New Drug Shows Promise for Sufferers of Allergic Asthma

Asthma affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide and about half of all asthmatics suffer from allergic asthma.

A new drug for sufferers of allergic asthma is showing early signs of success in testing.

Fraunhofer ITEM successfully tested the drug developed by GmbH & Co. KG.

The new treatment was tested in a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multi-center trial. Treatment with “SB010” over 28 days significantly improved lung function after the introduction of allergens when compared to placebo. “SB010” also showed to be safe and well tolerated.

How does it work? Here's a technical description:

The drug inhibits the transcription factor GATA-3 by a so-called DNAzyme – a synthetic DNA molecule with enzymatic action for inhaled administration. It binds to the transcription factor that triggers the inflammatory response and thus the typical asthma symptoms, inactivating it by enzymatic cleavage.

There is still more testing to be done, but "SB010" is good news for those who suffer from asthma, especially those affected by allergies this spring.