Daxas shows positive data on

New findings from a post-hoc pooled analysis of two one-year studies of more than 1,500 roflumilast-treated patients with severe COPD, chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations show that Daxas (roflumilast) from Nycomed ,helps to prevent exacerbations in COPD patients of the 'frequent exacerbator' phenotype. The 'frequent exacerbator' group show worse health status and faster disease progression than those who are 'infrequent exacerbators'.The data, presented at the 2011 European Respiratory Society (ERS) Annual Congress in Amsterdam, 24 - 28 September, have important implications for the management of COPD in this patient population, who are at increased risk of disease progression compared with those who have no or infrequent exacerbations. Frequent exacerbations are of concern to a significant group of COPD patients, despite access to available therapy. They are distressing for patients and lead to poorer health status and faster disease progression, imposing a substantial burden on patients. Exacerbations also significantly impact the functional ability of COPD patients - patients with frequent exacerbations reduce the time they spend outdoors at a faster rate compared with those with infrequent exacerbations and are more likely to become housebound. Lead investigator was was Professor Jadwiga Wedzicha see Wedzicha JA et al. Efficacy of roflumilast in the frequent exacerbation COPD phenotype. Presented at 2011 European Respiratory Society Annual Meeting, Poster Discussion : Biomarkers and exacerbations of asthma and COPD, Tuesday 28 September 2011, 8:30-10:30, P3355