Safety of biologics in severe asthmatic patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: A prospective study

Background: Asthma guidelines have recommended continuing treatment with biologics during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, a continuation of treatment with biologics in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been little investigated.

Objective: To assess the safety of biologics in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods: A pilot, monocentric, prospective study. Patients aged 6 years old and older with severe asthma on treatment with biologics and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled. Patients were followed-up with periodic calls at different time points up to 3 months to detect any adverse effect and its relationship with biologic treatment according to the Naranjo Adverse Probability Scale (NAPS). The severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection and clinical outcome were also assessed.

Results: Overall, we included 21 patients (10 on therapy with omalizumab, 9 with dupilumab, and 2 with mepolizumab). Only a patient-reported two local adverse events. No other adverse event was reported. Twenty out of 21 patients had a mild COVID-19 course, and no adverse outcome was observed.

Conclusion: We showed that the scheduled dose of the biologic therapy can be administered safely on time in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, as the treatment did not result in adverse events or outcomes.