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Budesonide (Pulmicort)
Budesonide is a corticosteroid that binds to glucocorticoid receptors in the lungs to suppress inflammatory responses and reduce airway inflammation.
Budesonide is a corticosteroid that binds to glucocorticoid receptors in the lungs to suppress inflammatory responses and reduce airway inflammation. Used for Asthma (maintenance and reliever therapy), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Cystic fibrosis-related airway inflammation.
At a glance
| Generic name | Budesonide (Pulmicort) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Pulmicort® Turbuhaler, Pulmicort |
| Sponsor | University of Nottingham |
| Drug class | Inhaled corticosteroid |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Respiratory/Pulmonology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Budesonide acts as a selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist with high topical potency and low systemic bioavailability when inhaled. It suppresses the production of inflammatory mediators, reduces mucus secretion, and decreases airway hyperresponsiveness. The drug is delivered directly to the respiratory tract via inhalation, minimizing systemic exposure and side effects.
Approved indications
- Asthma (maintenance and reliever therapy)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cystic fibrosis-related airway inflammation
Common side effects
- Tremor
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Palpitations
- Muscle cramps
- Throat irritation
- Oral candidiasis
Key clinical trials
- Effects of Different Drugs for Glottic Atomization on Postoperative Sore Throat After Thyroid Surgery (PHASE4)
- Study of Lunsekimig (SAR443765) Compared With Placebo in Adults With High-risk Asthma (PHASE2)
- Pooled Analysis of Single-arm Studies of Budesonide/Glycopyrronium/Formoterol (BGF) in Routine Care Setting
- Inhaled Budesonide for REcurrence Prevention and Adjuvant THerapy in Checkpoint Inhibitor Pneumonitis (PHASE2)
- Impact of Budesonide on Incidence of ≥ Gr2 Diarrhea in Multiple Myeloma (MM) Patients Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (PHASE2)
- A Study to Investigate the Effect of Budesonide/Glycopyrronium/Formoterol Fumarate Metered Dose Inhaler (BGF MDI) Compared With Placebo MDI on Heart and Lung Function in Participants With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Hyperinflation (PHASE4)
- Post-marketing Phase 4 Safety & Tolerability Study of Breztri aerosphereTM in Indian Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (PHASE4)
- Outcomes in Real-life After Initation of Treatment With Trixeo (Budesonide / Glycopyrronium / Formoterol)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Budesonide (Pulmicort) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Budesonide (Pulmicort) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Nottingham portfolio CI