A new asthma drug is being, described as a "gamechanger" in the treatment of the condition, is being welcomed by scientists.

Clinical trials, carried out by Leicester University, showed the drug can lead to a substantial drop in the symptoms of asthma.

The new drug, which is called Fevipiprant, prevents inflammatory cells from getting into airways and repairs damage to others.

It is being welcomed because about 5.4 million people in the UK suffer from asthma, but treatment has barely changed in the last two decades.

Those with the condition often treat it with an inhaler, or through the use of steroids.

"This new drug could be a gamechanger for future treatment of asthma", Chris Brightling, the senior research fellow who is leader the study, was quoted by The Guardian as saying.

"I'm really excited by this because this is the first treatment that I'm aware of that has been able to show effects across the board."