BEVESPI AEROSPHERE (GLYCOPYRRONIUM BROMIDE/FORMOTEROL FUMARATE) ACCEPTED FOR USE IN NHS SCOTLAND FOR ADULT PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PULMONARY RESPIRATORY DISEASE (COPD) BY THE SCOTTISH MEDICINES CONSORTIUM (SMC)

BEVESPI AEROSPHERE (glycopyrronium bromide/formoterol fumarate) accepted for use in NHS Scotland for adult patients with chronic pulmonary respiratory disease (COPD) BY THE SCOTTISH MEDICINES CONSORTIUM (SMC)

·       Bevespi is a fixed dose combination of glycopyrronium bromide, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and formoterol fumarate, a long-acting β2-agonist (LABA), that has been accepted by the SMC.[i]

·       Bevespi is formulated as a pressurised metered dose inhaler (MDI) treatment option.¹

Today, the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted Bevespi Aerosphere (glycopyrronium bromide/formoterol fumarate) for use in Scotland as a maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms in adults with (moderate to very severe) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).¹

Please see below for commentary from AstraZeneca UK spokespeople around this decision.

Tom Keith-Roach, President, AstraZeneca UK, said: “COPD prevalence in Scotland is among the highest in the UK. The SMC approval of Bevespi Aerosphere marks a significant step towards patient-centred care of COPD in Scotland. As a long-acting pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) in the LAMA/LABA class for NHS Scotland, this treatment option can provide patients with COPD with a high level of confidence by enabling accurate and consistent treatment dosing, with its Aerosphere technology. As per the principles of realistic medicine, this signifies an alternative treatment option for clinicians and patients in Scotland to personalise and tailor treatment to the individual needs.”

Dr. Ed Piper, VP, Medical & Scientific Affairs Director at AstraZeneca UK, said: “In Scotland alone, over 129,000 people are diagnosed with COPD each year, equating to more than 350 patients each day. Today’s decision from the SMC will allow patients with COPD in Scotland to access a dual bronchodilator in a pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI) device which will provide an important treatment option particularly for those with limited lung function and advanced age who may benefit from using a pMDI to optimise their treatment.”

[i] Scottish Medicine Consortium. Glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate pressurised inhalation, suspension (Bevespi Aerosphere^) Detailed advice document SMC2652 – published 8 April 2024.