A Breakthrough for Asthma and COPD: New Treatment Shows Promise for Eosinophilic Exacerbations
A pioneering study might herald a new era in managing severe asthma and COPD. Researchers have discovered a single injection of benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody already used in some severe asthma cases, significantly reduces the need for further treatment in patients with eosinophilic exacerbations.
This groundbreaking research published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, could elevate the 20th-century approach to treating asthma attacks.
Eosinophilic exacerbations, named for the high levels of white blood cells called eosinophils found during these episodes, constitute a considerable portion of both COPD and asthma cases – up to 30% of COPD exacerbations and nearly 50% of asthma attacks. These flare-ups manifest as wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness due to eosinophilic inflammation. This type of inflammation can worsen over time, leading to irreversible lung damage. Previously, steroids like prednisolone were the mainstay of treatment, despite causing serious side effects like diabetes and osteoporosis, and failing to prevent relapse in a significant percentage of patients.
The recent clinical trial involved 158 participants, randomly assigned to three treatment groups. Results showed that benralizumab was considerably more effective than traditional steroid treatment, reducing further treatment need by 30%. Research authors remark that compared to standard care (30 mg daily for 5 days), a single dose of benralizumab, even without additional prednisolone, decreased the chances of treatment failure by fourfold.
This single-dose approach not only demonstrably reduced the severity Course of symptoms. Notably, benralizumab vastly improved symptom relief within 28 days. Nevertheless, three-quarters of patients receiving only prednisolone required additional treatment.
This study championed by Dr. Samantha Walker, director of research and innovation at Asthma + Lung UK
highlights the crucial need for novel approaches, "It is fantastic news for those with lung disease that a possible substitute for steroid tablets has been discovered.
It offers a promising treatment option for millions affected by asthma and COPD globally.
Yet, it also shatters the notion that lung research funding falls short compared to other areas."
What are the potential benefits of using benralizumab for patients with severe asthma or COPD?
## A Breakthrough for Asthma and COPD: A New Hope?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re diving into exciting new research on a potential breakthrough in treating severe asthma and COPD. Joining us is Dr. [Guest Name], a leading pulmonologist specializing in these conditions. Dr. [Guest Name], thanks for being here.
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s talk about this new study. It sounds like there might be a new weapon in our arsenal against these sometimes debilitating conditions.
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Absolutely. This new research published in *The Lancet Respiratory Medicine* is truly promising. They found that a single injection of benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody already used to treat severe asthma, significantly reduced the need for further treatment in patients experiencing eosinophilic exacerbations.
**Host:** Can you explain what eosinophilic exacerbations are for our viewers?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Sure. During an asthma or COPD exacerbation, or flare-up, the airways become inflamed and narrowed. In eosinophilic exacerbations, this inflammation is driven by high levels of a type of white blood cell called eosinophils. These exacerbations can be severe and require significant medical intervention.
**Host:** So how does benralizumab work in this case?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Benralizumab targets and depletes eosinophils. By reducing the number of these inflammatory cells, it can help prevent or lessen the severity of these exacerbations.
**Host:** This sounds revolutionary. Does this mean we’re looking at a completely new approach to treating asthma attacks?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** It certainly could be a significant advancement. [[1](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1905248)]
While more research is needed, the potential for a single injection to significantly reduce the need for further treatment is very encouraging for patients who suffer from these chronic conditions.
**Host:** That’s fantastic news. Thank you Dr. [Guest Name] for shedding light on this important development. We’ll be following this research closely.
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** You’re welcome.
