Breathing easier: the revolutionary effect of targeted asthma therapies
in: Health and Well-Being
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease involving inflammation and narrowing of the airways, causing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It affects a vast number of people, with estimates suggesting over 260 million individuals globally suffered from it in recent years. Historically, treatment focused mainly on relieving airway spasms (bronchospasm), often with limited success and significant risks, before the focus shifted towards managing the underlying inflammation for better long-term control.
Progress in asthma treatment heavily relies on foundational science supported by public funding. Key NIH institutes like the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) 1 conduct crucial research uncovering disease mechanisms and immune pathways. Additionally, NIH and the CDC support programs like the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) and the National Asthma Control Program (NACP) to translate findings into guidelines and public health action. This deep understanding allows companies like Regeneron (New York) and Sanofi (France) to develop advanced therapies. A prime example is Dupixent, now benefiting over a million patients globally by specifically inhibiting the signaling of IL-4 and IL-13, key drivers of Type 2 inflammation in asthma.
- States: AZ , AR , CA , CO , DC , IL , KA , MA , NY , OH , TX , WI
- Organizations: National Institutes of Health , National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , National Heart Lung and Blood Institute , National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences , Asthma Education and Prevention Program , National Asthma Education and Prevention Program
- Topics: Chemistry , Health , Technology
- Links and further reading: [ link1 | link2 ]