Core Insights - The asthma market in China is experiencing significant growth, with the respiratory drug market size projected to reach approximately $12.8 billion in 2024, up from $11.8 billion in 2023, driven by advancements in inhalation technology and increased patient demand [2][4] - The concept of "silent zone" in the lungs, referring to small airways that are often overlooked in asthma treatment, is gaining attention as a critical area for intervention [1][3] - The need for innovative drug delivery systems that can effectively target both large and small airways is essential for overcoming current treatment challenges in asthma management [4][6] Market Dynamics - The current diagnosis rate for asthma in China is about 28.5%, with a similar control rate, indicating that over 70% of asthma patients are not effectively managed [4] - The market for allergic asthma drugs is projected to reach 19.6 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a steady increase due to rising patient numbers and pharmaceutical investments in research and development [4][5] - Inhalation therapies are becoming the mainstream treatment for respiratory diseases, with ultra-fine particle drugs showing a significant increase in lung deposition rates, reaching up to 56% [6][8] Competitive Landscape - Global leaders in the allergic asthma drug market include GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca, while domestic companies like Zhengda Tianqing and Hengrui Medicine are emerging as significant players [5] - The inhalation drug market is dominated by a few key products, with Budesonide leading the market at 5.3 billion yuan, accounting for 23.7% of the inhalation drug market share in China [8] - The market is witnessing increased collaboration and strategic investments, as seen with Baiyang Pharmaceutical's investment in Jikun Pharmaceutical for innovative drug development [11][12] Regulatory and Policy Environment - The "Healthy China 2030" initiative emphasizes the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases, aiming to reduce mortality rates and enhance healthcare services [7] - The government is expanding insurance coverage for respiratory diseases, which is expected to further stimulate market demand [7] Future Trends - There is a growing focus on targeted therapies for different asthma phenotypes, moving towards personalized treatment plans based on genetic and biomarker assessments [9][10] - The introduction of biologics as adjunct therapies is gaining traction, although they currently cannot replace existing treatment regimens [10][12] - Companies are increasingly looking to align their strategies with China's healthcare policies and demographic trends, particularly in the context of an aging population and rising chronic disease prevalence [13][14]

Core Viewpoint - The increasing frequency of thunderstorm asthma cases in northern China is linked to climate change and rising allergen concentrations, leading to a surge in asthma attacks during and after thunderstorms [1][3][4] Group 1: Thunderstorm Asthma Overview - Thunderstorm asthma is characterized by acute asthma attacks or exacerbations occurring during or shortly after thunderstorms [1] - Recent years have seen recorded cases of thunderstorm asthma in various regions of China, including Yulin in 2018, Ningxia in 2022, and Hohhot in 2023 [1] Group 2: Asthma Prevalence and Diagnosis - Approximately 45.7 million individuals aged 20 and above in China suffer from asthma, with a prevalence rate of 4.2%, which has been on the rise since 2010 [3] - The pediatric asthma population is significant, with over 15 million children under 18 exhibiting typical wheezing symptoms, indicating a larger undiagnosed group when including other respiratory symptoms [4] - The diagnosis and control rates for asthma in China are both below 30%, highlighting a gap in effective management [4] Group 3: Challenges in Asthma Management - Many asthma patients lack adequate knowledge about their condition, and there is a common issue of undiagnosed small airway disease among patients [5] - The small airways, which are crucial for gas exchange, are often overlooked in clinical practice, leading to challenges in asthma management [5][8] Group 4: Prevention and Screening - Thunderstorm asthma poses a challenge to healthcare resources, potentially endangering patient lives, thus emphasizing the need for preventive measures [6] - Asthma screening can be conducted through lung function tests or questionnaires, which can help identify early-stage asthma patients [7] - Patients often overlook symptoms such as prolonged coughing or shortness of breath, which may be related to asthma, necessitating increased awareness and proactive medical consultation [7] Group 5: Treatment Innovations - New asthma medications are being introduced to improve treatment convenience and adherence, such as the recently launched budesonide/formoterol inhalation powder by Kasey Group [9] - Effective delivery of inhaled medications to small airways is critical for asthma management, with advancements in drug formulation and inhalation techniques being essential for improving treatment outcomes [9]