Benralizumab in severe eosinophilic asthma

Background: Severe asthma is a significant cause of morbidity, and biologic therapies may offer benefits for some patients. Benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody, targets the interleukin-5 receptor (IL-5R) on eosinophils, preventing IL-5 from binding to its receptor. This action inhibits the differentiation and maturation of eosinophils in the bone marrow, making benralizumab a promising treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma. Following its marketing approval in Turkey in October 2023, this study aims to share initial clinical experience with benralizumab in treating severe eosinophilic asthma. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of 30 adult patients diagnosed with severe eosinophilic asthma, including both biologic-naive patients and those previously treated with biologics. These patients were initiated on benralizumab between 01 November 2023 and 01 October 2024, and their clinical data, including asthma control test scores, St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire scores, eosinophil counts, pulmonary function forced expiratory volume 1, frequency of asthma attacks, and oral corticosteroid use, were collected before and after benralizumab initiation. Results: We observed that despite the presence of comorbidities, significant clinical improvements were observed within four weeks of starting benralizumab, with measurable effects as early as one month. Conclusions: Benralizumab based recoveries were consistent across multiple outcome measures, including asthma control, quality of life, and pulmonary function.