AstraZeneca begins phase III trials for new asthma therapy

AstraZeneca has announced the commencement of a phase III trial programme for a promising new asthma therapy from MedImmune.

The study programme will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of tralokinumab in reducing the rate of asthma exacerbations in adults and adolescents with severe, inadequately controlled asthma.

It will also assess the effect of tralokinumab on lung function, patient-reported asthma symptoms and quality of life, as well as identifying potential clinical biomarkers that could be used to determine patients who are more likely to respond to the drug.

Tralokinumab is also currently being investigated in an ongoing phase II study in patients with mild-to-moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Bill Mezzanotte, vice-president and head of inflammation, neuroscience and respiratory at AstraZeneca's global medicines development unit, said: "We are pleased to begin the tralokinumab phase III programme in severe asthma, further strengthening the breadth of our portfolio in respiratory disease, one of AstraZeneca's core therapy areas."

This comes after the firm agreed a deal to purchase the respiratory franchise of fellow pharmaceutical company Almirall earlier this month.