Leukotrienes: new therapies and their influence on asthma

Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) are new therapies in asthma management which act to block the naturally occurring leukotrienes and improve lung function. It is clear from past research that many asthmatics dislike taking both oral and inhaled steroids and may probably welcome these new drugs simply because they are not steroid preparations. The oral route of LTRAs may be helpful for particular groups of patients, although LTRAs will not be suitable for all asthmatics. Their use so far has been largely as 'add-on' therapies for mild-to-moderate asthma with results that are promising in some patients but have been disappointing in others. Fewer side-effects may well improve medication compliance which has caused both unnecessary morbidity and has been linked to mortality in the past.