Clinical study on a new Th2 cytokine inhibitor suplatast tosilate for treating bronchial asthma

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of suplatast tosilate for treating bronchial asthma. Methods: A double-blind randomized clinical study was carried out to compare the effects of suplatast tosilate on asthma with tranilast. The study consisted of two groups. Totally 19 cases in group A were treated with 100 mg of suplatast tosilate and a capsule of placebo three times a day, while 20 cases in group B were given 100 mg of tranilast and one bag of placebo three times a day. Treatment in both groups lasted for eight weeks. Results: The average scores of asthma symptoms showed obvious improvement after treatment in both groups but no significant differences between the two groups. The two groups had significantly improved peak expiratory flow and forced expiratory volume in 1 s following 8-week treatment, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. No adverse events occurred during the experiments. The respiratory system was obviously improved upon physical examination after treatment, but transient abnormality of laboratory examination occurred in a few patients. Conclusion: Both suplatast tosilate and tranilast can relieve symptoms of asthmatic patients, reduce the dose of short-acting β2 -receptor stimulant for emergency use, and improve pulmonary function. Suplatast tosilate is an effective and safe drug in treating asthma for its ascertained efficacy and less adverse effects on mild and moderate asthma.