New Delhi

A new medical breakthrough could transform treatment for people battling severe asthma.

 

A study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine has found that a monthly injection helped as many as 90% of patients significantly reduce their dependence on daily steroid tablets drugs known to cause serious long-term side effects. Notably, more than half of the patients were able to completely stop their daily steroids while keeping symptoms under control.

 

The treatment tested is Tezepelumab, an advanced antibody therapy that calms immune-driven inflammation in the lungs. Patients in the trial received a 210 mg injection every four weeks for a full year. Researchers say improvements appeared within two weeks and were maintained throughout the study, including better lung function, fewer flare-ups, and a major boost in quality of life. According to Prof. David Jackson of King’s College London, “two-thirds of participants had no asthma attacks at all during the trial.”

 

Why it matters

 

For many living with severe asthma, daily oral steroids are often a last resort and one with consequences. Prolonged use can affect bones, blood sugar, skin health, and even mental well-being. Experts say that a safer alternative like Tezepelumab could be life-changing.

 

Dr. Sundeep Salvi, a leading respiratory disease expert from India, notes that patients experienced milder side effects such as nasal inflammation, headache, and bronchitis. “This drug offers hope for those who cannot control their asthma even with inhalers,” he said.

 

The clinical picture

 

The global Phase-3b trial ran across 68 medical centers in 11 countries, enrolling 382 adults aged 18–80 suffering from severe, uncontrolled asthma. Of them, 298 received the monthly injection while continuing a baseline steroid dose of 5–40 mg a day.

 

After 52 weeks of treatment:

 

90% reduced their steroid dose to 5 mg/day or less

 

50%+ stopped daily steroids entirely

 

Many saw relief in related conditions like allergies and sinus inflammation

 

Prof. Jackson says this biologic therapy avoids the harmful effects of steroids while tackling both upper and lower airway symptoms — a win for quality of life.

 

Urgent relevance for India

 

Asthma affects over 300 million people globally, and India faces the highest toll. Although the country accounts for only 12.9% of global cases, it is responsible for a staggering 42.3% of worldwide asthma deaths. Experts estimate 5–10% of Indian asthma patients fall into the severe uncontrolled category those who may benefit most from new biologic therapies.

 

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The cost challenge

 

However, access remains a concern. Each injection currently costs around ₹1 lakh, making it difficult for many who urgently need the therapy. “Affordability is the biggest barrier,” Dr. Salvi cautioned.