![\"\"](\"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mr-Vinod-centre-launching-Breztri-Aerosphere-together-with-Jenny-Poon-Business-Unit-Director-from-AstraZeneca-second-from-left-and-members-of-the-medical-fraternity-1-1.jpg\")
At the same time, AstraZeneca also launched its latest triple therapy, Breztri Aerosphere\u00ae <\/em><\/strong>to<\/em> cater to the unmet needs of patients living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n COPD is a serious lung condition that causes airways to narrow, become obstructive and inflamed, making breathing difficult. When symptoms worsen, a flare-up can occur. This can lead to bad days for COPD patients, further compromising their quality of life, and can require hospitalisation in more severe cases.8<\/sup> Managing COPD flare-ups is crucial to avoid any potential damage to a patient\u2019s lungs in the long term and associated cardiovascular events.8<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2019, COPD affected an estimated 391.9 million people globally 9 <\/sup>and was the 3rd<\/sup> leading cause of death resulting in 3.23 million deaths 10<\/sup>. It is estimated that approximately 70% of patients with COPD may still be undiagnosed.12 <\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, in Malaysia, COPD is significantly underdiagnosed13<\/sup> with total COPD prevalence among adult of 6.5%.14<\/sup> Respiratory diseases are among the leading causes of hospitalizations and deaths in Malaysia.15<\/sup> A high re-admission rate of 30% \u2013 40% is also recorded with patients\u2019 hospital stays averaging six days.16,17,18<\/sup> This puts a burden on the public healthcare system with high direct costs for the management of COPD (USD506.92) and indirect costs due to productivity losses for COPD patients (USD 1699.76).19<\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n In a study conducted in three tertiary hospitals in Malaysia from January 2018 to December 2022, it was observed that 49.59% of COPD patients experiencing severe exacerbation succumb within about 6 years of diagnosis, highlighting the impact of the disease to the patients.20<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Breztri Aerosphere<\/strong>\u00ae is a long-term medicine to treat COPD and give patients better breathing, improve COPD symptoms and reduce COPD flare-ups or attacks (exacerbations) and potential hospitalisation.1 <\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n A triple therapy with three types of medicines (budesonide, glycopyrronium and formoterol fumarate) in one metered dose inhaler, Breztri Aerosphere<\/strong>\u00ae comprises ICS (inhaled corticosteroid), LAMA (long-acting muscarinic antagonist) and LABA (long-acting beta2<\/sub>-adrenergic agonist). 1<\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Working in tandem, the LAMA and LABA which are bronchodilators, help muscles around the airways in the lungs to stay relaxed to prevent symptoms, such as wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath while the ICS helps decrease inflammation in the lungs.1<\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vinod Narayanan, AstraZeneca Malaysia Country President, said, \u201cThe disease burden for COPD globally gives us a strong reason to lead with the science and move beyond symptom control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are committed to continually develop and deliver next generation treatments with the potential to reduce exacerbations, hospitalisations and mortality, including advancing a net zero healthcare strategy for respiratory care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur latest triple combination therapy, Breztri Aerosphere\u00ae,<\/strong> has evidence across several clinical trials demonstrating reduction in flare-ups and COPD related hospitalisations. 3,4,5,6.<\/sup> AstraZeneca\u2019s aim is to reverse the progression of COPD, transform treatment goals and improve patient outcomes,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Breztri <\/strong>Aerosphere<\/strong>\u00ae has been available as a maintenance treatment for adult COPD patients in countries worldwide, including the US, EU, China and Japan.21<\/sup> It has been approved for use in Malaysia since September 2024.22<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Clinical Trials for Breztri Aerosphere\u00ae Show Reduction in Flare-Ups<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Phase III ETHOS was a 52-week double-blind trial involving 8,588 patients aged 40-80 years with moderate to very severe COPD and a history of moderate or severe exacerbation(s) in the previous year.3 <\/sup>Breztri <\/strong>Aerosphere<\/strong>\u2019s<\/strong>\u00ae triple therapy showed a statistically significant reduction of up to 24% in exacerbations compared with dual-combination therapies.3<\/sup> It was also observed that Breztri<\/strong> Aerosphere<\/strong>\u00ae reduced risk of all-cause mortality by 49% compared with dual-combination therapies. 4 <\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Phase III KRONOS was a 24-week trial involving 1,902 patients aged 40-80 years with moderate to very severe COPD, with no requirement of history for moderate or severe exacerbation(s) in the previous year.6<\/sup> Breztri Aerosphere<\/strong>\u00ae was shown to significantly reduce moderate or severe exacerbations compared with dual-combination therapies.6<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Results from the Phase III ETHOS trial were published in The New England Journal of Medicine (June 2020)3<\/sup> and results from the Phase III KRONOS trial were published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine (September 2018).6<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding COPD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n COPD symptoms are shortness of breath (dyspnea) while doing every day activities, wheezing (high pitched whistle during breathing), tightness in the chest, cough, fatigue, mucus (sputum) and frequent respiratory infections.23<\/sup> Often, it is caused by inhaling pollutants from tobacco smoking and secondary smoke, fumes, chemicals, dust in the environment as well as genetics and history of childhood respiratory infections.23<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking at the COPD Panel Discussion, Prof Dr Ahmad Izuanuddin Ismail, Consultant Pulmonologist, Deputy Director (Clinical), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) said, \u201cCOPD is a common, preventable and treatable disease24 <\/sup>but it can also be life-threatening, especially if not treated and managed properly.25<\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhile COPD can\u2019t be cured, it is important to help improve symptoms and reduce flare-ups.26<\/sup> Early warning signs of a flare-up include increases in cough, increase or changes in mucus and more shortness of breath with the same or less activity.27 <\/sup>A COPD flare-up can last 2 days or more and varies with each person.27 <\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is equally important to understand that even a single acute flare-up may be associated with a significant increase in the rate of decline in lung function28<\/sup> and a significant deterioration in quality of life29<\/sup>. Studies have shown that one in five people die within a year of their first hospitalisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe impact of COPD is debilitating on the quality of lives of both patients and their carers. It can restrict a patient\u2019s independence, social interactions as well as professional lives. We cannot underestimate the importance of prevention and disease management,\u201d he emphasised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Malaysia, there is generally a limited awareness on COPD and some patients even lack proficiency in using their treatment devices. Also, a challenge unique to Malaysia is the lack of a term for COPD in Malay<\/em>, leading to a lack of understanding of the disease and appropriate treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information on COPD, log on to https:\/\/mysihatpal.com.my<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 558456_20240313_145903_.pdf <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Rabe KF, et al. Inhaled Triple Therapy at Two Glucocorticoid Do in<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Moderate-to-Very Severe COPD. N Engl J Med. 2020; 383: 35-48.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n budesonide\/glycopyrrolate\/formoterol for chronic obstructive <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n pulmonary disease. A randomized, double-blind, multicenter, parallel-<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n group study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2021; 203: 553-564.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n cardiovascular events: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ther Adv <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Respir Dis. 2022, Vol 16: 1-11.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n budesonide\/glycopyrrolate\/formoterol fumarate using co-suspension<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n delivery technology versus dual therapies in chronic obstructive <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n pulmonary disease (KRONOS): a double-blind, parallel-group,<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n randomised controlled trial. Lancet Respir Med. 2018; 6: 747\u2013758<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MS, Razzaq W, Abdin ZU, Khawaja UA. Management of Chronic <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbations in <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hospitalized Patients From Admission to Discharge: A Comprehensive <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Review of Therapeutic Interventions. Cureus. 2023 Aug<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n 18;15(8):e43694. doi: 10.7759\/cureus.43694. PMID: 37724212; PMCID<\/em>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n PMC10505355<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Global Respiratory Health Unit. Global, regional, and national prevalence<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n of, and risk factors for, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2019: a systematic review and modelling analysis. Lancet Respir Med.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2022 May;10(5):447-458. doi: 10.1016\/S2213-2600(21)00511-7. Epub <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2022 Mar 10. PMID: 35279265; PMCID: PMC9050565.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Available at: https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/the-top-10-causes-of-death<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Diab N, Gershon AS, Sin DD, Tan WC, Bourbeau J, Boulet LP, Aaron SD.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n 11. Underdiagnosis and Overdiagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2018 Nov 1;198(9):1130-1139. doi:<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n 10.1164\/rccm.201804-0621CI. PMID: 29979608.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 13. https:\/\/www.e-mfp.org\/old\/2010v5n3\/pdf\/chronic_obstructive_pulmonary_disease.pdf<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 14. Loh, L.C et al 2016. Respirology 21(6): 1055-6<\/em>1<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15. https:\/\/journalarticle.ukm.my\/20013\/1\/Paper_6_NORIZA.pdf<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 16. Abas et al. International Medical Journal Vol. 27, No. 6, pp. 705 \u2013 708<\/em> , <\/p>\n\n\n\n December 2020 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 17. Aqqad et al. Clin Respir J. 2017 Nov;11(6):960-967<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 18. Loh LC et al. 2016. DOI: 10.21767\/2572-5548.100004<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19. Ur Rehman A, Hassali MAA, Muhammad SA, Shakeel S, Chin OS, Ali <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n IABH, Muneswarao J, Hussain R. Economic Burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients in Malaysia: A Longitudinal Study. Pharmacoecon Open. 2021 Mar;5(1):35-44. doi: 10.1007\/s41669-020-00214-x. PMID:32291727; PMCID: PMC7895885<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20. S. S. Sirol Aflah, A. I. Ismail, W. Chee Kuan, A. N. Musa. The Survival Rate <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n of COPD Patients in Malaysia : EXACOS-MY study. COPD \u2013 exacerbations, <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Exacerbation, Bronchodilators <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 21. Heo YA. Budesonide\/Glycopyrronium\/Formoterol: A Review in COPD.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drugs. 2021 Aug;81(12):1411-1422. doi: 10.1007\/s40265-021-01562-6. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Epub 2021 Aug 3. Erratum in: Drugs. 2021 Sep;81(14):1699. doi:<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n 10.1007\/s40265-021-01595-x. PMID: 34342835; PMCID: PMC8384783<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22. Breztri DCA Approval.pdf<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n 23. https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 24. https:\/\/ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK559281<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 25. https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd\/<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 26. Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform. Available at: https:\/\/gaapp.org\/copd\/what-is-copd\/. [Last accessed: January 2023]<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 27. https:\/\/www.lung.org\/lung-health-diseases\/lung-disease-lookup\/copd\/living-with-copd\/prevent-flare-ups<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 28. Halpin DMG, et al. Effect of a single exacerbation on decline in lung <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n function in COPD. Respiratory Medicine 2017; 128: 85-91<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 29. Roche N, et al. COPD exacerbations significantly impact quality of life as<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n measured by SGRQ-C total score: results from the FLAME study. Eur Resp <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n J. 2017; 50 (Suppl 61): OA1487<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 30. Ho TW, et al. In-Hospital and One-Year Mortality and Their Predictors in <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Patients Hospitalized for First-Ever Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Exacerbations: A Nationwide Population-Based Study. PLOS ONE. 2014; 9 <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n (12): e114866.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a>Facebook<\/a><\/a>X<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" AstraZeneca Sdn Bhd is an international pharmaceutical company with a presence in Malaysia since 1981. It is among the pharmaceutical companies that focus on the research and development of medicines including in the therapy of respiratory diseases. Together with a group of medical experts in Malaysia, the company held a Panel Discussion to review the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7339,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1662,19,961,1661],"tags":[1663,1664],"class_list":["post-7337","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-copd","category-grand-launching","category-health-wellness","category-medicine","tag-astrazeneca-launches-breztri-aerosphere","tag-triple-therapy-treatment-for-copd-1"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Breztri-Aerosphere6001PPS0.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7337","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7337"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7337\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7341,"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7337\/revisions\/7341"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7339"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7337"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7337"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/klhappenings.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7337"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.junipersjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Doing-the-Lung-Screening-Test.jpg\")
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n