Results from a late-stage showed that AsraZeneca’s Symbicort asthma drug significantly improved lung function in patients between 6 to 12 years of age.
The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of budesonide/formoterol and Symbicort in children who were given two inhalations twice a day for 12 weeks.
AstraZeneca conducted the study after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested additional data on budesonide and formoterol in younger patients.
There were no notable differences in safety profiles between either of the budesonide/formoterol doses and budesonide or between the two budesonide/formoterol doses.
Gregory Keenan, vice president, medical affairs and US head medical officer, said: “These safety and efficacy results from the CHASE 3 study indicate Symbicort may offer an important asthma treatment option for the appropriate pediatric populations. We look forward to working with the regulatory authorities to help make Symbicort available to this population of children with asthma.”
