Dupilumab found to lessen disease in COPD patients with type 2 inflammation (“Significantly” positive results)

Medical Xpress / University of Alabama at Birmingham / New England Journal of Medicine ^ | June 20, 2023 | Jeff Hansen / Surya P. Bhatt et al

[ConservativeMind]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with type 2 inflammation saw rapid and sustained improvements in their disease after treatment with the monoclonal antibody dupilumab, according to a yearlong, Phase 3 clinical trial.

These improvements—as measured by a significantly lower annualized rate of acute exacerbations, significantly better lung function and quality of life, and significantly less severe symptoms than placebo-treated adults with COPD—were observed within two to four weeks after the initiation of dupilumab and were sustained throughout the 52-week trial period. This monoclonal antibody is the first biologic shown to improve clinical outcomes in COPD.

"Dupilumab has the potential to impact the vicious cycle of exacerbations and lung function decline in patients with COPD with type 2 inflammation and high exacerbation risk, who are already on optimal inhaled triple therapy," said Surya Bhatt, M.D. "Dupilumab significantly improves respiratory symptoms and also helped improve health-related quality of life measures."

COPD patients often have markedly reduced lung function and an increased risk of exacerbations, indicated by worsening cough and labored breathing or an increased volume of purulent sputum. Disease exacerbations can lead to an increased risk of subsequent exacerbations, accelerated lung-function decline and an increased risk of death.

COPD is generally thought of as an inflammatory disease predominantly driven by neutrophilic inflammation, but it is being increasingly recognized that approximately 20 percent to 40 percent of patients with COPD have a predominant type 2 inflammation. This is commonly detected by elevated blood eosinophil counts and is associated with high risk of exacerbations.

Dupilumab blocks the shared receptor component for interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, two cytokines that are key drivers of type 2 inflammation.

Besides effectiveness, the double-blind, randomized trial also showed safety, with a similar incidence of adverse events observed in both the trial groups.

[ConservativeMind]

“These improvements—as measured by a significantly lower annualized rate of acute exacerbations, significantly better lung function and quality of life, and significantly less severe symptoms than placebo-treated adults with COPD—were observed within two to four weeks after the initiation of dupilumab and were sustained throughout the 52-week trial period.”

That’s a big deal.

[ConservativeMind]

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[Rumplemeyer]

BUMP

[ssfromla]

That’s a big deal

A very big deal. I need some of that yesterday.

It's a horrible disease to have.

[HandyDandy]

Bookmark

[Gil4]

according to a yearlong, Phase 3 clinical trial

Does anyone here know the process? Is this something that is close to use or is it still years away and unlikely to make it to market?

[ConservativeMind]

This drug is available today, but you would need your doctor to provide this, likely “off-label.”

This Phase 3 trial shows an existing drug does a good job at something it wasn't initially approved to treat. It does have a remarkable amount of benefit, it seems, so that might help sway in favor.

That said, it may not be covered by insurance, unless your doctor can get them on board.

Doctors here on Free Republic could further describe the situation.

[Rusty0604]

Thanks!

MS.BEHAVIN, this may be of interest to you.

[OftheOhio]

I’ve always wondered about the selection process for the placebo-treated victims.

https://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=761055&name=DUPIXENT

[BozoTexino]

Bookmark for Mike.

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Thanks very much!
Will read it tomorrow!

[nurees]

Dupixent is amazing. Treats so many indications in the seem space and is already approved for asthma.

[nurees]

Derm not seem. Sorry!

[muggs]

Thank you!