First New Asthma Treatment in 50 Years: Benralizumab Cuts Attacks by 30% in "Game-Changer" Trial

Nov 28, 2024, 07:56 AM

Researchers have developed the first new treatment for asthma attacks in 50 years, offering hope to millions of sufferers. The injectable drug, benralizumab, developed by AstraZeneca, was found to be more effective than steroid tablets in treating acute attacks of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), reducing the need for further treatment by 30%. The monoclonal antibody targets the interleukin-5 receptor-alpha (IL-5Rα) to suppress part of the immune system and prevent attacks. The clinical trial, conducted by King's College London and published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, has been hailed as a "game-changer" by doctors and patients. Approximately 2 million asthma attacks occur annually in the UK, and this breakthrough marks a significant advancement in respiratory medicine.