New asthma trial using Botox provides hope to sufferers

5 July 2011

A new research study at Southern Health’s Monash Medical Centre that will use botulinum toxin (Botox) injected into the vocal cords will commence soon.

It is hoped that this treatment will counter muscle spasms that may be causing the condition, restore normal voice box function and ultimately improve severe asthma.

Monash Medical Centre’s Director of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Professor Phil Bardin, said the trial was important as asthma affects up to three million Australians and up to one million may have a severe case of the disease.

“We are looking at improving people’s quality of life through better control of severe asthma,’’ Professor Bardin said.

Monash Medical Centre’s Associate Professor Peter Holmes said the research, developed in conjunction with the Monash Institute of Medical Research, uses a new treatment to relax the asthmatic voice box.

“It’s the first time in the world that there has been such a new approach to a very difficult problem, we will also be using a unique CT scan treatment,” Prof Holmes said.

Asthma is a condition which affects the small air passages (bronchi) of the lungs. During an asthma attack, these passages narrow, reducing the flow of air in and out of the lungs. This may lead to wheezing and coughing. Asthma triggers include pollen, cigarette smoke and colds.

Further information

For more information on the trials at Southern Health, contact the Clinical Trials Unit on 03 95942279 or 03 9594 2885.

To find out more about asthma, including tips for asthma management is available from the department’s Better Health Channel.