QVA149 reduces COPD exacerbation rate in various subgroups of patients: The SPARK study

TLDR: Evidence is provided for the role of QVA149 in reducing exacerbations in severe-to-very severe COPD patients as shown in a subgroup analysis from the SPARK study for the annualized rate of COPD exacerbations.

Abstract: Introduction QVA149 is a once-daily (OD) dual bronchodilator combination of the long-acting β 2 -agonist indacaterol and the long-acting muscarinic antagonist glycopyrronium (GLY) in development for the treatment of COPD. Here we present the results of a subgroup analysis from the SPARK study for the annualized rate of COPD exacerbations. Methods This 64 week, double-blind, parallel-group, active-controlled (open-label tiotropium [TIO]) study randomized patients ≥40 yrs with severe-to-very severe COPD to receive OD QVA149 110/50µg, GLY 50µg or TIO 18µg. Subgroups were based on age, gender, race, smoking status, COPD severity, inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) use and body mass index (BMI). Results 2224 patients were randomized, 99.1% analyzed (QVA149=729, GLY=739, TIO=737); male: 74.8%, mean age: 63.3 years. For most subgroups, QVA149 significantly reduced the rate of COPD exacerbations versus GLY and TIO. Summary of exacerbation rates over 64 weeks is shown in table. Conclusion QVA149 110/50µg OD showed greater efficacy in reducing the rate of COPD exacerbations versus glycopyrronium and tiotropium for most subgroups. This provides evidence for the role of QVA149 in reducing exacerbations in severe-to-very severe COPD patients.