Ensifentrine: Newly Approved for Maintenance Treatment in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Ensifentrine (Ohtuvayre) is a novel phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 inhibitor — administered by nebulizer — that was approved recently by the U.S. FDA for maintenance treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Background

In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects are ensifentrine's mechanisms of action.¹ Other phosphodiesterase inhibitors that have been used to treat patients with COPD include theophylline (no longer recommended) and roflumilast (Daliresp), an oral drug that is recommended only for patients with inadequate response to maximal inhaled therapies, according to guidelines from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD; NEJM JW Gen…