The FDA approved Airsupra, the first asthma drug combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and a short-acting beta-agonist, Jan. 11.
Airsupra is also the first ICS-containing product to win U.S. approval as a reliever treatment, rather than as a controller, for asthma. The inhalation aerosol is intended to treat or prevent bronchoconstriction and reduce the risk of asthma attacks in adult asthma patients, according to the FDA.
The product is made up of albuterol and budesonide, and the former is a popular asthma drug that is currently in shortage with "no presentations available," according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacist's drug shortage website.