Recent Advances in the
Pharmacotherapy of Bronchial Asthma
Dr Pritam Biswas
As we go along
•Introduction
•Pathophysiology
•Current Management Guidelines.
•Recent Advances
Pharmacotherapy
Monoclonals & Anti cytokines
Immunotherapy
Non Pharmacological
Introduction
•Asthma represents a global public health issue due to high
prevalence rates in the general population( 1% to 18% of
the population in different Countries),
•Affects approximately 300 million people worldwide
•Rising prevalence in developing countries which is
associated with increased urbanization.
Asthma is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease
Airway hyper responsiveness
Recurrent symptoms such as wheezing, dyspnea
(shortness of breath), chest tightness and coughing.
Episodes are associated with widespread ,variable,
airflow obstruction within the lungs that is reversible
spontaneously or with appropriate asthma treatment
Pathophysiology of Asthma
IMMEDIATE RESPONSE
Eliciting agent: allergen or
non-specific stimulus activates:
Mast cells, platelets, alveolar
macrophages, causing release of:
Spasmogens: H,
PAF, LTC
4, LTD
4,
causing:
Chemotaxins:
LTB4, PAF, MNC,
ECF-A which
cause:
BRONCHOSPASM
Reversed by
agonists &
Theophylline
Aggregation & activation of
platelets, infiltration & activation of
neutrophils, eosinophils,
monocytes/macrophages :
PAF, LTB4,
LTD4, platelet
factors&
susbstance P
Neurotensin
ODEMA, MUCOUS
SECRETION &
BRONCHOSPASM
LATE-PHASE RESPONSE
Bronchial
hyper
responsiven
ess
Endothelial
damage
& stimulation of
C Fibes and
irritant
receptors
Current Management of Asthma .
Short acting beta 2 agonist for symptom relief
Step
1
Mild
intermittent
asthma
Mild
Persistent
asthma
Moderate
Persistent
asthma
Severe
asthma
ICS+ Leukotrienemodifier add on
Step
2
Step
3 Low dose ICS +LABA
High dose ICS+ LABA
Leukotrienemodifier
Step
4
Severe
Persistent
asthma
Step
5
Oral steroid+ high
dose ICS+ LABA
Inhalational corticosteroids &
Advances in Steroid resistance
Beta 2 agonists
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Methyl xanthines
Anticholinergics
Anti IgE
Anti cytokines
Novel class of
bronchodilators
Immunomodulatorytherapies
Newer anti-inflammatory
therapies
Miscellaneous approaches
CTRH
Toll like receptors
Marcolides
Endothelinantagonists
Inhalational corticosteroids
ICS Pharmacokinetics Safety
Triamcinolone Greatersystemic side
effects
Beclomethasone
Fluticasone High first Pass
Metabolism(liver )
Fewer systemic side
effects
Safeat higher doses
Budesonide
Momethasone
Ciclesonide Prodrug
High First Pass
metabolism
High plasma protein
binding
Minimalsystemic side
effects
Ciclesonide
Prodrug, converted to active ingredient
des-ciclesonideby lung esterases
Oral Bioavailability <1 %
Highly Plasma protein bound 99%
Half-life: 0.71 hr (ciclesonide); 6-7 hr
(des-ciclesonide)
Clearance: 152 ML/hr high
Lipid Binding to fatty acids in lung
Decreased
systemic toxicity
Increased Local
action
Soft steroids
They have improved local, topical selectivity and have
much less steroid effect outside target area.
LactoneGCS conjugate
Glucocorticoidwith a lactonering
Stable in the lung , not metabolized by lung esterases
Metabolized quickly by plasma paraoxonase
Soft steroids
Loteprednol
Approved for ophthalmic use
Phase 2 development inGermany
LactoneGCS
Butixocort/ Tipredane Lack clinical efficacy
Rofleponide Preclinicalphase
SEGRA-Selective Glucocorticoid
receptor agonist
Desirableanti-inflammatoryandimmunosuppressive properties of classical
glucocorticoidsdrugs but with fewer side effects .
Transactivation
annexin
A1,angiotensin-
converting
enzyme,neutral
endopeptidase
Transrepression
COX,NO
synthase,TNF,TG
F BETA,ICAM-1
Mapracorat( SEGRA )
•Topicaltreatment ofatopic dermatitisand
inflammation following cataract surgery.
•New frontier for asthma research .
Advances in Steroid resistance
About 5-10% of asthmatics are resistant to steroids
Definition
Failure to improve baseline FEV1by more than 15% after treatment with
prednisolone(30–40 mg daily) for 2 weeks
Type I Steroid Resistant Asthma
Reduction in glucocorticoidreceptor‐binding affinity
High concentrations of IL‐2 and IL‐4 or by IL‐13 alone
Type II Steroid Resistant Asthma
Due to low numbers of glucocorticoidreceptors
IV immunoglobulins:
Steroid-sparing effect appears to be present but is not used, as it is
prohibitively expensive.
IL-2 & IL-4 levels can be lowered by IV immunoglobulins: 2-3 mg / kg /
wk / 4wks
Methotrexate:
Methotrexatecauses inhibition of T cell proliferation through inhibition
of enzyme Amidophosphoribosyltransferase.
Concomitant weekly methotrexatetherapy causes clinically
significant reduction in oral prednisolonedoses 15mg/day to
5mg/day.
Methotrexatetherapy also increases peripheral blood T cell sensitivity
to prednisoloneinhibition.
Cyclosporine:
selectively inhibits T lymphocyte proliferation, IL-2 and other cytokine
production and response of inducer T cells to IL-1.
It is used as a second line immunomodulatordrug in steroid resistant
asthma.
Gold:
Has been used in Japan, and isolated studies in
Europe and America have shown decreased use of steroids,
improved symptoms but no change in FEV 1
Leflunomide:
A disease modifying agent for rheumatic diseases, it also causes selective
suppression of Thcytokine expression. They have a steroid sparing effect.
SIT -Single Inhaler therapy
•LABA monotherapyhas been associated with an
increased risk of asthma-related morbidity and mortality,
•Should only be used along with an ICS
Combination therapy
Inhalational corticosteroid +LABA
Maintenance
Rational of ICS + LABA
Common combinations
Beclomethasone+ salmeterol
Fluticasone + salmeterol
ICS
1.Prevents down regulation of Beta receptors
2.Prevents desensitization
LABA
Helps In enhancing the binding of Glucocorticoidsto GCR
Maintenance Levosalbutamol
SMART –Single Inhaler Maintenance
and reliever therapy
Formoterol has a fast onset of action <1min compared to
other LABA like salmeterol with a onset of 30min
Therefore ICS+ LABA Combinations that contain
formoterol
Budesonide + formoterol
Fluticasone + formoterol
Maintenance and
reliever
Advances in Beta 2 agonists
Ultra LABA’s
Ultralongacting LABA . Duration > 24 hrs.
Indacaterol
Bambuterol
carmoterol,
vilanterol
olodaterol,
Indacaterol
Initial trials
Safe
Improvements in FEV1 at 4 weeks ,
Long term studies –Not established the effect
on asthma disease control
Asthma exacerbations
CysLT2 Receptor antagonists
•Studies have revealed that Cyst LT2 mRNA is
abundantly expressed on activated eosinophils.
•Raised the possibility that Cyst LT2 antagonists
would be more effective in ameliorating the LT’s
response explaining the relative failure of the
existing Cyst LT1 antagonists.
Methyl xanthines
Low dose Sustained release theophylline
Plasma values 5 to 10 mg/l –Anti-inflammatory / Less side effects .
Mechanisms :
Histonedeacetylaseactivation-Steroid resistant asthma
Effects on apoptosis
Interleukin-10
Inhibition of NF-KB
Indications
Low dose sustained release theophylineas a add on to ICS insevere asthma
Doxofylline
•Novel xanthinebronchodilator
Mechanism of action
•Inhibition of phosphodiesterase4,
•Decreased affinities towards adenosine A1 and A2
receptors,
Comparative Safety Profile
No CNS stimulation
No cardiac arrhythmias
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
PDE4 inhibition is thought to lead to elevated levels of
intracellular cAMP,
•suppression inflammatory cell function
•inhibition of mucinproduction epithelial cells
•alterations in airway smooth muscle tone
Selective PDE inhibitors
Roflumilast, Cilomilast, Rolipram, Ibudilast,
Piclamilast, Luteolin
Roflumilast
selective, long-actinginhibitor of the enzyme PDE-4
Reduces release of cytokines
Reduces migration and activation of immune cells
Advances in use of Anticholinergics
Results
Long acting MuscarinicAgonists ( Tiotropium)
1.In moderate to severe asthma , as a add on when no response to
ICS+ LABA
2.In mild persistent asthma as a add on to ICS .
Important outcomes that are not evaluated in all studies published until
now are the reduction of exacerbations and the anti-inflammatory
effects of tiotropium
Currently available data on the efficacy of tiotropiumin asthmatic patients are
not sufficient to recommend the use of this drug
Novel classes of bronchodilators
Magnesium sulfate
MOA
•Reduces cytosoliccalcium in airway smooth
musclebronchodilatation
USES :
Useful as an additional drug to SABA in A/c severe asthma
can be given by IV/nebulisation
Side effects
Include flushing and nausea
Not suitable to be employed alone as clinical benefit is small
Potassium channel openers
Potassium channel openers that open calcium activated
large conductance K+ channels in smooth muscle
Calcium channel blockersNifedipine, verapamil
-Prevent calcium entry into smooth muscle
-Inhibit stimuli induced bronchoconstriction
VIP analogs
-VIP binds to VPAC1(smooth muscles of blood vessels) &
VPAC2(airway smooth muscle)couple to Gs
adenylylcyclasestimulated-smooth muscle
relaxation
-VIP potent bronchodilator in vitro studies but in patients
it is rapidly metabolized and also has vasodilator Side
effects
Stable analog of VIP (RO 25-1533) selectively stimulate
VPAC2-produces rapid bronchodilatationbut effect is
not prolonged .
ANP & related peptide Urodilatin
-Activates membrane guanylylcyclasecGMP
bronchodilatation
-Bronchodilator effects comparable to SABA.
-Useful for additional bronchodilatationin Acute severe
asthma
Anti IgE
Omalizumab
Humanized monoclonal
antibody
MOA:
•Neutralizes IgEin circulation
•Inhibits activation of IgEbound
to mast cells
•Down regulates IgEreceptors
on mast cells
Route : S/c or IV every 2-4 weeks
Use :
severe persistent extrinsic asthma who are resistant to
other forms of treatment.
Reduces exacerbations and requirement of oral and
inhaled steroids in them
Drawback : high cost
S/E : local reaction at inj. Site
urticarial, rash, flushing
rarely anaphylactic reaction
Anticytokines
Anti IL-5
IL-5
AntiIL-5 Antibodies
Mepholizumab
Humanized Monoconalantibody
Phase 3 trials
ReducedEosinophilentry in the airways
Decrease asthma exacerbation
Reslizumab
Phase2
Pronounced in a subgroup
of patients with highest blood &sputum
eosinophils,
IL5 Receptorantibodies
Benralizumab
Pre-clincialstage
Decrease of circulating eosinophills
Anti IL-4
IL-4
Th2 differentiation
Switching of B cells to IgEsynthesis
Eosinophilrecruitment
Development of mast cells
AntiIL4
Pitrakinra( s.c/ inhaled )
Pascolizumab
Dupilumab decrease in asthma exacerbation rate during
withdrawal of inhaled therapy with
corticosteroids and long-acting ??????2-
adrenergic agonists,
marked improvement of respiratory function
TH2
Anti IL-13
Lebrikizumab( PHASE 3)
Improvement of lung function in patients
with moderate-to severe asthma
Improvement of FEV1 from baseline
Tralokinumab( s.c) --Phase 3
Decrease need for rescue medication
AntiIL-9
MEDI -528
ImprovedAsthma Symptom scores
In Trial for exercise induced asthma
TH2
Anti TNF alpha
Th1 TNF alpha
Recruitment neutrophilsand eosinophilsvia upregulationof
epithelial and endothelial adhesion molecule
Anti TNF alpha Evidence from phase 2
trials
Concern
infliximab circadian oscillations in
peak expiratory
flow
active tuberculosis,
pneumonia, sepsis, and
several different
malignancies
(breast cancer, B-cell
lymphoma, metastatic
melanoma, cervical
carcinoma, renal cell
carcinoma, basal cell
carcinoma,
and colon cancer)
golimumab Notconclusive
etanercept improve lung function,
airway hyper-
responsiveness, and
quality of life
Anti IL-17
TH1 IL-17
Neutrophilicinflammation, airway remodeling, Steroid resistant
Secukinumab Humanized anti IL17 antibody
Brodalumab Il-17 receptor antibody
On Going Phase 2 trials in severe asthma that is not adequately
controlled by ICS+LABA
IL-17 is also involved in immune protection against infectious and
carcinogenic agents
In vitro studies human anti-GM-CSF monoclonal
IgG1 antibody (MT203) has been developed,
capable of significantly decreasing survival and activation
of peripheral human eosinophils
Anti GM-CSF
GM-CSF is a growth factor over expressed in asthmatic
airways
Th1 directed
Serious infections
Neoplastic
disorders
TH2 directed
Autoimmune
diseases
Restricted to
phenotype
Needs evaluation of
cytokines &
markers
Expensive add to
the cost diagnosis
and treatment
Drawbacks
Toll like receptors
CRTH2
CRTH2 (Chemo attractant Receptor-homologous
molecule expressed on Th2 cells)
G-protein coupled receptor expressed by Th2
lymphocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.
The receptor mediates the activation and chemotaxis of
these cell types in response to prostaglandin D2 (PGD
2),
produced by mast cells.
Contributes to the so-called “Th2 polarization”
CRTH2 antagonists
Using indomethacin, a CRTH2 agonist, as a starting block
and have prepared novel CRTH2 DP2-selective
antagonists
An oral CRTH2 antagonist (OC0000459) showed a 7.4%
improvement in FEV1 at 28 days (p=0.037).
led to a reduction in total IgE concentration and a trend
toward decreasing sputum eosinophils
Macrolides
Clarithromycin reported to be effective in many cases
asthma.
Causation of asthma linked to Chlamydia pneumonia
or mycoplasma pneumonia
Statinsare now under evaluation in asthma therapy by
AAAAI
It was observed that asthmatics with co-morbidities who
are on statins have 30% lower risk for ER visits &
hospitalizations due asthma than controls.
Miscellaneous approaches
Endothelin antagonists may improve structural changes in asthma.
However not tested.
Antioxidantsmore potent than Vit C&E, N-Acetyl cysteine in development
as oxidative stress important in asthma.
Bitter taste receptors agonists ---chloroquine,saccharine
Bronchial thermoplasty
Gene therapy
T cell therapy
Immunotherapy
Bronchial thermoplasty
Concept:
Passing RF pulses
through the airway
tissues generates heat
due to tissue resistance
debulking of ASM
Devices :
thermoplasty apparatus
and RF compatible FOB
•In a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled
clinical study of bronchial thermoplasty
•Improved Qol
•Reduction in asthma attacks
•Reduction in emergency room visits for
respiratory symptoms
•Reduction in days lost from work, school,
•Reduction in hospitalizations for respiratory
symptoms
FDA approved 2010
Immunotherapy
•Administration of increasing doses of allergen extracts to
induce persistent immune tolerance in patients with
allergen-induced symptoms
•Recently SubLingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is preferred
and claimed to be more effective in asthma
Benefits include: ↓in symptom scores, ↓in
medication usage and ↓airway reactivity
Mechanism:
Increased regulatory T cell activity
Restoration of Th1-Th 2 balance
Switching of allergen-specific B
cells towards IgG4 production.
Usual course:
3-5 years on maintenance therapy.
Allergen peptides:
The active peptides of allergens are used → down
regulation of T cells without co-stimulatory signals
1.Short T cell epitope peptides: induce tolerance without
mediator release (no IgE binding)
2.B cell epitope derived peptides: stimulate B cells to
produce blocking IgG 1 without IgE binding
Recombinant allergens:
Reconstructed with reduced allergenic activity
CpG-DNA based immunotherapy:
•Giving cytosine guanine plasmid DNA with allergen
extract produce a strong Th-1 response with increase of
mucosal IF-ϒand decrease IgE production
Is the insertion of a functional gene in a target cell
to exert the gene function
Genes transferred to target cells by a viral vector
or a liposome (? nanocarrier)
Target cells in the lungs are respiratory epithelium
Cytokine encoding genes:
Genes encoding for IL-12, IF-ϒ, IL-18:
Cause marked reduction in eosinophilic inflammation, IgE
production and airway hyper responsiveness
Genes encoding for IL-10 and TGF-β:
Cause suppression of both Th-1&Th-2 response
β2 receptors encoding genes:
To over express β2 receptors and potentiate bronchodilation
Glucocorticoid R genes:
Over expression overcomes GCR resistance and decrease systemic
SEs
Cloned Th -1 cells are now under Phase 2 trials
Aim: correction of Th1-Th2 imbalance in
asthma with correction of cytokine profile:
↑↑ IL-12, IF-ϒ& ↓↓ IL-4, IL-5, IL-13
T cell Therapy