How will leukotriene inhibitors affect asthma management?

Abstract

The introduction of Zeneca’s zafirlukast [‘Accolate’] to European markets, and its anticipated future launch in the US, along with the introduction of Abbott’s zileuton [‘Leutrol’] may lead to a revision of asthma management guidelines. Although the 2 drugs act via different mechanisms, they both ultimately exert their effects by blocking leukotriene activity. This is the first new pharmaceutical approach to treating asthma in 25 years, said Professor P O’Byrne from McMaster University, Ontario, Canada. At the International Conference of the American Thoracic Society/American Lung Association (ATS/ALA) [ New Orleans, US; May 1996 ] and the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology annual meeting (EAACI) [ Budapest, Hungary; June 1996 ], the merits of using zafirlukast for treating patients with asthma were discussed, with reference to recently completed clinical trials.