Novel Biological Therapies in Severe Asthma: Targeting the Right Trait.

Novel Biological Therapies in Severe Asthma: Targeting the Right Trait.
Curr Med Chem. 2018 Jan 09;:
Authors: Varricchi G, Marone G, Spadaro G, Russo M, Granata F, Genovese A, Marone G
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation that results in a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Patients with severe asthma represent a substantial share of consumption of healthcare resources and hospitalization. Moreover, these patients are at risk of increased morbidity and mortality. Recently, several phenotypes and endotypes of asthma have been identified. The identification of specific subtypes of asthma is fundamental for optimizing the clinical benefit of novel treatments. Although in most patients the disease can be controlled by some combination of pharmacologic agents, in some 5-10% of patients the disease remains uncontrolled. Several monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting pathogenetic molecules (e.g., IgE, IL-5, IL-5Ra, IL-4, IL-13, TSLP) are currently available or under development for the treatment of different forms of severe type 2 asthma. The identification of diagnostic and predictive biomarkers (e.g., IgE, blood eosinophil count, FeNO, periostin, etc.) has revolutioned the field of targeted therapy in severe asthma. Monoclonal antibodies targeting Th2-driven inflammation are generally safe in adult patients with moderate-to-severe asthma. The long-term safety of these biologics is ...

Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry - January 9, 2018 Category: Chemistry Authors: Varricchi G, Marone G, Spadaro G, Russo M, Granata F, Genovese A, Marone G Tags: Curr Med Chem Source Type: research