Reducing Barriers to the Integration of Biologic Therapy in the Management of Pediatric Moderate to Severe Asthma

This activity was originally broadcast in conjunction with Asembia Specialty Pharmacy Summit 2024.

Program Description

Asthma is a common respiratory disease characterized by airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation of the airways. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to symptoms and flare-ups, which can be treated in the pediatric population through short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) inhalers; low-dose, as-needed inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-formoterol inhalers; and ICS and biologics in severe cases. Biologics have the potential to improve the quality of life for pediatric patients with severe asthma and may be considered in patients experiencing persistent symptoms despite high-dose ICS or ICS and a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA). Pharmacists can utilize their expertise on asthma to offer education on the disease and on inhaler technique, inform patients and caregivers about different asthma medications and biologics, and decrease the overall burden of disease. This activity will explore the age-related factors that influence the selection and dosing of biologic therapies for pediatric patients with asthma. Patient counseling video vignettes will be integrated into this case-based discussion to review the role of pharmacists in educating patients on treatment options while ensuring the safety and efficacy of biologics in the treatment of moderate to severe asthma for pediatric patients.

Target audience: Specialty pharmacists

Type of activity: Application
Release date: May 17, 2024
Expiration date: May 17, 2025

Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours

Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Investigate the clinical and economic burden of moderate to severe asthma in the pediatric population
• Analyze the age-related factors that influence the selection and dosing of biologic therapies for pediatric patients with asthma
• Examine the safety and efficacy of biologic therapies for pediatric patients with moderate to severe asthma
• Customize strategies to address barriers, such as providing patient/caregiver education, collaborating with health care providers to enhance adherence support, and assisting with access to biologic therapies

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-24-132-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through May 17, 2025.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

Monica Littlejohn, PharmD, MHA, has the following financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:
Grant/Research Support: Institution received research grant on my behalf from Sanofi

Consultant: Received honoraria for serving as a consultant for AstraZeneca

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty

Elizabeth Autry, PharmD, BCPPS

Amanda Williams, PharmD, RPh

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Rose Buszka, PharmD, BCPS, CHCP; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Anonymous peer reviewers were used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewers have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.


Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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