Abstract
PURPOSE: Following the relatively recent introduction of single-inhaler triple therapies in Japan, this study compared the effectiveness of switching from multiple-inhaler triple therapy (MITT) to once-daily fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) by investigating COPD exacerbations and adherence among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Japan. METHODS: This retrospective, pre-post cohort study using the Medical Data Vision Co. Ltd database identified patients with ≥1 inpatient diagnosis and/or ≥2 outpatient diagnoses of COPD at age ≥40 years prior to the index date (first/earliest date of single-inhaler FF/UMEC/VI initiation from May 1, 2019-February 28, 2022, following a switch from MITT). The proportion of patients with ≥1 overall (moderate-to-severe), moderate, or severe COPD exacerbation and rate of exacerbations were assessed at 6 months pre- and post-index. Medication adherence (proportion of days covered [PDC]) was also assessed. RESULTS: In total, 2365 patients were included, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 75.3 (9.7) years, and 77.1% were male. In the 6 months post-switch from MITT to FF/UMEC/VI, there was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of patients who experienced ≥1 overall (11.2% to 8.8%; p=0.0014) and severe exacerbation (4.6% to 3.2%; p=0.0069). There was a similar proportion of patients who experienced ≥1 moderate exacerbation pre- and post-switch (6.9% to 6.2%; p=0.2394). Rates of overall (rate ratio [RR]: 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74-1.00; p=0.0528) and moderate exacerbations (RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.79-1.13; p=0.5796) were numerically lower post-switch. There was a significant reduction in severe exacerbations post-switch (RR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51-0.90; p=0.0084). Mean PDC was significantly higher in the 6 months post- versus pre-switch (0.83 versus 0.80; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Patients who switched from MITT to FF/UMEC/VI had reduced exacerbations and improved adherence. These results may help inform healthcare providers on the optimum management strategy for patients with COPD in Japan.