Forest Laboratories, Almirall report positive topline results from AUGMENT COPD

Forest Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE:FRX) and Almirall, S.A. (ALM:MC) today announced positive topline results from AUGMENT COPD, the second six-month pivotal phase III clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of investigational fixed dose combinations of aclidinium bromide (LAMA) and formoterol fumarate (LABA), delivered in the Pressair^® (Genuair^® outside the USA) inhaler.

“By successfully achieving the primary endpoints in these two pivotal trials, we have demonstrated that aclidinium/formoterol, 400/12mcg, delivers statistically significant improvement in lung function”

The 400/12mcg combination of aclidinium/formoterol demonstrated statistically significant improvements in change from baseline for the co-primary endpoints of Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1) at 1 hour post-dose versus aclidinium 400mcg (P<0.0001) and morning predose trough FEV1 versus formoterol 12mcg at week 24 (P<0.05). The 400/6mcg combination demonstrated statistically significant improvements in (FEV1) at 1 hour post-dose versus aclidinium 400mcg (p<0.0001). For the change from baseline in morning pre-dose trough FEV1, the 400/6mcg combination did not reach significance versus formoterol 12mcg at week 24 (p>0.05).

Both combinations of aclidinium/formoterol (400/12mcg and 400/6mcg) provided statistically significant improvements versus placebo in the above two comparisons (both p<0.0001).

The positive results of the aclidinium/formoterol 400/12mcg combination in this study are consistent with the statistically significant improvement in lung function demonstrated by aclidinium/formoterol 400/12mcg in the previously completed ACLIFORM/COPD Phase III study. In both studies, the 400/12mcg dose successfully met the required regulatory "Combination Rule" for testing two or more drugs combined in a single dosage form.

Both studies included secondary end points. The end points analyzed to date are change from baseline vs placebo at 24 weeks in TDI (Transitional Dyspnea Index, which measures breathlessness) and in SGRQ (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, a respiratory-specific disease-related quality of life assessment). Positive outcomes were seen with the two combinations achieving the MCID (Meaningful Clinical Important Difference) of a one point change (p<0.0001) in TDI in both studies, and a four point change (p<0.0001) in SGRQ in the AUGMENT/COPD study. Additional analyses, including those on pooled data, will be presented at future scientific meetings.

Additionally, both aclidinium/formoterol treatment arms were well-tolerated in this study. The most common adverse events (greater than or equal to 3% and reported more frequently with either aclidinium/formoterol 400/12mcg or aclidinium/formoterol 400/6mcg than placebo respectively) were: cough (5.1%, 3.9% and 3.6%); nasopharyngitis (4.8%, 5.1% and 3.6%); headache (4.8%, 4.2% and 3.3%); urinary tract infection (4.5%, 2.1% and 3.0%); upper respiratory tract infection (3.0%, 3.9% and 1.5%); back pain (3.0%, 1.5% and 2.7%);diarrhea (2.7% 3.0% and 2.4%); nausea (1.5%, 4.5% and 1.2%); and dyspnea (1.5%, 3.3% and 1.8%).

"By successfully achieving the primary endpoints in these two pivotal trials, we have demonstrated that aclidinium/formoterol, 400/12mcg, delivers statistically significant improvement in lung function" said Dr. Marco Taglietti, President of Forest Research Institute. "The success of this phase III program supports the potential of aclidinium/formoterol as a new treatment option for COPD patients who could benefit from the enhanced bronchodilation of two complementary, proven therapies."

"We are very pleased with these results which confirm the efficacy and safety profile of the novel combination of aclidinium/formoterol", commented Dr. Bertil Lindmark, Chief Scientific Officer at Almirall. The positive results in breathlessness and quality of life measures combined with the patient preferred Pressair/Genuair multidose device could place this new combination as a treatment option for patients suffering from COPD. The successful completion of both pivotal studies mark an important milestone towards achieving an innovative global respiratory franchise around aclidinium and the Genuair inhaler."

Regulatory filings in the USA (FDA) and Europe (EMA) are planned in Q4 2013.

SOURCE Forest Laboratories