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[New treatments for bronchial asthma]
Massimo Mosca Frezet1, Alessandro Braida, Maurizio Dore
1Clinica di Malattie dell'Apparato Respiratorio, Servizio di Allergologia Respiratoria Azienda Ospedaliera San Luigi Orbassano, Torino.
Recenti Progressi in Medicina
|July 14, 2004
Summary
Newer asthma medications like antileukotrienes and anti-IgE therapies offer safer, more targeted treatments for persistent asthma and associated rhinitis, reducing reliance on systemic corticosteroids.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Respiratory Medicine
Context:
- Current asthma management relies on inhaled beta2-agonists and corticosteroids, which have limitations in controlling peripheral airway inflammation and associated conditions like rhinitis.
- Systemic corticosteroids are effective but non-specific anti-inflammatory agents with potential for significant side effects.
Purpose:
- To explore systemic, targeted therapies for asthma that act on specific mediators without disrupting physiological functions.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of antileukotrienes and anti-immunoglobulin E (anti-IgE) therapies in asthma management.
Summary:
- Antileukotrienes are effective and safe oral medications for persistent asthma not fully controlled by inhaled steroids, with some suitable for once-daily use and pediatric patients.
- In the USA, antileukotrienes are also indicated for allergic rhinitis treatment.
- Omalizumab, an anti-IgE therapy, is safe and effective for atopic asthma, reducing steroid use and exacerbations without significant side effects, and also benefits rhinitis.
Impact:
- These targeted therapies offer improved asthma control and reduced side effect profiles compared to traditional treatments.
- They provide effective management options for associated conditions like allergic rhinitis.
- Further research into novel agents like cytokine modulators and phosphodiesterase inhibitors holds future promise for asthma treatment.