expanding the use of dual bronchodilators to both exacerbating and non-exacerbating COPD patients."