INTRODUCTION:In non-exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with mild lung function impairment, single bronchodilator therapy might be as effective as combined inhaled corticosteroid/bronchodilator therapy, whereas the risk of pneumonia associated with the latter would be practically absent. AREAS COVERED:We performed an analysis of a recent study evaluating the efficacy and safety of inhaled indacaterol versus inhaled salmeterol/fluticasone in COPD patients. EXPERT OPINION:Both therapies were found to exert comparable effects on lung function, symptom severity and health status.