Complementary inhalation with alkaline solutions sensible?

Question

Paul McGray in Iowa was recently able to show that inhalatoin with alkaline solutions normalizes the PH value of the lungs (e.g. McCray P. Inflammation and infection, lessons from the CF pig model. 35th European Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Dublin, Ireland, 6–9 June, 2012). Are any corresponding studies in humans known or planned? After all, some alkaline solutions such as Emser® inhalation solution have already been approved.

Many thanks in advance.

Answer

Dear questioner,

apologies for the delayed response, but we did some research and also consulted other experts in order to get to the bottom of your question. Nevertheless I may have to disappoint you. There are indeed some studies on the therapeutics you mention; however, none of the products is ready to hit the market, and expectations for that to happen are rather low at this point. Emser® saline solution has been approved for inhalation but does not show any significant effect in CF compared to other inhalation solutions such as hypertonic saline solution, DNAse or mannitol.

Kind regards
Dr. Christina Smaczny and Prof. Matthias Griese

10.01.2013