Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Mometasone furoate: efficacy and safety in moderate asthma compared with beclomethasone dipropionate
R A Nathan1, A S Nayak, D F Graft
1Asthma and Allergy Associates, PC, Colorado Springs 80907, USA. DRRNATHAN@aol.com
Background:
Mometasone furoate (MF) is a new inhaled glucocorticoid administered by dry powder inhaler (DPI).
Objective:
MF-DPI was evaluated for safety and efficacy and compared with placebo DPI and beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) administered by metered dose inhaler (MDI) in the treatment of patients with moderate persistent asthma.
Methods:
Eligible patients (n = 227), 13 to 75 years of age, maintained on inhaled glucocorticoids before entering the trial, were randomized to receive: MF-DPI, 100 microg, twice daily, MF-DPI, 200 microg, twice daily, BDP MDI, 168 microg, twice daily, or placebo in a 12-week, multicenter, double-blind study.
Results:
At endpoint, FEV1 (primary efficacy variable) significantly improved for all three active treatments compared with placebo (P < .01, all comparisons). The response to MF-DPI, 200 microg, twice daily treatment was approximately twice as large as the response to MF-DPI, 100 microg, twice daily or BDP MDI treatment, although the differences between these groups did not reach statistical significance. Secondary efficacy variables including PEFR, asthma symptoms, nocturnal awakenings, and albuterol use showed similar trends. The MF-DPI, 100 microg, twice daily and BDP MDI, 168 microg, twice daily treatment groups produced comparable results for all efficacy variables.
Conclusions:
MF-DPI, 100 microg and 200 microg, twice daily were well-tolerated and significantly improved lung function and symptom control in the treatment of patients with moderate persistent asthma. In this study, MF-DPI, 200 microg, twice daily seemed to be the most effective dosage.
Related Concept Videos
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Antiasthma Drugs: Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists
Antimuscarinic agents compete with ACh for the same binding site on the muscarinic receptors. By binding to these receptors, they inhibit the downstream effects of ACh and block the parasympathetic...
Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...

