For Geoffrey Pointing, 77, of Banbury, England, describing the experience of a severe asthma or COPD flare-up is nearly impossible. “When you’re having a flare-up, you can hardly breathe,” he shared. But thanks to a recent clinical trial, an injectable medication might make these distressing episodes far less debilitating.
A New Approach to Treatment
The study, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, highlights the effectiveness of benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets eosinophils—white blood cells that cause inflammation in the lungs during asthma and COPD attacks. Already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for severe asthma, the drug has now been shown to outperform the steroid prednisolone in reducing symptoms like wheezing, breathlessness, and excessive coughing.
“This could be a game-changer for people with asthma and COPD,” said Dr. Mona Bafadhel, chair of respiratory medicine at King’s College London and lead researcher on the trial. “Treatment for these conditions hasn’t advanced in 50 years, despite contributing to 3.8 million deaths annually worldwide.”
Trial Results: Benralizumab’s Superior Impact
The trial divided patients experiencing asthma or COPD flare-ups into three groups: one received benralizumab injections, another was prescribed prednisolone tablets, and a third was given both treatments. Patients in the benralizumab group experienced significantly fewer attacks—four times fewer than those on steroids alone. Moreover, their symptoms took longer to escalate to the point of requiring medical attention or hospitalization.
The improvements weren’t limited to physical symptoms. Patients also reported an overall enhancement in quality of life. Pointing, a participant in the trial, called the drug “fantastic.” “I didn’t experience any side effects like I used to with steroids. I could sleep well from day one and carry on with my life without problems,” he said.
A Revolution in Respiratory Care
This new approach addresses eosinophilic exacerbations, which are responsible for 30% of COPD flare-ups and nearly half of asthma attacks. During these episodes, eosinophil levels surge, leading to inflammation and severe respiratory symptoms. By targeting these cells, benralizumab offers a more precise and effective treatment than traditional steroids.
The potential benefits go beyond the trial. While injections were administered by healthcare professionals during the study, researchers believe the treatment could eventually be given safely at home or in a doctor’s office, increasing accessibility for patients.
Dr. Sanjay Ramakrishnan, a senior lecturer at the University of Western Australia and co-lead researcher, stressed the urgency of advancing COPD treatments. “COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, yet treatment options remain outdated. We need to provide patients with life-saving alternatives before their time runs out.”
A Promising Future
Backed by its manufacturer, AstraZeneca, the study underscores the potential of benralizumab to redefine care for millions living with asthma and COPD. For patients like Pointing, it’s more than a medical breakthrough—it’s a chance to reclaim their lives from the grip of respiratory disease.
