The Efficacy of Adjunctive Therapy with LithoLexal®Respiro in Adult Patients with Moderate-to-Severe COPD: A Real-World Objective and Subjective Study

Abstract

Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common and progressive respiratory disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids are the mainstay of pharmacological treatment, complementary adjunctive therapies are being explored to improve patient outcomes. LithoLexal® Respiro (Nordic Medical Ltd., London, UK) is a marine-derived plant extract containing >70 macro and trace biominerals, enriched with a bioavailable seawater-derived magnesium and vitamin D. Given its documented in-vitro and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activities, this treatment is a potential candidate for adjunctive therapy of COPD. Current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of LithoLexal® Respiro in improving lung function and overall health in COPD patients.
Methods
This single-arm, real-world study evaluated the efficacy of adjunctive therapy with LithoLexal® Respiro in adult patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Participants were recruited from the United Kingdom and received one tablet of LithoLexal® Respiro twice daily for four months. Objective and subjective outcome measures were used to assess clinical outcomes.
Results
Fourty-nine (49) participants completed the study. There was a significant difference in mean peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) across the time course of the study. PEFR increased by 36.1 L/min (range: 32.4-39.7 L/min) after four months compared to the baseline (p<0.001). A significant improvement in self-evaluated overall health (1.9 units increase in mean score, p<0.001) was also observed at study end. LithoLexal® Respiro was well tolerated with an adherence rate of 90%.
Conclusion
This study suggests that by improving lung function and perceived health, LithoLexal® Respiro may be a safe and effective adjunctive therapy combined with pharmacotherapy regimens in adult patients with COPD. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosing regimen.