Fixed-dose fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FP/SAL) and budesonide/formoterol (BUD/FOR) comparative effectiveness in moderate–severe asthma: US database analysis

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) recommends inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta2-agonists (ICS/LABAs) for persistent, uncontrolled asthma; however, ICS/LABA choice requires comparative real-world evidence to support clinical decisions. <bold>Aim:</bold> To assess comparative effectiveness of fixed-dose FP/SAL and BUD/FOR in patients with moderate–severe asthma on asthma control and exacerbation using Optum US database. <bold>Methods:</bold> Eligible patients for this observational retrospective US study: ≥18 years old as of index date (ID); ≥1 treatment claim for FP/SAL or BUD/FOR, 01 Jul 2010–31 Dec 2019 (ID); moderate–severe asthma (GINA steps 3/4); continuous medical with pharmacy enrolment coverage ±12 months minimum pre-/post-ID; continuous activity ±12 months pre-/post-ID and ≥1 asthma diagnosis code medical claim during the baseline period. Study design shown in <bold>Fig 1A</bold>. <bold>Results:</bold> In this pre-analysis, presented descriptively at 12 months post-ID, a greater proportion of patients treated with BUD/FOR than FP/SAL had experienced an exacerbation, were treated with oral corticosteroids or refilled short-acting beta2-agonist prescriptions ≥3 times (<bold>Fig 1B</bold>). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Our results indicate a trend towards fewer exacerbations and rescue medication use in patients with moderate–severe asthma on FP/SAL than BUD/FOR in a US population. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/OA4578/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>