A new study confirms that a monthly antibody injection, tezepelumab, can significantly reduce—and in some cases eliminate—the need for daily steroid pills in severe asthma patients. This breakthrough is crucial because long-term steroid use carries serious health risks, including increased susceptibility to diabetes, infections, and bone deterioration.
The Problem with Traditional Treatment
For individuals with severe asthma that doesn’t respond to standard inhalers, daily oral steroids are often prescribed to manage airway inflammation. While effective at controlling symptoms and preventing attacks, these pills come with a trade-off: debilitating side effects. Many doctors and patients want to avoid these pills if possible. As Fan Chung of Imperial College London explains, “We’d like to get people off oral steroids as much as possible.”
How Tezepelumab Works
Tezepelumab, already approved in countries like the UK and US, has previously demonstrated its ability to improve severe asthma symptoms compared to placebos. The new research focused on whether the injection could directly reduce or eliminate the need for steroid pills. Researchers led by David Jackson at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospital in London enrolled 298 severe asthma patients (ages 18-80) who were already taking daily steroids and inhalers. These participants received tezepelumab alongside their existing medications for one year.
The Results: A Significant Reduction in Steroid Use
The study found that participants were able to gradually lower their oral steroid doses under medical supervision. By the end of the year, roughly half no longer needed steroid pills entirely, and another 40% reduced their dosage to a level where side effects are minimal. Experts agree that this is a major win: “It’s a very successful outcome,” Chung notes. “The trial confirms that tezepelumab is a useful treatment for severe asthma patients, reducing their need for daily pills.”
Minor Side Effects, Major Benefits
While 9% of participants experienced worsening asthma symptoms during the trial, it’s unclear if this was directly caused by the injection or would have occurred regardless. Even so, this side effect rate is considered acceptable given the potential benefits of avoiding long-term steroid use.
This study provides strong evidence that monthly tezepelumab injections offer a safer, more sustainable treatment option for severe asthma, reducing reliance on harmful daily steroids and improving the quality of life for those affected.
