New asthma drug reaches trial stage

LONDON - Scientists are hoping to begin trials this year of a new treatment for asthma.

The remedy is based on a protein called Eotaxin that is produced in the lungs of asthmatic patients.

It was discovered by scientists at the Imperial College School of Medicine in London.

By blocking the action of the protein and its receptor, scientists believe they can relieve the inflammation and damage to lung tissue that contribute to the symptoms of asthma.

"We think this could produce a novel asthma therapy for the future," Professor Tim Williams told the British Association for the Advancement of Science conference.

He and his team have shown they can block the buildup of cells called eosinophils. These release toxic granules that cause lung inflammation.

Allergens stimulate the production of chemical signals in the lung that in turn attract eosinophils.

"It [the drug] is a small molecule. Our protein is about 12 times bigger. So, interestingly, you have a big molecule interacting with a receptor and this small chemical can block that interaction," Professor Williams said.

The drug would probably be taken with an inhaler, but he said it could replace steroids, which produce harmful side-effects such as brittle bones and thin skin.

Several companies are already developing drugs based on the process.

But Professor Williams said the Belgium pharmaceutical firm UCB Pharma could be among the first to take it into human trials.

In addition to a possible treatment for asthma, the drug could help to relieve allergies.

The incidence of asthma in the developed world has increased about 50 per cent in 30 years.

It kills 180,000 people a year.

- REUTERS