Spiriva Respimat (Tiotropium Dromide) Inhalation Spray Now Available in the US

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals has announced that Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium bromide) Inhalation Spray is now available by prescription through retail pharmacies across the US.

Spiriva Respimat was recently approved by the FDA for the long-term, once-daily maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and to reduce exacerbations in COPD patients. Spiriva HandiHaler (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder), which is the number one branded prescription medication for COPD maintenance in the US, will continue to be available for patients.

"For 10 years, Spiriva HandiHaler has been a trusted maintenance therapy for patients with COPD, and Boehringer Ingelheim is proud to now offer another inhaler choice, Spiriva Respimat," said Danny McBryan, vice president, Clinical Development & Medical Affairs, Respiratory, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "Spiriva Respimat represents Boehringer Ingelheim's continuing commitment to the COPD community to provide new treatment options."

Spiriva Respimat was developed to deliver medication via a slow-moving mist that helps patients inhale the medication. Spiriva Respimat delivers medication independent of inspiratory effort. As with all inhaled drugs, the actual amount of drug delivered to the lung may depend on patient factors, such as co-ordination between actuation of the inhaler and inspiration through the delivery system. The duration should be at least as long as the spray duration (1.5 seconds).

The Respimat is the platform inhaler for the Boehringer Ingelheim suite of inhaled bronchodilators, including approved and investigational therapies.

Spiriva Respimat is the third FDA-approved product delivered by the Respimat. The Respimat is the only inhaler available in the US that uses mechanical energy to generate a slow-moving mist to deliver the medication, and the inhaler also has a dose indicator that helps keep track of approximately how much medicine is left.