Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
20 August 2012 09:13
The drug could reduce dependence on inhalers, according to researchers
A new drug which suppresses inflammation of the lungs could reduce the number of emergency hospital visits among asthma sufferers by 50%, according to researchers.
Scientists from Leicester University discovered mepolizumab may allow patients with severe asthma to become less dependent on traditional steroid inhalers.
The GlaxoSmithKline-funded study looked at 621 severe asthmatics with signs of eosinophilic inflammation, with the findings reported in The Lancet.
Participants were randomly allocated one of three doses of mepolizumab: 75mg, 250mg, or 750mg, or a placebo on a monthly basis for a year.
Professor Ian Pavord and his team found the treatment could reduce severe asthma attacks and admissions to hospital or A&E by up to 50% when compared with the dummy drug.
Prof Pavord said: "Mepolizumab is potentially an important advance because it seems to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with eosinophilic asthma that is associated with frequent flare-ups, and may reduce the need for conventional treatment with oral corticosteroids that can have serious side effects including osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and impaired growth in children."
The findings come at a time when many people are taking holidays abroad - those of us who suffer from asthma are advised to arrange pre-existing medical travel insurance before jetting off.
Mepolizumab is not yet licensed in Britain.
02 December 2019
Reduce your screen time and commit to some me time at some of our favourite detox destinations.
[more...]
09 December 2019
We asked for the tale behind tea and found ourselves more infused than ever.
Marvel at views of the world's most spectacular peaks.
Marvel at the world's most magnificent creatures in untouched corners of the globe.
28 November 2019
Forget stopovers, sleeping pills and binging on in-flight entertainment. A slice of winter sun is just a short flight away.
Will you see in 2020 from a totally new destination? See how they celebrate around the world.
18 November 2019
Keen to get under the skin of the samba city? Take a look at some of the must-sees and must-dos in Rio de Janeiro.
While the Amazon amazes, there's much more to Brazil than the world's largest rainforest. Join us for an expedition into the country's lesser known natural attractions.
12 November 2019
The nation on the Nile offers intrigue beyond your wildest imagination. Check out our top 5 things to see and do.
Immerse yourself in the food, parades and spirit of America's favourite holiday, across five unique locations.
04 November 2019
Head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun, sea and spectacles of the wild kind.
As the nights draw in, we're turning our thoughts to the warmer climes of the Southern Hemisphere and treks in Patagonia that will put a spring in your step...