Health
Asthma Could be Cured Within Five Years After Drug Breakthrough
(Telegraph) – Asthma could be cured within five years after scientists discovered what causes the condition and how to switch it off.
In a breakthrough which could change the lives of Britain’s five million sufferers, researchers at Cardiff University and Kings College London identified which cells cause the airways to narrow when triggered by irritants like pollution.
Crucially, drugs already exist which can deactivate the cells. They are known as calcilytics and are used to treat people with osteoporosis.
The scientists are hopeful that in the future asthmatics take the drug to prevent an attack ever happening and ending the need to constantly carry an inhaler.
“Our findings are incredibly exciting,” said Professor Daniela Riccardi, from Cardiff University School of Biosciences.
