A groundbreaking asthma drug, benralizumab, is being hailed as a “game changer” in the treatment of chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. Research from King’s College London has shed light on its potential to reduce lung inflammation and minimize the reliance on steroids. However, the high cost of benralizumab injections remains a significant barrier to widespread use, raising questions about accessibility and affordability.
A Major Step Forward in Asthma Treatment
Benralizumab, commercially known as Fasenra, is already used in emergency situations for severe asthma or COPD attacks. Recent trials, conducted between 2021 and 2024, highlight its long-term benefits. A monthly injection of benralizumab was shown to reduce the need for further treatment by up to 30 days, offering a promising alternative to traditional steroid-based treatments.
The trial involved 158 patients in the UK, who were divided into three groups to evaluate the effectiveness of benralizumab compared to prednisolone (a common steroid) and a combination of both. Four weeks later, those injected with benralizumab displayed fewer signs of wheezing and coughing, with significantly lower rates of treatment failure.
Challenges of Accessibility: High Costs
Despite its effectiveness, benralizumab’s cost poses a significant challenge. At approximately $5,197 for a single injectable supply, it is about 20 times more expensive than traditional inhalers like Ventolin, which cost about $80. Combination inhalers like Advair HFA cost around $545, while a short course of prednisolone tablets is priced at $180.
Dr. Muhammed Aslam, a pulmonologist in Dubai, explains:
“The most affordable way to manage asthma will still be on an inhaler. This monoclonal antibody therapy will likely be reserved for those who can afford it.”
The Impact of Chronic Respiratory Conditions
Asthma and COPD are prevalent health conditions globally and particularly in the Middle East, where environmental factors like dust, sand, and pollution exacerbate symptoms. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood found that almost 12% of children in Dubai and the Northern Emirates have asthma.
These conditions lead to restricted airways, wheezing, and coughing, often requiring emergency medical care. Globally, asthma and COPD are responsible for approximately 3.8 million deaths annually.
The Promise of Long-Term Alternatives
Doctors view benralizumab as a promising alternative to steroids, which are associated with long-term side effects such as osteoporosis, weight gain, and high blood pressure. According to Dr. Humam Schakaki, consultant pulmonologist at Burjeel Medical City:
New research suggesting the effectiveness of more long-term alternatives to steroids should be welcomed. Every asthma patient now has the option of using these injections, or at least the hope.
The Path Ahead
While the potential of bevacizumab to revolutionize asthma treatment is clear, its high cost underscores the need for strategies to make it more accessible. Increased funding, insurance coverage, and advancements in medical technology could pave the way for more affordable options in the future.
For now, bevacizumab represents hope for those with severe asthma and COPD, offering a glimpse into the future of personalized respiratory care.
