Indacaterol wins out over salmeterol in COPD trial

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS; SIX:NOVN) said once-daily indacaterol was superior to twice-daily salmeterol on the primary endpoint in the Phase III INSIST trial to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The adrenergic receptor beta 2 agonist significantly improved forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) AUC from five minutes to 11 hours 45 minutes post-dose at week 12 vs. salmeterol. The double-blind, international trial enrolled 1,123 patients ages 40 and older. Data were presented at the European Respiratory Society meeting in Barcelona. ...