According to researchers from the University of Toronto and Manchester University an estimated 4,837,000 asthmatics with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis ( ABPA ) could benefit substantially from antifungal treatment.

Clinical studies have shown that oral antifungal drugs significantly improve symptoms and asthma control in asthmatics with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, treatment endorsed by the Cochrane Collaboration.

In addition to standard asthma therapy, the antifungal therapy used is Itraconazole ( Sporanox ) with a response rate of 60%. The researchers also found that antifungal therapy also benefits patients with severe asthma with fungal sensitization, called SAFS.

Alternatives include Voriconazole ( Vfend ) and Posaconazole ( Noxafil ), which have 75-80% response rates. In a recent assessment of Voriconazole and Posaconazole for both allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and severe asthma with fungal sensitization, 75% of patients were able to stop taking oral corticosteroids, a major benefit, and 38% of patients had their asthma severity downgraded on antifungal therapy.

Source: University of Toronto, 2013

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