There isn't one single "new" asthma medicine, but several recent advancements offer improved treatment options. These advancements include both new inhalers and injectable medications targeting different aspects of asthma.
New Asthma Inhalers and Medications:
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Airsupra (albuterol and budesonide): Approved by the FDA in 2023, Airsupra is an inhalation aerosol for adults (18+) to prevent bronchial spasms and reduce asthma attacks. It combines a quick-relief medication (albuterol) with a long-term control medication (budesonide) in a single inhaler [Allergy Asthma Network; FDA]. This simplifies treatment for some patients.
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Tezepelumab: This is a newer, injectable medicine administered monthly. Clinical trials show that it offers significantly better control of severe asthma, providing patients with greater control over their condition [Leicester Biomedical Research Centre]. It’s an add-on medication for patients 12 and older with severe asthma [Tezspire].
Other Notable Advances:
While not entirely "new" medicines, significant advancements are occurring in asthma treatment:
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Research into new mechanisms: Ongoing research explores novel approaches, such as targeting the Piezo1 protein to potentially improve allergic asthma treatments [Keck School of Medicine of USC].
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Combined therapies: New approaches focus on combining different medications in a single inhaler for improved efficacy and convenience. This can reduce the need for multiple inhalers and simplify treatment regimens [University of Arizona].
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Biologic therapies: Drugs like Dupixent (dupilumab) are used in conjunction with other asthma medications for moderate-to-severe eosinophilic or oral steroid-dependent asthma [Dupixent]. These biologics target specific pathways involved in the inflammatory processes that underlie asthma.
Future Directions in Asthma Treatment:
Research continues to investigate medications like fevipiprant, with hopes that it might provide a safe and effective asthma treatment in the future [WebMD]. Network meta-analyses show that some currently available treatments are significantly reducing severe asthma exacerbations [UpToDate].
