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AsthmaJanuary 2021Summary reviewed August 2026

Triple-Drug Inhaler Improved Lung Function in Asthma Patients by 110 mL

Adults with moderate to severe asthma who weren't doing well on two drugs tried a single inhaler combining three medicines. After 24 weeks, the triple combo improved breathing capacity significantly more than the two-drug version, though it didn't reduce asthma attacks as much as hoped.

What the trial was testing

The CAPTAIN enrolled 2,436 patients with asthma. The study was sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

It was a large trial designed to confirm whether the treatment works well enough for wider use. Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.

What the results showed

The triple-drug inhaler improved lung capacity by 110 mL more than the standard two-drug version.

The Lancet. Respiratory medicine · 2021 · NCT02924688

These findings — that triple-drug inhaler boosted breathing volume more than standard two-drug treatment — were published in the The Lancet. Respiratory medicine and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 2,436 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with asthma, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

This triple-combination inhaler is FDA-approved and available now for asthma patients who aren't well-controlled on a steroid plus long-acting bronchodilator. It improved breathing capacity significantly, though it didn't dramatically cut asthma attacks in this study. If your current asthma treatment isn't working well enough, ask your doctor whether adding a third medicine to your inhaler might help.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.