Biologics for Severe Asthma & Allergies: a new era of treatment

Biologics are targeted medicines, usually given as an injection every few weeks. Instead of broadly suppressing the immune system, they block the specific molecules that drive allergic inflammation in the airways.

Different biologics target different steps of the allergic pathway:

• Omalizumab blocks IgE, the antibody behind allergic reactions — useful in allergic asthma.
• Dupilumab blocks IL-4 and IL-13, two key drivers of airway inflammation, and can also help eczema and nasal polyps.
• Tezepelumab targets TSLP, an early 'alarm' signal — so it can help many types of severe asthma, not only allergic ones.

• People with severe asthma despite correct inhaler use
• Frequent flare-ups needing steroid tablets or hospital visits
• Severe allergic disease with related conditions like nasal polyps or eczema

Biologics don't replace your inhalers overnight — they're added to your treatment and reviewed over a few months. Many patients see fewer attacks, less need for steroid tablets, and better day-to-day breathing. They're prescribed only after a specialist confirms the right 'type' of asthma, often using blood tests and breathing tests.

Biologics are powerful, but not for everyone — the key is matching the right medicine to the right patient. A specialist assessment, including spirometry and blood tests, helps decide whether a biologic could help.