Biologic Agents and Newer Therapies
Start with the big picture
Biologics target specific inflammatory pathways: omalizumab acts on IgE; mepolizumab and reslizumab target IL-5; benralizumab targets IL-5Rα; dupilumab blocks IL-4Rα; and tezepelumab targets TSLP. The source describes these therapies as options for selected patients with severe asthma and frequent exacerbations or maintenance oral corticosteroid use despite maximal inhaled therapy. Choosing among them involves considering asthma endotype and pretreatment findings such as serum IgE, blood eosinophils, and FeNO. The topic also covers adverse effects and response monitoring, including when to reconsider treatment if meaningful benefit is not achieved. Beyond biologics, it introduces tiotropium as an add-on and surveys additional and emerging therapies.
What you'll learn
- Differentiate the targets of the biologic agents described for severe asthma.
- Relate asthma endotype and pretreatment findings to biologic selection.
- Identify key safety concerns and monitoring considerations for biologic therapy.
- Describe the role of tiotropium as an add-on and recognize other advanced approaches.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
