AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd., a science-led biopharmaceutical company, has partnered with Vaayu Chest & Sleep Center to elevate the standard of respiratory care for severe asthma patients in Bengaluru.

Severe asthma poses a significant challenge as a prevalent non-communicable disease in India, contributing to premature morbidity and mortality. Recent data indicates that approximately 22 lakhs of individuals in Karnataka are grappling with asthma, placing the state seventh in terms of asthmatic population in India.

The Centers of Excellence (COEs) for severe asthma, aligned with the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines, are designed to offer a systematic and uniform approach to managing patients with severe asthma. Since the start of this year, AstraZeneca’s Severe Asthma COEs have screened over 3000 patients nationwide, accurately assessing disease severity and providing tailored treatment through skilled healthcare professionals engaged in AstraZeneca’s educational initiatives. The company aims to establish 20 clinics across India by the end of 2024, anticipating to screen over 10,000 COE patients.

Dr. Anil Kukreja, Vice President – Medical Affairs & Regulatory, AstraZeneca India, said, “Severe asthma continues to have a debilitating impact for people living with the disease. At AstraZeneca, we are committed to transforming care for some of the most debilitating and chronic respiratory and immune-mediated diseases. Our collaboration with Vaayu Center underscores our commitment to providing innovative solutions and improving patient outcomes. We are dedicated to filling this gap through our COE network, which not only monitors patients but also educates healthcare providers, offering comprehensive respiratory care solutions to enhance the quality of life for those with NCDs.”

NCDs such as severe asthma can become a socio-economic burden for the patients, their families, and the healthcare system due to the various treatment costs involved. As a result, effective disease management requires specialized care from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and caregivers. The establishment of specialized asthma clinics represents a leap forward in technological advancements and holistic disease management.

Dr. Ravindra Mehta, Director and Head and Dr. Sameer Bansal, Clinical Head at Vaayu Chest and Sleep Specialists said, “World Asthma Day 2024 has an interesting theme “Asthma Education Empowers”. One wonders why? It is crucial to understand that knowledge is power, and empowerment is therapy when it comes to managing this respiratory condition. Asthma affects millions worldwide, and in India, its prevalence is significant, with Bangalore infamously dubbed as “Asthma Capital of India”. India accounts for 13.9% of global asthma burden, while contributing to 42% of global asthma related deaths. However, with the right information and proactive measures, individuals can lead fulfilling lives despite this chronic illness. Our aim at Vaayu in 2024 is Knowledge, Education and Commitment to beat the Asthma pandemic.”

At Vaayu’s Severe Asthma Clinic, focus is on holistic asthma management with expert team of doctors for both, adult and pediatric patients, point-of-care advanced testing such as lung capacity test, airway inflammation and allergy testing, integrated pulmonary wellness and rehabilitation services, preventive clinics such as adult vaccination services, smoking cessation and comprehensive sleep clinic, and access to advanced treatment modalities such as high-end injections and procedures.

The collaboration between AstraZeneca and healthcare professionals in the fight against severe asthma has been instrumental in bridging the knowledge gap and providing integrated respiratory care.