The role of biologics in inducing remission in asthma.

Asthma remissions have been identified as a new treatment outcome and as based on experience with biologics. Remissions are defined as no symptoms, no exacerbations, no use of systemic corticosteroids, and stabilization (optimization) of lung functions; all these criteria need to be sustained for at least 1 year. This study discussed the evolution of remissions, the evolving criteria, and experiences in achieving remission after treatment with biologics. In severe, uncontrolled asthma, treatment with biologics has led to remissions in 20% to 35% of the subjects treated. It is proposed that remissions will become a new and important treatment outcome for asthma.