Time to establish a consensus definition of clinical remission distinct from well-controlled asthma

Biologic therapies which target specific immunological pathways, characterised by related biomarkers, have transformed the management of severe asthma, with their use leading to significant reductions in the rates of severe exacerbations and maintenance oral corticosteroid (mOCS) exposure [1, 2]. In response to this marked efficacy, the question as to whether biologics may modify the natural history of asthma in certain individuals by inducing a state of clinical remission has been considered [3, 4]. It has been reported that clinical remission may be an achievable goal for about one-third of patients with severe asthma treated with biologics [5]. However, most studies have been limited to 12 months of treatment, and it is unknown whether long-term, sustained remission is achievable.