| Summary: | Stefan Andreas 1, 2 1Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; 2LungClinic Immenhausen, Immenhausen, Germany, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL) Correspondence: Stefan AndreasDepartment of Cardiology and Pneumology, Herzzentrum Gottingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, Göttingen, GermanyTel +49 05673 501 1112Fax +49 05673-501-1101Email stefan.andreas@med.uni-goettingen.deChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a multidimensional, progressive condition characterized by airflow obstruction, worsening dyspnea and respiratory failure.1 The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) report suggests that long-acting β 2-agonists (LABAs) or long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) are the preferred initial pharmacologic therapy option in the majority of patients with COPD, with escalation to dual therapy as required. 1Extensive clinical data show that the LAMA tiotropium (SPIRIVA®; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany) delivered as a dry powder formulation by HandiHaler® (DPI; 18 μg nominal dose) or as an aqueous solution via the Respimat® Soft Mist™ inhaler (SMI; 5 μg nominal dose) can improve lung function, symptoms and outcomes, such as dyspnea and quality of life, and reduce exacerbations in patients with COPD. 2 Olodaterol (Striverdi®; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co K.G., Ingelheim, Germany) is a LABA that provides 24-hr bronchodilation, and has been shown to improve lung function and reduce symptoms in patients with COPD. 3 When given in a fixed-dose combination with tiotropium via the SMI (Spiolto®; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co K.G., Ingelheim, Germany), further improvements in lung function and health-related quality of life have been reported. 4
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