Aclidinium bromide for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by poorly reversible airflow obstruction. Long-acting bronchodilators improve lung function and relieve dyspnea. Aclidinium bromide is a novel long-acting antimuscarinic bronchodilator; Phase III clinical trials have demonstrated that administration of this drug twice per day improves lung function, dyspnea and health-related quality of life. Aclidinium bromide is delivered using the Genuair(®) device, which is an easy to use multidose dry powder inhaler. Aclidinium bromide is rapidly metabolized in the plasma, so there is low systemic exposure that minimizes the anticholinergic side effects. This new long-acting bronchodilator provides effective bronchodilation with minimal side effects.