Boehringer Ingelheim's Combivent Respimat Inhalation Spray OKed in USA to replace aerosol

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved German independent drug major Boehringer Ingelheim’s Combivent Respimat (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Spray for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on a regular aerosol bronchodilator who continue to have evidence of bronchospasm and who require a second bronchodilator.

Combivent Respimat is a suitable alternative for patients who are currently using Combivent (ipratropium bromide and albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol, which is being phased out because it contains chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs are chemical compounds that decrease the ozone layer. As a result, Combivent Inhalation Aerosol will not be available after December 31, 2013, said the FDA. Combivent Respimat will be available mid-2012, says Boehringer.

Combivent Respimat was developed in response to the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty requiring the phase-out of inhalers that use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as propellants, such as Combivent MDI, noted the drugmaker. Combivent Respimat uses a spring mechanism to release the medication, rather than a propellant, so it does not release CFCs or hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants.