New Asthma Drugs in the Pipeline Leukotrienes play a major role in asthma attacks by causing the release of disease-fighting molecules. These molecules cause breathing passages to tighten, resulting in coughing and wheezing.
Some new drugs prevent leukotrienes from transmitting signals that trigger inflammation.
Drug companies have been developing new compounds to suppress these agents, and several are in the final stages of testing for long-term use. None of these new compounds are a cure, and they don't work for all asthma patients.