Journal Club: Vilanterol vs formoterol in obstructive airway diseases: A comprehensive review of efficacy, safety, and clinical advantages in light of Global Initiative for Asthma 2024 and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2024 guidelines

This review has been published in the Annals of the National Academy of Medical Sciences published by Scientific Scholar.

This comprehensive review evaluates the comparative efficacy, safety, and clinical advantages of vilanterol versus formoterol in the management of obstructive airway diseases, with a specific focus on the latest Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2024 and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2024 guideline recommendations.

Vilanterol, a novel long-acting β2-agonist (LABA), 24-hour duration of action, once-daily dosing when compared to formoterol’s twice-daily requirement.

Clinical trials in both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have shown vilanterol-containing combinations to be at least as effective as formoterol-based treatments in improving lung function, symptom control, and quality of life.

However, the GINA 2024 guidelines emphasize formoterol’s role in as-needed and maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) approaches for asthma management.

In COPD, Vilanterol aligns well with GOLD 2024 recommendations, particularly in fixed-dose combinations. Safety analyses indicate a favorable profile for vilanterol, even in high-risk populations. The once-daily dosing of vilanterol offers potential improvements in patient adherence and satisfaction, especially relevant in COPD management.

While direct cost comparisons are limited, improved clinical outcomes suggest potential cost-effectiveness benefits.

This review concludes that while vilanterol presents several advantages, particularly in COPD management and once-daily regimens, the choice between vilanterol and formoterol should be individualized based on patient characteristics, disease features, and current guideline recommendations.