Small protein plays big role in asthma severity

Bethesda, MD—A new culprit has been identified that likely plays a big role in the severity of asthma—a small protein chemokine called CCL26. These findings were published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology and represent the first demonstration that CCL26 is a potent regulator of the migration of asthmatic eosinophils, commonly observed in asthmatic airways. Results from this discovery may lead to new drug targets for the treatment of asthma.....

Read more here: sciencecodex.com



Progress In Asthma Drug Therapy From A Patient's View

Not surprisingly, my recent post – “Are 90% Of FDA Drugs Approved In Last 30 Years No More Effective Than Existing Drugs?”, drew a range of comments. While many supported my views on the value of new medicines brought forward by the pharma industry in the last 30 years, others decried the pharma industry’s incrementalism and the proliferation of follow-on drugs. One unexpected comment I received was from a former colleague from Pfizer PFE -0.41%. As one who has been asthmatic for most of his life, his personal experience provides a great perspective from the patient.....

Read more here: forbes.com



Breathing new life: New procedure helps asthma sufferers

Taylor Mosley’s asthma flare-ups were so severe that she sometimes wondered when her next wheezing breath might be her last.
Mosley, 22, of Fort Worth, has relied on steroids and her rescue inhaler for years to keep her asthma in check but said she still would wind up in the hospital once or twice a month in intensive care, often for days at a time. Her health led her to drop out of college, caused her to miss work and kept her from participating in sports and outdoor activities for fear of triggering an asthma attack, she said.....

Read more here: star-telegram.com