Which long-acting β₂-agonist is best? Formoterol vs salmeterol

Long-acting β₂-agonists have quickly been established as a useful therapy in the treatment of both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. According to Dr Steve Lazarus from the University of California, San Francisco, US, the 2 most popular agents, salmeterol and formoterol, are both effective and well tolerated. However, the question remains as to which of these agents is best. Several studies presented at the 96th International Conference of the American Thoracic Society - Joint Meeting with the American Lung Association, Canadian Lung Association and the Canadian Thoracic Society [Toronto, Canada; May 2000] attempted to answer this question.