New Injection Shows Promise as First Major Asthma and COPD Treatment Breakthrough in 50 Years

A study finds the drug benralizumab reduces treatment failure and hospitalizations compared to traditional steroid therapy during severe respiratory attacks.

• The ABRA trial demonstrated that benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody, significantly reduces treatment failure rates for asthma and COPD exacerbations when administered during flare-ups.
• Compared to standard steroid treatment, benralizumab lowered the need for further therapy, hospitalization, or risk of death by over 30% within 90 days.
• Patients treated with benralizumab experienced faster symptom recovery, improved quality of life, and avoided common steroid side effects like high blood sugar and osteoporosis.
• The drug targets eosinophils, a type of white blood cell driving inflammation in many asthma and COPD cases, offering a more tailored and effective approach than the current one-size-fits-all steroid therapy.
• While the findings are promising, further phase 3 trials are needed before benralizumab can be approved for emergency use during severe respiratory attacks.

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