New COPD commissioning toolkit published

The Department of Health has announced the launch of a new commissioning toolkit to help in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the UK.

Outlined in the new toolkit are a number of best practice procedures for NHS commissioners, while information designed to ensure these individuals are able to make a more informed decision on COPD cases has been included.

It is hoped that the new publication will help commissioning officers focus more closely on providing positive patient outcomes in the future, rather than on the petty processes of bureaucracy.

Meanwhile, international pharmaceutical developer and manufacturer Almirall announced last month that it has received EU approval for its Eklira/Bretaris Genuair product for the treatment of COPD.

The maintenance bronchodilator treatment has been shown in clinical trials to provide improved symptom control from the first dose and as a result, the firm will now begin full commercialisation of the product within Europe.