Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
07 November 2014 09:36
Researchers have developed a new drug for asthma patients
Researchers have developed a drug that offers new hope to those suffering from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The new medicine, called RPL554, works by blocking two enzymes in the body and can help to relax the airway muscles as well as reducing inflammation in sufferers.
Experts say the drug could revolutionise the treatment of asthma and COPD as it does not have any of the substantial side effects of current treatments.
A new treatment with minimal side-effects could encourage asthma sufferers to travel more - however before doing so they should be sure to arrange asthma travel insurance.
A trial carried out across three countries - the UK, the Netherlands and Italy - found that RPL554 relieves patients of symptoms and also has an an ti-inflammatory effect.
After a week of treatment, COPD patients were able to forcibly exhale a 17% higher volume of air after breathing in deeply than before.
The researchers said participants in the trial - both the placebo group and sufferers - had a good tolerance of the drug, and only mild side effects were noted.
RPL554 treatment also did not cause any of the stomach issues linked to current asthma and COPD drugs.
Treatments for these conditions have remained largely the same for the past four decades, although experts started to doubt their effectiveness after they were found to worsen asthma symptoms and fail to protect from flare ups.
What the experts at Asthma UK say
Dr Samantha Walker, director of research and policy at Asthma UK, described the new drug as "unique" because it has two effects at the same time.
She said the 250,000 people in the UK with severe asthma urgently need better medication, adding that current treatments come with a range of "unwelcome side effects" such as osteoporosis, sleep problems, weight gain and depression.
Asthma UK will watch the development of RPL554 "with great interest", Dr Walker said.
The findings of the study have been published in the journal The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.
16 April 2019
Keen to see first-hand who gets crowned champions of Europe? Europe's biggest football match takes place in Madrid: here's your guide to everything you need to know.
[more...]
18 April 2019
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.
01 April 2019
Songkran is Thailand's famous New Year's festival - and the world's biggest water fight. Here's everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travelling to Thailand? Learn the important local traditions and cultures to ensure you act respectfully in 'The land of a thousand smiles.'
Travelling overseas with young children? Make going through the airport easy and stress-free by following these top tips for surviving the airport with kids when flying.
25 March 2019
Discover the best places to learn to scuba dive! Check out our list of top dive locations around the world that are perfect for scuba diving beginners.
Looking for some late-season skiing? Here are some of the best places for spring skiing in Europe where you can enjoy reliable snow cover.
19 March 2019
Looking for adventure? Create your perfect Scandinavian weekend with these alternative city break ideas.
Lower your blood pressure with these fresh, healthy foods you can add to your diet.