Status of Research in Respiratory Pharmacology in India during the last five years (2012-2017)

Abstract

Research in the area of respiratory pharmacology and toxicology is a very exciting field and is vital for the development of new drugs with more efficacy and safety. Several medicinal plants from the Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine are being evaluated for their efficacy and safety by using modern medical techniques; with an aim to bring them to the mainstream of the health care system. Effects of yogic intervention on pulmonary functions, cellular and molecular markers and quality of life in patients of bronchial asthma are also being assessed. Further, a lot of work is also going on novel aspects of immunotherapy and nanomedicine in the management of respiratory disorders. This review also highlights the relevance and pharmacoeconomic impact of nutraceuticals in prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases. Many clinical trials are being conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of already marketed individual drugs and combination therapy. Pharmacovigilance studies are being conducted to monitor the ADRs during pharmacotherapy of respiratory diseases, assess the causal relationship and find ways to prevent the ADRs to rationalize the therapy.  However, more translational research is needed to bring scientific advances and knowledge into clinical practice, and there is a great need to find effective ways for collaboration between research disciplines. There should also be a focus on earlier and more specific diagnosis of respiratory diseases as well as better targeted and personalized treatments which may save cost, reduce adverse effects and improve disease outcomes and quality of life.