What is "roflumilast"

Roflumilast (trade names Daxas, Daliresp) is a drug that acts as a selective, long-acting inhibitor of the enzyme phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4). It has anti-inflammatory effects and is used as an orally administered drug for the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the lungs such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In June 2010, Daxas was approved in the EU for severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis. In March 2011, Daliresp gained FDA approval in the US for reducing COPD exacerbations.