Biologic Therapy for Severe Asthma in Mohali | Dr. Rahul Katyal

Explained Simply

What Are Biologics — in Plain English?

Think of your immune system as sending out chemical "messages" that inflame the airways. A biologic is a precision tool that intercepts one specific message.

Biologics are targeted monoclonal antibodies — laboratory-made proteins designed to lock onto and block one specific inflammatory signal. In severe asthma, a handful of these signals do most of the damage. An inhaled steroid dampens inflammation everywhere, a bit like turning down the volume on the whole system. A biologic is different: it silences one particular channel that is shouting the loudest.

Because they act on the root driver rather than the symptoms, biologics can dramatically reduce attacks and, for many patients, remove the need for repeated oral steroid courses. They are given as an injection once every few weeks — not a daily inhaler or tablet.

The three main pathways targeted in severe asthma are described below as drug classes. The right class for you depends on your specific asthma phenotype, which is identified during assessment.

Anti-IgE class

Blocks IgE, the antibody behind allergic reactions. Best suited to asthma driven by allergies to dust, pollen, or animal dander.

Anti-IL-5 class

Targets IL-5, the signal that drives eosinophils — white blood cells that fuel many severe attacks. Suited to eosinophilic asthma.

Anti-IL-4/IL-13 class

Blocks the IL-4 and IL-13 signals central to type 2 inflammation, often useful when asthma coexists with nasal polyps or eczema.

Eligibility

Who Qualifies for Biologic Therapy?

Biologics are reserved for genuine severe asthma with the right inflammatory signature — they are not a first-line treatment.

You may be a candidate if you have:

✅ Severe asthma that stays uncontrolled despite high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus a long-acting bronchodilator, used correctly

✅ Frequent attacks, emergency visits, or the need for repeated oral steroid courses

✅ Blood tests (eosinophils, IgE) showing a treatable type 2 inflammatory phenotype

✅ Already optimised basics — correct inhaler technique, good adherence, and trigger control

Final eligibility is always a clinical decision made by Dr. Rahul Katyal after a full assessment. Not everyone with severe asthma will be suitable, and the assessment also rules out other conditions that can mimic asthma.

The Journey

The Assessment Process & What to Expect

1

Confirm severe asthma

Dr. Katyal reviews your history, confirms the diagnosis with lung function testing, and checks that inhaler technique, adherence and triggers have all been addressed.

2

Identify your phenotype

Blood tests such as eosinophil count and IgE reveal which inflammatory pathway is active, and therefore which biologic class is most likely to help.

3

Start treatment safely

Biologics are given as injections, usually once every few weeks. Early doses may be given at the hospital so you can be observed. Your inhalers continue alongside, and are only reduced once you are stable.

4

Review your response

Most patients notice fewer symptoms and attacks over the first few months. Response is reviewed at set intervals, and treatment is continued, adjusted, or stopped based on how well you respond.

Cost & Coverage

What Does Biologic Therapy Cost?

Biologics are a long-term therapy, and cost is a genuine consideration. Here is an honest overview.

The cost of the medicine

The cost of a biologic depends on the specific drug and dose, and it is an ongoing (usually monthly or every-few-weeks) expense rather than a one-off. Because pricing changes and depends on which biologic is right for you, we do not quote a fixed figure here.

[CONFIRM: approximate monthly cost of biologics available at Gini]

Please call the Gini team on 0172-4120100 for current pricing of the biologics available here.

Insurance & CGHS coverage

Coverage for asthma biologics depends entirely on your individual policy or scheme. Some health insurance policies and government or employer schemes such as CGHS may cover part or all of the cost when strict eligibility criteria are met; others may not cover biologics at all.

Our team can assist with documentation and pre-authorisation, but the final decision and extent of coverage always rests with your insurer or scheme. We recommend confirming the details directly with your provider before starting therapy.

Your Specialist

Meet Dr. Rahul Katyal

Dr. Rahul Katyal

MBBS, MD Pulmonary Medicine & Non-Invasive Cardiology

Director of Critical Care · Gini Advanced Care Hospital

✓ Assesses eligibility for and manages biologic therapy for severe asthma
✓ Postgraduate training in both Pulmonary Medicine and Non-Invasive Cardiology
✓ Uses objective phenotyping to match patients to the right biologic class
✓ Director of the 30-bed ICU — full back-up for any acute severe asthma

Dr. Rahul Katyal is Gini Hospital's lead pulmonologist and Director of Critical Care. He guides patients through the whole biologic journey — from the first eligibility assessment and phenotyping through to starting therapy and reviewing the response — with a clear, honest explanation of what these treatments can and cannot do.

View Full Profile →

FAQ

Biologic Therapy — Frequently Asked Questions

What is biologic therapy for asthma in simple terms? +

Biologics are targeted medicines called monoclonal antibodies, given as injections. Unlike inhalers, which calm inflammation broadly, each biologic blocks one specific inflammatory signal that drives severe asthma — such as IgE, IL-5, or IL-4/IL-13. By switching off the exact pathway causing the attacks, they can reduce or eliminate flare-ups and cut the need for oral steroids.

Who qualifies for asthma biologics? +

Biologics are for people with severe asthma that stays uncontrolled despite correctly used high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus a long-acting bronchodilator, who have frequent attacks or need oral steroids, and whose blood tests show a treatable inflammatory phenotype. Dr. Rahul Katyal confirms eligibility with a structured assessment before recommending any biologic.

How are biologics given and what should I expect? +

Biologics are given as injections, usually once every few weeks depending on the drug class. Early doses may be given at the hospital so you can be observed. Most patients notice fewer symptoms and attacks over the first few months. Response is reviewed at set intervals, and treatment is continued, adjusted, or stopped based on how well you respond.

How much does biologic therapy cost? +

Biologics are a long-term therapy and cost varies by the specific drug and dose. Please contact the Gini team on 0172-4120100 for current pricing of the biologics available here. Many patients use health insurance or employer/government schemes to help cover the cost — coverage depends entirely on your individual policy and should be confirmed with your insurer.

Is biologic therapy covered by insurance or CGHS? +

Coverage for asthma biologics depends on the specific policy or scheme. Some health insurance policies and government or employer schemes such as CGHS may cover part or all of the cost when strict eligibility criteria are met, while others may not. The Gini team can assist with documentation and pre-authorisation, but the final decision and extent of coverage always rests with your insurer or scheme.