Asthma year in review: COVID-19, new drug approvals and more
The Healio Editors compiled the most-read asthma news published in 2021.
Highlights from the previous year include new research and a Q&A on the relationship between asthma and COVID-19 outcomes; FDA approval of tezepelumab for severe asthma; FDA approval of dupilumab for children aged 6 to 11 years with moderate to severe asthma; and more.
Read these articles, and others, below, in no particular order.
Use of systemic corticosteroids linked with worse COVID-19 outcomes
In a study presented at the European Respiratory Society International Conference, approved asthma biologics and systemic corticosteroids were not associated with increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, but use of systemic corticosteroids was linked with worse COVID-19 outcomes. Read more
Q&A: COVID-19 risk, vaccination in patients with asthma
Healio spoke with Purvi Parikh, MD, with the Allergy & Asthma Network, about the relationship between asthma and COVID-19. Read more
FDA approves tezepelumab for severe asthma
In late December, the FDA announced approval of tezepelumab (Tezspire, Amgen/AstraZeneca) for add-on maintenance treatment of adults and children aged 12 years and older with severe asthma. Read more
FDA approves dupilumab for children aged 6 to 11 with moderate to severe asthma
In October, the FDA approved dupilumab (Dupixent, Regeneron/Sanofi) as an add-on maintenance treatment for children aged 6 to 11 years with moderate to severe asthma characterized by an eosinophilic phenotype or with oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma. Read more
Office environment exposures may trigger asthma in some employees
Wide-ranging office work exposures were associated with the development of asthma in some employees. Read more
Study highlights reduction in asthma exacerbations during COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers reported a significant decline in asthma exacerbations during the COVID-19 pandemic across all age groups, sexes and most regions in England. Read more
Triple therapy reduces exacerbations, improves control in moderate to severe asthma
Triple therapy, compared with dual therapy, was associated with fewer asthma exacerbations and modest improvements in asthma control in children and adults with moderate to severe asthma, according to a new meta-analysis. Read more
New ATS guideline addresses use of FeNO to guide asthma treatment
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide testing is beneficial and is recommended in addition to usual care in patients with asthma being considered for treatment, according to a new clinical practice guideline from the American Thoracic Society. Read more
Physical activity during pregnancy may affect lung function in offspring
Researchers reported a link between lower lung function in infants born to physically inactive mothers compared with those born to physically active mothers. Read more
BreatheSuite announces FDA clearance of device that turns inhalers into smart inhalers
In October, BreatheSuite announced that it received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for its Metered-Dose Inhaler V1 device, which turns existing inhalers into smart inhalers for people with asthma and COPD. Read more
People with asthma not at higher risk for poor COVID-19 outcomes, study finds
People with and without asthma have similar risk for COVID-19 outcomes, according to a review of 57 studies published in the Journal of Asthma. Read more
Coexistence of bronchiectasis with asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis common
Coexisting bronchiectasis in patients with asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis is common and associated with more severe disease. Read more