Overview

• A clinical trial published in Thorax suggests that taking an inhaled corticosteroid between 3pm and 4pm improves nighttime lung function and reduces airway inflammation in asthma patients.
• The study involved a crossover design with 21 participants testing three dosing regimens, including morning, mid-afternoon, and twice-daily schedules.
• Mid-afternoon dosing showed the greatest improvement in nocturnal lung function and inflammatory biomarkers compared to other regimens, without increasing side effects or costs.
• Researchers attribute the enhanced outcomes to chronotherapy, which aligns medication timing with the body's natural circadian rhythms to optimize effectiveness.
• Experts emphasize the need for larger, long-term trials to validate these findings and assess their broader clinical and economic implications.