Distinguished University of Glasgow scientist Professor Neil Thomson is the winner of the 2004 TENOVUS SCOTLAND Margaret Maclellan Award for pioneering research into respiratory medicine and the reduction of asthma symptoms. He is set to receive the nationally recognised award on December 6th 2004 at the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons Offices, Glasgow.

For the past twenty-five years his research has investigated the causes of asthma and how to improve its management for sufferers.

Professor Thomson has made major contributions to research and clinical care in asthma, the most common chronic disorder to affect children and adults in Scotland. Previous research has shown that Scotland has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world, and it is estimated that 400,000 Scots suffer with the illness.

Professor Thomson currently leads a team of scientists that have made crucial contributions to the study of asthma on an international level. Recently, he pioneered the discovery that asthmatic smokers are resistant to both inhaled and oral corticosteroids. This finding is significant as 25% of adults with asthma are smokers, and corticosteroids are the main anti-inflammatory drug used to treat asthma.

The cause of corticosteroid resistance in smokers with asthma is now under investigation, as alternative or additional therapies to inhaled corticosteroids are needed for those with asthma who are unable to quit smoking.

Professor Thomson's research interests include house dust mite allergen avoidance in allergic asthma. He currently leads a major multi-agency project that is testing better home ventilation to improve asthma control for patients allergic to the house dust mite.

The house dust mite is a common asthma trigger. It is hoped that by removing the dust mites from homes symptoms will improve. One reason that Scotland has the highest prevalence of asthma is due to poor indoor air quality in our dwellings. The trial includes strategies to reduce reservoirs of dust mites by cutting down on humidity using domestic heat recovery ventilation units. The ventilation systems can provide pre-warmed fresh air and reduce indoor pollution and humidity, inhibiting dust mite activity

Professor Thomson, from the University of Glasgow, said: 'I'm delighted to receive the prestigious Margaret MacLellan Award in recognition of my research groups achievements. The prize also emphasises that there is a real and urgent need to tackle asthma on a number of fronts, including vital research into possible causes of asthma and novel approaches to its management'

He has also established a specialised clinic for patients with severe asthma and undertaken clinical trials that have investigated new and ground-breaking therapies for severe asthma. The Margaret Maclellan Award is judged by the National Scientific Advisory Committee and made biennially to a medical researcher in Scotland who has made an outstanding contribution to their field. The prize consists of £2000 and a memento.

For more information contact: Jenny Murray, Press Officer, University of Glasgow, Tel: 0141 330 8593, Jennifer.murray@admin.gla.ac.uk

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

First published: 6 December 2004