Living with severe asthma presents significant challenges, as symptoms often persist despite regular use of standard inhaler therapies. Individuals may experience frequent breathlessness, wheezing, and coughing, which can severely impact daily activities and quality of life. These ongoing symptoms can lead to recurrent asthma attacks, sometimes requiring emergency care or hospitalization. For many, managing this chronic condition requires new treatment approaches beyond traditional options.
What is Tezepelumab
Tezepelumab, known by its brand name Tezspire, is a biologic medication for severe asthma. This medication functions as an add-on maintenance therapy, meaning it is used in conjunction with a patient’s existing asthma medications, not as a replacement for them. Its primary aim is to reduce asthma attacks and improve lung function in individuals with uncontrolled severe asthma. It represents a targeted approach to managing the underlying inflammatory processes that contribute to persistent asthma symptoms.
Targeting Inflammation in Asthma
Tezepelumab works by targeting Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP), a naturally occurring cytokine involved in inflammatory responses. TSLP is considered an “upstream” signaling molecule, acting at an early stage in the inflammatory cascade within the airways. By binding to TSLP, tezepelumab prevents it from interacting with its receptor on various immune cells. This blockage disrupts multiple inflammatory pathways activated by TSLP.
Unlike some other biologic therapies that target specific types of inflammation, TSLP plays a broader role in initiating and sustaining inflammation in the airways. It can promote the release of various inflammatory mediators and activate different immune cells, including eosinophils, mast cells, and T-helper 2 (Th2) cells. By inhibiting TSLP, tezepelumab can broadly reduce inflammation across various asthma phenotypes, including those not characterized by high eosinophil counts. This approach calms overactive immune responses, reducing severe asthma symptoms and exacerbations.
For Whom Tezepelumab is Prescribed
Tezepelumab is approved for individuals aged 12 years and older who have severe, uncontrolled asthma. This means the medication is intended for patients whose asthma symptoms persist despite consistent use of standard maintenance therapies, such as high-dose inhaled corticosteroids combined with long-acting beta-agonists. Severe, uncontrolled asthma involves frequent symptoms, such as daily wheezing or shortness of breath, and a history of multiple asthma attacks requiring oral corticosteroids or emergency visits. Patients may also show evidence of impaired lung function, often measured by spirometry.
The medication is for long-term management and not for treating acute asthma attacks or a sudden, severe worsening of symptoms, known as status asthmaticus. In such urgent situations, patients should continue to use their rescue inhalers or seek immediate medical attention as prescribed by their healthcare provider. A healthcare professional will assess an individual’s asthma severity and history to determine if tezepelumab is an appropriate treatment option.
Administering Tezepelumab and What to Expect
Tezepelumab is administered as a subcutaneous injection, meaning it is injected just under the skin. The recommended dosage is 210 mg, given once every four weeks. Injections can be performed by a healthcare professional in a clinic setting, or patients may be taught to self-administer the medication at home after proper training. Consistent administration every four weeks is important to maintain the therapeutic effect.
Patients receiving tezepelumab may experience several benefits over time, including a significant reduction in the frequency of asthma attacks. Clinical trials have shown improvements in lung function, often measured by an increase in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and a decreased need for oral corticosteroids. Potential side effects reported include joint pain (arthralgia), sore throat (pharyngitis), and rash. It is important to discuss any new or worsening symptoms with a healthcare provider. Tezepelumab does not cure asthma; patients should continue all other prescribed asthma medications as directed by their healthcare team.