Severe Asthma Treatment Takes a Major Step Forward: Monthly Injections Offer New Hope
In a breakthrough study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, researchers have found that people with severe asthma can control their condition with just one monthly injection of tezepelumab, a protein-blocking medication. This significant development has the potential to revolutionize treatment options for millions of asthmatics worldwide.
The Wayfinder trial, led by Kings College London, involved nearly 300 adults with severe, uncontrolled asthma who were taking daily steroid tablets. After one year of treatment, more than half of the participants were able to stop taking their steroids entirely without experiencing any worsening of symptoms. Nearly nine out of ten patients had reduced their steroid use to a low dose.
The study's findings are promising, not only for people with severe asthma but also for those who have struggled to manage their symptoms due to daily medication regimens. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, long-term use of oral corticosteroids is associated with serious health conditions, including osteoporosis, diabetes, and increased vulnerability to infections.
Tezepelumab works by binding to and blocking a protein associated with airway inflammation. The study showed that it significantly improved asthma symptoms, lung function, and overall quality of life. In fact, nearly two-thirds of patients did not experience any asthma attacks during the study period.
"This is an incredibly encouraging development for the future of asthma care," said Dr. Samantha Walker, director of research and innovation at Asthma + Lung UK. "It's vital that research into new types of treatment continues, but we know current funding for lung health research is on life support."
While the findings are exciting, experts emphasized the need for careful consideration and further assessment before implementing this new treatment option in clinical practice. Prof Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, noted that "any new interventions that may help patients manage their symptoms more easily and in a safe and effective way would be welcome."
As researchers continue to explore innovative treatments like tezepelumab, it's clear that progress is being made towards improving the lives of people with severe asthma. With millions of asthmatics worldwide struggling to breathe, this breakthrough offers new hope for those who have been living with the condition for far too long.
In a breakthrough study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, researchers have found that people with severe asthma can control their condition with just one monthly injection of tezepelumab, a protein-blocking medication. This significant development has the potential to revolutionize treatment options for millions of asthmatics worldwide.
The Wayfinder trial, led by Kings College London, involved nearly 300 adults with severe, uncontrolled asthma who were taking daily steroid tablets. After one year of treatment, more than half of the participants were able to stop taking their steroids entirely without experiencing any worsening of symptoms. Nearly nine out of ten patients had reduced their steroid use to a low dose.
The study's findings are promising, not only for people with severe asthma but also for those who have struggled to manage their symptoms due to daily medication regimens. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, long-term use of oral corticosteroids is associated with serious health conditions, including osteoporosis, diabetes, and increased vulnerability to infections.
Tezepelumab works by binding to and blocking a protein associated with airway inflammation. The study showed that it significantly improved asthma symptoms, lung function, and overall quality of life. In fact, nearly two-thirds of patients did not experience any asthma attacks during the study period.
"This is an incredibly encouraging development for the future of asthma care," said Dr. Samantha Walker, director of research and innovation at Asthma + Lung UK. "It's vital that research into new types of treatment continues, but we know current funding for lung health research is on life support."
While the findings are exciting, experts emphasized the need for careful consideration and further assessment before implementing this new treatment option in clinical practice. Prof Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, noted that "any new interventions that may help patients manage their symptoms more easily and in a safe and effective way would be welcome."
As researchers continue to explore innovative treatments like tezepelumab, it's clear that progress is being made towards improving the lives of people with severe asthma. With millions of asthmatics worldwide struggling to breathe, this breakthrough offers new hope for those who have been living with the condition for far too long.