Hair Analysis of Formoterol as a Novel Tool to Assess Long-Term Inhalation Medication Adherence: Data from the TRICOLON Trial

    May 2026 in “ British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology ”
    Liz Cuperus, A. Mireille A. Wessels, Huib A. M. Kerstjens, Daan J. Touw, Erik W. M. A. Bischoff, Job van der Palen, Arnoud Aldenkamp, Astrid van Huisstede, Folkert Brijker, Stephan Dik, Lidwien Graat‐Verboom, Martijn Goosens, Peter Th. W. van Hal, Jolanda C. Kuijvenhoven, Lisette I.Z. Kunz, Renske van der Meer, Mariette H. A. Scholma‐Bronsema, Job F. M. van Boven, Johannes C. C. M. in't Veen, the TRICOLON study group
    TLDR Hair analysis has potential but is currently limited for monitoring medication adherence.
    The study aimed to evaluate the use of hair analysis to measure long-term adherence to inhaled formoterol in COPD patients, using data from the TRICOLON trial in the Netherlands. Hair samples from 49 patients were analyzed alongside digital inhaler data. Results showed low intra-patient variability in hair formoterol concentrations, indicating stable adherence, but only a weak correlation with digital inhaler data, particularly in the hair segment closest to the scalp. Factors like hair color and BMI influenced formoterol concentrations, but did not modify the effect. The study concluded that while hair analysis shows potential, inter-patient variability and external factors currently limit its effectiveness as an adherence monitoring tool.
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