Eosinophilic Inflammation
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Our commitment to uncovering eosinophilic inflammation and its impact across a range of diseases
We’re building on a 50-year heritage in respiratory care and following the science of common pathways and underlying disease drivers from respiratory disease into immunology-driven disease areas to better understand the important role of eosinophils as key effector cells in a range of potentially debilitating inflammatory diseases.
Some eosinophil-driven diseases have limited or no approved treatment options, creating a significant unmet need for innovation. We know now that a process called eosinophilic inflammation may be responsible for the eosinophil recruitment and activation that is driving these diseases. Backed by a growing body of evidence, we’re committed to advancing the understanding of the role of eosinophils in inflammatory diseases across Respiratory & Immunology, with the aim to improve diagnosis, patient referrals and timely, appropriate care pathways.
What is eosinophilic inflammation?
When eosinophils are present in inflammatory disease, eosinophilic inflammation may be the cause. Knowledge of eosinophilic inflammation will help raise awareness that seemingly disparate diseases actually have a common cause – eosinophilic inflammation – that ties them all together.
The impact of eosinophilic inflammation on patients
David Jackson, Professor of Respiratory Medicine, Guy's Hospital Severe Asthma Centre, Kings College London, explores the role of eosinophils in respiratory inflammatory diseases and the challenges patients face with eosinophilic conditions. Learn about the impact of low awareness among healthcare providers, recent advancements in research and what more needs to be done to improve care and drive positive change for patients with eosinophil-driven diseases.
Patient Charter
Representatives from eosinophilic patient organisations and clinicians formed a Patient Charter to encourage care reform for patients living with eosinophil associated diseases (EADs). It outlines four principles of quality care and clear steps to reduce the burden on patients:
- Greater awareness of EADs for patients, caregivers, health care professionals, and the general public
- Timely and accurate diagnosis
- Access to an appropriate multidisciplinary team
- Access to evidence based care plans without unnecessary regulatory delays
By addressing the need for more education among patients, healthcare professionals, and the public, the Charter continues to champion improved treatment options for the millions of people impacted by eosinophilic diseases worldwide1.
Some of the eosinophil-driven diseases
We are currently exploring potential candidates across a broad range of diseases that may be driven by eosinophilic inflammation and where unmet medical need remains significant and, in some cases, where we see an increasing prevalence.
Eosinophilic Asthma (EA)
Eosinophilic asthma is a common type of asthma characterised by high levels of eosinophils that can cause airway inflammation.2,3-5
Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)
CRSwNP is characterised by persistent inflammation of the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses accompanied by benign growths called nasal polyps.10,11 In patients with CRSwNP, elevated levels of eosinophils accumulate in the upper respiratory tract.12 Nasal polyps can block passages and lead to breathing problems, sleep disruption, reduction in the sense of smell and nasal discharge. 13-15
Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA)
A rare, chronic autoimmune disease that is caused by inflammation of small to medium-sized blood vessels, resulting in damage to multiple organs, including lungs, skin, heart, gastrointestinal tract and nerves.6,7
Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES)
A group of rare disorders characterised by high numbers of eosinophils in blood and tissues, which can cause progressive organ damage over time, and if left untreated, can be fatal.8,9 HES most commonly impacts the skin, heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system.8
References
1. Jackson, D. J., Akuthota, P., Andradas, R., et al. Improving care in eosinophil-associated diseases: A Charter. Advances in Therapy. 2022; 39 (6): 2323–2341.
2. Ramirez GA, Yacoub MR, Ripa M, et al. Eosinophils from physiology to disease: a comprehensive review. Biomed Res Int. 2018; 9095275.
3. Wenzel SE. Severe asthma in adults. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2005; 172: 149-160.
4. Coumou H, Bel EH. Improving the diagnosis of eosinophilic asthma. Expert Rev Respir Med. 2016;10(10): 1093-1103.
5. Trivedi SG, Lloyd CM. Eosinophils in the pathogenesis of allergic airways disease. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2007; 64 (10): 1269-1289.
6. American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders. Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA). Available at: http: apfed.org/about-ead/eosinophilic-granulomatosis-with-polyangiitis/. [Last accessed: July 2023].
7. Baldini C, Talarico R, Della Rossa A, Bombardieri S. Clinical Manifestations and Treatment of Churg-Strauss Syndrome. Rheum Dis Clin N Am. 2010; 36: 527-543.
8. American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders. Hypereosinophilic Syndromes. Available at: http://apfed.org/about-ead/hypereosinophilic-syndrome/. [Last accessed: July 2023].
9. American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders. APFED Hypereosinophilic Syndromes Brochure. December 2017. Available at: http://apfed.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/APFED_HES_bro_final.pdf. [Last accessed: July 2023].
10. Bachert C, Akdis CA. Phenotypes and Emerging Endotypes of Chronic Rhinosinusitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2016; 4 (4): 621-628.
11. Newton JR, Ah-See KW. A review of nasal polyposis. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008; 4 (2): 507-512.
12. Fujieda S Imoto Y, Kato Y, et al. Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Allergology Int. 2019; 68 (4): 403-412.
13. Hopkins C. Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps. N Engl J Med. 2019; 381 (1): 55-63.
14. Stevens WW, Schleimer RP, Kern RC. Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2016; 4 (4): 565-572.
15. Abdalla S, Alreefy H, Hopkins C. Prevalence of sinonasal outcome test (SNOT-22) symptoms in patients undergoing surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis in the England and Wales National prospective audit. Clin Otolaryngol. 2012; 37 (4): 276-282.