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Monthly Shot May End Steroid Need for Asthmatics
27 Nov
Summary
- Tezepelumab injections allowed over half to stop steroids.
- Nearly 90% reduced steroid use significantly in a year.
- The drug significantly improved asthma symptoms and quality of life.
A promising new treatment, tezepelumab, administered via monthly injection, has shown remarkable success in helping severe asthma patients reduce or eliminate their need for daily steroid tablets. The Wayfinder international clinical trial, involving nearly 300 adults from 11 countries, found that over half of participants ceased steroid use entirely after one year, with no asthma flare-ups. Furthermore, approximately 90% of patients managed to lower their steroid intake to minimal doses.
This innovative therapy works by targeting and blocking a protein responsible for airway inflammation. Beyond steroid reduction, tezepelumab demonstrated significant improvements in asthma symptoms, lung function, and patient quality of life. Crucially, two-thirds of trial participants experienced no asthma attacks during the study period, highlighting its potential for comprehensive symptom control.
The findings, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, offer substantial hope for millions worldwide suffering from severe, uncontrolled asthma. Experts believe this monthly injection could offer a more manageable and effective alternative to long-term oral steroid use, potentially transforming care for those with debilitating respiratory conditions.
