Asthma Cure not Profitable?

[Matman]

Is it 'more' profitable for a Pharma Company to provide 'Symptom Only' Treatments (that an Asthma Patient needs to take for the 'whole' of his / her life) 'OR' pour Research Cash into searching for an Asthma 'Cure' that might provide Revenue for 'just a year or two' i.e. until the Patient is 'Asthma Free'? (What would you do if it was 'your' Pharma Company??)

With one (possible) exception that I've come across - Stem Cell Research (No Treatment yet available) - I'm unaware of any Pharma Research Programs 'aimed at' discovering a way to 'reverse' Airway Remodelling (as opposed to 'slowing-down it's progress' and providing additional / better 'Symptom' Management). As you're probably aware, Airway Remodelling is a major cause of Airway Obstruction, and appears to result from the Airways' Attempt to 'heal' themselves when damaged. (It's also one of the main contributors to Asthma Breathlessness).

I suspect there's not a definitive answer to the question I've posed above - and I (truly) hope the 'cynic' in me is wrong. (By the way, please don't take this 'Post' as a 'pop' at Doctors and Nurses - they're great. It's 'Pharma I'm referencing - but still grateful to for my Inhalers!)

** An Article that (sort of) relates to the question I've posed, can be found on the following link:

openaccessgovernment.org/de...

** An Over-view of The Stem Cell Research Article that ties in with this Post, can be found here:

sciencedaily.com/releases/2...

** The actual / original Stem Cell Research (HEAVY READING) is here:

fasebj.org/doi/pdf/10.1096/...

As usual, thanks in advance for any Comments / Thoughts - which I'll certainly read, but may not get round to responding to.

Take Care

[risabel59]

Hi Matman,

I’m inclined to believe you. As Seretide/advair was one of the worlds most profitable drugs, I find it very interesting that as the license runs out, news suddenly appears that it might be responsible for additional infections in those with asthma!!! And that people should be changed to newer in licensed drugs.

However, there is some great research out there. Such as the hook worm protein, that may in fact provide substantial relief/ cure for asthma/ allergic response. Of course most of this research is not well funded because it won’t result in a blockbuster drug. You only have to look at the story of Helicobacter Pylori to know that.

Which is why funding research outside drug company control is so so important.

Best

R