RESEARCHERS at King’s College London have identified the first new treatment for asthma attacks in 50 years.
The injection, benralizumab, targets an overactive immune response during flare-ups of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), reported the BBC.
Currently used for severe asthma cases, the drug could potentially treat around two million flare-ups in the UK annually.
The study, involving 158 patients, monitored their progress for three months after treatment.
Published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, the findings showed a treatment failure rate of 74 per cent with steroids compared to 45 per cent with benralizumab.
Patients on the new therapy were less likely to be hospitalised, require additional treatment, or die.
Professor Mona Bafadhel from King’s College called the drug a “game-changer,” noting it could revolutionise care by matching treatments to specific immune responses, the BBC reported.
Benralizumab works by targeting eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that contributes to inflammation. Eosinophils are implicated in about half of asthma attacks and a third of COPD episodes.
Trial participants reported improved symptoms and quality of life.
Despite the promising results, larger trials beginning in 2025 will assess its effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Dr Sanjay Ramakrishnan from the University of Oxford called the findings “massively promising,” emphasising the need for better COPD treatments.
Asthma + Lung UK’s Dr Samantha Walker praised the results but criticised the lack of innovation over the last five decades.
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Justin Bieber under fire after commenting on Ariana Greenblatt’s Instagram post
Justin Bieber faces backlash for ‘I love you’ comment on 17-year-old star Ariana Greenblatt’s post
A few simple words from Justin Bieber have triggered a heated debate online. The 30-year-old singer commented “I love youuuuuuuuu” on a photo shared by 17-year-old actress Ariana Greenblatt, leading to immediate backlash from many social media users.
Ariana had posted a photo promoting her new Netflix horror film Fear Street: Prom Queen, dressed in a dark, gothic look. The caption celebrated her excitement about the genre and her character, Christy Renault. The post quickly gained traction, not just for the film but for Bieber’s unexpected comment.
People online were quick to call out the singer. Many felt it crossed a line, pointing to Greenblatt’s age and Bieber’s status as a married adult. Some even went as far as calling for legal action, saying the comment was inappropriate for a minor.
“He’s married. She’s 17. What’s he doing?” one user asked. Others demanded he “back off,” calling it “weird” and “creepy.” A few voices tried to downplay the situation, saying it was just a harmless comment and arguing that fans were overreacting. “He’s just being supportive,” one user defended. “People are too quick to judge.”
Ariana Greenblatt, despite her age, is no stranger to fame. She began her career on Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle and has since made waves in big films like Avengers: Infinity War and Barbie. She’s already earned award nominations and built a solid following of over 3.8 million on Instagram.
The post in question had nothing to do with Bieber. It was a promotional piece for her film, but his comment shifted the focus. Neither Ariana nor Bieber has spoken publicly about the controversy yet.
This incident has once again opened up a broader conversation regarding how public figures should engage with younger stars on social media. At what point does a message of support become uncomfortable?
Whether the comment was meant as friendly encouragement or not, the reaction online shows how carefully watched celebrity interactions have become, especially when minors are involved. In a world where one comment can spark national debate, public figures need to remember that every word counts.