Benralizumab Shows Promise Over Prednisolone in Treating Severe Asthma

A recent study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine has demonstrated that benralizumab, an injectable monoclonal antibody marketed as Fasenra by AstraZeneca, is more effective than the traditional oral steroid prednisolone in treating severe asthma attacks. The research, led by King's College London and sponsored by the University of Oxford, involved 158 high-risk asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in Britain.

The study found that a single injection of benralizumab during an asthma attack reduced the need for further treatment by 30%, leading to fewer exacerbations and hospitalizations. Patients also experienced improved respiratory symptoms after 28 days and significantly fewer treatment failures after 90 days compared to those treated with prednisolone.

Benralizumab targets the interleukin-5 receptor alpha subunit (IL-5Rα) on eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in the inflammation associated with asthma and COPD. By binding to IL-5Rα, benralizumab prevents interleukin-5 from activating eosinophils, leading to their rapid depletion. This mechanism reduces airway inflammation and improves respiratory function.

Professor Mona Bafadhel from King's College London, who led the trial, highlighted the significance of these findings, stating, "This could be a game-changer for people with asthma and COPD." She emphasized that treatments for these chronic conditions have remained largely unchanged for decades, underscoring the potential impact of benralizumab as a new therapeutic option.

The study also suggests that benralizumab could be utilized in emergency scenarios, potentially both in hospital settings and at home. This could revolutionize the management of acute asthma and COPD exacerbations, offering patients a more effective and convenient treatment option.

Asthma and COPD exacerbations cause nearly four million deaths worldwide each year. The introduction of benralizumab as a treatment during severe attacks could significantly reduce this mortality rate. However, further research and clinical trials are essential to confirm these findings and facilitate the integration of benralizumab into standard treatment protocols for severe asthma and COPD.

The study was sponsored by the University of Oxford and received funding from AstraZeneca. The findings were published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal.