A new treatment for asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups has been developed, which could potentially be “game-changing” for millions of people suffering from these conditions. Currently, asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations are treated with steroid tablets, which can have severe side effects such as diabetes and osteoporosis. However, a new injection called benralizumab has been shown to be more effective in reducing the need for further treatment by 30 per cent. This new treatment targets eosinophilic exacerbations, which make up to 30 per cent of COPD flare-ups and almost half of asthma attacks.
The study, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, found that benralizumab injection is more effective when injected at the point of exacerbation compared to standard steroid tablets. After 28 days, respiratory symptoms such as cough, wheeze, breathlessness, and sputum were found to be better with benralizumab. Additionally, after 90 days, there were four times fewer people in the benralizumab group who failed treatment compared to those receiving standard prednisolone. The injection was also found to improve the quality of life for people with asthma and COPD, with fewer episodes requiring a visit to the doctor or hospital.
Geoffrey Pointing, a participant in the study, shared his positive experience with the benralizumab injection, mentioning that it had fewer side effects compared to steroid tablets. He expressed gratitude for taking part in the study and highlighted how the injection had improved his quality of life. Dr. Sanjay Ramakrishnan, the first author of the ABRA trial, noted the promise of this treatment for asthma and COPD, emphasizing the urgent need for life-saving options for patients with these conditions.
The new treatment is particularly significant as it represents the first major advancement in the treatment of asthma and COPD attacks in 50 years. This highlights the lack of funding and research in lung health, despite the fact that lung conditions contribute to a significant number of deaths each year. Dr. Samantha Walker of Asthma + Lung UK stressed the importance of supporting further research to improve treatment and care for individuals with breathing problems. With continued funding and research, the hope is to provide better options for those living with asthma and COPD to ultimately improve their health and quality of life.
While steroid tablets have been a lifesaving treatment for many, they can come with various side effects, particularly when taken over a long period of time. Side effects may include stomach problems, changes in mood, weight gain, puffy face, steroid-induced diabetes, osteoporosis, thin skin, and bruising. It is crucial to monitor these side effects when taking steroid tablets for asthma and COPD, and to explore alternative treatments such as benralizumab that may offer a safer and more effective option for managing exacerbations. Ultimately, the development of new treatments like benralizumab provides hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for individuals with asthma and COPD.
