TREATMENT OF CHRONIC STABLE ASTHMA WITH DRUGS ACTIVE ON THE 5-LIPOXYGENASE PATHWAY

It is now established that 5-lipoxygenase products are synthesized and released in the airway during asthmatic reactions. The importance of these products in the asthmatic response has been established through study of the effects of 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors and leukotriene Dq r eceptor antagonists in patients with chronic stable asthma. In this st udy we review the data demonstrating that chronic administration of zi leuton, an inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, is associated with improved ai rway function, decreased asthma symptoms and decreased need for asthma medication use in patients with mild to moderate asthma.