Asthma drug breakthrough

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A new groundbreaking drug for asthma and hay fever is to be tested on humans for the first time

Why is this new drug so special?

Traditionally, asthma sufferers have to take use two different inhalers and usually twice a day to ease their symptoms and it can make their lives a misery. The new drug can be used just once a day and does the job of the reliever and preventative inhaler.

What else is new about it?

Some current treatments for asthma and hay fever can have quite nasty side-effects, including putting strain on the heart and giving people the shakes. The new drug, known as RPL554, is thought to produce far less harmful side-effects.

Where does hay fever come in?

Many hay fever drugs work in the same way as asthma treatments - opening up the airways and stopping the inflammation that causes irritation. This new drug could be of massive benefit to people who spend summer suffering from streaming eyes and itchy throat and nose.

How long before we're able to use this drug?

The first tests are being started in the Netherlands in November, and according to the company who is developing the drug, it could be available in 3-4 years' time.

What do the asthma experts say?

They're very happy. 'There hasn't been much progress recently with alternative, effective treatment options for people with asthma and hay fever,' said Leanne Male from Asthma UK. 'We eagerly await the results of this first clinical trial in humans.'

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