A systematic review and meta-analysis finds biologics switching improves asthma control and reduces exacerbations in severe asthma patients, indicating its clinical viability.
Background This systematic review (SR) aims to delineate the patterns and rationales for biologic switching in patients with severe asthma and evaluate its efficacy across the clinical remission criteria. Methods The SR followed the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO CRD420251155819), with searches up to September 2025. Studies reporting on switching of biologics, including anti‐IgE, anti‐IL‐4R/13R, anti‐IL5/5R, and anti‐TSLP, were included. Standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD), and pooled relative risk (RR) were calculated for pre‐ and post‐ switch comparisons. Results The SR included 49 studies (2292 switched severe asthma patients). The most common switching patterns were mepolizumab‐benralizumab ( n = 637) and omalizumab‐mepolizumab/benralizumab ( n = 386 or 305, respectively). Additional switching patterns included transitions from other biologicals to dupilumab or tezepelumab. Suboptimal asthma control ( n = 1005, 77.0%) was the predominant reason for switching. The switch led to a significant reduction in exacerbations (SMD –1.03, 95% CI: −1.26 to −0.80, I 2 = 89%), emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and maintenance oral corticosteroid dose and to improved asthma control ACT MD 5.18 (95% CI 4.32 to 6.04, I 2 = 80%), ACQ MD –1.05 (95% CI –1.26 to −0.83, I 2 = 45%) and lung function FEV1 MD 0.18 L (95% CI: 0.11 to 0.25, I 2 = 0%). T2‐biomarkers (blood eosinophils, total serum IgE, FeNO) significantly decreased. Conclusion Biologics switching represents a promising strategy supported by high‐quality evidence of its clinical efficacy. Switching should consider clinical remission goals, co‐morbidities, side effects, costs and reimbursement policies, and patient preferences.
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Zheng et al. (2026) studied this question.
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