Dr. Ahment Tutuncu Q&A: Expert Insights & Answers

Breathing Easier: New⁤ Hope for COPD patients

Recent advancements in COPD treatments are providing patients with potential ‍new frist-line treatments. Pharmaceutical ⁤Executive ⁣ spoke with AeroRx Therapeutics’ CEO⁣ dr. Ahmet Tutuncu about new therapies in this space, along with how big pharma companies‍ are looking to acquire companies developing these therapies.

how are delivery methods for COPD treatments changing?

There has been a recent shift toward more personalized, convenient, and effective delivery systems including single-inhaler dry powder systems. Though, nebulizers – ‍a proven and underleveraged modality – remain essential, especially for COPD patients⁤ with physical or cognitive impairments. Novel nebulized devices will‍ focus on enhanced drug delivery and patient usability.

Should the ⁤industry expect more acquisitions of companies developing COPD treatments?

Yes, more acquisitions should be expected as COPD remains a high unmet⁣ medical need‍ and incidence continues to grow, creating a continued need for more effective therapies. Large pharmaceutical companies such as Merck and GSK have recognized the increasing need to deliver effective medicines to COPD patients, as demonstrated by their recent multibillion dollar COPD product acquisitions. This trend reflects the high value ascribed toward⁢ effective⁢ COPD therapy and a competitive market to bring new treatments to ⁢patients.

What treatments‍ are coming next in⁣ the nebulized COPD space?

New long-acting bronchodilators, such as ⁤nebulized‍ glycopyrrolate and revefen, show improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Additionally, ⁢Merck’s ensifentrine, a first-class dual-acting bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory recently approved by the ⁢FDA, has expanded treatment⁤ options. ⁤Though, there remains ‍a high unmet need for maintenance therapy solutions⁣ for older and sicker COPD patients. AeroRx is developing a novel LABA/LAMA combination product to address these gaps.

why did AeroRx decide to come out of⁣ stealth?

AeroRx recently announced Phase 2 data, which showed the treatment was well-tolerated and achieved positive results.

COPD is usually diagnosed through lung function ⁢testing such as spirometry. A spirometry test measures how well your lungs are working. It’s a simple and painless test that ⁣can help diagnose COPD. Your doctor may order additional⁤ tests ⁣to get a more complete picture of how your lungs are⁣ functioning.

Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and fatigue.These can get worse over time. Sudden flare-ups of symptoms are called exacerbations. You should ⁤seek‍ medical attention when symptoms occur.

There are two breathing techniques that can help you get the air you need without working so ⁣hard to breathe: pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic (also ⁤called belly or abdominal) breathing.