Severe Asthma and Active SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Insights into Biologics

Abstract

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, managing asthma has become significantly more challenging. Both national and international guidelines emphasize the importance of continuing prescribed medications to maintain asthma control and prevent exacerbations. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 infection has raised concerns about the safety of biologic therapies during acute COVID-19 episodes, necessitating a careful and individualized approach to their use. Biologic therapies, including omalizumab, dupilumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab, and tezepelumab, which target specific pathways in severe asthma, have revolutionized asthma management by improving symptom control and reducing exacerbation rates. Despite their proven benefits, the intersection of biologic therapy and active SARS-CoV-2 infection has prompted questions regarding potential immunomodulatory effects and risks. This review aimed to synthesize the current literature on the antiviral effects and safety of biologic drugs in severe asthmatic patients with active SARS-CoV-2 infection, encompassing both pediatric and adult populations.