Triple-therapy Inhaler on the PBS

The triple-therapy inhaler, Trelegy®, is now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the treatment of severe asthma.

Trelegy® contains a corticosteroid (fluticasone furoate), a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (umeclidinium), and a long-acting beta₂ agonist (vilanterol). There are two strengths of Trelegy® available. The higher strength inhaler (200mcg/62.5mcg/25mcg) is only PBS listed for asthma, while the lower strength product (100mcg/62.5mcg/25mcg) is only PBS listed for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The CAPTAIN trial assessed the safety and efficacy of single-inhaler fluticasone furoate plus umeclidinium plus vilanterol (FF/UMEC/V) compared with FF/V in patients with inadequately controlled asthma. This study demonstrated improved lung function, symptoms and asthma control on FF/UMEC/V compared to FF/V. This adds to the growing evidence showing the clinical benefits of adding a long-acting muscarinic antagonist for patients who are not well-controlled on medium to high doses of an inhaled corticosteroid with a long-acting beta₂ agonist.