Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System
Published on: April 6, 2017
New targets for drug development in asthma.
Ian M Adcock1, Gaetano Caramori, K Fan Chung
1Airways Disease Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Asthma affects 300 million globally, with 5-10% having severe, difficult-to-treat disease. Future therapies will target specific inflammatory pathways for personalized asthma management.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease affecting 300 million worldwide, projected to increase.
- While most patients respond to inhaled corticosteroids and beta-agonists, 5-10% have severe, refractory asthma.
- Advances in understanding asthma phenotypes reveal distinct inflammatory profiles, guiding targeted therapies like anti-leukotrienes and omalizumab.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge of asthma pathophysiology and inflammatory mechanisms.
- To discuss emerging therapeutic strategies targeting specific pathways and mediators.
- To explore the potential for personalized medicine in severe asthma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of asthma pathophysiology, phenotypes, and treatment advancements.
- Analysis of current and investigational therapeutic agents.
- Discussion of future directions in asthma research and clinical management.
Main Results:
- Recognition of distinct asthma phenotypes linked to specific inflammation types.
- Identification of novel therapeutic targets including p38 MAPK, antioxidants, IL-13, and immunoregulatory cells.
- Potential for combination therapies to overcome corticosteroid insensitivity in severe asthma.
Conclusions:
- Further research into airway inflammation mechanisms is crucial for improved asthma therapies.
- Development of targeted therapies and combination treatments holds promise for managing severe asthma.
- Personalized treatment strategies based on distinct asthma subtypes are a future goal, though a cure remains distant.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
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...
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
