Frequently asked Questions on Respimat® SMI

FAQs

• When will Respimat® SMI be available?

  Respimat® SMI is in different stages of development with different products. Berodual® Respimat® is the first product available. It is launched in Germany since January 2004. Other products are in advanced clinical development.
  

• Which products will be available in Respimat® SMI?

  Respimat® SMI is being investigated for a range of products over the forthcoming years (including Spiriva®).
  

• Will Boehringer Ingelheim stop selling MDIs or DPIs when Respimat® SMI is available?

  No, because patients who use MDIs or DPIs, and are happy with their current device, should be able to continue with these devices, unless their technique is inadequate. Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to providing a choice of inhaler devices for doctors and patients.
  

• Will Respimat® SMI be more expensive than other inhaler devices?

  The price of products in Respimat® SMI has not been agreed yet with health or reimbursement authorities. Boehringer Ingelheim believes that the level of innovation, and the resulting advantages of Respimat® SMI in terms of ease of use and patient preference, should be adequately reflected in its price.
  

• What advantages does Respimat® SMI have over other inhalation devices?

  Improved delivery to the lungs results in higher lung deposition and, consequently, in equal efficacy at half the dose compared to metered dose inhalers (MDIs). The main feature of Respimat® SMI, the Soft Mist™, together with the ease of use of the device, makes it the preferred inhaler for many doctors and patients (as shown in international market research with both groups and a clinical trial).
  

• Which patients will be suitable for Respimat® SMI?

  All patients who currently use conventional inhalers (such as MDIs, DPIs) for the treatment of respiratory diseases can use Respimat® SMI. Respimat® SMI is suitable for both reliever and preventer therapy.
  

• Will Spiriva® Respimat® be superior to Spiriva® HandiHaler®?

  Respimat® SMI and HandiHaler® are expected to be equally suitable for the administration of Spiriva®, but physicians and patients may prefer one device rather than the other.
  

• Does Respimat® SMI comply with the Montreal and Kyoto Protocols?

  Respimat® SMI is completely propellant free and therefore complies with both Protocols by not having an ozone depleting or greenhouse effect.