Research and Advocacy

Eosinophilic asthma is a form of severe asthma marked by high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that causes inflammation in the airways. This can lead to frequent asthma attacks and a reduced response to standard asthma treatments.

Research is moving quickly, and new treatments show promise for people with severe eosinophilic asthma. At the same time, advocates are working to improve access to care and push for policies that improve the lives of asthma patients.

Whether you live with the condition, care for someone who does, or work in healthcare, stay informed on the latest innovations and find out how you can get involved in driving change.

Current research for eos asthma:

Eosinophilic asthma research is advancing rapidly, with new insights into diagnostics, immune system mechanisms, and treatment strategies. Key areas of focus include:

  • Immune system. Understanding how Type 2 inflammation and eosinophils drive asthma symptoms could lead to more targeted therapies.
  • Genetic factors. Identifying genes linked to eos asthma may reveal new ways to prevent or treat the condition.
  • Biomarkers. Learning your biomarkers – genes, proteins or hormones – can help doctors diagnose a disease. High counts of eosinophils in the blood are one possible biomarker for eos asthma. Biomarkers can predict which treatments might be more effective for a person who has eos asthma.
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Emerging asthma treatments: updates on the latest research

Several innovative treatments for eos asthma are in development, including: 

  • Biologics. New monoclonal antibodies are being developed to target certain immune system signals and pathways, such as IL-4, IL-4Ra, IL-5, IL-13 and TSLP.
  • Inhaled therapies. Aerosolized delivery of biologics may offer targeted relief with fewer systemic side effects.
  • Gene therapy. Although still early in development, gene therapy aims to treat allergic and eosinophilic conditions by correcting the immune pathways at the source.
A close-up illustration of a blue DNA double helix strand on a dark background with abstract molecular structures and light particles, symbolizing genetics and molecular biology.

Spotlight on recent severe asthma research

Breakthroughs in eosinophilic asthma research are helping doctors better understand how the disease works and how to treat it more effectively. Below are highlights from recent studies focused on biologics, biomarkers and emerging treatment strategies.

Biologics for eos asthma:

  • Tezepelumab has shown an ability to reduce eosinophilic inflammation, even in patients with low blood eosinophil counts.
  • Mepolizumab quickly lowers pro-inflammatory eosinophils after just one dose.
  • Treatment with mepolizumab helps reduce iEos cells, making them a helpful biomarker for tracking and understanding the disease. 
  • Anti-IL-5 therapies (mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab) work by effectively controling airway inflammation with fewer side effects across age groups.
  • Biologic therapies targeting IL-4/13, IL-5, IgE and TSLP have improved outcomes. They support more personalized treatment plans based on patient phenotype and biomarkers.
  • An anti-TSLP biologic (CSJ117) has shown early success in improving lung function and reducing airway inflammation.

Biomarkers for eos asthma:

  • Eosinophilic asthma is a severe form of asthma driven by chronic inflammation and poor response to standard treatments. New biologic therapies have helped. But more personalized care and broader treatment options are still needed.
  • Biologics have helped many patients, but some still struggle due to the differences in asthma subtypes and unclear treatment paths. Better biomarkers and more insight into T2-low asthma are key to advancing personalized care.

Eos asthma and COVID-19 outcome disparities

  • Allergic asthma was linked to better COVID-19 outcomes. Eosinophilic asthma carried higher COVID-19 risks. Biologics had no impact on COVID-19 risk, but recent steroid use was associated with worse outcomes.

Impact of smoking on eos asthma:

  • Former smokers with severe asthma show more eosinophilic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and reduced response to oral corticosteroids.

References:

  1. Patadia R, Casale TB, Fowler J, Patel S, Cardet JC. Advancements in biologic therapy in eosinophilic asthma. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2024. doi:10.1080/14712598.2024.2342527
  2. Nair P, Moqbel R. Aerosol Biologics for the Treatment of Eosinophilic Asthma. Auctores J Clin Case Rep. 2024. Available from: https://www.auctoresonline.org/article/aerosol-biologics-for-the-treatment-of-eosinophilic-asthma
  3. Adams N, Hernandez-Trujillo V, Chatila TA. Gene Therapy for Immunoglobulin E, Complement-Mediated, and Eosinophilic Disorders. Hum Gene Ther. 2023;34(21–22):1031–1041. doi:10.1089/hum.2023.099
  4. Patel D, FitzGerald JM. Tezepelumab in severe asthma: evidence to date and place in therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2024. doi:10.1080/14712598.2024.2342527
  5. Zhang J, Han Y, Song Y, et al. Eosinophilic Asthma: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Horizons. Cells. 2024;13(5):384. doi:10.3390/cells13050384
  6. Matucci A, Vultaggio A. Exploring novel perspectives on eosinophilic inflammation in severe asthma. Biomark Med. 2024;18(2):117–120. doi:10.2217/bmm-2023-0801
  7. Papaioannou AI, Kostikas K, Malli F, et al. Eosinophilic Asthma, Phenotypes–Endotypes and Current Biomarkers of Choice. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:940805. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.940805
  8. Castro-Rodríguez JA, Forno E, et al. Asthma and COVID-19: Unveiling Outcome Disparities and Treatment Impact Based on Distinct Endotypes. Ann Am Thorac Soc. Published online 2024. doi:10.1513/AnnalsATS.202405-507OC
  9. Nolasco S, Silva D, Delgado L, et al. Impact of former smoking exposure on airway eosinophilic activation and autoimmunity in patients with severe asthma. Clin Exp Allergy. 2022;52(7):835–846. doi:10.1111/cea.14080
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Clinical trials for eosinophilic asthma 

Clinical trials for eos asthma are underway. Many of these studies are examining medication that offers more targeted control of eosinophilic airway inflammation, with fewer side effects.

Joining a clinical trial can give you early access to these new therapies. It can also connect you with specialists who can closely monitor your asthma throughout the study. You may receive diagnostic tests and care you wouldn’t normally get through standard treatment.

Clinical trials also offer a way to take an active role in your own care while helping researchers develop better options for people living with eosinophilic asthma.

To explore current opportunities, search for “eosinophilic asthma” at ClinicalTrials.gov.

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Advocacy for eosinophilic asthma

Advocacy shapes the policies that affect access to asthma care, the cost of medications, and the availability of new treatments. It helps protect vital asthma programs, reduce insurance barriers, and ensure that innovation reaches the people who need it most.

You don’t need to be a policy expert to be an advocate – just someone who cares. Share your story, sign a petition, or show up for your community can make a real difference.

Advocacy also means fighting for health equity. Many people in communities that are underserved face added barriers to diagnosis, treatment and specialty care. Inclusive policies and community education are essential to closing these gaps and improving outcomes for everyone.

Key legislative priorities for asthma

  • Protecting public health programs. Federal restructuring has led to the shutdown of the National Asthma Control Program (NACP) at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a proven initiative that reduced asthma-related hospitalizations and deaths through education and evidence-based interventions. Advocates are calling for its funding to be restored.
  • Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act. This bill allows employers with high-deductible health plans to cover chronic disease treatments, like asthma care, before the deductible is met. This makes it easier for patients to start care without facing high upfront costs.
  • HELP Copays Act: This measure requires health insurers to count copay assistance toward a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, ensuring that financial help for medications truly benefits the patient.
  • Opposing Medicaid cuts: Proposed budget cuts to Medicaid threaten access to care for people with chronic conditions, including those managing severe asthma. Advocates are working to protect this safety net.

How to become an asthma advocate

Even small actions can drive big change. The Allergy & Asthma Network Advocacy Center makes it easy to raise your voice for better care.

Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Send a message to Congress using pre-written templates on active legislation like the HELP Copays Act or Medicaid protections. Learn how to take action now.
  • Join Allergy & Asthma Day Capitol Hill (AADCH) to meet directly with lawmakers and share your story in person or virtually.
  • Become a Community Advocate through Allergy & Asthma Network’s advocacy training program, where you’ll learn how to engage with legislators, speak at hearings, and mobilize your community.
  • Use your voice on social media to spread awareness and encourage others to act.

Your story, your experience, and your time can help shape a future where eosinophilic asthma care is accessible, affordable, and equitable.

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Reviewed by:
William E. Berger, MD, FACAAI, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist who serves as a media spokesperson and Chair of the Medical Advisory Council for Allergy & Asthma Network. He is a Distinguished Fellow and Past President (2002-03) of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI).