One in 10 Australians<\/a> experience chronic rhinosinusitis, and between 25 to 30 per cent can develop nasal polyps, which are soft and jelly-like growths in the nose. <\/p>\n\u201cWhile everyone\u2019s experience is unique, many people living with severe asthma describe the same constant vigilance,\u201d Ms Ovens said. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the uncertainty that\u2019s so difficult. It\u2019s wondering whether you\u2019ll make it through the day without a flare-up.\u201d<\/p>\n
The symptoms can even be life-threatening, she told NewsWire. <\/p>\n
\u201cSevere asthma is not \u2018just asthma\u2019,\u201d Ms Ovens said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a serious, chronic disease that affects people differently and can be life-threatening.\u201d <\/p>\n
This week, the TGA gave the green light for the registration of a game-changing treatment for Australians living with severe asthma.<\/p>\n
Administered every six months via injection, the treatment works by targeting interleukin-5,
a protein that causes the body to make white blood cells called eosinophils.<\/p>\n
Exdensur lowers the number of eosinophils to reduce airway and sinus inflammation. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor many, it can offer a fantastic opportunity to improve asthma control and outcomes in this very hard to treat group with very severe asthma,\u201d respiratory physician Jo Douglass told NewsWire.<\/p>\n
She explained the treatment \u201cattacks\u201d eosinophils and reduces the number of inflamed cells in the lungs. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe most prominent thing they do is reduce flare-ups or exacerbations of asthma,\u201d Professor Douglass said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey give people more stable asthma so they\u2019re not so likely to get at times when their symptoms are out of control and they need to seek additional medication.\u201d <\/p>\n
Professor Douglass said not only did the medication help reduce symptoms of severe asthma, it could also improve lung function.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany people notice that it also improves their symptoms and can improve lung function,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Some will start seeing improvements in their symptoms over the span of a few months or weeks, but Professor Douglass said some may see improvements in the first 24 hours. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt just depends on the individual, but usually they work fairly quickly,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
While the treatment has been registered with the TGA, it\u2019s just the first step before it can be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, allowing Australians to access the treatment from their local GP. <\/p>\n
Currently, those living with severe asthma have to visit a specialist before they\u2019re prescribed the medication. <\/p>\n
\u201cOverall, the drug seems very safe and that is recognised in the Therapeutic Goods Administration listing of the drug,\u201d Professor Douglass said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve reviewed the safety profile and believe that\u2019s acceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Biopharma company GSK Australia welcomed the treatment\u2019s TGA\u2019s registration.<\/p>\n
Country medical director Sebastian DiNatalie said the treatment may \u201cimprove the lives of people living with complex inflammatory conditions\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are pleased that Exdensur has now been registered by the TGA for eligible patients in Australia,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe are now focused on the next step and look forward to working with the Australian government to support equitable access for Australians who may benefit from this treatment.\u201d <\/p>\n
For people like Ms Ovens, whose entire life is dictated by the severity of her asthma, the medication could be the ultimate game changer \u2013 and ultimately a lifesaver. <\/p>\n
\u201cAny new treatment option that has the potential to improve the lives of people living with severe eosinophilic asthma is incredibly encouraging,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cSevere asthma is a complex disease, and no single treatment works for everyone. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to continue developing new treatment options. Every additional therapy creates more opportunities to personalise care.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Ovens urged others to be aware of the severity and dangers of living with severe asthma. <\/p>\n
\u201cAsthma is a life-threatening condition that requires constant management and affects every aspect of our lives,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end of the day, what everyone living with severe asthma wants is not sympathy or special treatment, just the freedom to breathe, to live fully and to stop thinking about their next breath.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A newly registered asthma treatment has been given the green light by the Therapeutic Goods of Australia 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