Does Cinqair treat all types of asthma?
Cinqair (reslizumab) is an interleukin-5 (IL-5) antagonist monoclonal antibody (IgG4 kappa), which is only used to treat a certain type of asthma.
Cinqair is given by intravenous injection every four weeks. It has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an add-on maintenance therapy to treat patients with severe asthma, aged 18 years and older, who have an eosinophilic phenotype. People continue to take their other asthma medications while on Cinqair.
Cinqair is not used to treat other types of asthma, other eosinophilic conditions, or used as a rescue medication for asthma attacks.
Eosinophils are cells that are part of the immune system. In eosinophilic types of asthma the number of eosinophils in the blood, lung tissue and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract (sputum) is increased. Eosinophils can contribute to damaging effects of inflammation.
How does Cinqair work in eosinophilic asthma?
Cinqair is an IL-5 antagonist. IL-5 is a cytokine, which is a signaling protein that enables cells to talk to one another. It is specifically responsible for the growth, differentiation, recruitment, activation and survival of eosinophils.
Cinqair works by binding to the IL-5 receptor of the surface of eosinophils, which stops the eosinophil cells from increasing in number and helps to reduce the inflammation that is thought to contribute to eosinophilic asthma.
Cinqair helps to reduce the number of exacerbations - flare-ups - people have of their asthma. It also helps to improve lung function.
References
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Cinqair. Available from> https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/0761033s010lbl.pdf. [Accessed March 1, 2021].
- British Society for Immunology. Eosinophils. Available from. https://www.immunology.org/public-information/bitesized-immunology/cells/eosinophils. [Accessed March 1, 2021].
- American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (Apfed). Available from: https://apfed.org/about-ead/eosinophilic-asthma/. [Accessed March 1, 2021].
- Hom S, Pisano M. Reslizumab (Cinqair): An Interleukin-5 Antagonist for Severe Asthma of the Eosinophilic Phenotype. P T. 2017;42(9):564-568.
Read next
Can severe asthma lead to COPD?
Severe and poorly controlled asthma can lead to damaged lungs which may increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Symptoms of asthma and COPD may frequently co-exist in smokers and the elderly. Continue reading
What is considered severe asthma?
Severe asthma is when you require medium to high-dose inhaled corticosteroids combined with other longer-acting medications. Severe asthma can also be defined as having a peak expiratory flow rate (PEF or PEFR) less than 50% of your personal best. This shows severe narrowing of your large airways and is considered a medical emergency and you should get help right away. Your symptoms may include coughing, being very short of breath, wheezing while breathing in and out, or retractions (this is when you can see the muscles between the ribs working hard to keep you breathing). Walking and talking may also be difficult. Continue reading
How is severe asthma treated?
Severe asthma is treated by using higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids or using inhaled corticosteroids more frequently; taking oral corticosteroids or being given corticosteroid injections; with continuous inhaled nebulizers; using ipratropium bromide aerosols; taking long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) such as albuterol or formoterol, which help keep the airways open for about 12 hours; leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs), such as montelukast or zafirlukast; slow-release theophylline; long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists (LAMAs) such as tiotropium bromide or glycopyrronium bromide; with biologics such as omalizumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab, or dupilumab.
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Drug information
- Cinqair Information for Consumers
- Cinqair prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Cinqair (detailed)
- Cinqair user reviews (8)