Four nonprofit organizations collaborate to bring findings to the FDA

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Washington D.C., September 20, 2022 — Today, the Allergy & Asthma Network, American Lung Association, American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED), and Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) released a Voice of the Patient report about asthma in childhood as part of the Little Airways, Big Voices initiative.

Approximately 6 million children (ages 0-17) in the United States are affected by asthma. The Voice of the Patient Report on Asthma in Childhood summarizes findings from the Little Airways, Big Voices initiative and identifies what is important to people who live with and manage asthma in childhood. This includes shortness of breath or trouble breathing and its impact on a child’s quality of life. Asthma can make it hard for children to go to school, exercise, and participate in social activities.

“Asthma disparities and barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention impact children’s lives. Current treatments, such as oral corticosteroids, affect the long-term health of children into adulthood causing them to develop comorbidities such as obesity, bone loss, and sleep and mood disturbances. This must stop,” said Allergy & Asthma Network President and CEO Tonya Winders. “The future of asthma treatment must be novel (outside of inhalers and injectables) and readily available for ALL.”

The Voice of the Patient report explores current and future approaches to treating childhood asthma. While there are treatment options available, they are not effective or accessible for all. The report explores current and highlights the need for new treatment options that reduce asthma symptoms, have fewer side effects, and allow children living with asthma to participate in more activities.

“The comments shared by the children and their caregivers clearly underscore their desire for effective and efficient treatment options with fewer side effects,” states APFED Executive Director Mary Jo Strobel. “We published the Voice of the Patient Report on Asthma in Childhood to inform the development and regulatory review of potential new asthma treatments that are meaningful to children with asthma. Children and their caregivers want treatments that are easy to administer, and will prevent asthma flares while eliminating the need for rescue inhalers and steroids.”

There are still unmet needs in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and progression of asthma in childhood. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as well as researchers, clinicians, and drug developers, will use the report as they consider new treatment options and areas of research.

The Allergy & Asthma Network, American Lung Association, American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders, and Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America plan to continue working collaboratively to improve asthma education, advocacy, research, and drug development.

To learn more about the Little Airways, Big Voices initiative, read the report, and watch a recording of the meeting, visit littleairwaysbigvoices.org.