FDA Approves New Drug to Treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The Food and Drug Administration March 1 announced that it has approved Daliresp (roflumilast), a pill taken daily to decrease the frequency of flare-ups or worsening of symptoms from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Daliresp, which is known as Daxas in Europe, is a new drug class for the treatment of COPD, FDA said. It is indicated for people with severe COPD to treat the symptoms of cough and excess mucus linked to bronchitis. Daliresp is not intended to treat another form of COPD that involves primary emphysema, the agency said. Daliresp is marketed by St. Louis-based Forest Pharmaceuticals, ...