World Asthma Day 2025: A New Era in Respiratory Care

Today marks World Asthma Day — a global moment to reflect on the progress made in respiratory health, and to recommit to solving the challenges that remain.

Asthma affects over 262 million people worldwide, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives every year. And yet, the way we respond to severe asthma flare-ups has barely evolved in decades. Oral steroids are still the standard — effective in many cases, but far from ideal. They come with side effects, unpredictable results, and frequent relapses.

The outlook is just as serious for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — the third leading cause of death globally, responsible for more than 3.2 million deaths each year. Like asthma, COPD exacerbations often require emergency care, and treatment options have long remained limited and outdated.

But this year, there’s reason for optimism.

A new phase 2 study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine brings promising news: a single injection of benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody, significantly outperforms standard steroid therapy in treating acute eosinophilic exacerbations of both asthma and COPD. Conducted across 14 UK hospitals, the randomized trial enrolled 158 patients with confirmed eosinophilic inflammation during a severe flare-up. The data is striking:

• 30% fewer treatment failures compared to steroids
• Faster symptom relief within 28 days
• Fewer hospitalizations and emergency visits
• Improved quality of life for patients

Benralizumab works by targeting eosinophils, the immune cells that fuel inflammation in many respiratory attacks. Unlike steroids — which broadly suppress the immune system — this treatment acts with precision, offering stronger results and fewer side effects.

And its potential goes far beyond hospital walls. Because benralizumab is delivered via a single subcutaneous injection, it could one day be administered in outpatient settings — or even at home. That means faster access to care, reduced strain on emergency systems, and more autonomy for patients.

While benralizumab is already approved for maintenance treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma, it is not yet approved for use in acute exacerbations. The recent phase 2 results are encouraging, but further trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in emergency settings before regulatory approval can follow.

As we mark World Asthma Day, we are reminded of how critical continued research and innovation are in respiratory medicine. The introduction of benralizumab is a breakthrough — but it’s also a beginning. With sustained effort and investment, we can ensure that chronic respiratory diseases become more manageable, less life-limiting, and, ultimately, less deadly.

At Cromos Pharma, we are proud to support this mission. Our experienced respiratory team has successfully conducted clinical trials in asthma, COPD, and other inflammatory airway conditions — helping sponsors bring innovative therapies to the patients who need them most.

Let’s keep moving forward — for the patients who deserve better, and for the future of respiratory health.