New Asthma Medications

Progressively, researchers have learned many new things about asthma allergy. This progressiveness has led to new asthma treatments and treatments for allergic asthma .

Asthma Allergen Immunotherapy* or Asthma Allergy Shots

Immunotherapy* – (the prevention or treatment of disease with substances that stimulate the immune response)

Asthma Allergen Immunotherapy or Asthma Allergy Shots decreases sensitivity to the things to which the person is allergic. It is a type of vaccination which increases the person’s resistance to the things causing their allergies.

Generally,the allergy vaccines are made from pollens, mold spores, animal dander, dust mites and others. Allergy shots are helpful for nasal allergy, asthma and other allergies.

Researchers are attempting to find new ways to give allergy vaccines. In the near future, vaccines may be nose sprays or drops under the tongue.

Immunoglobulin* E (IgE) and anti-IgE

Immunoglobulin* (any of a class of proteins present in the serum and cells of the immune system, that function as antibodies)

Our immune system includes cells and proteins. The proteins include antibodies and cytokines*(any of a number of substances, such as interferon, interleukin, and growth factors, that are secreted by certain cells of the immune system and have an effect on other cells). There are many types of antibodies. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the type of antibody that causes allergic reactions. IgE is found in the blood and in organs. IgE binds to certain body cells. 

These cells include mast cells and basophils(an immune system cell that attaches to antibodies and circulates throughout the blood). After IgE binds to the cells, allergy particles can bind to the IgE. When this happens, the cell releases many chemicals. These chemicals cause allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing and wheezing.

If treatment could prevent the release of the chemicals, there would be no itching, sneezing or wheezing. If IgE could be stopped from binding to the cells, the chemicals would not be released.

Omalizumab (trade name Xolair, Genentech / Novartis) is a humanized antibody drug approved for patients with moderate-to-severe or severe allergic asthma, which is caused by hypersensitivity reactions to certain harmless environmental substances.) is a man-made antibody against IgE (anti-IgE). 

This treatment is given by injection (shots) once or twice a month. Omalizumab stops IgE from binding to the cells.FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved this treatment for teens and adults with uncontrolled asthma.

Cytokines* and Cytokine Inhibitors

When the immune system is active, the cells release proteins called cytokines. The cytokines help some parts of the immune response and shut down other parts. There is a new treatment in the making called cytokine inhibitors. These inhibitors can prevent the cytokines from causing allergy problems. One day, cytokine inhibitors might be used to treat asthma and other allergic diseases.

Peptide* Immunotherapy or Allergy Shots

Peptide* ( a compound consisting of two or more amino acids linked in a chain )

Normal allergy shots (immunotherapy*) are made from allergenic proteins. However, there is a making of allergy shots from peptides, which are tiny parts of allergenic proteins,under the list for approval.

In research, peptide allergy shots have been used to treat people allergic to cats(dander). People who were given peptide allergy shots had fewer allergy problems in their nose and lungs. In the near future, peptide immunotherapy may be approved for usage.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained above are for educational ,further knowledge and basic guide purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for any ASTHMA personal care. 

Please see your medical healthcare providers for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.Check for FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval before usage.