Abstract
The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considerable, both socially and economically. Central to COPD management is the use of long-acting bronchodilators, which provide patients with optimal bronchodilation and improvements in symptoms. The once-daily, long-acting β2-agonist indacaterol, the long-acting muscarinic antagonist glycopyrronium, and the indacaterol/glycopyrronium fixed-dose combination QVA149 have all been shown to significantly improve lung function and patient-reported outcomes. The ability to take medication appropriately is important. Easy to use, low resistance devices may help patients take their medication and achieve good drug deposition. There is a need to optimise COPD management by treating the right patients with the right therapy at the right time during the course of their disease. Herein, we present a view on the current COPD management landscape and current unmet needs, and look to the future of COPD treatment and how patient care can be optimised.