Asthma: A Condition That Is Still Underestimated

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, affects 4 million people in France and still causes 700 to 1,000 deaths per year, even though these deaths are often preventable. Despite advances in treatment, this condition remains poorly controlled for many patients.

A public health issue

Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, a dry cough, and wheezing. Inhaled corticosteroids, combined with bronchodilators, are the essential long-term treatment for controlling this inflammation. However, 50% of patients do not adhere properly to this treatment, which worsens their condition and can lead to severe, even life-threatening, attacks.

Biotherapies, which have been available since 2005, have revolutionized the management of severe asthma. These monoclonal antibodies target specific inflammatory mediators, leading to a significant reduction in symptoms in 30% of patients with severe forms of the disease.

The innovative work of Laurent Delpy’s team (CRIBL – CNRS, University of Limoges, INSERM)

At the CRIBL, Laurent Delpy’s team is working on a promising approach to target IgE, antibodies involved in allergic reactions and asthma. Their research focuses on the use of antisense RNA (synthetic oligonucleotides) to specifically block IgE production. By preventing the translation of IgE messenger RNA into proteins, this approach aims to reduce the excessive immune response responsible for bronchial inflammation.

This antisense strategy directly targets the cells (plasma cells) that produce IgE and offers increased therapeutic precision, limiting the side effects often associated with systemic treatments. It could thus pave the way for more targeted and better-tolerated therapies for patients with allergic asthma.

Source: Adapted from the article « L’asthme tue encore, malgré les traitements », Le Monde – Science & Médecine, 13 mai 2026.

Contact : Laurent Delpy