The National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) today released an updated monoclonal antibody therapy for severe asthma information paper and accompanying wall chart to assist primary health professionals when treating patients with severe asthma.
Clinical Associate Professor Debbie Rigby, Clinical Executive Lead, NAC, said the updated resources will assist GPs to fast-track patients' access to monoclonal antibody therapy through regular review and early referral to an appropriate specialist.
“Monoclonal antibody therapy is the most effective add-on treatment for patients with severe allergic or eosinophilic asthma that does not respond adequately to treatment with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in combination with long-acting beta2 agonists (LABAs).
“These biologic therapies for severe asthma are designed to block the clinical effects of type 2 inflammation by targeting either immunoglobulin E or interleukin cytokines in the inflammatory pathway.
“By blocking their action, biologics can markedly reduce the rate of severe asthma exacerbations, improve symptom control and reduce the use of systemic corticosteroids in patients with severe asthma and persistent type 2 airway inflammation,” she said.
Four biologic agents are currently available in Australia: benralizumab, omalizumab, dupilumab and mepolizumab. Monoclonal antibody therapies are subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for patients in specialist care who meet strict criteria.
Clinical Associate Professor Rigby said that the updated information paper and wall chart provide a clear and concise framework to help navigate this complex clinical area, including key practice points, information about use in pregnancy and ongoing care of patients receiving monoclonal antibody therapy.
“This includes advising patients using monoclonal antibody therapy that they must keep taking maintenance ICS-LABA treatment and ensuing they have an up-to-date written asthma action plan to follow when symptoms worsen,” she said.
She added, “The monoclonal antibody therapies currently available in Australia for severe asthma treatment are generally well tolerated and are not associated with clinically significant unwanted immunosuppression. Injection site reactions are common but systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are rare.”
For further information on severe asthma please refer to the Australian Asthma Handbook.
For further information or an interview with a NAC spokesperson, please contact:
Donna Le Page, Le Page PR, Mobile: 0429 825 703 or Email: [email protected]
