Biologics in pediatric lung disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although biologic therapies can provide outstanding efficacy in the management of lung disease, especially asthma, most of these agents have been approved only for adults. Recent findings provide new strategies for using these agents in children.

RECENT FINDINGS

Extensive evidence has consistently demonstrated the efficacy and safety of biologic therapy for asthma. In addition, some studies have documented potentially important secondary effects, such as improving response to respiratory virus infection in asthmatic patients. Additional strategies for improving asthma control using biologic therapy, such as seasonal administration, have been suggested, and may limit cost while still providing a high degree of efficacy.

SUMMARY

Many of the current biologics are able to readily establish control even in asthmatic patients for whom inhaled steroid and long-acting β agonist have failed. However, biologics currently have limited regulatory approval and availability in the pediatric age range, despite this age being disproportionately affected by asthma. In addition, successful biologics for asthma to date have largely been limited to the Th2-high endotype of asthma, and there is great need for similar medications to target the Th2-low endotype. Other pediatric lung disease might well benefit from the specificity allowed by biologic therapy.