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]

Core Insights - Baiyang Pharmaceutical announced a strategic investment in Tianjin Jikun Pharmaceutical, acquiring a 24% stake to secure rights to a novel drug for pulmonary fibrosis and priority purchase rights for global compound rights [1][2] Industry Overview - The respiratory disease sector is gaining attention, with recent business development (BD) transactions highlighting its potential, despite historically lower interest compared to oncology and weight loss markets [2] - Major players in the respiratory market include both domestic companies and multinational corporations like AstraZeneca, Sanofi, GSK, and Kasy, with a mix of common inhalation therapies and advanced biologics [4] Market Potential - The Chinese respiratory drug market is projected to reach approximately $12.8 billion by 2024, driven by a significant patient population, including around 45.7 million asthma patients and nearly 100 million COPD patients [4] - Recent BD transactions, such as the collaboration between Hengrui Medicine and GSK, have sparked interest in the PDE3/4 target, indicating a competitive landscape for future partnerships [2][3] Product Development - Kasy has launched a new inhalation powder for asthma treatment, representing a novel option in the market, while AstraZeneca has received approval for a biologic treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma in children [4] - The ongoing development of biologics is seen as a potential future direction for treating respiratory diseases, although inhalation therapies remain the cornerstone of treatment [5][6]