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Introduction: Severe asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects a significant number of individuals, causing persistent inflammation of the airways and leading to recurrent symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. While conventional asthma treatments, including inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, are generally effective for most asthma patients, they may not always provide sufficient relief for individuals with severe asthma. In such cases, the use of biologic agents licensed specifically for severe asthma can be a valuable treatment option. Aim of the study: This article aims to explore the different biologic agents licensed for severe asthma and delve into their effectiveness in managing this complex and challenging condition. Material and methods: Literature available in the PubMed database was reviewed using the following keywords: biologic agents for asthma; omalizumab; mepolizumab; bernalizumab; tezepelumab; monoclonal antibodies. Conclusions: These medications are designed to target the underlying mechanisms of severe asthma, addressing the root causes of the condition rather than just managing the symptoms. As a result, they have shown promising results in improving symptoms and reducing exacerbations in individuals with severe asthma. By understanding the potential benefits of these medications, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions when it comes to treating patients with severe asthma.

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Mepolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG1, kappa) against IL-5, which mediates the role of the eosinophils in the inflammatory process of the airways. The drug has a high affinity for IL-5 and blocks the binding of IL5 to the alpha chain of the IL-5 receptor complex expressed on the eosinophil cell surface. The published results of the clinical trials show that the use of mepolizumab in the treatment of patients with severe eosinophilic asthma reduces the exacerbation rates, as well as decreases the doses of glucocorticosteroids (with the maintenance of asthma control). At present, mepolizumab is registered in the European Union as an adjunctive therapy in adults and pediatric patients aged 6-17 years with inadequately controlled severe eosinophilic asthma. In Poland mepolizumab has been a reimbursable drug since 1st November, 2017 and is available under the national drug program for adults with severe eosinophilic asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Nearly 60% of asthma cases have allergic background. About 5-10% of patients treated for asthma do not respond well to standard treatment suggested by GINA 2006 guidelines. The article reviews the anti-IgE therapy for patients with severe/difficult asthma as well as points out the prospects of treatment with new biological drugs now being in 2nd and 3rd phase of clinical trials, which may play a significant role in severe asthma treatment in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mepolizumab (Nucala) is a humanized monoclonal antibody against IL-5, which plays a significant role in inflammation in the airways of asthmatic patients. This drug has a high affinity and specificity to this interleukin. It inhibits the attachment of IL-5 receptor alpha subunit on the surface of eosinophils. The results of the clinical phase II and III in asthma patients confirmed the usefulness and efficacy of monoclonal antibody therapy, especially for patients with frequent exacerbations and eosinophilia. In 2015, mepolizumab (Nucala) was registered in the European Union and in Poland for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. The standards of diagnosis and treatment of asthma, published in 2016 (GINA 2016), placed this therapy in this 5th-stage as an add-on drug to the high-dose inhaled corticosteroids in combination with long acting β2-agonist (LABA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]