From Triple Therapy to Biologics: Evidence-Based Updates in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation Prevention and Management

Program Description

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a significant global health challenge and is a major driver of annual health care costs in the United States due to uncontrolled exacerbations and high rates of hospitalization. Traditionally, management has relied on symptom-focused inhaler therapies, but these are often limited by poor patient adherence, manual dexterity issues, and a singular management approach that does not adequately slow the decline of lung function. While the emergence of precision medicines and targeted biologics has offered a paradigm shift toward disease-modifying care, a substantial gap remains between these therapies and their routine implementation in clinical practice. Specialty pharmacists are essential to bringing these therapies to patients by identifying treatable traits, educating patients on complex administration, and navigating the significant access and affordability barriers associated with novel therapies. This session will equip pharmacists to apply the 2026 GOLD risk stratification criteria using biomarkers like blood eosinophil counts, compare the clinical evidence for biologics versus triple therapy for advanced COPD treatment options, and identify specific pharmacist-led interventions to transition COPD management from reactive symptom control to proactive, individualized care.

Target audience: Specialty pharmacists
Type of activity: Application
Release date: June 24, 2026
Expiration date: June 24, 2027
Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Time to complete activity: 1.5 hour
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Apply the 2026 GOLD risk stratification criteria for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exacerbations, and blood eosinophil counts to identify candidates for biologic therapy
• Compare triple therapy (LABA+LAMA+ICS) and biologic therapy options by mechanism of action and evidence for lung function improvement and exacerbation prevention in specific COPD phenotypes
• Explain 2026 GOLD treatment algorithms distinguishing initial therapy from follow-up management based on treatable traits and exacerbations, including escalation to biologics
• Identify opportunities for pharmacist-led interventions such as screening, medication access for COPD biologics, medication use support for complex regimens, and patient education and collaborative care to improve COPD outcomes

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-26-188-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through June 24, 2027.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose:

Faculty

Monica Dougherty, PharmD, BCACP

Jamie L. McConaha, PharmD, CDCES, FCCP, BCACP

Katrina Roux-Bernstein, CRNP

Paul Solinsky, PharmD, BCACP, AE-C

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Adam C Welch, PharmD, MBA, FAPhA; Emily Tyler, MHA, PMP; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta

Any relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

At least one anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer

CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved by the labeling. or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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