6 Biologics for Severe Asthma, 3 Essential Facts on Each

Severe asthma affects up to 10% of adults and 2.5% of children with asthma and is characterized by cytokine-driven type 2 (T2) inflammation. For many individuals with severe disease, T2 inflammation is supressed by use of inhaled and/or oral glucocorticoids. For a subgroup, however, airway eosinophilia persists despite the use of high-dose formulations of both.

Research in the last decade has deepened understanding of the pathogensis of asthma and led to the development of the biologic agents that directly target the cytokines involved in causing and maintaining severe asthma symptoms.

As of 2021, GINA guidelines for the management of severe asthma include biologics as add-on therapy for severe allergic and eosinophilic asthma. Currently there are 6 biologic agents approved by the FDA for treatment of severe asthma. Get 3 essential facts on each in the following short slide show.

BEC, blood eosinophil count; FeNO, fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide; IgE, immunoglobulin E; IL, interleukin; mAb, monoclonal antibody; OCS, oral corticosteroid; ppb, parts per billion; Rα, receptor alpha