AeroRx Therapeutics announced positive Phase 2a proof-of-concept results for its lead candidate AERO-007, marking a significant milestone in the development of the first nebulized LABA/LAMA fixed-dose combination therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The topline data demonstrated that AERO-007 was well tolerated with rapid-onset and sustained 24-hour bronchodilation at both low and high doses.
Addressing Critical Treatment Gap in COPD
AERO-007 combines two FDA-approved bronchodilators—indacaterol (LABA) and glycopyrrolate (LAMA)—in a proprietary formulation delivered via a 510(k)-cleared standard jet nebulizer. The therapy targets a significant unmet medical need, as more than 16 million people in the United States are diagnosed with COPD, and as many as 50 percent remain symptomatic even while using FDA-approved LABA/LAMA maintenance therapy delivered via inhalers.
"Current guidelines recommend dual bronchodilators as first-line therapy in COPD patients, but no LABA/LAMA combinations are available via nebulizer, leaving a critical gap in real-world use for many COPD patients who prefer or need to be on nebulized treatments for optimal drug delivery and improved outcomes," said Dr. Dave Singh, principal investigator of the Phase 2a study and Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
Clinical Trial Design and Results
The Phase 2a clinical trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose, three-period crossover study that enrolled 16 adults with moderate-to-severe COPD. Both the low- and high-dose treatments of AERO-007 delivered clinically meaningful, statistically significant improvements in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), the standard efficacy parameter based on serial spirometry assessment, compared to placebo.
The treatment demonstrated a tolerability and systemic drug exposure profile comparable to previously approved drugs containing the individual active components. This safety profile is particularly important given that studies show up to 75 percent of patients do not receive the full therapeutic dose from handheld inhaler devices, which demand coordination and forceful inhalation.
Nebulized Delivery Advantage
Nebulized delivery offers a passive-breathing alternative that can provide more consistent dosing for patients who find inhalers challenging, particularly older adults and those with advanced COPD, who are at high risk for exacerbations, hospitalization, and disease progression. This delivery method addresses a critical barrier to optimal COPD management in real-world clinical practice.
"With AERO-007, a proprietary formulation that combines two FDA-approved, clinically validated bronchodilators delivered via a reimbursable, standard jet nebulizer, we aim to bring a best-in-class nebulized combination treatment to the market to address a major need for underserved COPD patients," said Ahmet Tutuncu, M.D., Ph.D., Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of AeroRx Therapeutics.
Development Pipeline and Future Plans
AeroRx plans to present the full dataset at an upcoming scientific conference and advance AERO-007 into a late-stage, NDA-enabling clinical program. The company is also developing AERO-111, the first nebulized LABA/LAMA/ICS triple therapy, for patients who escalate beyond dual bronchodilators.
"The magnitude and durability of our Phase 2a signal underscores AERO-007's potential to offer a best-in-class fixed-dose combination bronchodilator as a first-line standard-of-care in COPD," continued Dr. Tutuncu. The therapy has the potential to help millions of patients who remain symptomatic or poorly served under existing drugs delivered via handheld inhalers or nebulized LABA or LAMA monotherapy.