AstraZeneca has announced today that SYMBICORT (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) is now available in the United States for the long-term maintenance treatment of asthma in patients 12 years of age and older.
Administered twice daily, SYMBICORT is a combination of two proven asthma medications -- budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), and formoterol, a rapid and long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA). For many patients, this combination treatment offers improved asthma control as early as day one that is sustained over 12 weeks. SYMBICORT also delivers improved lung function occurring within 15 minutes of beginning treatment. SYMBICORT does not replace fast-acting inhalers for sudden attacks.
SYMBICORT is available in two dose strengths, 80/4.5 and 160/4.5 5g of budesonide and formoterol, respectively. SYMBICORT is approved for patients whose disease is not adequately controlled on another asthma-controller medication (e.g., low- to medium-dose inhaled corticosteroids) or whose disease severity clearly warrants initiation of treatment with two maintenance therapies.
"With the U.S. launch of SYMBICORT, millions of asthma sufferers will have a new choice of fixed combination therapy to help achieve control of their asthma," said Chris O'Brien, MD, PhD, senior director, Medical Science, AstraZeneca.
Asthma is one of the most serious chronic diseases in the U.S. It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans suffer from the condition and, if not properly managed, asthma can be life-threatening.
"The U.S. availability of SYMBICORT holds great promise for millions of Americans that suffer from asthma," said Tony Zook, president and chief executive officer, AstraZeneca U.S. "The addition of SYMBICORT to our respiratory portfolio reinforces AstraZeneca's commitment to developing new, effective treatments, and provides patients and physicians with a new treatment option to improve and maintain lung health."