Precision medicine and choosing a biologic in asthma: understanding the current state of knowledge for predictors of response and clinical remission

Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2025 Feb 1;25(1):66-74. doi: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000001044. Epub 2024 Nov 29.

Abstract

Purpose of review: We review updated key literature on comparative meta-analyses and real-world effectiveness of asthma biologics, with a focus on predictors of response and clinical remission while highlighting ongoing knowledge gaps. We aim to provide insight into the many factors to consider when choosing a biologic to treat uncontrolled moderate to severe asthma.

Recent findings: Predictors of response included higher type 2 (T2) biomarkers, shorter duration of asthma, and presence of key T2-related comorbidities. There were outcome-related variations in predictors. Predictors of clinical remission included better controlled asthma, better lung function, and higher T2 biomarkers. Few real-world studies included those treated with tezepelumab, a clear knowledge gap.

Summary: Asthma biologics demonstrate clear real-world effectiveness. There have been significant strides in better understanding predictors of response or clinical remission to guide management, yet ongoing knowledge gaps and the heterogeneity of asthma preclude a simple algorithmic approach. Our tools for precision medicine include consideration of clinical phenotypes and shared decision making while striving to achieve clinical remission in all our patients with asthma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Asthma* / diagnosis
  • Asthma* / drug therapy
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers
  • Humans
  • Precision Medicine* / methods
  • Remission Induction / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents
  • Biological Products
  • Biomarkers