Respiratory & inflammation research

AstraZeneca has an active research programme to create novel treatments for diseases of the lungs and airways, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and rhinitis.

Many challenges remain in respiratory medicine, such as the development of novel drugs that interfere with the underlying disease processes, and the improvement of existing medications and delivery devices to simplify disease management for the patient. Inflammation research is focused in the area of arthritis.

New approaches

• New drug delivery devices, including HFA-pMDI alternatives and dry-powder inhalers, are in development.
• AZD7140, AZD8309 and AZD9056 are development compounds in the concept testing stage that have novel mechanisms of action and are targeted at rheumatoid arthritis.

Extending clinical utility

We are also committed to extending the clinical utility of our current product portfolio , with major projects including:

• START , the the first worldwide, randomized, prospective study investigating early intervention with inhaled corticosteroid in newly diagnosed asthmatic patients.
• Pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) version of Symbicort.
• Extended indications for Oxis.