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A major breakthrough in asthma treatment has been achieved through the use of Benralizumab, which researchers are calling a “game-changer.”
Benralizumab, the first new treatment for asthma attacks and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 50 years, was initially approved by US and EU regulators in 2017. It was specifically designed to treat eosinophilic asthma, a severe form of the condition linked to lung inflammation caused by certain white blood cells.
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While currently reserved for the most severe cases, recent research suggests it could be used more widely, possibly addressing around two million asthma attacks annually in the UK.
Researchers at King’s College London have described the drug as having the potential to “revolutionise” asthma care.
How does Benralizumab work?
The recent study, conducted by researchers at King’s College London, involved 158 high-risk patients in the UK suffering from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) attacks.
Benralizumab works by targeting eosinophils, a type of white blood cell linked to lung inflammation and damage, BBC reported. These cells are responsible for about half of asthma attacks and a third of COPD exacerbations.
Unlike steroids such as prednisolone, which also reduces lung inflammation but can cause severe side effects, Benralizumab offers a more precise approach.
When injected during an asthma or COPD attack, Benralizumab was found to be more effective than prednisolone. In the study, respiratory symptoms improved within 28 days, and after 90 days, the failure rate in patients treated with Benralizumab was four times lower than those receiving standard care with prednisolone.
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Further, the drug could potentially be used in life-threatening emergencies, either in hospitals or even at home, to reduce the need for additional treatments and hospitalisations.
Researchers said that this breakthrough could lower the mortality rate linked to repeated steroid use and re-hospitalisations following severe attacks.
‘Game-changer for people with asthma’
Professor Mona Bafadhel from King’s College London, who led the trial, described the breakthrough as a potential “game-changer for people with asthma and COPD.”
The trial showed that volunteers experienced improved symptoms and a better quality of life after using Benralizumab, according to BBC.
Dr Samantha Walker from the charity Asthma + Lung UK told Sky News. “It’s great news for people with lung conditions.”
“But it’s appalling that this is the first new treatment in 50 years, and an indication of how desperately underfunded lung health research is.”
Meanwhile, Alison Spooner, a 55-year-old from Oxfordshire who participated in the trial, shared her experience. Having suffered from asthma since childhood, her condition worsened in recent years, leading to three major attacks.
She told BBC, “They seemed to be getting worse, the severe lack of breath was quite frightening when you’re gasping and there’s nothing to gasp at.”
Following the injection, Alison reported feeling “drastically different” and now only uses her inhalers as a precaution.
“Unfortunately, no drug gets rid of asthma completely, but this is the nearest thing. It’s a bit of a miracle actually,” she added.
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Is Benralizumab ready to be used by everyone?
Presently, Benralizumab is not ready for general use. A larger trial set to begin in 2025, lasting two years, will be needed to confirm its benefits and safety. Patients already prescribed this medication should continue following their doctor’s advice.
The upcoming study will also evaluate the drug’s cost-effectiveness, as monoclonal antibody therapies like Benralizumab are expensive.
Dr Sanjay Ramakrishnan from the University of Oxford told BBC that the drug “shows massive promise” and added that treatment for COPD has remained “stuck in the 20th century” despite being a leading global cause of death.
Steroid treatments often cause side effects such as weight gain, diabetes, and weakened bones. Benralizumab may offer an alternative without these drawbacks.
Geoffrey Pointing, 77, from Oxfordshire, participated in the trial told the UK broadcaster, “I didn’t get any side effects like I used to with the steroid tablets. I used to never sleep well the first night of taking steroids, but the first day on the study, I could sleep that first night, and I was able to carry on with my life without problems.”
In the UK, it is estimated that four people with asthma and 85 people with COPD die each day.
The challenges in India
In India, the high cost of the drug – around Rs 1.48 lakh for a 30 mg dose – is a major challenge.
Dr Sundeep Salvi, a member of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) scientific committee, told The Indian Express, “A phase III trial will be required to establish its efficacy and usefulness. This huge cost can be afforded by very few people in India.”