Treatment for severe asthma in children: What about biologics?

Asthma is the most common pulmonary disease in children age 5 to 17 years. Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation and heterogeneous clinical phenotypes. A small proportion of patients (approximately 5% to 10%) diagnosed with severe asthma are unable to achieve asthma control even with intensive therapy. Severe asthma in children is characterized by poor asthma control, uncontrolled symptoms, poor quality of life, disrupted school-related activities and increased risk of exacerbations, health care use, and morbidities due to asthma. Several new biologic agents targeting the mediators of asthma inflammation that are now approved are likely to improve asthma outcomes in children with severe asthma. This article outlines the various biologic agents currently approved for use in children.