Roflumilast or Azithromycin to Prevent COPD Exacerbations (RELIANCE)

Initiated February 2020, recruiting

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04069312


About the study

The COPD Foundation is partnering with top pulmonary doctors and researchers at more than 30 institutions across the country to conduct the RELIANCE study. RELIANCE is a clinical trial that compares two medicines currently used for COPD, azithromycin and roflumilast. Research shows that both drugs work to help control COPD attacks and hospitalizations. What we don't know is which drug works better and for whom.

As a partner on RELIANCE, the COPD Foundation will engage the COPD Patient Powered Research Network (PPRN), lead patient and community engagement sessions, and represent the patient perspective throughout all aspects of the study.

Why RELIANCE?

Results from clinical trials and clinical guidelines indicate that long-term use of either roflumilast or azithromycin significantly reduces the risk of COPD exacerbations. No studies to date have directly compared long-term roflumilast to azithromycin in patients with COPD, so it is unclear how well they work when compared to each other. The RELIANCE study aims to compare roflumilast and azithromycin head-to-head to determine which therapy is best for the prevention of COPD exacerbations. The RELIANCE project was funded by the Patient Center Outcomes Research Institute. PCORI #PCS-1504-30430


RELIANCE for Patients

People with COPD have lots of questions.
RELIANCE is designed to help get answers.

If you have COPD and want to participate in research, RELIANCE is a study that compares two medicines (azithromycin vs roflumilast) that may improve the lives of people with COPD.

Go here to learn what is expected from people who join and to see if you are eligible.

RELIANCE for Patients

RELIANCE for Caregivers

COPD affects more than just patients, it affects families.

If you care for someone with COPD and often wonder which COPD treatments will keep loved ones out of the hospital and living a better, more active life, go here to learn what RELIANCE is all about and access resources for COPD caregivers.

RELIANCE for Caregivers

RELIANCE for Clinicians

A comparative effectiveness trial:
Azithromycin vs Roflumilast for severe COPD

RELIANCE is a multi-site, nationwide clinical research trial designed to compare the real-world effectiveness of long-term oral azithromycin vs. roflumilast to prevent COPD readmissions and mortality after hospital discharge. Click here to learn more:

RELIANCE for Clinicians

New opportunity!!

Become a Community Research Partner!

You can get involved with COPD research by becoming a RELIANCE clinical care Community Research Partner. RELIANCE is low burden and will compensate you. See what's in it for clinicians and review the 3 simple steps to refer patients to RELIANCE.


COPD Exacerbations:
Should you use long-term azithromycin or roflumilast for care in COPD patients

COPD Exacerbations: Should you use long-term azithromycin or roflumilast for care in COPD patients

The RELIANCE Study welcomes you to our very first quarterly Roundtable discussion in Pulmonary clinical medicine. Click here to listen to Drs. Richard Albert and Stephen Rennard discuss why clinicians should use azithromycin and roflumilast in their practice. This session is MC'ed by Dr. Jerry Krishnan, with a Q&A facilitated by Dr. Bob Wise.


Preventing COPD Exacerbations:
Talking to patients and experts about deciding between medicines

The RELIANCE Study invites you to the second quarterly Roundtable discussion in Pulmonary clinical medicine. Click here to listen to Dr. Jerry Krishnan and Dr. Jean Rommes roleplay a decision making process for choosing between two medicines that work. Followed by expert opinions from Drs. Richard Albert and Stephen Rennard on how azithromycin and roflumilast can help.


For more information for patients, caregivers and clinicians click below: