Biologic therapies for asthma

Abstract

Purpose of review: The use of immunomodulators in asthma has been well established with omalizumab. Evidence is accumulating for other biologic agents. The following article presents an overview of current biologic therapies employed and under investigation in the treatment of asthma.

Recent findings: Anti-immunoglobulin E and anti-interleukin-5 are best supported by current evidence. However, new data are also available with other therapies, including cytokine inhibitors, oligonucleotides and CpG vaccines.

Summary: Biologic therapies currently represent useful adjunctive treatments for asthma, especially in patients with more severe disease that is not responsive to conventional therapies alone. However, the varied responses now found suggest that specific phenotypes may need to be identified to see optimal effects from specific treatments. Further studies are required to access the efficacy and side effect profiles of these therapies.