A blockbuster cancer drug may have a surprising new use: treating severe asthma. That may help researchers better understand the basic biology of the chronic condition — and develop new medications. The trial studied imatinib, known commonly under the brand name Gleevec, in 62 patients with severe and difficult-to-treat asthma. Imatinib is a chemotherapy used to treat leukemia and other cancers. The study found that the drug reduced the “twitchiness” in the airways, Israel said, and helped open them up making it easier to breathe.
Blockbuster cancer drug shows surprising promise in treating severe asthma
