Importance of FeNO testing in asthma diagnosis

Circassia Pharmaceuticals welcomes the publication of new clinical guidelines by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which recommend the use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) testing as part of asthma diagnosis. 

Circassia’s NIOX products are novel point-of-care FeNO measurement devices, which are available in many countries across Europe, including the UK, as well as the United States, China, Japan and a range of other territories.

The new NICE guidelines recommend the use of FeNO testing as part of comprehensive diagnostic algorithms for adults, children and young people. Circassia points out that, in particular, NICE recommends FeNO testing for adults when a diagnosis of asthma is being considered, and consideration of a FeNO measurement in children and young people if there is diagnostic uncertainty after initial assessment and normal spirometry, or obstructive spirometry with negative bronchodilator reversibility.  Additionally, the health economic model included in the guidelines concluded that FeNO testing was part of the most cost-effective diagnostic pathway for adults. 

Steve Harris, Circassia’s CEO, said: “We welcome these new NICE guidelines, which highlight the importance of FeNO testing in asthma diagnosis and its role in providing an objective measure of airway inflammation.  With asthma diagnosis currently based principally on a thorough history taken by an experienced clinician, we look forward to working closely with healthcare professionals and commissioners to make FeNO testing more widely available.”