Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to breathing difficulties, wheezing, and coughing.

While there is no cure for asthma, patients can manage their symptoms with medication.

For years, inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) have been the go-to treatment for asthma. These drugs work by reducing inflammation in the airways, thus lowering the risk of asthma attacks.

However, they have one major drawback: they weaken the immune system, making patients more vulnerable to infections and other respiratory illnesses.

Now, a new breakthrough asthma drug is offering hope for asthma patients.

The drug, known as Dupixent (dupilumab), is an injectable medication that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of moderate to severe asthma.

In this article, we will explore the science behind Dupixent, how it works, its benefits, and why it is a game-changer for asthma patients.

What is Dupixent?

Dupixent is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), two key proteins that play a role in the inflammation of the airways.

By blocking these proteins, Dupixent reduces inflammation and improves breathing in patients with asthma.

The drug was first approved by the FDA in 2017 for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema). Since then, it has also been approved for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

In 2018, the FDA approved Dupixent for the treatment of moderate to severe asthma.

How Does Dupixent Work?

Dupixent works by targeting specific proteins that play a role in the inflammation of the airways. These proteins, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), are cytokines that are produced by immune cells.

In asthma patients, IL-4 and IL-13 promote inflammation in the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness, coughing, and chest tightness.

Dupixent works by blocking the action of these cytokines, reducing inflammation and improving breathing in asthma patients.

Dupixent is administered as an injection every two weeks. The drug can be administered in a doctor’s office or at home, depending on the patient’s preference.

Patients can inject Dupixent subcutaneously (under the skin) in the thigh or abdomen.

Benefits of Dupixent in Asthma Treatment

Dupixent has been shown to be effective in the treatment of moderate to severe asthma. In clinical trials, the drug has been shown to reduce asthma exacerbations (flare-ups) and improve lung function in patients with asthma.

One of the most significant benefits of Dupixent is that it does not weaken the immune system.

Unlike inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), which can make patients more susceptible to infections and other respiratory illnesses, Dupixent targets only specific proteins involved in the inflammation of the airways, leaving the immune system intact.

Dupixent has also been shown to be effective in patients who have not responded well to other asthma medications, such as ICS and long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs).

In clinical trials, Dupixent has been shown to improve asthma symptoms and quality of life in patients who have failed other treatments.

Side Effects of Dupixent

Like all medications, Dupixent has potential side effects. The most common side effects reported in clinical trials include:.

Injection site reactions, such as redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site.
Eye problems, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or eye itching.
Colds or upper respiratory tract infections.
Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention) and angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue).

Patients should talk to their doctor about the potential side effects of Dupixent and the best way to manage them.

Is Dupixent Right for You?

If you have moderate to severe asthma and have not responded well to other treatments, Dupixent may be an option for you. Patients should talk to their doctor about whether Dupixent is a good fit for their individual needs and medical history.

It’s important to note that Dupixent is not a cure for asthma. Patients must continue to take their other asthma medications as prescribed by their doctor.

Dupixent is intended as an add-on therapy for patients whose asthma is not well-controlled with other treatments.

Conclusion

Dupixent is a breakthrough asthma drug that offers hope for patients with moderate to severe asthma.

The drug works by targeting specific proteins involved in the inflammation of the airways, reducing inflammation and improving breathing in asthma patients.

Dupixent has been shown to be effective in reducing asthma exacerbations and improving lung function in clinical trials.

One of the most significant benefits of Dupixent is that it does not weaken the immune system, unlike other asthma medications such as inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).

If you have moderate to severe asthma and have not responded well to other treatments, Dupixent may be an option for you. Talk to your doctor about whether Dupixent is right for your individual needs and medical history.