Patients with the most severe form of asthma produce special substances in their airways when taking medicine during an asthma attack that block the treatment from working, according to a study where Rutgers scientists collaborated with researchers at Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. Reporting in the journal Science Translational Medicine, scientists said two different so-called growth factors – naturally occurring substances that stimulate cell proliferation – activate in the airways of severe asthma patients as they inhale corticosteroids used as an emergency treatment during an asthma attack. The discovery was made as researchers investigated an enduring mystery in asthma treatment: Why do some patients who suffer the most from the disease often have the least success with conventional rescue treatments? To read the full story.