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Age-specific efficacy of biologics in severe asthma: a pediatric perspective

Beatrice Andrenacci1, Francesca Calciano2, Barbara Madini1

  • 1Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, SC Pediatria Pneumoinfettivologia, Milan, Italy.

Frontiers in Allergy
|June 1, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Biologic therapies offer effective treatment for severe pediatric asthma, but more research is needed. This review summarizes current pediatric evidence on biologics, addressing gaps in knowledge for better individualized asthma care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Severe pediatric asthma is a significant health burden with limited treatment options.
  • Biologic therapies have transformed adult severe asthma care but pediatric data is scarce.
  • Age-specific immunological and physiological differences necessitate pediatric-focused research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current pediatric evidence on the efficacy and safety of Europe-licensed anti-asthmatic biologics.
  • To highlight differences between pediatric and adult responses to biologic therapies.
  • To discuss future research directions for optimizing pediatric severe asthma management.

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of existing literature.
  • Focus on Europe-licensed biologic therapies.
  • Analysis of pediatric-specific clinical trial data and real-world evidence.

Main Results:

  • Biologic therapies demonstrate clinical and functional efficacy in pediatric severe asthma.
  • Safety profiles are generally favorable, though pediatric-specific considerations exist.
  • Significant gaps remain in pediatric-specific evidence compared to adult populations.

Conclusions:

  • Biologics represent a valuable treatment option for severe pediatric asthma.
  • Further research is crucial for understanding pediatric responses and optimizing treatment.
  • Future directions include exploring preventive use, novel delivery, combination therapies, and pediatric-specific outcome measures for individualized care.

Keywords:
age-specific efficacybiologic therapiesdupilumabmepolizumabomalizumabpediatric precision medicinepediatric severe asthmatezepelumab

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