Overview

• The 52-week CARE trial in New Zealand randomized 360 children aged 5–15 to budesonide–formoterol or salbutamol for on-demand relief.
• Event rates were 0.23 versus 0.41 attacks per participant per year, equating to about 18 fewer attacks annually for every 100 children switched.
• No safety signal was detected, with no significant differences in growth, lung function, or asthma control between treatment groups.
• Researchers and guideline experts say the findings could align children’s care with adult practice, potentially benefiting millions of young patients globally.
• Authors note limitations including the open-label design and COVID-era lower event rates, and they point to ongoing confirmation efforts such as the CARE UK study.