BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
For the first time in half a century, researchers discovered a breakthrough cure for asthma attacks, giving hope to millions of sufferers worldwide. Benralizumab, an injectable medication, has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups.
“This is a game-changer,” said Professor Mona Bafadhel of King’s College London, the lead researcher. “We’ve not had a change in treatment for 50 years. It will revolutionize how we treat people when they’re really unwell.”
Benralizumab, which is already approved for severe asthma, has shown promising results in preliminary studies, implying that it could be used more extensively to treat the estimated two million asthma episodes in the UK each year.
How benralizumab targets inflammation
Asthma and COPD flare-ups frequently include trouble breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing—symptoms that can become life-threatening. Traditionally, these attacks have been treated with inhalers and steroids, the latter of which may cause weight gain, diabetes, and bone weakness.
Benralizumab provides a more targeted approach. It works by reducing eosinophils, which are white blood cells that cause inflammation and lung damage. According to the study, eosinophils play a role in around half of asthma attacks and one-third of COPD flare-ups.
“Now we can see there are different patterns of inflammation,” Bafadhel said. “We can be smarter and get the right treatment to the right patient at the right time.”
In a study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, researchers followed 158 patients for three months after they received treatment for a flare-up. The study found that patients receiving benralizumab had a lower rate of treatment failure than those receiving steroids (74 percent vs. 45 percent).
Patients who received the new medicine were less likely to be hospitalized, need extra treatment, or die from complications.
Real stories, real impact
Benralizumab has a revolutionary impact on patients. Alison Spooner, a 55-year-old Oxfordshire resident who took part in the experiment, described her experience.
“They seemed to be getting worse,” she said of her asthma attacks. “The severe lack of breath was quite frightening when you’re gasping and there’s nothing to gasp at.”
After the injection, Alison felt a “drastic difference.” While she still uses her inhaler, it is now more for precaution than necessity. “Unfortunately, no drug gets rid of asthma completely, but this is the nearest thing. It’s a bit of a miracle, actually.”
Geoffrey Pointing, aged 77, also benefited from the trial. Unlike steroids, which interrupted his sleep, benralizumab produced no serious side effects. “The first day of the study, I could sleep that first night, and I was able to carry on with my life without problems,” he shared.
What’s next for benralizumab?
Despite its promise, benralizumab is not yet fit for widespread use. A larger trial will begin in 2025 and run for two years, evaluating the drug’s cost-effectiveness and validating its benefits. Monoclonal antibodies, such as benralizumab, are pricey, which may limit accessibility.
Dr. Sanjay Ramakrishnan of the University of Oxford expressed optimism: “This shows massive promise. Treatment for COPD has been stuck in the 20th century despite being one of the leading causes of death worldwide.”
In the United Kingdom alone, four people with asthma and 85 people with COPD die every day. While the new treatment has enormous potential, scientists warn that anyone who is presently taking steroids or other medications should continue to follow their doctor’s advice.
Dr. Samantha Walker of Asthma + Lung UK called the results “great news,” but said, “It’s appalling that this is the first new treatment for those suffering from asthma and COPD attacks in 50 years.”
Benralizumab, with its potential to minimize hospitalizations, improve quality of life, and possibly save lives, gives millions of people hope. As trials develop, researchers and patients alike anticipate what may be a game-changing advancement in respiratory care.
Source study: The Lancet Respiratory Medicine— Treating eosinophilic exacerbations of asthma and COPD with benralizumab (ABRA): a double-blind, double-dummy, active placebo-controlled randomised trial
As part of our “Best Of” series, today we are celebrating the most impactful Health innovations of 2024. These solutions showcase the strides made in improving the physical and mental well-being of people across the globe.
