Interleukin-5 Antagonists Usher in a New Generation of Asthma Therapy

Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease in the USA. A subset of patients with asthma have refractory symptoms, persistent eosinophilic inflammation, and recurrent exacerbations despite maximal medical therapy. The monoclonal antibodies targeting the IL-5 pathway are a new class of medications designed to target severe eosinophilic asthma. There are two medications clinically available: mepolizumab and reslizumab, both of which target IL-5. A third medication, benralizumab, is currently under development and targets the IL-5 receptor. Clinical data suggest these medications can reduce asthma exacerbations and improve lung function in patients with peripheral eosinophilia and poorly controlled asthma despite maximal medical therapy. The anti-IL-5 medications are among the first targeted molecular therapies for asthma and will usher in an exciting new era in the treatment of severe asthma.