Asthma treatment: Finally a major breakthrough

This is the first major breakthrough in 50 years. British researchers have just discovered a new treatment for severe forms of asthma.

During an attack, the treatment consists of an injection of high-dose benralizumab. As reported by the media RTBF, benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets specific white blood cells called eosinophils to reduce pneumonia. According to the study published in the journal The Lancet, this injection, which could also prove useful for treating COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) attacks, could reduce the need for additional treatment by 30%.

A Story of White Blood Cells

This study, led by King’s College London, was conducted on 158 people who sought medical care during their COPD or asthma attacks. If blood tests revealed an eosinophilic crisis (white blood cells), these patients could benefit from the new treatment. According to the scientists, these white blood cells are responsible for nearly half of asthma attacks and 30% of COPD attacks. After 28 days of clinical trial, respiratory symptoms (wheezing, coughing, phlegm, and shortness of breath) were better in people receiving benralizumab than in other test subjects, according to RTBF.

Moreover, the effects of the treatment lasted longer.

(MH with Raphaël Liset - Source: RTBF - Illustration: Unsplash)