Abstract
PURPOSE: For the development of novel and efficacious drugs and improvement of patients' quality of life, the involvement of patient stakeholders in drug development is essential. This study was conducted among patients with asthma to understand their unmet needs with current treatments, and expectations from new treatments. METHODS: Sanofi collaborated with the Allergy & Asthma Network (AAN), a US-based patient advocacy group and their patient community. Several virtual patient panels were conducted involving patient advocates and researchers that spanned patient experiences with asthma, treatment options, gaps, needs, and priorities. Additionally, a literature search was conducted using Medline(®) between July 2013 and July 2023. RESULTS: Based on input gleaned from patients (n=5), their major unmet needs included: management of medication-related side effects, lack of information about correct inhaler techniques, medication costs, misunderstanding of medication dosing schedules, lack of communication between researchers and patients, lack of awareness about patient advocacy organizations and research led programs, and fear of discrimination or having concerns disregarded by healthcare providers. Patients expressed their expectation that new treatments should treat all asthma symptoms, including inflammation, airway constriction, and responsiveness to asthma triggers, all with a single treatment. For patients, an ideal treatment would not need to be taken daily, would be quick-acting, and cost-effective for all patients regardless of their insurance status or coverage. Digital applications that remind patients to take their medications on schedule and monitor asthma triggers, mood, sleep, peak flow recordings, and nutrition could improve patients' treatment adherence, quality of life, and health outcomes would be welcomed. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the importance of gathering input from patients living with asthma, understanding their unmet needs, and the importance of integrated patient engagement in the development of new therapies for asthma.