Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Formoterol fumerate

Novartis · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Formoterol fumerate is a Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) Small molecule drug developed by Novartis. It is currently FDA-approved for Maintenance treatment of asthma, Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Formoterol fumarate is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle to cause bronchodilation and improve airflow.

Formoterol fumarate is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle to cause bronchodilation and improve airflow. Used for Maintenance treatment of asthma, Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

At a glance

Generic name	Formoterol fumerate
Sponsor	Novartis
Drug class	Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA)
Target	Beta-2 adrenergic receptor
Modality	Small molecule
Therapeutic area	Respiratory
Phase	FDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Formoterol activates beta-2 adrenergic receptors on bronchial smooth muscle, triggering a cascade that increases intracellular cAMP levels, leading to smooth muscle relaxation and sustained bronchodilation. As a long-acting formulation, it provides extended symptom relief and airway opening for 12 hours or longer, making it suitable for maintenance therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

Approved indications

Maintenance treatment of asthma
Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Common side effects

Tremor
Headache
Palpitations
Muscle cramps
Nervousness

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Source	Used for
ClinicalTrials.gov	Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Formoterol fumerate CI brief — competitive landscape report
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Novartis portfolio CI

Frequently asked questions about Formoterol fumerate

What is Formoterol fumerate?

Formoterol fumerate is a Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) drug developed by Novartis, indicated for Maintenance treatment of asthma, Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How does Formoterol fumerate work?

Formoterol fumarate is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist that binds to beta-2 receptors on airway smooth muscle to cause bronchodilation and improve airflow.

What is Formoterol fumerate used for?

Formoterol fumerate is indicated for Maintenance treatment of asthma, Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Who makes Formoterol fumerate?

Formoterol fumerate is developed and marketed by Novartis (see full Novartis pipeline at /company/novartis).

What drug class is Formoterol fumerate in?

Formoterol fumerate belongs to the Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) class. See all Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) drugs at /class/long-acting-beta-2-agonist-laba.

What development phase is Formoterol fumerate in?

Formoterol fumerate is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Formoterol fumerate?

Common side effects of Formoterol fumerate include Tremor, Headache, Palpitations, Muscle cramps, Nervousness.

What does Formoterol fumerate target?

Formoterol fumerate targets Beta-2 adrenergic receptor and is a Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA).

Drug class: All Long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) drugs
Target: All drugs targeting Beta-2 adrenergic receptor
Manufacturer: Novartis — full pipeline
Therapeutic area: All drugs in Respiratory
Indication: Drugs for Maintenance treatment of asthma
Indication: Drugs for Maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing