Anaphylaxis to three humanized antibodies for severe asthma: a case study

• Main Authors: Koichi Jingo, Norihiro Harada, Toshihiko Nishioki, Masahiro Torasawa, Tomoko Yamada, Tetsuhiko Asao, Haruhi Takagi, Tomohito Takeshige, Jun Ito, Kazuhisa Takahashi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2020-06-01
• Series: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology
• Subjects: Anaphylaxis; Humanized antibody; Benralizumab; Omalizumab; Mepolizumab
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13223-020-00446-w

Abstract Background Omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, and dupilumab are the currently available biologics used to treat asthma in Japan. Anaphylaxis following treatment with mepolizumab or benralizumab is considered rare. Case presentation We report the case of a 35-year-old woman with severe asthma, who experienced anaphylaxis following the administration of benralizumab, mepolizumab, and omalizumab, separately. The therapy with biologics was chosen to avoid the repeated use of systemic corticosteroids for asthma exacerbations. The mechanisms underlying anaphylaxis caused by these three biologics remain unclear. The patient’s asthma symptoms and lung function improved after treatment with bronchial thermoplasty. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of an asthmatic patient developing anaphylaxis after commencement of benralizumab, mepolizumab, and omalizumab therapy. These three biologics should be administered carefully, and patients should be monitored for anaphylaxis.