The Role of Biologics in Inducing Remission in Asthma

Asthma remissions have been identified as a new treatment outcome and based upon experience with biologics. Remissions are defined as no symptoms, no exacerbations, no use of systemic corticosteroids, and stabilization (optimization) of lung functions; all of these criteria need to be sustained for at least one year. The following paper discusses the evolution of remissions, the criteria that are evolving, and experiences to achieve remission following treatment with biologics. In severe, uncontrolled asthma, treatment with biologics has led to remissions in 20%-35% of the treated subjects. It is proposed that remissions will become a new and important treatment outcome for asthma.