Biologics for adult asthma : a practical review

Abstract

 Two kinds of biologics, anti-IgE and anti-IL-5 antibodies, are now used for treatment of both child and adult severe asthma. Anti-IgE antibody omalizumab was introduced into Japan in 2009 for adult asthma, and has been used in more than 4,000 patients so far. This antibody was recently approved also for children with≧6 years old by PMDA (Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency) of Japan. Anti-IL-5 antibody mepolizumab was introduced in 2016 for eosinophilic asthma of≧12 years old subjects. So far internists generally have longer and more abundant experiences of usage of these biologics. I hope that the internists’ experience on biologics use might be helpful for pediatric allergists taking care of children with severe asthma.