For many Nigerians living in the UK, managing long-term health conditions like asthma can be both physically exhausting and financially draining, especially when symptoms persist despite regular treatment. A new decision by UK health regulators could now bring relief to thousands of patients who struggle with severe asthma and chronic sinus conditions.
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved depemokimab, marketed as Exdensur, the first biological medicine that is taken just twice a year for certain asthma patients and adults suffering from severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. The approval was confirmed on 15 December 2025 and applies to adults and adolescents aged 12 and above.
Depemokimab has been authorised as an add-on treatment for people whose symptoms remain poorly controlled despite using standard therapies. For patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, this includes those who have already undergone surgery but continue to experience severe symptoms.
Asthma affects the lungs by inflaming and narrowing the airways, making breathing difficult and sometimes life-threatening. Chronic rhinosinusitis, on the other hand, involves long-lasting inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses, often lasting more than 12 weeks. In severe cases, this inflammation causes soft tissue growths known as nasal polyps, which can block airflow, reduce smell, and significantly affect quality of life.
The active ingredient in the new medicine, depemokimab, works by blocking interleukin-5, a key protein responsible for type 2 inflammation. This type of inflammation plays a major role in both severe asthma and chronic sinus disease. By targeting this underlying cause, the treatment aims to reduce flare-ups and improve long-term symptom control rather than simply managing day-to-day attacks.
One of the most significant advantages of depemokimab is how it is taken. Instead of frequent hospital visits or monthly injections, patients receive a single injection under the skin once every six months. For working adults, students, and carers, including many in the Nigerian diaspora balancing multiple responsibilities, this could mean fewer clinic appointments and less disruption to daily life.
Commenting on the approval, Julian Beach, the MHRA’s Interim Executive Director for Healthcare Quality and Access, said the conditions affect a large number of people across the UK and can be difficult to manage even with existing treatments. He noted that the approval provides another option for patients whose symptoms are not adequately controlled and confirmed that the medicine’s safety and effectiveness will continue to be closely monitored.
As with all medications, depemokimab does come with possible side effects. The most commonly reported include itchy skin, headaches, tiredness, and reactions around the injection site. Patients are encouraged to read the official Patient Information Leaflet once published and to speak with a healthcare professional if they notice any unusual symptoms. Side effects can also be reported through the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
The medicine has been granted marketing authorisation to pharmaceutical company GSK plc and was approved through the MHRA’s national assessment procedure. Detailed prescribing information and patient guidance will be made publicly available on the MHRA website shortly after approval.
For Nigerians and other migrant communities in the UK, access to effective long-term healthcare is a critical part of settling and thriving abroad. Chronic conditions can quietly limit opportunities, productivity, and wellbeing. Breakthroughs like this highlight how advances in UK healthcare can directly improve quality of life for diaspora families provided patients stay informed and actively engage with their doctors.
At Chijos News, we continue to track health policies and medical developments that matter to the African diaspora, helping our readers make informed decisions about their health, work, and future in the UK.