Single inhaler triple therapy versus inhaled corticosteroid plus long-acting beta 2-agonist therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (TRILOGY): a double-blind, parallel group, randomised controlled trial

• Published in: The Lancet (British edition) Vol. 388; no. 10048; pp. 963 - 973
• Main Authors: Singh, Dave, Papi, Alberto, Corradi, Massimo, Pavlisova, Ilona, Montagna, Isabella, Francisco, Catherine, Cohuet, Geraldine, Vezzoli, Stefano, Scuri, Mario, Vestbo, Joergen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.09.2016
• ISSN: 0140-6736
• DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31354-X

Background Few data are available for the efficacy of "triple therapy" with two long-acting bronchodilators and an inhaled corticosteroid in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We designed this study to assess efficacy of single-inhaler combination of an extra fine formulation of beclometasone dipropionate, formoterol fumarate, and glycopyrronium bromide (BDP/FF/GB) in COPD compared with beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol fumarate (BDP/FF) treatment. Methods TRILOGY was a randomised, parallel group, double-blind, active-controlled study done in 159 sites across 14 countries. The sites were a mixture of primary, secondary, and tertiary care providers, and specialist investigation units. Eligible patients with COPD had post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of lower than 50%, one or more moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbation in the previous 12 months, COPD Assessment Test total score of 10 or more, and a Baseline Dyspnea Index focal score of 10 or less. Patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria at screening entered a 2-week open-label run-in period where they received beclometasone dipropionate (100 mu g) and formoterol fumarate (6 mu g) in two actuations twice daily. Patients were then randomly assigned (1:1) with an interactive response technology system to either continue BDP (100 mu g) and FF (6 mu g) or step-up to BDP (100 mu g), FF (6 mu g), and GB (12.5 mu g) in two actuations twice daily for 52 weeks via pressurised metered-dose inhaler. The three co-primary endpoints were pre-dose FEV1, 2-h post-dose FEV1, and Transition Dyspnea Index (TDI) focal score, all measured at week 26 in the intention-to-treat population (all patients who were randomly assigned and received at least one dose of study drug and had at least one post-baseline efficacy assessment). Safety outcomes were measured in the safety population (all patients who were randomly assigned and received at least one dose of study drug). Secondary endpoints included moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbation rate over 52 weeks. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01917331. Findings Between March 21, 2014, and Jan 14, 2016, 1368 patients received either BDP/FF/GB (n=687) or BDP/FF (n=681). At week 26, BDP/FF/GB improved pre-dose FEV1 by 0.081 L (95% CI 0.052-0.109; p<0.001) and 2-h post-dose FEV1 by 0.117 L (0.086-0.147; p<0.001) compared with BDP/FF. Mean TDI focal scores at week 26 were 1.71 for BDP/FF/GB and 1.50 for BDP/FF, with a difference of 0.21 (95% CI -0.08 to 0.51; p=0.160). Adjusted annual moderate-to-severe exacerbation frequencies were 0.41 for BDP/FF/GB and 0.53 for BDP/FF (rate ratio 0.77 [95% CI 0.65-0.92]; p=0.005), corresponding to a 23% reduction in exacerbations with BDP/FF/GB compared with BDP/FF. Adverse events were reported by 368 (54%) patients with BDP/FF/GB and 379 (56%) with BDP/FF. One serious treatment-related adverse event occurred (atrial fibrillation) in a patient in the BDP/FF/GB group. Interpretation We provide evidence for the clinical benefits of stepping up patients with COPD from an inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta 2-agonist combination treatment to triple therapy using a single inhaler. Funding Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA.