New research tested the use of the drug benralizumab for the treatment of asthma and obtained very promising results.
For the first time in half a century, scientists have introduced a promising new treatment for asthma attacks and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A recent clinical trial revealed that benralizumab medication outperforms standard steroid treatments in controlling the acute symptoms of both diseases. The results offer hope to millions of people around the world who suffer from these respiratory illnesses.
Current treatments, such as steroids like prednisolone, have remained largely unchanged for decades. These medications aim to control lung inflammation and reduce the frequency of attacks, but they are not universally effective and may cause significant side effects. Around 50% of asthma attacks and 30% of COPD flare-ups are linked to eosinophilic inflammation caused by elevated levels of a specific type of white blood cell, highlighting the need for more targeted therapies.
The innovator, led by King’s College London and published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine and carried out in UK hospitals, tested benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody administered by injection.
Although already approved for controlling severe asthma, this was the first time the medicine was tested for acute attacks. The trial involved 158 high-risk participants divided into three groups: One received benralizumab and a placebo tablet, another took regular prednisolone tablets and a placebo injection, and the third group received both treatments, reports the .
The results were impressive. After 28 days, symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath improved significantly among those receiving benralizumab. Over 90 days, 74% two participants Those taking standard steroids required additional medical care, compared with fewer visits for those treated with benralizumab.
“This could be a change factor for people with asthma and COPD”, said Professor Mona Bafadhel, lead author of the study. The researcher highlighted the importance of personalized treatments that target specific levels of inflammation, which represents a departure from the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional therapies.
