New data show Symbicort reduces attacks in mild asthma
New study data indicate AstraZeneca's Symbicort Turbuhaler significantly reduces asthma attacks when used as an anti-inflammatory reliever in mild asthma patients.
New data from the Novel START trial demonstrate that AstraZeneca's Symbicort Turbuhaler (budesonide/formoterol) can reduce asthma attacks when used as an anti-inflammatory reliever in mild asthma. The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Thoracic Society 2019 International Conference.
The trial compared Symbicort Turbuhaler to two common treatment regimens for mild asthma. Use of Symbicort Turbuhaler resulted in a 51% reduction in the rate of annual asthma exacerbations compared to a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) used alone as needed. When used in combination with budesonide, Symbicort showed comparable efficacy to twice-daily maintenance therapy, despite a 52% lower steroid dose.
“These data reinforce the effectiveness of Symbicort as an anti-inflammatory reliever therapy for patients with mild disease,” said ALEX DE GIORGIO-MILLER, Therapy Area Vice President, Respiratory, Global Medical Affairs at AstraZeneca. Professor Richard Beasley highlighted that SABA medications do not address the underlying inflammation in asthma, and patients with mild disease relying solely on SABA are at greater risk of attacks.
The Novel START trial reflected real-world treatment practices and involved 668 adult patients in Australia, Italy, New Zealand, and the UK. Symbicort Turbuhaler is already approved as maintenance and reliever therapy in numerous countries for moderate-to-severe asthma, and a regulatory submission to expand its indication as an anti-inflammatory reliever in mild asthma has been accepted for review in Europe.