Asthma ― Targeted Biological Therapies

This book focuses on the fundamentals of the use of biologics in asthma, describing the rationale, principles, mechanisms of action, and indications. It offers an excellent balance between basic science and the analysis of clinical trials, bringing readers up to date with new developments that are changing the global scenario for targeted biological anti-asthma therapies, especially with regard to more severe disease. A range of therapies are considered, from the humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody omalizumab, widely approved as add-on treatment for inadequately controlled disease, through to emerging biologics for which evidence supportive of efficacy is accumulating, including anti-IL-5, anti-IL-4, and anti-IL-13 therapies. One aspect to emerge is the variability in individual response, which suggests a need for characterization of different asthma subtypes to permit the effective implementation of phenotype-targeted treatments. This book will be of interest for pulmonologists, clinical immunologists, and physicians seeking sound information on these therapies, but also for scientists and pharmacologists wishing to enhance their knowledge of the therapeutic implications of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie severe, uncontrolled asthma.

Girolamo Pelaia is Full Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Italy. In 1985 he received his degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Reggio Calabria, Italy, and in 1989 he graduated as “Specialist in Respiratory Diseases” at the University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy. From 1990 to 1992 he was Post-Doctoral Fellow at the School of Medicine of Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., USA. Prof. Pelaia’s research activity and scientific production primarily deal with the pathophysiology and clinical pharmacology of chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma and COPD. He has authored or co-authored over 150 original articles and reviews published in both national and international journals, and several book chapters.

Alessandro Vatrella is Associate Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Salerno, Italy. In 1982 he received his degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy, where in 1986 he also graduated as “Specialist in Respiratory Diseases”. Prof. Vatrella’s research activity and scientific production primarily deal with the pharmacological modulation of bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation. In particular, he studied the basic mechanisms of airway hyper-responsiveness using experimental mo

Rosario Maselli is Full Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Italy. In 1973 he received his degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy, where in 1976 he also graduated as “Specialist in Respiratory Diseases”. Prof. Maselli’s early research activity primarily focused on the utilization of mass spectrometry, which was used to obtain information about lung volumes and cardiac output. His group is currently studying the involvement, in both respiratory pathophysiology and pulmonary pharmacology, of the signaling mechanisms mediated by “mitogen-activated protein kinases”. He has authored or co-authored over 150 original articles and reviews published in both national and international journals, and several book chapters.