PIMS launches state-of-the-art MICU, biological therapy for asthma patients

The Hindu

08-06-2025

The Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) recently launched a state-of-the-art Medical ICU and introduced a new biological therapy for asthma patients.
The MICU was launched at an event by K. Jacob, PIMS chairman and Susan Thomas, treasurer.
The ceremony was attended Renu G'Boy, Director, Peter Manoharan, Medical Superintendent, Achu Jacob Philip, DMS Emergency care and ICU, and Nayyar Iqbal, coordinator, medical education, senior consultants and staff.
According to a press release, the 11-bedded MICU has a host of advanced facilities, including advanced hemodynamic monitoring, dialysis equipment and other point-of-care diagnostics.
In a first, PIMS has introduced administering of Benralizumab, a state-of-the-art biological therapy, for patients suffering from severe eosinophilic asthma, the press release said.
Benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody that works by depleting eosinophils – a type of white blood cell involved in the inflammation seen in certain types of asthma – and has been approved globally for patients who remain symptomatic despite high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and other controller therapies.
According to Antonious Maria Selvam, Head of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at PIMS, the cutting edge modality with Benralizumab offers a targeted approach that can dramatically improve the lives of patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, especially those who have long struggled with uncontrolled symptoms despite standard treatments.
'By reducing exacerbations and hospitalisations, it enhances overall quality of life and long-term disease control,' Dr. Selvam said.
It is proposed to expand access to biologic therapies and offer the best possible outcomes for patients with complex respiratory diseases, he added.