New injection offers hope for asthma and COPD attacks

Injection significantly reduces need for further treatment

A new treatment for asthma and COPD attacks could revolutionise patient care, scientists say. An injection given during attacks is more effective than the current steroid tablet treatment, reducing the need for further care by 30%.

Findings published today in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine suggest this could be a “game-changer” for millions worldwide. Asthma and COPD flare-ups are often deadly, with four asthma deaths and 85 COPD deaths daily in the UK. The NHS spends £5.9 billion annually on these conditions.

The injection targets eosinophilic exacerbations, caused by high eosinophil levels, which lead to wheezing, coughing and chest tightness.

These exacerbations make up 30% of COPD flare-ups and nearly 50% of asthma attacks. Traditional treatments haven’t changed in 50 years and can have severe side effects.

Researchers from King’s College London and the University of Oxford found that benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody, can reduce lung inflammation more effectively than steroid tablets when injected during an attack.

The phase 2 ABRA clinical trial showed significant improvements in respiratory symptoms and quality of life.

Professor Mona Bafadhel from King’s College London said, “This could be a game-changer for people with asthma and COPD. We’ve shown that targeted therapy at the point of an exacerbation is more effective than the current standard treatment.”

Dr Sanjay Ramakrishnan, Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Western Australia, added, “Our study shows massive promise for asthma and COPD treatment. COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, and we need to provide patients with life-saving options.”

Geoffrey Pointing, a study participant, praised the new treatment, stating, “On the injections, it’s fantastic. I didn’t get any side effects like with steroid tablets. It gave me back a normal life.”

The researchers hope these findings will change how asthma and COPD attacks are treated, improving health outcomes for over a billion people globally.