Asthma drug given twice yearly cuts hospital visits by 75%

A New Hope for Asthma Patients in the UK

A groundbreaking treatment is set to change the landscape of asthma care in the United Kingdom. A twice-yearly injection, known as depemokimab, has shown remarkable results in preventing life-threatening asthma attacks. This innovative therapy could potentially save thousands of lives and significantly reduce hospital admissions.

The Science Behind the Treatment

Depemokimab is an ultra-long-acting drug that has been proven to cut hospital admissions by 72% in clinical trials. It works by containing antibodies that target and reduce inflammation in the lungs. This biologic therapy is expected to revolutionize the treatment of severe asthma, offering a more effective alternative to traditional medications.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the treatment, which is developed by GSK, a leading British pharmaceutical company. The drug will be available privately in the first half of 2026, with further decisions on its availability through the NHS pending.

Expert Insights and Patient Impact

Ian Pavord, a professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Oxford, who led the trials of depemokimab, compared biologics to a 'laser-guided missile'. He explained that these treatments specifically target the issue without causing unnecessary side effects, unlike traditional steroids, which can have widespread negative impacts.

He also noted that a third of patients could achieve complete remission of their asthma, transforming their quality of life. For those suffering from severe, uncontrollable asthma, biologics offer a new hope, as inhalers often prove insufficient.

Previously, patients relied on high-dose steroids, which come with significant side effects such as mood changes, weight gain, high blood sugar, and osteoporosis. Depemokimab, marketed under the brand name Exdensur, only needs to be administered every six months, making it a more convenient option compared to existing biologics that require frequent dosing.

Industry Perspective

Dame Emma Walmsley, CEO of GSK, emphasized the importance of this development. She highlighted that the approval of the world's first six-monthly asthma treatment brings relief to patients and their families. According to GSK's research, this medication could reduce the frequency of severe asthma attacks that lead to hospitalization.

In England, approximately 6 million people live with asthma, and around 58,000 adults suffer from uncontrolled severe asthma, making them eligible for biologic treatments. However, only about 21,000 patients currently receive these drugs, according to a recent study by Cambridge University.

Professor Pavord praised the success of biologics in the UK, noting that much of their development has taken place in the country. Kaivan Khavandi, head of respiratory, immunology, and inflammation research and development at GSK, pointed out that the twice-yearly dosing could benefit patients with a fear of needles, reduce time off work, and ease the burden on the NHS.

Innovation and Development

Expanding the interval between drug doses is only possible if the medication remains effective in the body for a longer period. Traditionally, this has been achieved by increasing the dose, but this approach carries risks of additional toxicity. GSK scientists in Stevenage managed to extend the drug’s effectiveness to six months without increasing side effects by modifying the antibody’s structure.

Nick Hopkinson, medical director of Asthma + Lung UK, welcomed this advancement, stating that biologic therapies are becoming more common and allowing patients to manage their conditions more effectively.

David Jackson, a professor at King’s College London, noted that the impact of the new drug will depend on its price, which GSK will announce soon. He mentioned that Nice, the organization responsible for rationing NHS drugs, sets eligibility criteria based on the number of severe asthma attacks per year.

Jackson expressed hope that GSK would set a price that allows the threshold for eligibility to be lowered, making the treatment accessible to more patients. This potential shift could significantly improve outcomes for those living with severe asthma.

Future Prospects

As the UK continues to explore advancements in asthma treatment, the introduction of depemokimab marks a significant step forward. With ongoing research and development, the future looks promising for patients seeking effective and sustainable solutions to manage their condition.