Ultra-long Acting Bronchodilator Therapy in Smoking Asthmatics

Cigarette smoking in asthma is associated with poorer asthma control and a higher frequency of asthma attacks. Despite this, smoking cessation rates are very low due to the highly addictive nature of tobacco smoking. Asthma in smokers is particularly challenging to manage because it is resistant to the beneficial effects of inhaled corticosteroids, the main treatment for asthma.

Unfortunately, there is no guideline consensus regarding how to best manage asthmatics who smoke. Research studies in asthma tend to exclude smokers because of concerns about recruiting patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Hence, there is an unmet need for research studies in asthmatics who are unable to stop smoking.

In view of the above, we propose to assess the effects of two different types of bronchodilators (inhalers which help open up the airways), in asthmatics who continue to smoke.

Participants will receive both of the following drugs for 2-4 weeks in random order, with a 2-3 week washout period in between:

Olodaterol which is a new long-acting bronchodilator. Olodaterol combined with tiotropium (dual bronchodilators). We wish to compare these inhalers using a sensitive pulmonary function test called impulse oscillometry.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female volunteers aged 18-65 years with persistent asthma and on inhaled corticosteroids (at least 400 micrograms beclomethasone dipropionate equivalent dose daily)
• Current smoker
• Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) ≥ 60 % predicted
• Ability to give informed consent
• Agreement for their General Practitioner to be made aware of study participation and to receive feedback as relevant to the participant's well being

Exclusion criteria

• Other significant respiratory diseases, in the opinion of the investigator, such as COPD or bronchiectasis.
• An asthma exacerbation or respiratory tract infection requiring systemic steroids and/or antibiotics within 1 month of the study commencement or 3 months if hospital admission was required
• Any clinically significant medical condition that may endanger the health or safety of the participant
• Participation in another drug trial within 30 days before the commencement of the study
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Unable to comply with the procedures of the protocol
• Unable or unwilling to consent