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Australian researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in the treatment of severe cases of asthma, potentially offering hope to millions of people worldwide grappling with the chronic lung disease.
In a groundbreaking study published on Monday, researchers uncovered the pivotal role of beta common cytokines, a family of proinflammatory molecules, in controlling inflammation and scarring of the airways in severe and steroid-resistant asthma cases, according to a report by Xinhua news agency.
Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, affects a substantial portion of the global population. In 2019 alone, the World Health Organization estimated that 262 million individuals worldwide were afflicted by asthma.
Led by a team from the University of South Australia (UniSA), the study identified a human therapeutic antibody named trabikihart as a potential solution to effectively block inflammation and scarring in severe asthma cases.
Damon Tumes, the co-leader of the study and head of the Allergy and Cancer Immunology Laboratory at UniSA, emphasized the limitations of current asthma treatments, noting that they often target single molecules while multiple cells and pathways are involved in the disease’s progression.
“Inflammation and tissue damage in severe asthma is caused by several types of immune cells that enter the lungs due to allergens, viruses, and other microbes that interact with the airways,” Tumes explained in a media release. “In some people, the inflammation is resistant to steroids, the first treatment option for controlling severe asthma.”
He further elaborated that targeting multiple inflammatory cytokines with a single drug could hold the key to effectively treating and managing complex and severe chronic airway disease.
The significance of this breakthrough is underscored by the alarming statistics surrounding asthma-related fatalities. Data published by the National Asthma Council Australia in November 2023 revealed a concerning rise in asthma-related deaths in the country, with 467 reported deaths in 2022—a stark increase from 355 deaths in 2021 and the highest number since 2017.
The situation is particularly dire in South Australia (SA), where asthma deaths surged by 88 percent between 2021 and 2022, highlighting the urgent need for innovative treatments to combat the escalating toll of severe asthma.
The findings of this study represent a promising step forward in the fight against asthma, offering renewed hope for improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for individuals grappling with this debilitating respiratory condition.
