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Published on: November 4, 2010
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Biologics for asthma and allergy
1Immunity, Infection and Inflammation Programme, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition Institute of Medical Sciences University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK.
Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery
|February 25, 2017
Summary
Monoclonal antibody biologics targeting Th2 cytokines like interleukin-4, -5, and -13 show effectiveness for difficult-to-treat asthma and allergic diseases. Biomarkers can help identify patients most likely to benefit from these targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma and allergic diseases are heterogeneous, necessitating targeted treatments.
- Th2 cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, play key roles in the pathogenesis of these conditions.
- Monoclonal antibody-based biologics offer a promising therapeutic strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the effectiveness of biologics targeting IL-4, IL-5, or IL-13 in asthma and allergic diseases.
- To assess the clinical findings from original English-language articles.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PubMed and MedLine databases.
- Inclusion of original articles reporting significant clinical findings.
- Focus on biologics targeting specific Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13).
Main Results:
- Biologics targeting IL-4/13, IL-5, or immunoglobulin E show potential for difficult-to-treat allergic diseases.
- Clinical effectiveness is more likely in carefully selected patient populations based on asthma phenotypes.
- Development of discriminatory biomarkers is crucial for identifying optimal candidates for these therapies.
Conclusions:
- Biologics targeting Th2 cytokines are effective treatments for severe asthma and allergic conditions.
- These therapies demonstrate a safety profile comparable to placebo in most studies.
- Personalized medicine approaches, guided by biomarkers, are key to maximizing treatment benefits.
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