A recent study has revealed that the drug mepolizumab contributes to a reduction in shortness of breath and chest infections by up to 20% in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), compared to currently used traditional treatments.
The study was conducted by a specialized research team from the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh in the United States. Its findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and also featured in the British newspaper The Daily Mail.
The results showed that mepolizumab reduces the need for lung patients to be hospitalized and is a promising treatment for improving the quality of life for those affected, especially individuals suffering from chronic bronchitis, a form of COPD where the lungs fill with mucus. The drug contributed to reducing acute symptoms by up to one-third and lowered hospitalization rates by 35% within one year.
Mepolizumab is known as an anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody, and it works to reduce allergic responses associated with asthma through a mechanism similar to natural antibodies in the human immune system.
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
COPD is a common respiratory disease that leads to restricted airflow and difficulty breathing. It includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, according to the World Health Organization. It can cause lung damage and mucus buildup. Its most prominent symptoms include chronic cough (often accompanied by phlegm), shortness of breath, wheezing, and fatigue.
Smoking and air pollution are among the leading causes of the disease, and those affected are more susceptible to other health complications.
Although there is no complete cure for COPD, symptoms can improve by quitting smoking, avoiding pollutants, receiving preventive vaccines, in addition to medication, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
Inhalers: A Cornerstone of Treatment
Inhalers are an essential part of COPD treatment, as they help to widen the airways and reduce swelling, which contributes to improved breathing and symptom reduction.
The results of the new study indicate that incorporating mepolizumab into the treatment plan for COPD patients could make a significant difference in reducing symptom severity and decreasing the need for emergency medical interventions, thus raising hopes for improving patients’ quality of life.
