Criteria to evaluate efficacy of biologics in asthma: a Global Asthma Association survey

BackgroundCurrently, there are no universally accepted criteria to measure the response to biologics available as treatment for severe asthma. This survey aims to establish consensus criteria to use for the evaluation of response to biologics after 4 months of treatment.MethodUsing Delphi methodology, a questionnaire including 10 items was validated by 13 international experts in asthma. The electronic survey circulated within the Interasma Scientific Network platform. For each item, five answers were proposed graduated from 'no importance' to 'very high importance' and by a score (A = 2 points; B = 4 points; C = 6 points; D = 8 points; E = 10 points). The final criteria were selected if the median score for the item was & GE;7 and > 60% of responses according 'high importance' and 'very high importance'. All selected criteria were validated by the experts.ResultsFour criteria were identified: reduce daily systemic corticosteroids dose by & GE;50%; decrease the number of asthma exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids by & GE;50%; have no/minimal side effects; and obtain asthma control according validated questionnaires. The consensual decision was that & GE;3 criteria define a good response to biologics.ConclusionsSpecific criteria were defined by an international panel of experts and could be used as tool in clinical practice.

Automated summary

Currently, there are no universally accepted criteria to measure the response to biologics available as treatment for severe asthma. However, an international panel of experts established four consensus criteria for evaluating the response to biologics after 4 months of treatment. These criteria include reducing systemic corticosteroid dose by ≥50%, decreasing the number of asthma exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids by ≥50%, minimal or no side effects, and achieving asthma control according to validated questionnaires. Overall, this study highlights the importance of establishing standardized criteria for evaluating the response to biologics in severe asthma. Rating: 10/10.