Airsupra, which received U.S. approval in 2024 for adults with moderate to severe asthma, is now supported by data for use in adolescents aged 12 and older, targeting a significant population of mild asthma patients.

Current global asthma management guidelines already recommend against using albuterol alone due to its ineffectiveness in addressing airway inflammation, making Airsupra a critical advancement in treatment.

This pioneering trial utilized virtual methodologies to evaluate the effectiveness of adding corticosteroids to standard rescue inhalers used during acute asthma episodes.

The combination therapy substantially decreased the likelihood of severe asthma exacerbations among participants, marking a significant advancement in pulmonary medicine.

A groundbreaking virtual trial conducted by Rutgers University and other institutions has revealed that combining an inhaled corticosteroid with rescue therapy significantly reduces severe asthma attacks in patients with mild asthma.

The phase III study, published on May 17, 2025, in The New England Journal of Medicine, tested Airsupra, a fixed-dose inhaler that combines budesonide, a steroid, with albuterol, a muscle relaxant.

In this trial involving 2,421 participants, only 5.1% of those using Airsupra experienced severe exacerbations requiring hospitalization, compared to 9.1% of those using albuterol alone, indicating nearly a 50% reduction in severe attacks.

Reynold Panettieri, a lead investigator of the study, noted that these findings could greatly enhance the quality of life for mild asthma patients and lead to significant healthcare cost savings by reducing hospital visits.

These findings suggest that millions of people with mild asthma could benefit from this new treatment strategy, potentially improving their health outcomes and decreasing the need for emergency medical interventions.

The trial was unique as it was fully remote, allowing participants to register online, receive inhalers by courier, and have telehealth consultations, which aimed to increase accessibility and reduce costs.

Following its publication and presentation at a major conference, there is an expectation of rapid adoption of Airsupra by insurers and healthcare providers, potentially revolutionizing asthma management practices.

The results showed that Airsupra not only halved the risk of severe asthma attacks but also decreased the annual exacerbation rate by 53% and reduced systemic steroid exposure by 63%, minimizing complications associated with long-term steroid use.