All Policies Include Coronavirus Cover
Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
24 April 2012 09:45
A new drug has been found to reduce asthma symptoms from cold infections
A new drug has been found to significantly reduce asthma symptoms caused by common colds in the first week of infection.
Treatment with SNG001 led to a 65% fall in the number of patients experiencing moderate worsening of symptoms, according to research into the drug.
Experts say the findings could represent a real 'breakthrough' as severe symptoms from cold infections are a serious problem for asthma patients.
Some 134 adults suffering from colds with "mild-moderate" to "severe" asthma took part in the study. Those with "difficult to treat" asthma, around 50% of the total, benefited significantly from the treatment.
Professor Ratko Djukanovic from the University of Southampton was the chief investigator on the trial.
"This trial, conducted by several UK academic respiratory experts, provides the first evidence of an effective anti-viral drug that can boost the asthmatic patient's immune system to fight viruses and thus significantly reduce the impact of virus infections on asthma control," he said.
The 'breakthrough' comes at a time when many people are booking summer holidays, and those with asthma are reminded to take out pre-existing medical travel insurance before jetting off in case their symptoms worsen during their overseas trip.
Leanne Metcalf, assistant director of research at Asthma UK, said: "This has the potential to be one of the biggest breakthroughs in asthma treatments in the past 20 years. We are incredibly excited by the possibilities this research could bring to reduce hospital admissions and deaths as a result of asthma attacks."
17 March 2020
Escape it all with a visit to one of the world's hidden island gems.
[more...]
02 July 2021
It's time for some Mediterranean sun and unforgettable sights. Here are five of our favourite must-sees in Malta.
Take your pick of the best beaches in Portugal, spanning more than 500 miles of the Portuguese coastline.
Holidays are back but not quite as we know them. Here's a quick guide to what to expect when travelling to and from green list countries.
28 February 2020
From tulip-filled trips to rose-tinged rests, these destinations are the perfect way to see in the new season.
04 January 2021
Join us on a journey to Ancient Greece to discover more about history's most revered statue.
Head north for a light show like no other. Discover how you can see the Northern Lights for yourself.
Discover more about the magnificent waterfall perched on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
10 December 2020
Don't sleep on the world's most impressive dormant volcano.
A destination that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
19 November 2020
Take a tour of one of South America's most captivating natural landscapes.
Discover the hidden depths of the world's most recognisable desert gorge.