Asthma Attack Treatment: New Hope After 50 Years
- A single injection of benralizumab may offer a more effective treatment for severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups than traditional steroid tablets, according to a...
- In the united Kingdom, these conditions contribute to a significant number of deaths annually and cost the National Health Service billions.
- The ABRA trial, conducted at multiple centers including Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, found that benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody, can be repurposed to reduce lung inflammation in...
Breakthrough treatment for asthma attacks? A new study reveals a benralizumab injection may offer a notable advantage over customary steroid treatments, reducing the need for further intervention by 30% in severe asthma and COPD flare-ups. This targeted therapy addresses eosinophilic exacerbations, offering new hope for those struggling with these life-threatening conditions. The ABRA trial showcased improved respiratory symptoms and a better quality of life for patients receiving the injection, suggesting a potential shift in asthma management. News Directory 3 is following the latest developments. Discover what’s next…
New Injection Shows Promise in Treating Asthma and COPD Attacks
Updated June 25, 2025
A single injection of benralizumab may offer a more effective treatment for severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups than traditional steroid tablets, according to a new study. The research, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, indicates the injection reduces the need for subsequent treatments by 30%.
Asthma and COPD exacerbations can be life-threatening. In the united Kingdom, these conditions contribute to a significant number of deaths annually and cost the National Health Service billions. The injection targets eosinophilic exacerbations, characterized by inflammation from high eosinophil levels, a type of white blood cell. These exacerbations account for a significant portion of COPD flare-ups and asthma attacks and can lead to irreversible lung damage.
The ABRA trial, conducted at multiple centers including Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, found that benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody, can be repurposed to reduce lung inflammation in emergency situations. The study compared benralizumab to prednisolone,a common steroid treatment,and found the injection to be more effective.
Researchers divided participants at high risk of asthma or COPD attacks into three groups: one receiving benralizumab and dummy tablets, one receiving prednisolone and a dummy injection, and a third receiving both. The results showed that after 28 days, respiratory symptoms improved more with benralizumab. After 90 days, treatment failure was four times lower in the benralizumab group compared to the steroid group. Patients also reported an improved quality of life.
“This could be a game-changer for people with asthma and COPD,” said Professor Mona Bafadhel from King’s College London, the trial’s lead investigator. “The big advance in the ABRA study is the finding that targeted therapy works in asthma and COPD attacks.”
Geoffrey Pointing, 77, a participant in the study, reported fewer side effects with the injection compared to steroid tablets and expressed gratitude for the potential to improve his quality of life.
What’s next
Researchers hope the findings will lead to changes in how asthma and COPD exacerbations are treated, potentially allowing for at-home or GP governance of benralizumab. Further studies will explore the long-term impact of benralizumab on lung health and patient outcomes.