Tiotropium Respimat Pharmacokinetic Study in COPD

A Multicenter, Randomised, Placebo- and Active-controlled, 5 Way, Crossover Trial to Characterise the Pharmacokinetics and Evaluate the Bronchodilator Efficacy and Safety of Once-daily Tiotropium Delivered (Double-blind) From the Respimat Inhaler as Solution for Inhalation (1.25, 2.5, 5 mcg or Placebo) and as Inhalation Powder (18mcg) From the HandiHaler (Open Label) After 4 Week-treatment Periods in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

The purpose of this study is compare the effect of different doses of tiotropium delivered by the HandiHaler and Respimat device on lung function. Additionally, the study will investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of these different doses. Studying the pharmacokinetic profile shows what happens to the medication in the body over a period of hours and provides information on potential effects of the medication.

Inclusion criteria:

1. All patient must sign an informed consent consistent with IInternational Conference on Harmonisation- Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) guidelines and local legislation prior to any study-related procedures, including medication washout and restrictions.
2. Relatively stable, moderate to very severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
3. Current or ex-smokers (smoking history of at least 10 pack years)
4. Able to perform lung function tests
5. Able to use study inhalers

Exclusion criteria:

1. Significant diseases other than COPD
2. Recent myocardial infarction, unstable or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia, hospitalisation for cardiac failure.
3. Malignancy requiring resection, radiation therapy or chemotherapy within the last 5 years
4. History of asthma, life-threatening pulmonary obstruction, cystic fibrosis or clinically evident bronchiectasis 5 Active tuberculosis

6. History of alcohol or drug abuse 7. Pulmonary resection 8. Recent completion of a pulmonary rehabilitation program or current participation which will not be continued 9. Daytime oxygen therapy for more than 1 hour per day. 10. Use of other investigational drugs, restrictions on the use of some respiratory medications during the study period.

11. Current participation in another clinical trial 12. Pregnant or nursing women 13. Women of childbearing potential not using a highly effective method of contraception (e.g: implants, injectable, oral contraceptives)