Evidence Update for Tezepelumab to Treat Severe Uncontrolled Asthma, Corticosteroid-dependent Asthma, Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyposis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 2nd Barcelona Respiratory Network report

Tezepelumab is a human monoclonal antibody directed against thymic stromal lymphopoietin that inhibits initiation of the type 2 inflammatory cascade. Several pivotal studies demonstrating tezepelumab effectiveness and leading to regulatory and marketing authorization have since been complemented by further evidence, most notably from the following studies: (a) for severe uncontrolled asthma, the PASSAGE phase 4 clinical trial, conducted in a routine clinical practice setting, found that tezepelumab significantly reduced exacerbations, including in underrepresented populations (African-Americans, adolescents, smokers, individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and improved lung function, disease control, and quality of life. (b) For corticosteroid-dependent asthma, the WAYFINDER phase 3b clinical trial reported tezepelumab's effectiveness in reducing both dependency and the number of exacerbations as well as clinical remission in around a quarter of patients. (c) For chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, the WAYPOINT phase 3 clinical trial found that tezepelumab, after therapeutic optimization, decreased nasal polyp size and nasal congestion, improved clinical impact and sense of smell, and reduced the need for surgery. (d) For moderate-to-very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the COURSE phase 2a clinical trial reported a non-significant reduction in exacerbations, but also that reductions were greater for the type 2 phenotype (eosinophils ≥150 cells/μL). In conclusion, up-to-date evidence confirms tezepelumab safety and efficacy in treating severe uncontrolled asthma in routine clinical practice and in managing corticosteroid-dependent asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.