UA Researchers Study Asthma Prevention in Infants Using Broncho-Vaxom

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of Arizona are exploring new ways to prevent asthma in young children by focusing on immune system development. This innovative research examines the potential benefits of a medication called Broncho-Vaxom, which is widely used in Europe and Latin America.

Asthma, a condition characterized by the lungs’ overreaction to various stimuli such as viruses, pollen, or physical exertion, affects approximately 4.5 million children in the United States. The University of Arizona team, led by Dr. Fernando Martinez, director of UA’s Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, is investigating whether Broncho-Vaxom could play a role in reducing asthma prevalence among children.

“We obtained authorization from the FDA to use this product in children aged 6 to 18 months by mouth, giving it to them for two years to see if after they stop this product, they would have less asthma than other children,” Dr. Martinez explained. The medication is being given to infants as part of a placebo-controlled study, aiming to intervene before any asthma symptoms arise.

Dr. Martinez highlighted the importance of early intervention: “We needed to start with babies because, as I said before, we wanted to start before any symptoms develop and in most cases of asthma, symptoms develop very early.” This approach is aimed at providing a healthy start for children who might otherwise develop asthma.

The study is set to conclude by the end of the year, with results expected to be shared at the 2026 American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Conference. The potential to reduce the daily struggles and medication dependency faced by children with asthma is a significant motivator for the research team. “This is very traumatic for the families. So what we would like is for people not to have asthma, not to have to take medicines every day, not to develop the disease so they can have a perfectly healthy life,” Dr. Martinez stated.

For more information on the study, visit the official study page.