Effect of Broncho-Vaxom (OM-85) on the frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Efforts have been made to reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations using a variety of measures. Broncho-Vaxom (BV) is an immunomodulating agent that has shown potential benefit by balancing between immune stimulation and regulation in patients with COPD. In this study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of BV for reducing the risk of COPD exacerbations.

METHODS:

This study was based on the Korean National Health Insurance database, which contains reimbursement information for almost the entire population of South Korea. We extracted data from 2016 to 2019 for patients started on BV during 2017-2018. We collected baseline data on demographics, comorbidities, inhaler use, hospital type, and insurance type 1 year before starting BV. We also analyzed exacerbation history, starting from the year before BV initiation.

RESULTS:

In total, 238 patients were enrolled in this study. Their mean age was 69.2 ± 9.14 years, 79.8% were male, and 45% experienced at least one exacerbation. BV reduced the risk of moderate (odds ratio [OR] = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38-0.91) and moderate-to-severe exacerbations compared to pre- and post-BV (OR = 0.571, 95% CI: 0.37-0.89). BV use also reduced the incidence of moderate and moderate-to-severe exacerbations (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.75, p = 0.03; and IRR = 0.77, p = 0.03, respectively). The use of BV was significantly delayed moderate exacerbations (hazard ratio = 0.68, p = 0.02), but not with moderate-to-severe or severe exacerbations.

CONCLUSION:

The use of BV was associated with fewer moderate and moderate-to-severe exacerbations. Additionally, BV was associated with a delay in moderate COPD exacerbations.

• Authors: Joon Young Choi, Yong Bum Park, Tai Joon An, Kwang Ha Yoo, Chin Kook Rhee
• Journal: BMC pulmonary medicine (BMC Pulm Med) Vol. 23 Issue 1 Pg. 378 (Oct 07 2023) ISSN: 1471-2466 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 37805515 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.

Chemical References

• Broncho-Vaxom
• Cell Extracts

Topics

• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Aged
• Female
• Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive (drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Cell Extracts
• Nebulizers and Vaporizers
• Republic of Korea (epidemiology)
• Disease Progression