With the advent of new biological medications for severe eosinophilic asthma, patients have improved significantly. Approximately 10% of individuals with asthma have severe disease, and this accounts for most asthma related morbidity and mortality. Previously the mainstay of treatment was inhaled steroids and beta agonists. In patients with severe asthma who have high eosinophils (greater […]
Xolair for idiopathic angioedema
Xolair for idiopathic angioedema may be used as treatment for patients who are suffering from uncontrolled swelling. Currently Xolair is approved for chronic idiopathic urticaria. But the underlying disease mechanism of chronic hives is similar to idiopathic angioedema. Omalizumab (Xolair) for treating Angioedema and Chronic Hives Xolair for Idiopathic Anaphylaxis Angioedema is defined as recurrent […]
Oclacitinib for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Dogs
Oclacitinib is a potent, safe and rapidly acting anti-itching JAK inhibitor. Oclacitinib was first approved by the US FDA in 2013 to treat eczema and allergic dermatitis in dogs, it is a first generation non-selective JAK inhibitor. The treatment protocol is 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg administered orally twice a day for 2 weeks, followed by […]
Itepekimab (Anti IL-33) & Brodalumab (Anti IL-25) for Asthma
Itepekimab and Brodalumab are two biologic medications being studied for asthma. Current biologics including Xolair, Nucala, Fasenra and Dupixent target downstream IgE, cytokines IL-5 and IL-4/13, have shown promising effects in terms of reduced asthma exacerbation rates, oral steroids, improved breathing capacity and asthma scores. However approximately 30% of patients receiving biologics do not improve […]
Lirentelimab study for Chronic Urticaria (Hives)
Lirentelimab is an anti-sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 8 mAb that selectively inhibits mast cells and depletes eosinophils. It is being studied for chronic urticaria that is often refractory to standard therapy. Stepwise approach to Chronic Urticaria (Chronic Hives) Chronic urticaria is a mast cell disease that causes recurrent itching, hives and angioedema for more than […]
Dupixent for EoE (Eosinophilic Esophagitis); FDA approved and New Dosing
Dupixent for EoE (eosinophilic esophagitis) was recently approved by the FDA. This will be the first drug officially approved for EoE. Eosinophilic Esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory immune disorder of the esophagus where eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) builds up in the esophagus. This can cause symptoms of difficulty swallowing, eating or food […]
Best Nasal Polyps Treatment
With so many options available, the best nasal polyps treatment can be hard to pick. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is an inflammatory disease of the upper airways characterized by polyp growth in the nasal passages. It causes severe congestion, discharge and difficulty with smell. The best treatment option is unclear. A study published in […]
Fasenra for Nasal Polyps, a new treatment option
Fasenra for nasal polyps is currently being studied as a future therapeutic option. Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps is an inflammatory condition associated with symptoms that may be severe, including rhinorrhea, nasal blockage and congestion, loss of smell, facial pressure/pain. Nasal sprays have shown limited help and surgery only helps temporarily as many of them […]
Itepekimab in Asthma and COPD
Itepekimab is an anti-Il-33 monoclonal. Il-33 is an epithelium-derived cytokine that promotes Th2 immune responses in response to cellular damage with roles in asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Two randomized controlled clinical trials were performed assessing the efficacy of Itepekimab in asthma and COPD. After identifying the asthma associated variants in the genes […]
Xolair, Dupixent or Nucala for Nasal Polyps?
Xolair, Dupixent and Nucala all have the indication to treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Conventional treatment involves nasal surgery (debulking polypectomy and sinus surgery to create open sinus cavities and improve ostiomeatal complex drainage). Many patients relapse despite medical and surgical treatment. 3 current medications are used to target type 2 inflammation to improve […]