Claims

1. An agent selected from:

(a) an agent that increases endogeneous interferon beta (IFN-β) expression in the lung; or

(b) a polynucleotide which is capable of expressing such an agent for use in the treatment of rhinovirus-induced exacerbation of a respiratory disease selected from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), wherein said treatment is by airway delivery of said agent.

  2. An agent for use according to claim 1 wherein said respiratory disease is asthma.
  3. An agent for use according to claim 1 wherein said respiratory disease is COPD.
  4. An agent for use according to any one of claims 1 to 3 which increases endogeneous IFN-β expression in the bronchial epithelium.
  5. An agent for use according to claim 2 or 4 wherein said respiratory disease is asthma and wherein said agent is administered simultaneously, separately or sequentially with an inhaled corticosteroid.