EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF BENRALIZUMAB FOR THE TREATMENT OF SEVERE UNCONTROLLED ASTHMA

Abstract

Patients with asthma often have eosinophilia which is associated with worsening asthma severity, decreased lung function and increased exacerbation frequency. Benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptors and induces direct, rapid, and nearly complete depletion of eosinophils. Benralizumab approved for patients with severe uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma despite high-dosage inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting β2-agonists. In this article data from clinical studies SIROCCO, CALIMA, BORA, ZONDA and ALIZE are reviewed. According to them, benralizumab significantly reduced asthma exacerbations and oral glucocorticoid-dose, improved lung function and disease symptom control. Benralizumab is effective and well-tolerated. Viral upper respiratory tract infection is the most frequent side effect, associated with the usage of benralizumab.