Asthma inhalers: One small step against global warming

The FDA took a stand recently when it approved a new propellant for asthma inhalers. Up until the ruling, inhalers were made with propellants containing CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)--now known to be harmful to the Earth's ozone layer. The new chemical, HFA (hydrofluoroalkane), is considered safe for human ingestion but is much safer for the earth's environment.

AstraZeneca is currently recruiting for a clinical trial of one type of the HFA inhaler for people with asthma ages 18 to 65. The tests will measure among other things the amount of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) after each dose--a non-invasive way to gauge the need for changes in asthma medication.

The FDA move appears to signal a greater acceptance among government agencies of humankind's role in global warming. And Walmart has just introduced an HFA inhaler for $9--a lot cheaper than previous prices. Let's hope this is the start of real change at every level to reverse the trend toward depleting our earthly resources through irresponsible and profligate use.

More on non-invasive cancer treatments

Scientists are getting more creative in finding ways to treat cancer cells without destroying surrounding tissue. A Chicago-based company NEOPHARM is working on a protein with one part that targets tumors (IL13) and the other that kills the cancer cell (PE38). Here's how it works:

The two-part recombinant protein is CINTREDEKIN BESUDOTOX (IL13-PE38QQR). Malignant glioma cells carry IL13 receptors , but healthy brain cells almost never do. The protein is designed to bind to IL13 receptors on the tumor like a key fits in a lock. The cancer cell latches onto and absorbs the IL13 and the attached PE38. As a result, the cancer cell dies. Healthy brain cells are expected to be unharmed because they do not have the IL13 receptors, and thus do not ingest the PE38.

This drug has already been in a Phase 3 clinical trial. And the best part is the FDA is so excited about this work that it has designated it an Orphan Drug (meaning it won't require prescription drug user fees) both in Europe and the US. They've also included it in their new Continuous Marketing Application pilot program--and THAT means the FDA is all over helping develop the drug. Congratulations to NEOPHARM investigators.

I've heard some horror stories about how the FDA has been known to stand in the way of certain developments. So it's nice to see them out there finding ways to get good stuff released.