Boehringer Ingelheim said it presented positive data from its UniTinA-asthma trial that evaluated adding tiotropium Respimat to daily maintenance asthma therapy at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference.
The diverse populations in the study showed improvement despite allergies or body mass index (BMI). Children and teens showed improved lung function and symptom control, while adults saw improved airflow obstruction, the release said.
While patients may be on a maintenance therapy, nearly one in two still experience asthma symptoms. Common allergens can trigger inflammation and tightened airways. Asthma symptoms can significantly interfere with day-to-day life as well as increase the risk of a fatal asthma attack by six times.
“These new analyses add to the wealth of evidence from the large-scale UniTinA-asthma clinical trial program to show tiotropium Respimat is effective in a broad range of patients with symptomatic asthma, including those with allergies or a high BMI, which may make their symptoms more difficult to manage,” Boehringer Ingelheim Global Medical Adviser Respiratory Jennifer Haddon said in the release. “Of those people already on asthma treatment, almost half still experience symptoms, highlighting the need for better management. These data underline the commitment of Boehringer Ingelheim to advancing our understanding of which patients may benefit most from our medicines.”
