World Asthma Day 2024 is organized on an annual basis to raise awareness about asthma, a prevalent chronic respiratory disease affecting millions worldwide. Every year, the first Tuesday of May is celebrated as World Asthma Day. It was initiated in 1998 by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), which collaborates with healthcare groups and asthma educators to improve awareness about asthma and related care around the globe. A specific theme focusing on an aspect of asthma care or management is highlighted each year; the theme for World Asthma Day 2024 is “Asthma Education Empowers.”
World Asthma Day 2024 is an opportunity for healthcare providers, patients and the public to engage in activities that educate and improve the understanding of asthma, as well as focus on the importance of effective management and availability of different treatment options for asthma. It is also a platform for professionals in healthcare, medical device and life sciences industries to discuss recent advancements in asthma research, treatment technologies and management strategies.
Facts and Statistics Related to Asthma
Over 27 million Americans suffer from asthma, which is about one in 12 people in the US. Asthma is notably more prevalent among children than adults with current estimates suggesting around 4.5 million children under the age of 18 have asthma in the US.
Asthma prevalence varies considerably across different races and ethnicities. For example, American Indians/Alaska Natives and Black Americans have the highest rates of asthma. In addition, asthma is more common among females than males, with approximately 10.8 percent of female adults affected compared to 6.5 percent of male adults.
Asthma can be a potentially life-threatening condition if not properly managed. In 2021, there were 3,517 deaths caused by asthma in the US.
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Evolution in Asthma Treatment
There have been considerable advancements in the understanding and treatment of asthma ranging from improvements in the basic understanding of the disease’s pathophysiology to advances in therapeutic options. These developments have sequentially improved management strategies and patient outcomes, as outlined in the milestones below:
In the 1970s, the introduction of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) marked a major leap forward in asthma management. Recognized for their effectiveness in reducing airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, ICS became the foundational treatment in asthma care, revolutionizing the approach to managing the disease.
Building on this, the 1990s saw the development and approval of long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs). These medications extended the duration of airway dilation far beyond what short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) could achieve. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with ICS, LABAs significantly enhanced asthma control, offering patients prolonged relief and improved quality of life.
Towards the end of the 1990s, the focus shifted to leukotrienes, components known to play a role in the inflammatory process of asthma. The emergence of leukotriene modifiers, such as montelukast (Singulair), provided an alternative therapeutic option, especially beneficial for patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, thus broadening the spectrum of asthma management strategies.
The early 2000s brought about the arrival of biologic therapies targeting specific immune pathways implicated in asthma. Drugs like omalizumab (Xolair), mepolizumab (Nucala) and dupilumab (Dupixent) were developed to specifically inhibit certain interleukins involved in inflammation, offering targeted treatments for individuals with particular biological markers.
Most recently, the integration of digital technology into asthma management has brought about smart inhalers and digital monitoring tools. These innovations track medication usage and symptoms in real-time, enhancing treatment adherence and allowing healthcare providers to make more informed management decisions based on comprehensive data.
Each of these milestones reflects an era of evolution in asthma treatment, demonstrating a trajectory of increasing specificity, efficacy and personalization in therapy that continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of patients with asthma.
Related: Asthma Drug Xolair Wins FDA Approval as First Treatment for Multiple Food Allergies
Latest Developments in Asthma Treatment
Asthma is a widespread, chronic, non-communicable disease affecting approximately 262 million people worldwide and contributes to over 450,000 deaths each year. Most of these deaths, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, can be prevented with proper education and access to care. Recognizing this, this year’s theme emphasizes the critical need for education on asthma management. The aim is to empower individuals with asthma to better manage their condition and recognize when to seek medical help.
In recent years, there have been significant advancements in asthma treatment. Many studies have reported on the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies such as benralizumab (AstraZeneca’s Fasenra) for managing severe asthma without high doses of ICS. A majority of patients could reduce or completely stop steroid use with control over asthma-related symptoms, thus demonstrating an important shift in managing severe asthma with fewer side effects.
Another notable development is the monoclonal antibody tezepelumab (marketed as Tezspire and developed by AstraZeneca in collaboration with Amgen), which targets thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a key player in the inflammation process of severe asthma. Studies have shown that tezepelumab can significantly reduce the frequency of asthma attacks by over 50 percent, improve lung function and decrease hospitalizations by reducing airway blockages caused by mucus.
Researchers have also identified new molecular targets that could enhance asthma treatment. One such molecular target, interleukin 31 receptor α (IL-31RA), found in the smooth muscle cells of the airways, plays a role in the development of airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. Targeting this molecule could potentially treat airway obstruction without affecting other aspects of the disease, such as inflammation and mucus production.
Lastly, recent studies have improved our understanding of how bronchoconstriction, the narrowing of air passages during an asthma attack, can damage the airway epithelia. This research is paving the way for treatments that could directly prevent damage caused by asthma attacks, potentially leading to innovative approaches to manage or even prevent disease progression.
These developments reflect a transformative approach to asthma management, reducing dependency on traditional steroids, mitigating side effects and ultimately improving the overall quality of life for patients with severe asthma.
Recent FDA-Approved Treatments for Asthma
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved many treatments, focusing on both emergency management and long-term control, for asthma. These treatments are tailored to meet the varied needs of asthma patients, reflecting the industry’s commitment to enhancing asthma management through a broad spectrum of options. Some of the recent FDA-approved treatments are outlined below:
AstraZeneca’s Tezspire is a groundbreaking treatment approved for severe asthma. It is suitable for add-on maintenance treatment of patients aged 12 years and older. First approved by the FDA in December 2021, Tezspire stands out for its efficacy across various types of inflammation that cause asthma, offering a versatile treatment option.
Airsupra, combining albuterol and budesonide, is a dual-action inhaler approved for patients aged 18 and older. This inhaler serves both to prevent bronchoconstriction and to minimize the risk of asthma attacks. It provides immediate bronchodilation from the beta-2 adrenergic agonist, along with the long-term anti-inflammatory benefits of a corticosteroid. The FDA approved AstraZeneca’s Airsupra in January 2023.
Spiriva Respimat (tiotropium bromide) is another significant advancement, classified as a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). It is designated for the maintenance treatment of patients who continue to experience symptoms despite standard therapies, offering a sustained solution to manage persistent asthma. Boehringer Ingelheim’s Spiriva Respimat was FDA-approved in September 2015.
The approval of various biologics marks a notable progression in treating moderate-to-severe asthma linked to specific inflammatory markers. Treatments such as Xolair for allergic asthma, and Nucala, Fasenra and Cinqair (reslizumab) for eosinophilic asthma target specific pathways to reduce inflammation. Dupixent addresses broader type 2 inflammation, while Tezspire caters to other severe forms of asthma.
Collectively, these FDA-approved treatments offer a framework for effectively managing different forms and severities of asthma, enhancing patient care through targeted, innovative solutions.
World Asthma Day 2024 helps everyone reflect on the significant developments that have been made in understanding and treating asthma. Moreover, this year’s theme focuses on the importance of advancing asthma care and embracing innovative treatments enhancing quality of life for those affected. The recent introduction of targeted biologics and improved inhaler technologies demonstrates the progress made toward personalized medicine for asthma treatment.
However, efforts to enhance patient education, improve access to advanced therapies and refine diagnostic tools are required. Awareness initiatives such as World Asthma Day are important to highlight the ongoing challenges and mobilize resources towards improved asthma care.
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