Human medicines European public assessment report (EPAR): Brimica Genuair, aclidinium,formoterol fumarate dihydrate, Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive, Date of authorisation: 19/11/2014, Revision: 14, Status: Authorised

The two active substances in Brimica Genuair, aclinidium bromide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate, work by keeping the airways open and allowing the patient to breathe more easily.

Aclidinium bromide is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist. This means that it widens the airways by blocking some receptors in muscle cells in the lungs called muscarinic (also known as cholinergic) receptors, which control the contraction of muscles. When aclidinium bromide is inhaled, it causes the muscles of the airways to relax, helping to keep the airways open and allowing the patient to breathe more easily.

Formoterol is a long-acting beta-2 agonist. It works by attaching to receptors known as beta-2 receptors found in the muscles of the airways. When it attaches to these receptors, it causes the muscles to relax, which keeps the airways open and helps with the patient’s breathing.

Long-acting muscarinic antagonists and long-acting beta-2 agonists are commonly combined in the management of COPD. Aclidinium bromide has been authorised in the EU as Bretaris Genuair and Eklira Genuair since July 2012; formoterol has been marketed in the EU since the 1990s.