TEZSPIRE acts on a part of the immune system known as the type 2 inflammatory pathway, which is responsible for the initiation and persistence of allergic inflammation in the airways. It specifically targets TSLP, a cytokine that is released by cells in the airways in response to allergens, irritants, and other triggers. TSLP acts as a messenger between the airway cells and the immune cells, initiating and amplifying the immune response to allergens.
By binding to TSLP, TEZSPIRE prevents it from activating immune cells, including mast cells, dendritic cells, and T cells, which are all involved in the allergic response. This ultimately leads to a decrease in the release of other inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins 4, 5, and 13, which are responsible for the recruitment and activation of other immune cells involved in allergic inflammation.TEZSPIRE's ability to block TSLP has shown promising results in clinical trials. In a Phase II trial known as PATHWAY, TEZSPIRE demonstrated significant reductions in asthma exacerbations, improvements in lung function, and enhanced symptom control in patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma. These results led to the recent approval of TEZSPIRE by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of severe asthma.
One of the advantages of TEZSPIRE is that it targets a specific pathway involved in allergic inflammation rather than suppressing the entire immune system like other biologic drugs used in the treatment of severe asthma. This targeted approach may potentially minimize the risk of infections and other side effects associated with broad immunosuppression.
In conclusion, TEZSPIRE is a novel medication for the treatment of severe asthma that targets and blocks the protein TSLP, which is involved in the initiation and persistence of allergic inflammatory responses in the airways. By blocking TSLP, TEZSPIRE helps reduce asthma exacerbations, improve lung function, and provide better symptom control for patients with severe asthma. Further research is still ongoing to fully understand the long-term safety and efficacy of TEZSPIRE, but its approval represents a significant step forward in the management of severe asthma.
