What Is Ohtuvayre? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Ohtuvayre is one of the most significant new COPD medications in more than two decades. If you or a loved one has been prescribed it — or if you're researching COPD treatment options — this guide explains exactly what Ohtuvayre is, what it treats, how to take it, and what to expect.

What Is Ohtuvayre?

Ohtuvayre is the brand name for ensifentrine, an inhaled prescription medication for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It was developed by Verona Pharma and received FDA approval on June 26, 2024 — making it the first inhaled COPD maintenance drug with a novel mechanism of action in over 20 years.

Ohtuvayre is classified as a dual inhibitor of the enzymes phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). By inhibiting both enzymes simultaneously, Ohtuvayre provides two benefits in one molecule: it relaxes the airway muscles to improve breathing (bronchodilation) and reduces lung inflammation without steroids (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effect).

What Is Ohtuvayre Used For?

Ohtuvayre is FDA-approved for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adult patients. COPD is a group of chronic lung diseases — primarily emphysema and chronic bronchitis — that cause progressive airflow blockage and breathing difficulty. More than 8.6 million Americans are treated chronically for COPD.

As a maintenance medication, Ohtuvayre is taken every day on a regular schedule to:

Improve breathing and lung function (measured as FEV1 — the amount of air you can exhale in one second)

Reduce COPD symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing

Help prevent COPD flare-ups (exacerbations)

Improve health-related quality of life

Ohtuvayre is NOT a rescue medication. It should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems during a COPD attack or flare-up. For acute episodes, use a short-acting bronchodilator such as albuterol.

Ohtuvayre Dosage: How Much to Take and How to Take It

The prescribed dose of Ohtuvayre is:

Dose: 3 mg (one unit-dose ampule, 2.5 mL) by inhalation twice daily

Timing: Once in the morning, once in the evening (approximately 12 hours apart)

Device: Standard jet nebulizer with a mouthpiece, connected to an air compressor

Step-by-Step: How to Use Ohtuvayre

Remove one Ohtuvayre ampule from the foil pouch just before use. Do not open the pouch until you're ready.

Shake the ampule vigorously until thoroughly mixed. The contents should appear cloudy and yellow to pale yellow.

Twist open the top of the ampule and squeeze all the medicine into the nebulizer cup or reservoir.

Attach the mouthpiece to the nebulizer, then connect to the air compressor.

Sit upright, place the mouthpiece in your mouth, close your lips around it, and breathe normally through your mouth until all the medication is inhaled.

Discard the used ampule immediately after use. Do not save or reuse.

Important: Do NOT mix Ohtuvayre with any other medications in the nebulizer. Compatibility with other drugs has not been established. Do not swallow or inject Ohtuvayre.

What Form Does Ohtuvayre Come In?

Ohtuvayre comes as an inhalation suspension: 3 mg/2.5 mL (1.2 mg/mL) in single-dose unit-dose ampules sealed in foil pouches. Pouches contain either 1 or 5 ampules. If using a 5-ampule pouch, remove one ampule and seal the remaining ampules back in the pouch for later use (within 14 days of opening the foil pouch).

Is Ohtuvayre Right for You?

Ohtuvayre may be a good option if you:

Have been diagnosed with COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or both)

Experience daily COPD symptoms despite current maintenance therapy

Need additional symptom relief as an add-on to current LABA or LAMA therapy

Prefer a steroid-free option for managing COPD inflammation

Already use or are comfortable using a nebulizer at home

Ohtuvayre is NOT appropriate if you have a known allergy to ensifentrine or its ingredients, or if you need an acute rescue medication for sudden COPD symptoms.

How Do I Get Ohtuvayre?

Ohtuvayre requires a prescription and is dispensed only through specialty pharmacies. Your doctor will need to submit a prior authorization to your insurance plan, and you'll be enrolled in the Verona Pathway Plus support program. Once your prescription is active, medfinder can help you find which specialty pharmacy in your area can fill it — medfinder calls pharmacies on your behalf and texts you the results.

For more on accessing Ohtuvayre, see: Why Is Ohtuvayre So Hard to Find?.