Astrazeneca begins third phase of asthma study

30th Oct 2013 07:54

- Phase III of Windward begins- Developing treatment for uncontrolled asthma Drugs giant AstraZeneca has started the third phase of the Windward programme for benralizumab, a potential treatment for severe uncontrolled asthma developed by MedImmune, the company's global biologics research and development arm.The company is trying to determine whether benralizumab reduces the number of exacerbations in patients with severe asthma that remains uncontrolled, despite receiving high doses of inhaled corticosteroids in combination with a second controller such as a long-acting beta agonist."We are pleased to begin the phase III trial programme for benralizumab and advance innovative research in respiratory disease, a core therapy area for AstraZeneca," said William Mezzanotte, Vice President and Head of Respiratory & Inflammation and Neuroscience in AstraZeneca's Global Medicines Development unit. "The development of benralizumab underscores our commitment to addressing and ultimately changing the course of chronic respiratory diseases through targeted and personalised treatment. Benralizumab has the potential to address an important area of unmet medical need as there are currently limited treatment options available for patients with severe uncontrolled asthma."NR