Initiating biologics in severe uncontrolled asthma results in better lung function, fewer exacerbations, and higher corticosteroid withdrawal rates.
A multicenter observational study has illustrated the long-term effectiveness of biologic therapies in tackling persistent severe asthma in routine clinical settings. The PROSPECT study followed patients over a 24-month period and found that those who initiated biologic treatment experienced remarkable improvements in lung function, asthma control, and medication burden when compared to those who did not receive biologics.
In total, 306 patients with severe uncontrolled asthma were enrolled, of whom 285 were incorporated in the final analysis. Volunteers were segregated into 2 groups:
The selection of biologic therapy was based on physician judgment and the patient’s asthma phenotype. At 24 months, the adjusted least-squares mean rise in post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was 0.17 L in the biologic group, when compared to 0.04 L in the non-biologic group. The adjusted difference of 0.13 L was statistically significant. Improvements in FEV1 were also noted in the biologic group at 6, 12, and 18 months.
In addition to better lung function, the biologic group exhibited a notable decrease in asthma exacerbations, greater improvement in 5-item Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5) scores, lower daily doses of oral corticosteroids, and a higher rate of corticosteroid withdrawal. These outcomes suggest that biologic therapy not only improves respiratory health but also minimizes the requisition for long-term steroid use. Overall, this study provides robust real-world evidence supporting the long-term benefits of commencing biologic therapy in severe uncontrolled asthma.
Respiratory Investigation
Long-term, real-world effectiveness of biologics for severe uncontrolled asthma: The PROSPECT study
Kazuhisa Asai et al.
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