#87 - What biologic therapies are available for allergic conditions?

Are you curious about how biologic medications are transforming the treatment of asthma, eczema, allergies, and more?

Dr. Perdita Permaul joins Dr. Gupta and Kortney to discuss the available biologic medications for allergic conditions. We walk through the eight biologics currently available for allergic diseases, explaining how these medications target different parts of the immune system to treat allergic conditions more effectively than traditional medications.

Dr. Permaul explains how biologics have evolved since 2003 and how they are changing the way allergic conditions are treated. She also explains why some of the biologics treat multiple diseases, whereas some are only approved for one. 

What we cover in our episode about the available biologics for allergic conditions

• How biologics work for allergic conditions: We unpack how biologic medications target specific parts of the immune system, reducing inflammation and improving the quality of life for patients with allergic diseases.
• History and evolution of biologics: Dr. Permaul walks us through the timeline of biologics, starting with Xolair in 2003 and how these treatments have expanded to target other conditions over time.
• Which biologics treat which conditions: From asthma and eczema to food allergies and nasal polyps, we break down which biologics are available and how they help patients with allergic conditions.
• Future of biologics: Dr. Permaul discusses the potential of biologics to be used for more conditions in the future, including ongoing research into food allergy treatments.

Biologics Cheat Sheet

Below is a list of the 8 biologics discussed in this episode. We have briefly outlined their mechanism of action along with the approved conditions and ages the drug is available for presecription. 

Omalizumab (Xolair)

Xolair works by binding to IgE to prevent allergic reactions. It has since been approved for chronic hives, nasal polyps, and food allergies.

• Allergic asthma: 6+
• Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives: 12+
• Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP): 18+
• Food allergies:1+

Mepolizumab (Nucala)

Targets and blocks interleukin-5 (IL-5) play a key role in the activation and priming of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that causes inflammation in asthma.

• Eosinophilic Asthma: 6+
• CRSwNP: 18+
• Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA): 18+
• Hypereosinophilic Syndrome: ≥6 months

Reslizumab (Cinqair)

Targets and blocks interleukin-5 (IL-5).

• Eosinophilic asthma: 18+

Benralizumab (Fasenra)

Binds to the IL-5 receptor, preventing eosinophils from growing and causing inflammation.

• Eosinophilic asthma: 6+
• Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA): 18+

Dupilumab (Dupixent)

Targets and blocks IL-4 and IL-13 to reduce inflammation

• Asthma: 6+
• Atopic Dermatitis: 6 months+
• CRSwNP: 18+
• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE): 1+ (> 33 lbs)
• Approved for prurigo nodularis (PN): 18+

Tezepelumab (Tezspire)

Blocks thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP).

• Asthma: 12+

Tralokinumab (Adbry, Adtralza)

Targets and neutralizes interleukin-13 (IL-13).

• Atopic dermatitis: 12+

Lebrikizumab (Ebglyss)

Targets and neutralizes interleukin-13 (IL-13).

• Atopic dermatitis: 12+ (> 40 lbs)

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This podcast is made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Sanofi-Regeneron for sponsoring today’s episode. While they support the show, all opinions are our own, and sponsorship doesn’t influence our content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.