Abstract

Estimates suggest that over 3 million people in the UK have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).1 Drug management for the condition includes treatments to relieve respiratory symptoms, and prevent and treat acute exacerbations.2,3 ▼Roflumilast (Daxas – Merck Sharp & Dohme) is the first marketed drug in a new class (selective oral phosphodiesterase 4 [PDE4] inhibitors), “aimed at targeting COPD inflammation”4 and licensed as maintenance treatment for severe COPD.5 Here we discuss its place in the management of patients with COPD.