A drug, R-roscovitine, which is presently being under the scanner for its effectiveness to treat cancer, may also help patients suffering from asthma, as per a new research.

It was revealed by scientists at the University of Edinburgh that the drug has the ability to kill specific immune cells that may exacerbate symptoms associated with asthma.

From Sciencedaily.com:

The findings could lead to an alternative way to treat asthma in patients who are resistant to steroids, which are commonly used in asthma treatments.

Researchers studied the effect that the drug had on immune cells known as eosinophils

Eosinophils, found in the lungs and airways, help the body fight off parasitic infection. However, too many uncontrolled eosinophils can damage other cells that line the lung, contributing to inflammatory conditions such as asthma.

Researchers found that use of the drug caused the eosinophil cells to undergo a form of cell death known as apoptosis, a natural process where unwanted cells are removed from the body.

It was remarked by Professor Adriano Rossi, of the Centre for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh who directed the study that R-Roscovitine could offer an alternative to steroids or be used in a combination with steroids for treating asthma.