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formoterol (Forair / Atimos / CHF 1531)

✓ Approved

Novartis AG · ADRB2 · Small Molecule

What is formoterol?

formoterol is a small molecule developed by Novartis AG. It is approved for therapeutic indications via inhaled or topical.

Drug Profile

Brand NamesForair, Atimos, CHF 1531
CompanyNovartis AG
Drug ClassSmall Molecule
Molecular TargetADRB2
RouteInhaled, Topical
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, Novartis AG

Mechanism of Action

Molecular Targets

formoterol acts on 1 molecular target:

ADRB2adrenoceptor beta 2 (B2AR, ARB2)
Want deeper analysis?Noah AI can explain complex mechanisms and compare to similar drugs.

Therapeutic Indications

formoterol is developed for 2 unique indications across 1 therapeutic area.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disordersAsthma✓ Approved
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disordersChronic obstructive pulmonary disease✓ Approved

Related Research Articles

PubMedAdvances in respiratory medicine2026-07-24

Utilization Patterns of Nebulized Glycopyrronium in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Exacerbations of Obstructive Airway Disease (AEOAD)-Indian Expert Perspectives.

Khanna Arjun A, Waghray Pradyut P, Singh Ashok Kr AK, Mehta Jinay J et al.

Background: Acute exacerbation of obstructive airway disease (AEOAD) is a major cause of hospitalization, morbidity, and premature mortality in India. Hospitalized patients for the same are predominantly treated with short-acting bronchodilators, which require frequent administration and are associated with systemic adverse effects. Despite the availability of nebulized long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) with quick onset of action, such as glycopyrronium, their role in acute care remains unclear in India. Methods: A pan-India expert opinion-building initiative was conducted among 220 pulmonologists across Tier I-II cities through 13 structured advisory meetings between April 2025 and July 2025. The final expert perspectives were then categorized into recurrent insights, raised in 75% or more meetings, and variable insights, raised in <75% of all meetings. Results: Experts reported that AEOAD management commonly involved initial stabilization with SABA/SAMA followed by transition to triple therapy with nebulized glycopyrronium, formoterol, and budesonide. Nebulized glycopyrronium was perceived to provide rapid and sustained bronchodilation with fewer cardiovascular side effects compared to short-acting agents. Benefits were reported in patients with frequent exacerbations, high sputum burden, and bronchiectasis. Operational advantages included reduced dosing frequency and nursing workload. Experts also noted potential improvements in hospital stay and readmissions; however, these observations were based on clinical experience rather than controlled data. Conclusions: Indian pulmonologists agreed that early initiation of nebulized glycopyrronium (with formoterol and budesonide) in hospitalized AEOAD may improve symptom control, lower exacerbation burden, reduce reliance on short-acting bronchodilators and corticosteroids, and shorten hospital stays.

PMID 42496252
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PubMedOrganic letters2026-07-23

MgO-Promoted [4 + 2] Cyclization Using HFA·3H2O/SOCl2/PPh3: Modular Synthesis of gem-Bis(trifluoromethyl)dihydrothiopyrans.

Zeng Zhengwu Z, Rao Junyi J, Pei Meng M, Xiang Lu L et al.

The present study reports an unprecedented [4 + 2] annulation for the modular synthesis of gem-bis(trifluoromethyl)-3,6-dihydro-2H-thiopyrans. The transformation employs readily available HFA·3H2O and SOCl2 as a convenient (CF3)2C═S surrogate in the presence of PPh3, with MgO promoting the subsequent thia-Diels-Alder reaction of 1,3-dienes. The method features a broad substrate scope, excellent practicality for gram-scale synthesis and late-stage functionalization of biologically active molecules, as well as versatile product derivatization. Mechanistic studies identify hexafluoroisopropyl polysulfide species as key intermediates in this process.

PMID 42490186
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PubMedEuropean heart journal. Digital health2026-07-23

Digital biomarkers in cardiovascular medicine: a scientific statement of the ESC Working Group on e-Cardiology, the ESC Working Group on Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC, the Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care (ACVC) of the ESC, the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC, the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) of the ESC, the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) of the ESC, in collaboration with the Digital Cardiology and Artificial Intelligence Committee of the ESC, and the ESC Regulatory Affairs Committee.

Corredoira Pablo M PM, Kaski Juan Carlos JC, Duncker David D, Dörr Marcus M et al.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, imposing a substantial patient burden. Digital biomarkers derived from digital health technologies enable quantifiable, near-continuous, real-world capture of pathophysiological signals and are increasingly used across cardiovascular medicine. Their growth is often supported by big data analytics, artificial intelligence and connected sensors within the Internet of Things. This scientific statement systematically reviews digital biomarkers, their clinical utility across the cardiovascular care continuum, and summarizes major methodological and implementation challenges. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus for phase III-IV cardiovascular trials published between 1 January 2019 and 1 August 2024 that collected digital biomarkers. We identified 541 records and included 32 trials (40 reports) enrolling 32 246 participants (44.71% women; mean age 66.2 ± 11.0 years). Heart failure was the most frequent target condition (16 trials, 50%), followed by cardiac implantable electronic devices trials (12 trials, 38%). Digital biomarkers included cardiac rhythm and heart rate, blood pressure, body weight, impedance-based measures, haemodynamic pressures, and physical activity and sleep patterns captured using diverse sensor technologies. Methodological quality was good (modal quality score 5; range 3-7), although most trials were unblinded. Current studies suggest potential clinical utility in selected cardiovascular conditions. Implementation remains challenging because of measurement variability, privacy and regulatory requirements, affordability and reimbursement barriers and inequities in access. Robust validation and outcome- and cost-effectiveness evidence are still needed. Registration number: CRD42024573879.

PMID 42491935
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PubMedFrontiers in medicine2026-07-23

Unilateral hilar sarcoidosis with anemia and low T3 syndrome: a case report.

Shui Yuexiang Y, Wang Huabin H, Wang Shaobin S

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease that typically presents with bilateral hilar or mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Unilateral hilar involvement is uncommon and may closely mimic lung cancer, lymphoma, or tuberculosis. Inflammatory activation in sarcoidosis may also disrupt iron metabolism and thyroid hormone homeostasis, but these extra-radiological clues are often overlooked in routine practice. A 53-year-old woman was admitted with fever, chest tightness, and a left hilar mass with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Laboratory tests showed pancytopenia and markedly elevated inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6 at 60.7 pg/mL and C-reactive protein at 98.7 mg/L. Iron studies showed a discordant profile: low serum iron of 6.3 μmol/L, reduced transferrin, and markedly elevated ferritin of 955.2 μg/L. Total T3 was also low at 0.57 nmol/L. She had a 2-year history of anemia with poor response to oral iron therapy. Initial endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) of station seven lymph nodes was non-diagnostic. Because malignancy and infection remained possible, repeat EBUS-TBNA targeting stations 4L and 11L was performed and showed non-caseating granulomatous inflammation. Microbiological tests for tuberculosis and fungal infection were negative, and tumor markers did not support malignancy. Intrathoracic sarcoidosis with atypical unilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy was diagnosed. The anemia was interpreted as mixed absolute iron deficiency and inflammation-related iron restriction, accompanied by low T3 syndrome in the setting of systemic inflammation. Treatment with intravenous iron sucrose and inhaled budesonide-formoterol was followed by regression of the hilar and mediastinal lesions, normalization of hemoglobin, and recovery of T3 levels. The case highlights the diagnostic challenge of unilateral hilar sarcoidosis, which may mimic malignancy or infection. When initial EBUS-TBNA is non-diagnostic but clinical suspicion persists, repeat multi-station sampling should be considered in selected cases to reduce false-negative interpretation. The accompanying anemia and low T3 syndrome may provide supportive evidence of systemic inflammation, but they should not be regarded as central diagnostic features. Continued follow-up is warranted to monitor the clinical course.

PMID 42487948
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PubMedRespiratory medicine2026-07-22

Developing low-carbon metered-dose inhalers: effects of propellant HFA-152a on mucociliary clearance and bronchoconstriction in two Phase 1 randomised trials.

Singh Dave D, Poggesi Italo I, Weng Stephen S, Slade David D et al.

To reduce the impact of respiratory care on climate change, metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) are being reformulated with low-global warming potential (GWP) propellants. Next-generation propellant hydrofluoroalkane (HFA)-152a has >90% lower GWP than HFA-134a. As part of the safety evaluation for HFA-152a, mucociliary clearance (MCC), bronchoconstriction and safety were compared with HFA-134a. Two Phase 1, randomised, two-way crossover studies (NCT06506266/NCT06702462) were conducted. MCC study: healthy participants inhaled HFA-152a and HFA-134a in two 7-day sequences. MCC was quantified as area under radiolabelled particle retention time curve over 4 hours (AUC0-4h) after nebulised 99mTc sulphur colloid, following each propellant. Bronchoconstriction study: patients with mild asthma inhaled single doses of HFA-152a and HFA-134a. Non-inferiority of HFA-152a versus HFA-134a was defined as percent change in FEV1 (litres), 15 minutes post dose (95% confidence intervals [CI]: lower limit >-10%, upper limit >0%). Both studies assessed safety. In 22 healthy participants, the impact on MCC did not differ between HFA-134a and HFA-152a (AUC0-4h geometric mean ratio [90% CI]: 1.00 [0.99,1.01]). In 19 patients with mild asthma, neither HFA-152a nor HFA-134a induced bronchoconstriction (percent change in FEV1 at 15 minutes: -0.37% [HFA-152a] vs -0.60% [HFA-134a]); HFA-152a was non-inferior to HFA-134a (mean difference [95% CI]: 0.23% [-3.61,4.07]). Adverse event (AE) rates were low and similar for both propellants in both studies; all AEs were mild, with no serious AEs or deaths. HFA-152a and HFA-134a had almost identical effects on MCC, neither induced bronchoconstriction, supporting MDI reformulation with the low-GWP propellant HFA-152a.

PMID 42480626
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PubMedInternational journal of hematology2026-07-22

Risk factors associated with high probability of pulmonary hypertension in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Leiva Orly O, Soo Steven S, Liu Olivia C OC, You Victor V et al.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Recent studies have demonstrated associations between PH and adverse cardiovascular outcomes and MPN disease progression. However, risk factors for development of PH and the pathophysiology of PH in MPNs remain unclear. We conducted an analysis of a multicenter retrospective cohort of patients with MPN with ≥ 2 transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs) after MPN diagnosis. Patients with low probability of PH on the first TTE after MPN diagnosis were included. Backward stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was performed to identify risk factors for high probability of PH on subsequent TTE. Impact of incident high probability of PH on subsequent TTE, on major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), hematologic progression, and death was examined using multivariable competing risk or Cox proportional hazards regression. After backward stepwise modeling, age at MPN, non-JAK2 driver mutations, polycythemia vera (PV) and myelofibrosis (versus essential thrombocythemia), leukocytosis, and elevated HFA-PEFF score were associated with increased risk of incident high probability of PH. Incident high probability of PH was associated with increased risk of MACE, hematologic progression, and death. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of prospective screening for PH in patients with MPNs and further delineate pathophysiology of PH in patients with MPNs.

PMID 42481866
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