NHS publications and official announcements

AstraZeneca's New Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Reduces Asthma and COPD Attacks by 30%

Nov 28, 2024, 10:20 AM

Researchers have developed the first new treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) attacks in 50 years, which has been hailed as a 'game-changer' by doctors and patients. The treatment involves an injection of benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the interleukin-5 receptor-α, showing greater efficacy than the current standard of steroid tablets. A phase II clinical trial conducted by King's College London demonstrated that this new treatment reduces the need for further treatment by 30% compared to steroids. This breakthrough, developed by AstraZeneca, could significantly impact the lives of millions, including the 2 million annual asthma attacks in the UK alone.