On June 26, 2024, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved a novel inhaled medication called ensifentrine (Ohtuvayre is the brand name) for the maintenance treatment of patients with COPD. This unique medication has both bronchodilator (opens airways) and anti-inflammatory properties and is delivered in a nebulizer twice a day.

"Triple therapy" refers to three different inhaled medications - a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). The two FDA approved “triple therapy inhalers" are Breztri and Trelegy. “Dual therapy” is two bronchodilators – a combination of a LABA and LAMA. In an analysis of 11 studies, there was no difference in shortness of breath scores or risk of hospitalization between triple therapy versus dual bronchodilator therapy in those with COPD. However, in individuals with a history of one or more flare-ups in the past year, the benefits of triple therapy for reducing future flare-ups outweigh the increased risk of pneumonia.