FASENRA’s Partnership with PPA: FASENRA (benralizumab) injection, a prescription medicine for people with severe eosinophilic asthma, joined the 2025 CIBC Texas Open this year in Dallas, Texas, as an Official Partner of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). This partnership was established to raise awareness about asthma and help more people learn how to manage it, enabling them to enjoy activities like pickleball.
FASENRA is used along with other asthma medicines in people aged 6 and older whose asthma is not under control. It does not treat sudden asthma attacks or breathing problems. The medicine lowers the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell linked to severe asthma.
Helping People Learn About Asthma
Through its partnership with the Professional Pickleball Association, FASENRA is focused on teaching people about eosinophilic asthma, which affects over 80% of adults with severe asthma.
At the 2025 CIBC Texas Open, FASENRA set up fun, interactive activities to help fans learn about asthma while being active. In one of the games, players aimed pickleballs at moving targets on a 10-foot-tall LED screen. Each target represented eosinophils. Players earned points for every hit, with a leaderboard showing top scores.
The FASENRA booth also allowed fans to hear real stories from asthma patients and learn how to speak to their doctors about asthma treatment plans.
Emily G’s Story: Life With Asthma
Emily G is a patient with eosinophilic asthma who shared her story as part of the FASENRA and PPA campaign.
“I played tennis for about 7-8 years, and I also played a few pickleball games, which I thought were really fun and a different experience compared to tennis. But due to my asthma, I had to use a (rescue) inhaler at times before, while and after I played. It was getting to the point where I thought I could not keep up, so I stopped.” – (Emily G)
“But my husband wanted to join a pickleball team because pickleball has gotten big in my hometown in Michigan. My husband is an active player now and he keeps saying to me, ‘you know, your asthma is under control.’ So, I don’t really have any excuses! But back then, asthma did take me away from my love of fitness and having an active lifestyle.” – (Emily G)
From Struggles to Support
Emily shared how difficult her asthma had become before she was diagnosed with eosinophilic asthma.
“I also love walking, and I try to take a walk every day. There was a time when I would walk with my husband, and it was difficult to talk and walk at the same time because I could not get enough air. I was in a vicious cycle where I was getting asthma attacks (exacerbations) more often than before. Asthma took me away from everything I loved and everything that I wanted to do.” – (Emily G)
“In late 2021, I was running through the Salt Lake City airport to try to get a flight to see my grandchildren, but I struggled. That’s how bad my symptoms had gotten. So that’s when I decided to take action and have a discussion with my doctor.” – (Emily G)
“It was not until I got a blood test at my doctor’s office where I found out my eosinophil count was high. This eventually led to my diagnosis with eosinophilic asthma. I discussed the benefits and risks with my doctor and we then added FASENRA to my treatment plan, which has worked for me.” – (Emily G)
“I now go walking with my daughter, Lizzy, for 2 miles and I feel like I can keep going and going! And I can also keep up and play with my grandkids—who I adore dearly!” – (Emily G)
Advice From Emily G
Emily encouraged others to stay informed and keep going.
“Make sure to seek out doctors or healthcare providers who are up-to-date on treatment options. If recommended, seek a blood test counting eosinophil levels. And lastly, do not give up!” – (Emily G)
Partnership With Purpose
Emily also praised the partnership between FASENRA and the Professional Pickleball Association.
“When I first heard about the FASENRA and PPA partnership, I thought it was a great idea! It’s so important to keep educated on health and especially eosinophilic asthma for all patients out there. I think this is a sign from the universe for me to get more into pickleball.” – (Emily G)
When asked when she plans to return to playing, Emily said,
“I cannot wait to get back to the pickleball courts with my husband and some friends very soon! I might even bring along my grandkids.” – (Emily G)
What’s Next
FASENRA will continue to support the pickleball community through events like the upcoming FASENRA Virginia Beach Pickleball Cup from October 8 to 12. This event will include more educational activities and fun games.
Important Safety Information
Do not use FASENRA if you are allergic to benralizumab or any ingredients in the medicine. It is not used for sudden asthma problems. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, may happen after taking FASENRA. These reactions can occur hours or days later.
Tell your doctor right away if you have:
swelling of your face, mouth, or tongue
trouble breathing
fainting, dizziness, or feeling lightheaded
rash or hives
Before using FASENRA, tell your doctor if you:
use oral or inhaled corticosteroids
have a parasitic infection
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
are breastfeeding
are taking other medicines or supplements
Do not stop other asthma medicines without your doctor’s advice. Tell your doctor if your asthma worsens after starting FASENRA. The most common side effects are headache and sore throat. This may not include all possible side effects.
FASENRA is approved for use in people 6 years and older whose asthma is not controlled by their current medicines. It is not for sudden breathing issues.
News in Brief: FASENRA’s Partnership with PPA
At the 2025 CIBC Texas Open, FASENRA (benralizumab) joined as an official PPA partner to raise awareness about eosinophilic asthma. Fans took part in interactive learning and games, including a digital challenge targeting eosinophils.
Emily G., a patient with severe asthma, shared how FASENRA helped her return to activities like pickleball. FASENRA will appear next at the Virginia Beach Pickleball Cup, October 8–12, continuing its mission to promote asthma education and health support through sport.
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