Effect of budesonide/formoterol pressurized metered-dose inhaler on exacerbations versus formoterol in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The 6-month, randomized RISE (Revealing the Impact of Symbicort in reducing Exacerbations in COPD) study.

•Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) therapy aims to prevent exacerbations.•RISE evaluated the impact of BUD/FM pMDI on reducing the rate of COPD exacerbations.•BUD/FM pMDI significantly reduced the annual exacerbation rate by 24% vs FM alone.•Safety data were consistent with the established profile of BUD/FM pMDI.•BUD/FM pMDI is an effective treatment option for preventing COPD exacerbations.