Benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody, offers a revolutionary treatment for asthma over steroids. Can it be offered to all asthma patients? Dr Nikhil Modi, senior consultant, respiratory and critical care at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, says: “Benralizumab is a special medicine used to treat severe asthma, especially for people who have high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. However, it is not for everyone with asthma. This medicine works best for those whose asthma is hard to control with regular treatments like inhalers. For people with different types of asthma, benralizumab may not help as much. Doctors usually check the number of eosinophils in a patient’s blood and how well their asthma is managed before deciding to use this treatment. So, while benralizumab can be very effective for some, it isn’t the right choice for all asthma patients.”
How big is the asthma burden in India, of the disease and deaths due to it?
Asthma is a major health issue in India, affecting around 30 million people. It causes many problems for those who have it and can even lead to death. Around 3.8 million people die from asthma-related issues worldwide each year, and India has a significant number of these cases due to its large population and environmental challenges.
The number of asthma cases is increasing, especially in cities where air pollution is high. Many people also struggle to get proper healthcare or understand how to manage their asthma, leading to more hospital visits and higher medical costs. Efforts are being made by the government and health organisations globally to improve asthma care and raise awareness about this condition.
Has pollution in India exacerbated asthma, and by what proportions?
Yes, air pollution in India has made asthma worse for many people. Pollutants like dust, smoke, and gases from vehicles and factories can trigger asthma symptoms or make them more severe. Studies show that children living in polluted cities are about 30% more likely to develop asthma than those in cleaner areas. Long-term exposure to these pollutants can cause serious lung problems and lead to more visits to doctors or hospitals because of severe asthma attacks. To help those with asthma, it’s important to address air quality issues and reduce pollution levels in cities across India.
What can be the outlook for asthma sufferers with this drug?
The future looks hopeful for people with severe asthma thanks to benralizumab. This medicine helps lower the number of eosinophils in the lungs, which can lead to fewer asthma attacks and better breathing overall. Studies show that patients using benralizumab often need less reliance on oral steroids and can keep their symptoms under control more effectively. It works better than traditional steroid treatments during severe attacks as well. As more information becomes available from ongoing studies, benralizumab could become a key treatment for many people with severe eosinophilic asthma, improving their quality of life and helping them manage their condition better.