British researchers have discovered a new treatment for severe asthma attacks, the first breakthrough in 50 years, according to its discoverers. This treatment could also be a game-changer for the treatment of attacks of COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Treatment consists of injecting a high dose of benralizumab at the time of the attack. Benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets specific white blood cells called eosinophils to reduce pneumonia. Such an injection proves more useful than the current, and unique, treatment based on steroid tablets. It also reduces the need for additional treatment by 30%, according to the study published in the journal The Lancet.
The study was carried out on 158 people who needed medical care at the time of their asthma or COPD attack. If the blood tests showed that it was an eosinophilic attack, these people could benefit from the new treatment. About half of asthma attacks are caused by these white blood cells, as are 30% of COPD attacks, the scientists said.
The clinical trial was led by King’s College London and carried out at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. After 28 days, respiratory symptoms (cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and sputum production) were better in those receiving benralizumab than in other subjects tested. The effect of the treatment also lasted longer, according to the scientists.
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