Innovative Asthma Diagnostic Tool Identifies Treatable Subtypes in Most Patients

Recent advances in allergy diagnostics have led to the development of a groundbreaking molecular allergy chip that promises to revolutionize asthma treatment. Researchers from the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences and the Medical University of Vienna have created this innovative test that accurately detects allergic asthma at an individual level through a simple blood sample. The study, published in the journal Allergy, utilized the chip on samples from the large-scale LEAD cohort, revealing that over 70% of asthma patients exhibit sensitivities to specific airborne allergens.

This discovery is significant because it highlights that many adults with asthma have an allergic component that can be precisely identified for targeted treatment. Specifically, patients with detectable allergen sensitivities can benefit from allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), a proven, cost-effective intervention that desensitizes the immune system to specific triggers.

The allergy chip analyzes serum samples for IgE antibodies against 63 allergen molecules from common sources such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. Unlike traditional tests, the chip uses purified allergen molecules, which enables it to distinguish true allergens from cross-reactions. This precision supports personalized treatment decisions, especially in younger patients where early intervention can significantly alter the disease's progression.

The findings also reveal different clinical characteristics between allergic and non-allergic asthma, with allergic patients tending to be younger, have better lung function, and rely less on corticosteroids. This precise diagnosis allows doctors to move beyond symptom management to address the disease's root cause, potentially reducing reliance on expensive biologics.

As asthma affects around 300 million individuals globally and places a substantial burden on healthcare systems, tools like this molecular allergy chip could be game-changers. Their integration into routine clinical practice could facilitate more targeted, effective, and affordable treatments, ultimately improving long-term outcomes for many patients.

This innovative approach exemplifies how molecular diagnostics can shift asthma management from one-size-fits-all therapy to individualized, evidence-based strategies, promising better quality of life for those affected.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-asthma-chip-reveals-treatable-subtype.html