Indacaterol is a novel once-daily long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that is currently completing Phase II and Phase III trials. It represents the first of a group of drugs now referred to as the 'ultra-LABAs'. It has recently gained approval in Europe, and is pending regulatory review in the USA. Indacaterol produces a rapid and sustained bronchodilation that lasts for at least 24 h in patients with COPD. To date, 1-year studies with indacaterol indicate that it can be taken once daily with good overall safety and tolerability profiles. The therapeutic potential for indacaterol is supported by data on patient-reported outcomes with an improvement in symptoms such as dyspnea, exercise capacity and quality of life, and a reduction in exacerbations. It is likely that indacaterol could be used in conjunction with other agents such as inhaled corticosteroids and anticholinergics for the treatment of COPD as a single once-daily combination treatment.