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Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
Inhaled corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in lung tissue, suppressing inflammatory cytokine production and immune cell activation.
Inhaled corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation by binding to glucocorticoid receptors in lung tissue, suppressing immune cell activation and inflammatory mediator release. Used for Asthma (maintenance and controller therapy), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Allergic rhinitis with lower airway involvement.
At a glance
| Generic name | Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | QVAR, hydrofloroalkaline-beclomethasone dipropionate |
| Sponsor | DARTNet Institute |
| Drug class | Corticosteroid |
| Target | Glucocorticoid receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Respiratory / Pulmonology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
ICS work locally in the lungs to inhibit the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes, reducing recruitment and activation of eosinophils, mast cells, and T lymphocytes. This decreases mucus production, airway edema, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The inhaled route delivers high local concentrations while minimizing systemic exposure and side effects.
Approved indications
- Asthma (maintenance and control)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Allergic rhinitis with lower airway involvement
Common side effects
- Oral candidiasis (thrush)
- Hoarseness
- Tremor (from beta-agonist co-administration)
- Headache
- Dysphonia
Key clinical trials
- Pragmatic Open - Label Randomized Clinical Trial of FF/UMEC/VI vs Non-ellipta Usual Care ICS-LABA for Adult Participants With Uncontrolled Asthma (PHASE4)
- Randomised Clinical Trial to Investigate Efficacy and Safety of Benralizumab 30 mg SC as an add-on Therapy in Uncontrolled Eosinophilic Asthma Patients Treated With Medium-dose ICS-LABA Compared to Conventional Escalation to High-dose ICS-LABA Treatment (PHASE3)
- 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)
- Efficacy and Safety of CHF 1535 200/6µg in Not Adequately Controlled Asthmatic Patients (PHASE3)
- A Study for Observing Severe Asthma in Patients Treated With Tezepelumab
- Improving the Quality of Care for Asthma Patients at Risk of Exacerbations (NA)
- Benralizumab Airway Remodeling Study in Severe Eosinophilic Asthmatics (PHASE4)
- A Translational Study to Describe Clinical Characteristics, Biomarkers and to Identify Phenotypes and Endotypes Associated With Differential Outcomes in Chinese Population
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:
- Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- DARTNet Institute portfolio CI