Primary care of asthma: new options for severe eosinophilic asthma

A new class of agents is available for patients with moderate to severe eosinophilic asthma. Four biologic therapies - mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab and dupilumab - that interfere with the regulation and activity of eosinophils have been approved by the FDA for patients with moderate to severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype. Primary care physicians should be familiar with these medications to explain part of the rationale for referral to specialist care and manage patient expectations for treatment.