The Patents on Glucocorticosteroids and Selected New Therapies for the Management of Asthma in Children: Update

Despite the continuous increase in the prevalence of asthma in many developing countries, there have been major advances in understanding and managing this disease. The remarkable role of inflammation in asthma is well known. Current asthma guidelines recommend the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and immunotherapy for long-term management of asthma. The management of asthma in children is a challenge because of their inability to express warning signs and seek medical attention in a timely manner. Unlike adults, asthmatic children must rely on their parents or caregivers for the administration of asthma medications. The inability to carry and self-administer asthma drugs may increase the risk of non-compliance. Glucocorticosteroids, the most important drugs for patients with asthma, are associated with an increased level of side effects and compliance issues mostly in children. In an attempt to solve that dilemma, emphasis is being placed on the modification of current management tactics and the introduction of other drugs. This review presents more recent patents for childhood asthma therapies for the management of asthma in children.