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A Study in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

A 12-week, Multicentre, Multinational, Randomized, Double-blind, Double-dummy, 2-arm Parallel Group Study Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Foster® 100/6 (Beclomethasone Dipropionate 100 µg Plus Formoterol 6 µg/Actuation), 2 Puffs b.i.d., Versus Seretide® 500/50 (Fluticasone 500 µg Plus Salmeterol 50 µg/Actuation), 1 Inhalation b.i.d., in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01245569
Acronym
FUTURE
Enrollment
419
Registered
2010-11-22
Start date
2011-04-12
Completion date
2012-03-13
Last updated
2026-08-10

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Keywords

Foster, Seretide, COPD

Brief summary

The primary objective of the study was to demonstrate the superiority of Foster® 100/6 (two puffs b.i.d.) versus Seretide® 500/50 (one inhalation b.i.d.), in terms of pulmonary function (AUC0-30min standardized by time of change from pre-dose in FEV1) after drug inhalation in the morning of day 1, and the equivalence between Foster® 100/6 (two puffs b.i.d.) and Seretide® 500/50 (one inhalation b.i.d.) in terms of Transition Dyspnoea Index (TDI) score at day 84 in patients with COPD. The secondary objectives of the study were: * To evaluate the efficacy of the test treatments in terms of additional spirometric parameters and of clinical outcome measures; * To assess the safety and tolerability; * To perform an exploratory analysis evaluating the consumption of resources deriving from COPD management in the perspective of the Healthcare System.

Detailed description

This was a phase IIIb, multicentre, multinational, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, 2-arm parallel group design preceded by a 2-week run-in period in patients with COPD. The study compared the efficacy and safety of Foster® 100/6 (two puffs b.i.d.) versus Seretide® 500/50 (one inhalation b.i.d.), over a 12-week treatment period. The study plan included: * A pre-screening visit (V0, at week -3 days before the randomization visit) during which clinical instructions to determine patients' adaptability to the study procedures were given. This could be done only after the participants agreed to participate and signed the Informed Consent form; * A screening visit (V1, week -2) in which patients with COPD were selected; * A run-in period, lasting from a minimum of 12 to a maximum of 16 days, where patients received a standardised treatment with inhaled aerosol ipratropium bromide (Atrovent® Inhaler CFC-free 20 μg), 1 inhalation four times daily (daily dose of 80 μg) and had any nonpermitted medication withdrawn prior to entry into test treatment period; * A randomisation visit (V2, week 0) during which patients were randomly allocated to one of the two treatment arms, and subsequent visits taking place at clinics after 4 (V3), after 8 (V4) and after 12 weeks (V5) of treatment. The end of the trial was defined as the last visit of the last subject on the trial. After 7-10 days of last study medication intake, a follow-up phone contact to document and treat adverse events that might possibly occur was performed. The total study duration per participant was 16 weeks, including the 2-week run-in period, 12-week treatment phase, and 7-10 days of follow-up. Salbutamol was used as a rescue medication.

Interventions

DRUGBeclomethasone Dipropionate - Formoterol

Administered via a pressurized metered-dose inhaler

DRUGFluticasone - Salmeterol

Administered via a pressurized metered-dose inhaler

Sponsors

Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
40 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Male or female patients aged ≥ 40 years, who have signed an Informed Consent form prior to initiation of any study-related procedure or once applicable written informed consent obtained by legal representative. 2. Outpatients with a diagnosis of COPD and including: 1. Smoking history of at least 10 pack years defined as \[(number of cigarettes smoked per day) x (number of years of smoking) / 20\], both current and ex-smokers are eligible. 2. Use of bronchodilators in the previous 2 months to visit 1. 3. Post-bronchodilator FEV1 \< 60% of the predicted normal value. 4. Post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC \< 0.7. 5. A ≥ 5% response to a reversibility test. 6. A Baseline Dyspnoea Index (BDI) focal score less or equal than 10 (to be met also at visit 2). 3. History of no more than one COPD exacerbation in the previous 12 months (without considering the last 2 months) to visit 1. 4. A cooperative attitude and ability to be trained to the proper use of pMDI and DPI (Accuhaler®, circular moulded plastic inhaler) inhalers. Main

Exclusion criteria

1. Diagnosis of asthma or respiratory disorders (other than COPD) which could interfere with data interpretation according to the investigator's opinion. 2. Pregnant or lactating women. Females of childbearing potential without an efficient contraception UNLESS they met the following definition of post-menopausal: 12 months of natural (spontaneous) amenorrhea or were using one or more of the following acceptable methods of contraception: 1. Surgical sterilization (e.g., bilateral tubal ligation, hysterectomy); 2. Hormonal contraception (implantable, patch, oral, injectable); 3. Barrier methods of contraception: condom or occlusive cap (diaphragm or cervical/vault caps) with spermicidal foam/gel/cream/suppository. 4. Continuous abstinence (e.g. nuns). Periodic abstinence (e.g. calendar, ovulation, symptothermal, post-ovulation methods) and withdrawal were not acceptable methods of contraception. Reliable contraception should have been maintained throughout the study and for 30 days after study drug discontinuation. 3. Clinical or functional unstable concurrent disease: e.g. hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus or other endocrine disease; significant hepatic impairment; significant renal impairment; cardiovascular disease (e.g. uncontrolled coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart failure); gastrointestinal disease (e.g. active peptic ulcer); neurological disease; haematological disease; autoimmune disorders, or other which could impact the evaluation of the results of the study according to investigator's judgement. 4. Patient with narrow-angle glaucoma. 5. Clinically significant laboratory and ECG abnormalities indicating a significant or unstable concomitant disease which could impact the evaluation of the results of the study and the safety of the patient according to investigator's judgement. 6. Patients with COPD exacerbation (see previous at inclusion criteria no. 3) in the 2 months prior to screening and during the study period. 7. Patients requiring long term (\> 12 hours daily) oxygen therapy for chronic hypoxemia. 8. Patients treated with depot corticosteroids in the 2 months preceding the visit 1 and during the run-in period. 9. Patients with known allergy, sensitivity or intolerance to sympathomimetic drugs or inhaled corticosteroids or to any of the excipients contained in the study drugs. 10. Patients who had evidence of alcohol or drug abuse, who were not compliant with the study protocol or not compliant with the study treatments according to investigator's judgement. 11. Major surgery in the previous 3 months and during the trial which could affect patient's compliance in the study procedures (e.g. spirometry). 12. Participation in another clinical trial with an investigational drug in the 2 months preceding visit 1. 13. Patients requiring chronic mechanical ventilation for COPD

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Area Under the Curve (AUC) 0-30min Standardized by Time of Change From Pre-dose in Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1) in the Morning of Day 1on Day 1 (V2)FEV1 is a measure of lung function and is defined as the maximal amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled in one second. FEV1 was measured using spirometry, conducted at baseline and all clinical visits. An increase in FEV1 reflects improved airway patency, while a decrease suggests worsening obstruction. Higher FEV1 values indicate better lung function. Adjusted means were reported. Assessment were implemented at pre-dose, and 5, 15 and 30 minutes post inhalation
Transition Dyspnoea Index (TDI) Score at Day 84Day 84 (V5)TDI has three domains as follows: 1. Functional impairment, which determines the impact of breathlessness on the ability to carry out activities; 2. Magnitude of task, which determines the type of task that causes breathlessness; 3. Magnitude of effort, which establishes the level of effort that results in breathlessness The TDI score ranges from -3 (major deterioration) to +3 (major improvement) for each domain. The sum of all domains yields the TDI focal score of -9 (major deterioration) to +9 (major improvement). Adjusted means were reported.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
AUC 0-30min Standardized by Time of Change From Pre-dose in FEV1 in the Morning of Day 84on Day 84 (V5)FEV1 is a measure of lung function and is defined as the maximal amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled in one second. FEV1 was measured using spirometry, conducted at baseline and all clinical visits. An increase in FEV1 reflects improved airway patency, while a decrease suggests worsening obstruction. Higher FEV1 values indicate better lung function. Adjusted means were reported. Assessments were implemented pre-dose, 5, 15 and 30 minutes post inhalation.
AUC 0-30min Standardized by Time of Change From Baseline in FEV1 After Drug Inhalation in the Morning of Day 84on Day 84 (V5)FEV1 is a measure of lung function and is defined as the maximal amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled in one second. FEV1 was measured using spirometry, conducted at baseline and all clinical visits. An increase in FEV1 reflects improved airway patency, while a decrease suggests worsening obstruction. Higher FEV1 values indicate better lung function. Adjusted means were reported. Assessments were implemented at baseline and 5,15 and 30 minutes post inhalation.
Change From Baseline (CFB) in Pre-dose Morning FEV1Weeks 4, 8 and 12FEV1 is a measure of lung function and is defined as the maximal amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled in one second. FEV1 was measured using spirometry, conducted at baseline and all clinical visits. An increase in FEV1 reflects improved airway patency, while a decrease suggests worsening obstruction. Higher FEV1 values indicate better lung function. Adjusted means were reported.
Change From Baseline in Pre-dose Morning Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)Weeks 4, 8 and 12FVC is is a measure of lung function and is defined as the amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled from lungs after taking the deepest breath possible, FVC was measured using spirometry at baseline and all clinical visits. Higher values indicate improved lung capacity and reduced airway obstruction. Adjusted means were reported.
Change From Pre-dose in Morning FEV1 at 5, 15 and 30 Min After Drug Intake5, 15, 30 Min post inhalation at Weeks 0 (V2) and 12 (Day 84, V5)FEV1 is a measure of lung function and is defined as the maximal amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled in one second. FEV1 was measured using spirometry, conducted at baseline and all clinical visits. An increase in FEV1 reflects improved airway patency, while a decrease suggests worsening obstruction. Higher FEV1 values indicate better lung function. Adjusted means were reported.
Change From Baseline in Morning FEV1 at 5, 15 and 30 Min After Drug Intakeat 5, 15 and 30 mins post inhalation at Week 12 (Day 84, V5)FEV1 is a measure of lung function and is defined as the maximal amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled in one second. FEV1 was measured using spirometry, conducted at baseline and all clinical visits. An increase in FEV1 reflects improved airway patency, while a decrease suggests worsening obstruction. Higher FEV1 values indicate better lung function. Adjusted means were reported.
Change From Pre-dose in Morning FVC at 5, 15 and 30 Min After Drug Intakeat 5, 15 and 30 min post inhalation Week 0 (V2) & Week 12 Day 84, (V5)FVC is is a measure of lung function and is defined as the amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled from lungs after taking the deepest breath possible, FVC was measured using spirometry at baseline and all clinical visits. Higher values indicate improved lung capacity and reduced airway obstruction. Adjusted means were reported.
Change From Baseline to Each Two-Week Period in COPD Symptom ScoresWeeks 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12COPD symptom scores consists of following 6 items recorded by the participants in diary. * the ability to perform the usual daily activities; * breathlessness over the previous 24h; * waking at night due to respiratory symptoms; * breathlessness on rising; * cough over the previous 24h; * sputum production over the previous 24h. Each symptom score is recorded on a scale from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (worst), the total score ranges from 0 (no symptoms) to 18 (worst). Baseline COPD symptom score has been calculated as the mean of the COPD symptom scores recorded in the run-in period. Each item or total scores were averaged over each 2 week period. Average COPD symptom score in each two-week period has been calculated as the mean of the item or total score recorded in each two-week period. Adjusted means were reported.
Change From Baseline to Each Two-Week Period in Percentage of COPD Symptom-Free DaysWeeks 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12COPD symptom scores consists of following 6 items recorded by the participants in diary. * ability to perform the usual daily activities; * breathlessness over the previous 24h; * waking at night due to respiratory symptoms; * breathlessness on rising; * cough over the previous 24h; * sputum production over the previous 24h. Each symptom score is recorded on a scale from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (worst), the total score ranges from 0 (no symptoms) to 18 (worst). A COPD symptom-free day is a day with total COPD symptom scores = 0. Baseline % of COPD symptom-free days is calculated as the % ratio between the number of COPD symptom-free days and the number of days with data recorded in the run-in period)\*100. Reported values (in form of adjusted means) reflect a percentage (%). % of COPD symptom-free days in each two-week period is calculated as % (ratio between the number of COPD symptom-free days and the number of days with data recorded in the two-week period)\*100.
Change From Baseline to Entire Treatment Period in Percentage of COPD Symptom-Free DaysBaseline, Weeks 1 through 12COPD symptom scores consists of following 6 items recorded by the participants in diary. * ability to perform the usual daily activities; * breathlessness over the previous 24h; * waking at night due to respiratory symptoms; * breathlessness on rising; * cough over the previous 24h; * sputum production over the previous 24h. Each symptom score is recorded on a scale from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (worst), the total score ranges from 0 (no symptoms) to 18 (worst). A COPD symptom-free day is a day with total COPD symptom scores = 0. Reported values (in form of adjusted means) reflect a percentage (%). Baseline % of COPD symptom-free days is calculated as (% ratio between the number of COPD symptom-free days and the number of days with data recorded in the run-in period)\*100. % of COPD symptom-free days in each two-week period is calculated as (% ratio between the number of COPD symptom-free days and the number of days with data recorded in the two-week period)\*100.
Change From Baseline to Each Two-Week Period in Average Use of Rescue Salbutamol ConsumptionWeeks 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12Number of rescue salbutamol puffs per day were recorded in the diary. Baseline use of rescue medication has been calculated as the mean number of puffs per day in the run-in period. Average use of rescue medication in each two-week period has been calculated as the mean number of puffs per day in each two week period. Adjusted means were reported.
Change From Baseline to Each Two-Week Period in Percentage of Rescue Salbutamol-Free DaysWeeks 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12A rescue medication-free day is a day with number of puffs of rescue medication = 0. Reported values (in form of adjusted means) reflect a percentage (%). Baseline percentage (%) of rescue medication-free days is calculated as (% ratio between the number of rescue medication-free days and the number of days with data recorded in the run-in period)\*100. % of rescue medication-free days in each two-week period is calculated as (% ratio between the number of rescue medication-free days and the number of days with data recorded in the two-week period)\*100.
Change From Baseline to Entire Treatment Period in Percentage of Rescue Salbutamol-Free Daysat week 12 (V5)A rescue medication-free day is a day with number of puffs of rescue medication = 0. Reported values (in form of adjusted means) reflect a percentage (%). Baseline % of rescue medication-free days is calculated as (% ratio between the number of rescue medication-free days and the number of days with data recorded in the run-in period)\*100. % of rescue medication-free days in the entire treatment period is calculated as (% ratio between the number of rescue medication-free days and the number of days with data recorded in the entire treatment period)\*100.
Change From Baseline in the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) Component and Total Scoresat Week 12 (V5)SGRQ is a 76-item questionnaire developed to measure health in chronic airflow limitation and designed to be self-completed by the participant. It consists of 76-items across three domains: * Symptoms, which evaluates the frequency and severity of respiratory issues like coughing, sputum production, and breathlessness; * Activity, which measures limitations in physical activities due to breathlessness; * Impacts, which examines psychological and social effects, including feelings of stigma, loss of control, and daily life disruption. Each domain score ranges from 0 to 100 with higher scores indicating the worst health status. Total score was obtained by combining the weighted scores from each domain and ranging from 0 (better health) to 100 (Worst health).
Change From Baseline in Pre-dose and in Post-dose Distance Walked (6 Minute Walking Test - 6MWT)Week 12 (V5), pre-dose and post-doseThe 6MWT was carried out following standardized procedures, according to ATS guidelines. The test was performed indoors, along a long, flat, straight, 30m-long corridor, and one well-trained researcher supervised the test. Prior to start walking, patients were explained that the aim of the test was to walk from end to end along the corridor and to cover as much distance as possible in the period of 6 minutes. The patients sit at rest for at least 10 minutes before the test start. The longer distance covered, the better the outcome.
Change From Pre-dose in Post-dose Distance Walked (6MWT)on Week 0 (Day 1, V2) and Week 12 (V5, Day 84)The 6MWT was carried out following standardized procedures, according to ATS guidelines. The test was performed indoors, along a long, flat, straight, 30m-long corridor, and one well-trained researcher supervised the test. Prior to start walking, patients were explained that the aim of the test was to walk from end to end along the corridor and to cover as much distance as possible in the period of 6 minutes. The patients sit at rest for at least 10 minutes before the test start.
Number of Participants With COPD Exacerbations From Week 0 Through Week 12Week 12A COPD exacerbation is defined as "a sustained worsening of the participants condition (dyspnoea, cough and/or sputum production/purulence), from the stable state and beyond normal day-to-day variations, that is acute in onset and requires unscheduled medical intervention \[leading to prescriptions of systemic corticosteroids (at least 3 days)\] and/or antibiotics (at least 5 days), or need for a visit to an emergency department or hospitalization) in a participant with underlying COPD".
Number of Participants With Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs)From first dose of study drug until end of the treatment (up to 84 days)AE=An untoward medical occurrence after exposure to a medicine, which is not necessarily caused by that medicine. Serious AE= An adverse event that results in death, is life-threatening, requires hospitalisation or prolongation of existing hospitalisation, results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity, or is a birth defect. ADR=A response to a medicinal product which is harmful and unintended. Response in this context means that a causal relationship between the medicinal product and an adverse event is at least a reasonable possibility Serious ADR=An adverse reaction that results in death, is life-threatening, requires hospitalisation or prolongation of existing hospitalisation, results in persistent or significant disability or incapacity, or is a birth defect. Severe AE= "Severe" refers to the intensity of an AE; the event itself may be of relatively minor medical significance but intense.

Countries

Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey (Türkiye), United Kingdom

Contacts

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORDave Singh, MD

The Medicine Evaluation Unit - Manchester, UK

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORJorgen Vestbo, MD

Dept. of Cardiology and Respiratory Medicine - Copenhagen, Denmark

Participant flow

Recruitment details

Participants were enrolled across 70 centers in 10 countries. A total of 675 participants were screened for eligibility; 256 participants were screen failure and 419 were enrolled and randomized in this study.

Pre-assignment details

Participants enrolled (n=419) entered a 2-week run-in period receiving one inhalation of Atrovent® Inhaler CFC-Free 20 (ipratropium bromide HFA-134a pMDI 20 µg per actuation) four times a day at 6 to 8 hour interval.

Baseline characteristics

Characteristic
Age, Continuous63.8 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.2
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
32 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
386 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
Pre-dose FEV11.116 Liters
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.381
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
417 Participants
Region of Enrollment
Denmark
15 participants
Region of Enrollment
France
0 participants
Region of Enrollment
Germany
22 participants
Region of Enrollment
Hungary
80 participants
Region of Enrollment
Italy
17 participants
Region of Enrollment
Poland
39 participants
Region of Enrollment
Slovakia
37 participants
Region of Enrollment
Spain
3 participants
Region of Enrollment
Turkey
25 participants
Region of Enrollment
United Kingdom
1 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
64 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
155 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
1 / 2110 / 208
other
Total, other adverse events
36 / 21146 / 208
serious
Total, serious adverse events
4 / 21113 / 208

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Aug 11, 2026