Researchers at King’s College London have discovered a potentially groundbreaking new treatment for asthma attacks, marking the first significant advancement in 50 years. The injection, called Benralizumab, targets a specific part of the immune system that can become overactive during respiratory attacks.
The research reveals that asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) attacks are not uniform, with different patients experiencing varying patterns of inflammation. This understanding has led to a more targeted approach to treatment, potentially benefiting around two million attacks in the UK annually.
Benralizumab specifically targets eosinophils, a type of white blood cell responsible for inflammation and lung damage. These cells are implicated in approximately half of asthma attacks and a third of COPD flare-ups. Currently, when regular inhalers fail to control an attack, doctors typically prescribe a course of steroids.
A study involving 158 patients showed promising results. The treatment failure rate was 74% with traditional steroids, compared to just 45% with the new therapy. Patients treated with Benralizumab were less likely to be hospitalized, require additional treatment, or face fatal outcomes.
One trial participant, Alison Spooner, 55, described the treatment as “a bit of a miracle.” She reported feeling “drastically different” after the injection and now uses her inhaler minimally. Another participant, Geoffrey Pointing, 77, noted an absence of the typical side effects associated with steroid treatments.
The potential benefits are significant. Long-term steroid use can lead to side effects such as weight gain, diabetes, and weakened bones. In contrast, participants in the Benralizumab trial reported improved symptoms and enhanced quality of life.
However, the treatment is not yet ready for widespread use. A larger two-year trial is planned for 2025 to further assess its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Dr. Sanjay Ramakrishnan from the University of Oxford described the current research as showing “massive promise.”
The medical community views this development as crucial, given the current mortality rates. An estimated four people with asthma and 85 with COPD die in the UK daily. Dr. Samantha Walker from Asthma + Lung UK called the results “great news” while also criticizing the lack of treatment innovation over the past five decades.
Prof. Mona Bafadhel, lead researcher, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, stating, “Now we can be smarter and get the right treatment, to the right patient, at the right time.” She described Benralizumab as a “game-changer” that could revolutionize respiratory disease treatment.
While the research is promising, patients currently using existing treatments should continue following their prescribed regimen. The medical community awaits the results of the upcoming comprehensive trial to fully understand the potential of this new therapeutic approach.
