Competion in Asthma Treatment
New asthma treatment set for human trials
LONDON, Sep 12 (Reuters) - Scientists are hoping to begin clinical trials of a new treatment for asthma by the end of the year, a researcher said on Tuesday.
The remedy is based on a protein called Eotaxin that is produced in the lungs of asthmatic patients. It was discovered by scientists at Imperial College School of Medicine in London. By blocking the action of the protein and its receptor scientists believe they can relieve the inflammation and damage to lung tissue that contribute to the symptoms of asthma.
"We think this could produce a novel asthma therapy for the future," Professor Tim Williams told the British Association for the Advancement of Science conference.
Williams and his team have shown that they can block the build-up of cells called eosinophils, which release toxic granules that contribute to lung inflammation. Allergens stimulate the production of chemical signals in the lung, which in turn attract eosinophils.
"It (the drug) is a small molecule. Our protein is about 12 times bigger. So interestingly you have a big molecule interacting with a receptor and this small chemical can block that interaction," Williams explained.
The drug will probably be taken along with an inhaler but Williams said it could replace steroids, which produce harmful side effects such as brittle bones and thin skin.
Several companies are already developing drugs based on the process but Williams said the Belgium pharmaceutical firm UCB Pharma could be among the first to take it into human trials. In addition to a possible treatment for asthma, Williams said the drug could also help to relieve allergies.
Asthma is a chronic disease characterised by shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. The airways to lungs constrict and mucus builds up during an attack.
Over the past 30 years, the incidence of asthma in the developed world has increased by about 50%, and the number of children hospitalised because of asthma has increased 10-fold.
Every year the disease kills 180,000 people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
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