Scientists discovered “Benralizumab”, which is currently a drug used in the treatment of severe asthma. It is used to reduce emergency hospitalizations and prevent asthma and COPD problems. Scientists say a new treatment could be a game-changer for the millions of people suffering from asthma and COPD around the world.
The findings of a study published in “The Lancet” Respiratory Medicine are the results of the phase 2 ABRA clinical trial led by scientists at King’s College London, sponsored by the University of Oxford. This shows that an already available drug can be reused in emergency situations to reduce the need for additional treatment and hospitalization.
Benralizumab to become an asthma drug
The drug, called benralizumab, is a monoclonal antibody that targets specific white blood cells called eosinophils to reduce lung inflammation. It is currently used to treat severe asthma. The ABRA trial found that a single dose may be more effective when injected at the point of stimulation than steroid tablets.
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Asthma and COPD
This could be a game changer for people with asthma and COPD. Professor Mona Bafdel, principal investigator of the trial at the King’s Center for Lung Health, said the treatment of asthma and COPD exacerbations has not changed in fifty years. While every year, there are 3.8 million deaths worldwide.
Benralizumab is a safe and effective medication already used to treat severe asthma. We used the drug in a different way at the point of stimulation. There is evidence showing that it is more effective than steroid pills which are the only treatment currently available.
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