How long does Fasenra take to work?
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Fasenra significantly decreases eosinophils in the blood within 24 hours of a dose
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After 4 weeks, treatment with Fasenra started to reduce asthma exacerbations
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Improvement in lung function was also observed 4 weeks after Fasenra was administered
Fasenra (benralizumab) is a medication used on an ongoing basis alongside other treatments to control severe eosinophilic asthma, an inflammatory lung condition. Fasenra is a monoclonal antibody and interleukin-5 (IL-5) antagonist.
Fasenra works by targeting and removing cells that play a key role in asthma, including eosinophils. Eosinophils are white blood cells and part of the immune system, which are found in increased numbers in patients with eosinophilic asthma. It is not fully understood exactly how it helps to control asthma, but Fasenra depletes eosinophils once administered. A key mechanism of action of the drug involves the blocking of IL-5. IL-5 enhances the survival and state of activation of eosinophils.
When does Fasenra start working?
Fasenra starts working straight away. Significant reductions in peripheral blood eosinophil levels occur within 24 hours of Fasenra being administered. Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels are also significantly reduced after treatment with Fasenra. ECP is a protein found in eosinophils and it is used as a measure of eosinophil activation. Activation of eosinophils can lead to the release of substances that promote inflammation.
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How quickly does Fasenra work?
Within 7 days of treatment with Fasenra, median peripheral blood eosinophil counts reached zero in patients with asthma enrolled in a phase II trial.
Phase III results also showed that treatment with Fasenra significantly improved exacerbation rates in patients with asthma, compared with those treated with placebo. The improvement in exacerbation rates started to appear 4 weeks after administration with Fasenra, suggesting that it begins to have a beneficial effect shortly after patients start taking it. Results from a phase III trial also showed that Fasenra works quickly, improving lung function in as little as 4 weeks.
A small study conducted in the clinical practice setting, has also reported that significant improvements in quality of life and asthma control scores were observed 4 weeks after treatment with Fasenra was initiated.
Fasenra is administered via subcutaneous injection using either a prefilled syringe designed for health care professionals, or an autoinjector pen designed for patients and caregivers. Patients receive a dose of Fasenra once every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, after which it is injected every 8 weeks.
References
- Bleecker ER, FitzGerald JM, Chanez P, et al. Efficacy and safety of benralizumab for patients with severe asthma uncontrolled with high-dosage inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β2-agonists (SIROCCO): a randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2016;388(10056):2115‐2127. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31324-1.
- Abu-Ghazaleh RI, Kita H, Gleich GJ. Eosinophil activation and function in health and disease. Immunol Ser. 1992;57:137‐167.
- British Society for Immunology. Eosinophils. [Accessed May 28, 2020] Available online at: https://www.immunology.org/public-information/bitesized-immunology/cells/eosinophils.
- Gossage D, Geba G, Gillen A, Le A, Molfino N. A multiple ascending subcutaneous (SC) dose study of MEDI-563, a humanized anti-IL-5Rα monoclonal antibody, in adult asthmatics. [Accessed May 28, 2020];Eur Respir J. 2010 36(Suppl 54):1177. Available online at: https://www.ers-education.org/home/browse-all-content.aspx?idParent=81890.
- Laviolette M, Gossage DL, Gauvreau G, et al. Effects of benralizumab on airway eosinophils in asthmatic patients with sputum eosinophilia [published correction appears in J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014 Apr;133(4):1232]. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013;132(5):1086‐1096.e5. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2013.05.020.
- Maselli DJ, Rogers L, Peters JI. Benralizumab, an add-on treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma: evaluation of exacerbations, emergency department visits, lung function, and oral corticosteroid use. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2018;14:2059‐2068. Published 2018 Oct 23. doi:10.2147/TCRM.S157171.
- AstraZeneca. Benralizumab phase III trials show positive results in severe asthma. September 5, 2016. [Accessed May 28, 2020]. Available online at: https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2016/benralizumub-phase-III-trials-show-positive-results-in-severe-asthma-05092016.html#.
- Bleecker ER, FitzGerald JM, Chanez P, et al. Efficacy and safety of benralizumab for patients with severe asthma uncontrolled with high-dosage inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β2-agonists (SIROCCO): a randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2016;388(10056):2115‐2127. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31324-1.
- Izumo T, Tone M, Kuse N, et al. Effectiveness and safety of benralizumab for severe asthma in clinical practice (J-BEST): a prospective study. Ann Transl Med. 2020;8(7):438. doi:10.21037/atm.2020.04.01.
Read next
What eosinophil count is needed for Fasenra?
Fasenra may be an option for severe asthma if you have an eosinophil count of at least 150-300 cells per microliter (cells/μL), determined from a common blood test, plus you have required an oral corticosteroid treatment (like prednisone) at least twice per year, despite maximum inhalation therapy.
Continue reading
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
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
- Fasenra Information for Consumers
- Fasenra prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Fasenra (detailed)
- Fasenra user reviews (76)