Effectiveness of Switching from Multiple-Inhaler to Once-Daily Single-Inhaler Triple Therapy in Patients with COPD in a Real-World Setting in Japan.

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%; 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.