Emerging systemic treatments for asthma and allergic diseases: New tricks, same dog?

Abstract

Asthma and allergic diseases are heterogeneous conditions driven by complex immunological pathways, with type 2 (T2) inflammation being a key but not exclusive component. Advances in immunology have spurred interest in a breadth of mechanisms and innovative therapeutic strategies, including novel targets, extended dosing intervals, and combined-target therapies. This clinical commentary provides a critical overview of ongoing clinical trials and emerging evidence supporting the use of these therapies in asthma and other allergic conditions. We evaluate and summarize emerging systemic treatments across four mechanistic categories: T2 cytokine inhibitors, alarmin blockers, effector cell modulators, and therapies targeting unconventional, broad immune, and non-T2 inflammation pathways. For each category, we present balanced perspectives on therapeutic potential and limitations. While certain therapies demonstrate promise, particularly in T2-high phenotypes, challenges remain in identifying predictive biomarkers, understanding long-term safety, and addressing non-T2 mechanisms. The commentary concludes with outcomes measurement recommendations and outlines urgent knowledge gaps requiring targeted research to optimize precision treatment strategies for diverse patient populations with asthma and allergic diseases.