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New drug for asthma and COPD reduces need for treatment by 30%
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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An injection of benralizumab, used to treat acute asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), has been found to be 30% more effective than standard treatment with steroid tablets. The study, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, could be a breakthrough for millions of patients worldwide.
The problem of asthma and COPD exacerbations
Asthma and COPD flare-ups, caused by inflammation from high levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell), can be fatal. Four people die every day in the UK from asthma and 85 from COPD.
These conditions place a significant financial burden on the health system, costing the NHS £5.9 billion annually in the UK alone.
What did the ABRA study show?
In the ABRA clinical trial, scientists from King's College London studied the effectiveness of benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody already used to treat severe asthma. Key findings:
- Improvement in symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, wheezing) after 28 days in patients receiving benralizumab.
- Reduction in the number of repeat visits to the doctor or hospitalizations.
- After 90 days, the number of patients who failed treatment was 4 times lower in the benralizumab group compared with steroid therapy.
- Improving the quality of life of patients with asthma and COPD.
How does benralizumab work?
Benralizumab targets eosinophils, reducing inflammation in the lungs. Unlike steroids, which can cause severe side effects (such as osteoporosis and diabetes), benralizumab acts in a targeted manner, minimizing the systemic burden on the body.
Benralizumab injection can be administered by healthcare professionals in emergency departments, by primary care physicians, and in the future, can be used safely at home.
A breakthrough in treatment
Professor Mona Buffadel, lead author of the study, said:
"This is a breakthrough for patients with asthma and COPD. For the first time in 50 years, we can offer a new approach to treating exacerbations of these diseases. The use of benralizumab during exacerbations turned out to be more effective than using steroid tablets."
Impact on the future of medicine
- Benralizumab is a step towards a personalized approach. Targeted therapy allows treating patients based on the level of inflammation.
- Research support: Experts say such developments highlight the need for increased funding for lung disease research.
Dr Samantha Walker, from Asthma + Lung UK, added:
"This is an important step, but it remains unacceptable that there have been no new treatments for asthma and COPD exacerbations in the last 50 years. We must do more for people suffering from these conditions."
Summary
Benralizumab injection has the potential to change the way asthma and COPD are treated, improving health and extending lives for millions of people worldwide.