New research has come out that could be a real game-changer when it comes to treating asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, plagues 25 million Americans.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Sanofi, a French drug giant, have joined together to develop a new experimental drug called dupilumab, which the lead investigator of a recent study called "the most exciting data we've seen in asthma in 20 years," according to Reuters. The source reports that of the 52 asthma patients who were given the injectable treatment, only three of them experienced asthma attacks, meaning that the drug reduced the risk of having an episode by a whopping 87 percent.
"This asthma data and the data we already have in atopic dermatitis really raises the possibility the scientific community has finally hit upon the key pathway across all these allergic diseases," said Regeneron's chief scientist, George Yancopoulos.
Researchers note that this is just a "proof of concept" study, and that more extensive trials will be required to confirm whether their optimism about dupilumab is justified. If it continues to perform well in studies, however, dupilumab could prove to be the treatment doctors have been looking for, as it appears to address the root of the problem rather than merely quelling the symptoms of asthma.
The group is scheduled to present its findings today at the American Thoracic Society's annual scientific meeting in Philadelphia.
It's always exciting to hear about new developments in the treatment of asthma and allergies, but there are simple things you can do to reduce your symptoms, such as installing a whole house air purifier in your home and a car cabin air filter in your vehicle to remove allergens from the air.
