Inhibition of experimental asthma in man by a new drug (AH 7725) active when given by mouth

A new drug, AH 7725, with properties similar to those of disodium cromoglycate (Intal) has the additional feature of being effective when taken by mouth. Six patients with allergic asthma were studied by bronchial challenge tests with antigen. In every one the drug was found to inhibit (either partially or completely) the immediate-type asthmatic response. Late responses were not influenced. The results were significant at the 0.5% level.These findings suggest that AH 7725 given by mouth may be able to inhibit naturally occurring asthmatic attacks in allergic patients. In this case its particular advantage as a prophylactic drug would lie in the treatment of very young asthmatic children and other patients who cannot take drugs by inhalation.