The impact of steroid-sparing biologic therapies on weight loss in obese individuals with severe eosinophilic asthma

Extract
Asthma and obesity are prevalent disorders with significant impact on public health. Obesity is a reported risk factor for the development of asthma and is associated with increased exacerbation rates, medication usage and higher symptoms scores in patients with asthma. It should therefore be addressed and treated as an important asthma related comorbidity [1]. Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are widely prescribed for asthma exacerbations and for chronic management of severe asthma despite well-known adverse side-effects, including weight gain. Biologic therapies for severe asthma reduce exacerbation rates and the anti-IL5/5R biologic therapies mepolizumab and benralizumab are effective steroid-sparing agents [2–6]. It remains unknown whether long-term use of these treatments supports weight loss in overweight and obese individuals previously exposed to maintenance or frequent OCS. Eosinophils have been postulated to play a role in metabolic homeostasis and promote energy expenditure [6]. Consequently, one could assume that eosinophil depleting biologics theoretically lead to weight gain after prolonged exposure.

Source: European Respiratory Journal - August 3, 2023 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Nanzer, A. M., Taylor, V., Hearn, A. P., Kavanagh, J. E., Patrick, T., Green, L., Thomson, L., Lam, J., Fernandes, M., Roxas, C., d'Ancona, G., Kent, B. D., Dhariwal, J., Jackson, D. J. Tags: Asthma and allergy Research Letters Source Type: research