This randomized controlled trial compared two versions of an asthma inhaler containing beclometasone dipropionate, formoterol fumarate, and glycopyrronium. The study involved 553 adults with moderate-to-severe controlled asthma. Participants used either the HFA-152a propellant or the HFA-134a propellant for 12 weeks. The main goal was to see how quickly each inhaler improved lung function after a single dose.
Results showed no difference between the two groups. The adjusted mean difference for lung function improvement was -1.143%. This means both inhalers worked equally well at increasing forced expiratory volume in one second at 10 minutes after use.
Safety was also monitored throughout the study. Adverse events occurred in 19.3% of patients using HFA-152a and 27.6% of those using HFA-134a. Most events were mild or moderate in severity. No serious adverse events were reported, and no discontinuations occurred. Readers should note that this study only looked at one specific combination of asthma medications. The findings suggest these two propellants are interchangeable for this specific drug mix.