Biologics as add-on therapy for severe asthma

Published on 01 Sep 2020
Last Updated on 06 February 2026

Guidance Recommendations

The Ministry of Health’s Drug Advisory Committee has recommended:

• Benralizumab 30 mg/1 mL autoinjector pen for treating severe eosinophilic asthma; and

• Omalizumab biosimilar (Omlyclo) 75 mg/0.5 mL and 150 mg/1 mL pre-filled syringes for treating severe allergic asthma.

Funding Status

Benralizumab 30 mg/ml autoinjector pen is recommended for inclusion on the Medication Assistance Fund (MAF) for the abovementioned indication from 1 April 2026.

Benralizumab should be used in line with the additional clinical criteria for initiation and renewal listed in the Annex.

Omalizumab biosimilar (Omlyclo) 75 mg/0.5 mL and 150 mg/1 mL pre-filled syringes are recommended for inclusion on the Standard Drug List (SDL) from 1 April 2026.

SDL subsidy and MAF assistance do not apply to any formulations or strengths of dupilumab, mepolizumab, omalizumab reference biologic (Xolair) or tezepelumab for treating severe asthma.

Biologics as add-on therapy for severe asthma (Updated 6 Feb 2026) [PDF, 239 KB]

PES_Biologics as add-on therapy for severe asthma (Updated 6 Feb 2026) [PDF, 107 KB]