New CSU Treatment: What Is a BTK Inhibitor Medication?

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Welcome to the new episode of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast. This episode focuses on a new medication called a BTK (Bruton tyrosine kinase) inhibitor. This is an exciting new type of medicine that may change how allergic diseases are treated in the future.

Our co-hosts, Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney, talk with allergist Matthew Giannetti, MD, about how BTK inhibitors work and what this new treatment means for people living with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). They also discuss how patients and doctors can work together to make treatment decisions.

Remibrutinib, a BTK inhibitor, has recently been approved to treat CSU, a condition that causes frequent hives and swelling.

You can listen to the podcast on ItchPodcast.com or download it for listening anytime, anywhere, at:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Any mention of brands is also informational and not an endorsement. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns.

Thank you to Novartis for sponsoring this episode.

Key takeaways from our BTK inhibitors podcast episode

Wondering how BTK inhibitors help with chronic hives and other allergic conditions? Our podcasters explain how these new medicines work and what to expect:

  • BTK is a switch inside the cell. It helps turn on mast cells, which release histamine and cause hives.
  • BTK inhibitors turn that switch off. Blocking BTK can stop mast cells from releasing the chemicals that cause itching and swelling.
  • The medicine works from the inside out. Unlike other treatments that act after histamine is released, BTK inhibitors work earlier in the process.
  • It’s a new treatment for CSU. BTK inhibitors give people with chronic hives another option that works quickly and is taken by mouth.

Timestamps for our podcast about BTK inhibitors

1:42 – What does BTK do?

4:35 – How is BTK activated?

6:55 – What a BTK inhibitor does

10:01 – Designing BTK inhibitors and immune deficiency

14:08 – How these medicines are given

15:32 – Other allergic diseases being studied

17:55 – Safety and side effects of BTK inhibitors

More resources about chronic spontaneous urticaria

More podcasts about CSU