Breakthrough for Airsonett’s asthma treatment Protexo® in UK
A number of seriously ill allergic asthma patients in UK have participated in an introduction programme, where they got the opportunity to try Protexo free of charge for six months. After this trial period, if the treatment was successful i.e. the patients’ allergy decreased, their quality of life increased, severe exacerbations reduced and/or need for oral steroids reduced, their doctor would approve continuing the treatment and apply for funding at the local PCT. (Primary Care Trust)
The PCT in Wolverhampton and the PCT in Bristol have now agreed to fund the long-term use of Protexo for specific individual patients.
“As the treatment has shown to be effective we are happy that it got an acceptance for funding. Airsonett have always considered the UK as one of the most interesting markets in Europe for Protexo and we are very pleased that the introduction programme has been received so well among physicians and patients. It is very good news that the programme has already resulted in approved funding in two PCTs and hopefully more PCT will follow suit” says Peter Ekolind, Airsonett’s CEO
Introduction programme
47 patients in total, 13 children and 34 adults, fulfilled the patient eligibility criteria for the introduction
programme. The criteria were:
- Patients aged five years or older with poorly controlled atopic asthma despite high treatment intensity.
- Patients who have had positive skin test/serology to at least one in-door perennial allergen and at least two severe exacerbations during the last 12 months.
- Hospitalization or A&E visit because of asthma, with or without the need for rescue systemic corticosteroids.
Treatment
Patients with severe asthma symptoms often have disturbed sleep because of breathing problems. Protexo is an air-purifying device which is installed in the patient’s bedroom. Protexo treatment is active during the patient’s nightly sleep. The filtered air from the Protexo descends slowly over the patients head and face. The clean air is slightly colder than the ambient air in the room, allowing it to fall down and displace the unclean air. The filtered air reaching the face is almost completely free of particles and creates an allergen-free breathing zone.