Targeted biologic therapies and advanced drug delivery approaches in asthma management: a clinical perspective

Asthma is a complex and chronic inflammatory condition that continues to pose major challenges in clinical practice due to its varied symptoms and inconsistent responses to standard treatments. In recent years, advances in novel drug delivery systems have opened up new possibilities for emerging more targeted, effective, and patient-compliant therapies. While traditional treatments such as inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists remain the backbone of asthma management, their limitations have spurred the development of innovative delivery methods and new therapeutic targets. Biologic therapies, particularly monoclonal antibodies, have emerged as promising options for patients with severe asthma, offering greater precision and fewer systemic side effects. Liposome-based drug delivery, polymer-based drug delivery, dendrimer-based drug delivery, and noisome-based drug delivery have shown significant potential by enhancing drug stability, improving bioavailability, and enabling targeted delivery to the lungs. Additionally, this review article also covers the use of small molecule inhibitors, including those targeting Janus kinase, tyrosine kinase, and phosphodiesterase pathways, which are being explored for difficult-to-treat asthma cases. This review also delves into the latest progress in gene therapy and RNA-based treatments, as well as discusses about clinical trials and their outcomes. These novel approaches highlight a shift towards more personalised and effective asthma care, with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.