An asthma jab has been developed which halves the risk of an attack. The drug, called Xolair offers hope to thousands at risk of dying from the disease each year. Xolair, which is licenced in the UK from Monday does not treat the syntoms but interrupts the chain of events that lead to the attack. Clinical trials have proved that the drug, which is injected into the arm every fortnight, reduces attack in those with severe asthma by 55% and cuts hospital admissions by 47%. The drug is expensive at £250 a vial. Most patients will need two and a half vials a month.
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