Bridging Clinical and Chemical Research in Occupational Asthma

Occupational Asthma (OA) accounts for a significant portion of adult asthma cases and is driven by diverse mechanisms linked to high- and low-molecular-weight workplace exposures. Despite extensive clinical and epidemiological studies, the molecular basis and medicinal chemistry approaches for diagnosing and managing OA remain underexplored. Here, I review the current literature identifying key occupational exposures, emphasizing the paucity of medicinal chemistry research targeting OA-related exposures. I advocate for translational research that integrates innovations in medicinal chemistry with clinical insights, leveraging exposomics to develop personalized exposure assessments and targeted therapeutics. The interdisciplinary approach involving chemical exposomes holds promise for improved OA prevention, diagnosis, and management tailored to specific occupational exposures and patient needs.