Biologics

Biologics (immunomodulators) target specific cells and pathways that cause allergic inflammation linked to asthma. 

What you need to know:

• Delivered by injection or IV in a doctor’s office
• Approved as add-on therapy for patients who have specific phenotypes of severe asthma not controlled by inhaled corticosteroids
• Omalizumab (Xolair®) targets IgE antibodies that cause allergic reactions; also approved to treat chronic hives; ages 6 years and up
• Mepolizumab (Nucala®) targets interleukin-5 (IL-5), which is involved in the overproduction of eosinophilic blood cells that cause lung inflammation; ages 12 years and up  
• Reslizumab (Cinquair®) is a monoclonal antibody that lowers blood levels of eosinophils; ages 18 years and up