The Future of Respiratory Care: Innovations and Strategic Priorities

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) remain a leading cause of preventable illness and disability globally, affecting up to one-third of the Western population as of 2025. Recognizing this substantial burden, the European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases (EUFOREA) convened a symposium in April 2025 to shape the future of respiratory care. This initiative focused on translating innovations into clinical practice, fostering collaboration, and defining strategic priorities to address the CRD epidemic over the next decade.

The Growing Burden of Respiratory Diseases

CRDs, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and respiratory allergies, pose a significant public health challenge. The symposium highlighted the need to shift towards predictive, preventative, and patient-centered medicine, supported by value-based healthcare systems to improve long-term patient outcomes.

Key Areas of Focus and Collaboration

The EUFOREA symposium brought together experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and various respiratory fields. The core aims of the meeting were to:

• Promote dialogue on translating innovations into daily clinical practice.
• Encourage collaboration between stakeholders in the respiratory field.
• Define strategic priorities to transform respiratory care and mitigate the CRD epidemic.

Pharmaceutical Industry Involvement and Research

Several pharmaceutical companies are actively involved in respiratory research and development. According to recent reports, AstraZeneca, Sanofi Regeneron, Insmed, Aretia, GSK, and Eli Lilly have received grants and consulting fees related to respiratory care [1]. Eli Lilly has seen significant growth due to drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound, and is also developing new treatments for conditions like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease [4].

Recent developments also present that imlunestrant, an oral selective estrogen receptor degrader developed by Eli Lilly, is expected to be approved for the treatment of ER+HER2-metastic breast cancer [4].

Industry Pressures and Tariffs

The pharmaceutical industry is facing increased pressure, including new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in August 2025 [3]. These tariffs affect companies such as Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Regeneron, and AstraZeneca [3].

Top Pharmaceutical Companies

As of 2023, the top 20 pharmaceutical companies by revenue include Eli Lilly, Merck, Pfizer, AbbVie, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Bristol Myers Squibb [1].

Looking Ahead

The future of respiratory care hinges on continued innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to patient-centered, value-based healthcare. By embracing predictive and preventative strategies, the respiratory field can work towards arresting the CRD epidemic and improving the lives of millions affected by these conditions.