An Existing Drug Can Replace Steroids To Help Asthma And COPD Patients, Reveals Lancet Study

"During a flare-up, it’s almost impossible to explain how you feel—you can barely breathe,” said 77-year-old Pointing from Banbury, England, in a recent news release.

For people like Pointing, a new clinical trial offers hope. Benralizumab, an existing injectable drug, may significantly reduce the severity of asthma and COPD attacks and could make it far less daunting, report researchers. The study is published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. While the drug has already been approved for treating asthma patients, it could also replace steroid medication as the go-to treatment for flare-ups.

What did The Study find?

As per the findings in the study, the monoclonal antibody outperformed steroids in reducing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, and phlegm production.

Trial results also showed that after three months, individuals taking benralizumab were four times less likely to experience an asthma or COPD attack compared to those on the steroid prednisolone.

The lead researcher Dr Mona Bafadhel, who is also the chair of respiratory Medicine at King's College London said, "This could be transformative for people with asthma and COPD. Treatment for these exacerbations hasn’t evolved in 50 years, despite causing 3.8 million deaths globally each year. Benralizumab, a safe and effective drug already used for severe asthma, showed greater effectiveness when given at the point of an exacerbation compared to steroid tablets, which are currently the only option available."

Pointing who was one of the participant of the trial, praised the drug and said that it was "fantastic" and that he did not experience the usual side effects he gets with the steroid tablets. "“Steroids used to ruin my sleep, especially the first night. But with benralizumab, I slept well and could go about my life without issues.”

How does Benralizumab work?

It targets eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that drives lung inflammation during flare-ups. Eosinophilic exacerbations account for about 30% of COPD attacks and nearly half of asthma attacks. These episodes also involve a surge in eosinophiles in the lungs, and cause severe wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.

The trial placed patients into three groups: one received benralizumab during flare-ups, another was given prednisolone tablets, and a third received both. The benralizumab group not only had fewer symptoms, but it also took longer to develop a serious episode that necessitated medical attention or hospitalization.

The researchers also discovered that the injections increased the individuals' overall quality of life.

Although the medicine is now provided by healthcare professionals, researchers anticipate it will be safe to administer at home or in a doctor's office in the future.

“Our study demonstrates enormous potential for asthma and COPD treatment,” said Dr. Sanjay Ramakrishnan, clinical senior lecturer at the University of Western Australia and one of the researchers. “COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, yet treatment remains outdated. We need life-saving options to prevent these patients from running out of time.”

With 3.8 million deaths annually attributed to asthma and COPD, researchers hope benralizumab can soon provide a modern, effective solution for managing these life-threatening conditions.