PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - C. K. Oh
AU  - G. P. Geba
AU  - N. Molfino
TI  - Investigational therapeutics targeting the IL-4/IL-13/STAT-6 pathway for the treatment of asthma
AID  - 10.1183/09059180.00007609
DP  - 2010 Mar 01
TA  - European Respiratory Review
PG  - 46--54
VI  - 19
IP  - 115
4099  - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/19/115/46.short
4100  - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/19/115/46.full
SO  - EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW2010 Mar 01; 19
AB  - Asthma is a complex, persistent, inflammatory disease characterised by airway hyperresponsiveness in association with airway inflammation. Studies suggest that regular use of high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators or omalizumab (a humanised monoclonal antibody that binds to immunoglobulin E and is often used as next-step therapy) may not be sufficient to provide asthma control in all patients, highlighting an important unmet need. Interleukin-4, interleukin-13, and the signal transducer and activator of transcription factor-6 are key components in the development of airway inflammation, mucus production, and airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma. Biological compounds targeting these molecules may provide a new therapeutic modality for patients with uncontrolled severe asthma. The purpose of this review is to summarise current studies of compounds targeting the interleukin-4/interleukin-13 pathway and to provide a rationale for the development of such compounds for this use.