Welcome to our July research update! Getting involved with research is an important way to impact asthma and allergy treatments, education, and awareness.
This month, we are highlighting clinical trials, surveys, and news on:
- Adults with severe asthma
- Asthma inhaler product development
- Preventing viral infections in people with uncontrolled asthma
- Atopic dermatitis/eczema treatments
- Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU)
Note: The links below will take you to external websites.
Asthma and Allergy Clinical Trials
Are You Currently Taking Oral Corticosteroids (OCS) for Your Asthma?
Would you like to contribute to important new research? SUNRISE is a clinical study investigating whether a new biologic treatment called tezepelumab may help to reduce or remove the need for OCS in adults with severe asthma. The study is looking for people who:
- Are between 18 and 80 years of age
- Have had an asthma diagnosis for at least 1 year
- Have been taking OCS for asthma for at least 6 months
- Have been using inhaled corticosteroids for at least a year, and a long-acting beta 2-agonist (LABA) for at least 3 months
- Have not been receiving any biologic treatment for asthma for at least 4 months
Sponsored by AstraZeneca
Does Your Child Have Uncontrolled Hives?
There is a new clinical trial testing a medicine called dupilumab to see if it can safely help children aged ≥ 2 years to <12 years with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). CSU is marked by the appearance of itchy hives.
Sponsored by Sanofi
Surveys
Share Your Experiences Living with CSU
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is leading a study to learn more about the experiences of people living with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). If you have CSU, or are a caregiver to someone with CSU, we invite you to participate in this research survey.
Your insights will help us guide educational content and programmatic resources around CSU. The survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete.
Student Spotlight
Take a Quick Survey to Help New Inhaler Development
Miles Lanham, freshman at the University of Virginia, saw his friend have an asthma attack during a workout with no way to get his to his quick-relief inhaler in time. After that, Miles set out to develop a quick-relief inhaler smaller than a handheld eraser, with the goal of making carrying a quick-relief inhaler easier, more comfortable, and less Invasive. It can also be worn on the wrist, attached to a phone, or attached to any other preferred item. We invite you to learn more by following the link to view an infographic, take a quick survey, and to follow the development of the Portahaler. Your feedback is key.
If you complete the survey, you can enter for a chance to receive a reward.
Latest Asthma and Allergy News
Asthma
Early Data Show Ethris' New Drug Boosts Protein that Can Help Protect Against Viral Infections in People with Uncontrolled Asthma
Viral infections are one of the most common causes of asthma attacks. Ethris, a German biotech company, is developing a new treatment to help prevent viral infections in people with uncontrolled asthma.
The treatment, ETH47, uses mRNA technology to increase a protein called interferon lambda (IFNλ), which helps protect against viruses. Early data show that this treatment, with different test doses, appears to be safe and effective in increasing levels of this protein. In addition to helping prevent viral infections, it can also lead to more effective control of asthma symptoms during these common illnesses.
ETH47 is inhaled through the nose and uses a special delivery system called SNaP LNP to help the mRNA reach the lungs effectively. In turn, this can increase the production of IFNλ in the respiratory tract. This system is like the one used in COVID-19 vaccines.
People with uncontrolled asthma are more vulnerable to severe respiratory infections due to an imbalanced inflammatory response in their lungs. This makes ETH47 a potentially important new tool in managing their lung disease. Ethris expects to present more detailed data on the use of this new treatment by the third quarter of 2024.
Eczema
NIAID Discovery Leads to New Probiotic for Eczema
Eczema is a chronic condition causing dry, itchy skin and affects many people worldwide. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common type of eczema. People with eczema often have imbalances in their skin's natural bacteria and lack certain oils. Eczema can weaken and disrupt the skin's barrier, which helps keep moisture in and allergens and other irritants out. A weakened skin barrier also can make people with eczema more prone to infections.
Research from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has led to a new over-the-counter eczema treatment using a probiotic called Roseomonas mucosa, which is part of the normal skin environment. Scientists found that this healthy skin bacteria can safely reduce eczema symptoms in both adults and children. This probiotic can be used alongside other eczema treatments, with specific guidance from a health care provider.
The researchers found that specific strains of R. mucosa reduced inflammation and strengthened the skin’s barrier. Clinical studies showed that most people had more than a 75% improvement in their eczema after using the probiotic, with reduced itching, less need for corticosteroids, and better quality of life. Improvements were seen in typical skin areas with eczema including the inner parts of the elbows and knees, hands, trunk, and neck areas. These benefits lasted for up to eight months after treatment ended. NIAID plans to conduct more clinical studies to further prove this probiotic’s effectiveness, with results expected in 2024. Ultimately, the goal is to have the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review these studies and determine if this could be made available as an over-the-counter therapy for people with eczema.
Ruxolitinib Cream 1.5% Shows Long-Term Safety in Children with Atopic Dermatitis
For children with AD, it is important to find treatments that not only work well but are safe to use. A recent study looked at the safety of ruxolitinib cream 1.5% in children aged 2 to 11. The year-long study found the cream is safe for use in children with moderate to severe AD.
The study involved 29 children with more than 35% of their body affected by AD. They applied the cream twice daily for 4 weeks, then as needed for another 4 weeks and continued using it as needed to complete one full year of therapy. Results showed that 31% of patients had mild side effects, but none of these were serious. Also, none of the children in this research study had to stop the treatment because of any side effects.
The cream also proved to be effective. The average affected skin area of AD in these children was reduced from 58% at the start of the study to 11.4% at 1 month and then to just 2.2% after 1 year of therapy. Most of the children had clear or almost clear skin by the end of the study. Additionally, the amount of ruxolitinib in the blood was low, much less than the level that could cause serious side effects in adults.
The results show that ruxolitinib cream is safe for long-term use in children with AD, with minimal absorption and no need for regular lab tests. This study is crucial because it focused on the treatment's effects on children rather than relying on data from adults or teens. With guidance from a health care provider, this option can be considered in children with AD who are not responding to other approved therapies.
Medical Review: July 2024 by John James, MD
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