Feature
Article
Creating Momentum for COPD Treatments: Q&A with Dr. Ahment Tutuncu
Author(s):
Key Takeaways
- Personalized and effective delivery systems, including single-inhaler dry powder and novel nebulized devices, are transforming COPD treatment approaches.
- The high unmet medical need and growing incidence of COPD drive acquisitions by large pharmaceutical companies seeking effective therapies.
The AeroRx Therapeutics CEO discusses new treatments and how the industry at large is reacting to them.
Dr. Ahmet Tutuncu
CEO
AeroRx Therapeutics
Recent advancements in COPD treatments are providing patients with potential new first-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.
Pharmaceutical Executive: How are delivery methods for COPD treatments changing?
Dr. Ahmet Tutuncu: There has been a recent shift toward more personalized, convenient, and effective delivery systems including single-inhaler dry powder systems. However, 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.
PE: Should the industry expect more acquisitions of companies developing COPD treatments?
Tutuncu: Yes, more acquisitions should be expected as COPD remains a high-unmet medical need and incidence continues to grow and 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.
PE: What treatments are coming next in the nebulized COPD space?
Tutuncu: New long-acting bronchodilators, such as nebulized glycopyrrolate and revefenacin, which show improved efficacy and reduced side effects, as well as Merck’s ensifentrine, a first-in-class dual-acting bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory recently approved by the FDA, have expanded treatment options. However, there remains a high-unmet need for maintenance therapy solutions for older and sicker COPD patients with persistent symptoms. AeroRx is developing a novel LABA/LAMA combination product, two proven monotherapies, to address these remaining treatment gaps for moderate-to-severe COPD patients.
PE: What made AeroRX decide to come out of stealth?
Tutuncu: AeroRx recently announced Phase 2a data for its lead program AERO-007, where both low and high dose AERO-007 was well tolerated and achieved rapid and sustained 24-hour bronchodilation in COPD patients. AERO-007 is positioned to be the first LABA/LAMA combination bronchodilator drug available for nebulization delivery for moderate-to-severe COPD patients. With these exciting data, AeroRx will continue pushing forward in the clinic toward Phase 2b and beyond.
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