TNF Alpha in Refractory Asthma

The Efficacy of a Soluble Ligand Binding Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor, Etanercept, in Severe, Steroid Dependant Asthma: a Randomised Controlled Study

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the administration of etanercept to patients with severe asthma improved their asthma related quality of life and a measure of the degree of reactivity of the airways

Although steroid dependent asthma represents a small population of patients with asthma, they consume a disproportionately large amount of the health resource burden attributed to asthma. Treatment options in this group are extremely limited; the development of effective treatments for this group of patients should be a priority, not only for increasing individual patient quality of life but for long term reduction of health spending.

This randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, cross over trial will investigate the efficacy of a soluble TNF receptor, etanercept, in severe, steroid dependant asthma.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Symptomatic asthma Methacholine PC20<8mg/ml

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of poor treatment concordance History of tuberculosis Radiographic evidence of previous tuberculosis Recent tuberculosis contact Respiratory tract infection within 3 months Current Smoker or Ex-smoker with more than 5 pack years Symptomatic co-morbid condition Contra-indication to etanercept Pregancy Breast feeding