Patterns and Clinical Efficacy of Biologics Switching in Patients With Severe Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Read full text
Authors: Yang Zheng, Yiran Li, Shengjie Li, Meng Xu, Jia‐qian Hu, Wen‐qu Tian, S.-J. Chen, X. Li, Ying He, Gan Lu, Mübeccel Akdis, Ioana Agache
+2 more Cezmi Akdis, Yadong Gao
Cited by: 4
References: 36

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background This systematic review (SR) aims to delineate the patterns and rationales for biologic switching in patients with severe asthma and evaluate its efficacy across the clinical remission criteria. Methods The SR followed the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO CRD420251155819), with searches up to September 2025. Studies reporting on switching of biologics, including anti‐IgE, anti‐IL‐4R/13R, anti‐IL5/5R, and anti‐TSLP, were included. Standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD), and pooled relative risk (RR) were calculated for pre‐ and post‐ switch comparisons. Results The SR included 49 studies (2292 switched severe asthma patients). The most common switching patterns were mepolizumab‐benralizumab ( n = 637) and omalizumab‐mepolizumab/benralizumab ( n = 386 or 305, respectively). Additional switching patterns included transitions from other biologicals to dupilumab or tezepelumab. Suboptimal asthma control ( n = 1005, 77.0%) was the predominant reason for switching. The switch led to a significant reduction in exacerbations (SMD –1.03, 95% CI: −1.26 to −0.80, I 2 = 89%), emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and maintenance oral corticosteroid dose and to improved asthma control ACT MD 5.18 (95% CI 4.32 to 6.04, I 2 = 80%), ACQ MD –1.05 (95% CI –1.26 to −0.83, I 2 = 45%) and lung function FEV1 MD 0.18 L (95% CI: 0.11 to 0.25, I 2 = 0%). T2‐biomarkers (blood eosinophils, total serum IgE, FeNO) significantly decreased. Conclusion Biologics switching represents a promising strategy supported by high‐quality evidence of its clinical efficacy. Switching should consider clinical remission goals, co‐morbidities, side effects, costs and reimbursement policies, and patient preferences.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Asthma and respiratory diseases Psoriasis: Treatment and Pathogenesis Dermatology and Skin Diseases

Publication details

Journal / source
Allergy
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
81
Issue
5
Pages
1548–1570
Publication date
4 April 2026
Language
EN