@brian93
Two recent drugs have been approved for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):
1. Ensifentrine (Ohtuvayre)
A nebulized medication that works by inhibiting phosphodiesterases 3 and 4, leading to airway relaxation and reduced inflammation.
Approved by the FDA in June 2024.
2. Dupilumab (Dupixent)
A monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, reducing inflammation and mucus production.
Approved by the FDA in September 2024 for patients with eosinophilic COPD.
These drugs provide additional treatment options for COPD patients, particularly those who have not responded well to existing therapies. They may help improve lung function, reduce exacerbations, and improve quality of life.

https://hudson.org.au/news/new-treatment-for-lung-disease-copd-hiding-in-plain-sight/
Researchers have found a promising treatment breakthrough for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) that avoids many drawbacks of current drugs, and it has come from an unexpected place.

COPD is an umbrella term for a number of lung conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The disease makes breathing difficult, is often complicated by sudden severe attacks and usually worsens over time.

In Australia it affects around 2 million people and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in people over the age of 40 years.

Now studies at Hudson Institute of Medical Research, in conjunction with Monash Health and the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, have found that a drug commonly used to treat lung fibrosis could also be ideal for overcoming key problems associated with current treatments for COPD.

@brian93
Artesunate shows promise for treating COPD, primarily by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and reversing airway remodeling. It works by targeting various cellular pathways, such as the PPAR-\(\gamma \)/TGF-$\beta$1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, which is crucial in airway remodeling. While these are preclinical and animal study findings, they suggest artesunate could be a novel therapeutic option, particularly for patients whose symptoms are resistant to existing treatments. How artesunate may help with COPD Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress: Artesunate can decrease inflammatory cells and markers, as well as oxidative damage in the lungs, both in animal models and cell cultures exposed to cigarette smoke.Reverses airway remodeling: It has been shown to reverse structural changes in the airways, such as the thickening of the airway wall and smooth muscle proliferation, which are hallmarks of COPD.Targets specific signaling pathways: The drug appears to work by activating the PPAR-\(\gamma \) receptor, which in turn inhibits the TGF-$\beta$1/Smad2/3 pathway, a key driver of airway remodeling.Offers a new therapeutic strategy: Artesunate's ability to target the PI3K/Akt/p70S6K pathway is unique, as it is a mechanism that is not addressed by standard treatments like glucocorticoids, suggesting it could be used in combination therapy for patients who do not respond well to glucocorticoids. Important considerations Primarily research-based: Much of the evidence for artesunate in COPD comes from preclinical and animal studies.Ongoing research: While promising, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and confirm its effectiveness and safety in humans with COPD.