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Menzies-Gow A, Ambrose CS, Colice G, Hunter G, Cook B, Molfino NA, Llanos JP, Israel E. Effect of Tezepelumab on Lung Function in Patients With Severe, Uncontrolled Asthma in the Phase 3 NAVIGATOR Study. Adv Ther 2023; 40:4957-4971. [PMID: 37723356 PMCID: PMC10567907 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02659-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Severe asthma is associated with airway inflammation and airway obstruction. In the phase 3 NAVIGATOR study, tezepelumab treatment significantly improved pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) compared with placebo in patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma. This analysis assessed the effect of tezepelumab versus placebo on additional lung function parameters in patients from NAVIGATOR. METHODS NAVIGATOR was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients (12-80 years old) receiving medium- or high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and at least one additional controller medication, with or without oral corticosteroids, were randomized 1:1 to tezepelumab 210 mg or placebo subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 52 weeks. Changes from baseline to week 52 in pre-bronchodilator FEV1, post-bronchodilator FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC), pre-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio, pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75), and morning and evening peak expiratory flow (PEF) were assessed. RESULTS Tezepelumab treatment improved all evaluated lung function parameters over 52 weeks compared with placebo [least-squares mean difference (95% confidence interval): pre-bronchodilator FEV1, 0.13 (0.08, 0.18) L; post-bronchodilator FEV1, 0.12 (0.07, 0.16) L; FVC, 0.13 (0.07, 0.19) L; FEV1/FVC ratio, 2.06% (1.22%, 2.90%); FEF25-75, 0.13 (0.07, 0.19) L/s; morning PEF, 16.6 (8.1, 25.1) L/min; and evening PEF, 14.9 (6.3, 23.4) L/min]. Improvements were observed as early as weeks 1-2 and were maintained over 52 weeks. Greater improvements in lung function compared with placebo were observed in patients with a disease duration of less than 20 years, those with baseline post-bronchodilator FEV1 reversibility of at least 20%, and in patients with a baseline post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio of less than 0.7. CONCLUSION These findings further support the benefits of tezepelumab treatment in improving airflow limitation in patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NAVIGATOR (NCT03347279).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Menzies-Gow
- Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NP, UK.
| | - Christopher S Ambrose
- Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Gene Colice
- Late-Stage Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Gillian Hunter
- Biometrics, Late-Stage Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bill Cook
- Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Elliot Israel
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Allergy & Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Walsh GM. Recent developments in the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting the type 2 cytokines for severe asthma treatment. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2023; 98:31-54. [PMID: 37524491 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Severe or refractory asthma is seen in approximately 5% of asthmatic subjects who have unsatisfactory symptom control despite adherence to high-dose inhaled glucocorticoid therapies resulting in significant morbidity, reduced quality of life with attendant implications for healthcare costs. Marked heterogeneity in symptoms and at the molecular phenotypic level are hallmarks of asthma resulting in the requirement of specifically targeted treatments to block the key pathways of the disease. Monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based biologics targeted at inhibition of the type 2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 have become established as effective treatments for severe asthma, with significant clinical benefit seen in carefully selected patient populations that take asthma phenotypes and endotypes into account. The further development of reproducible and straightforward discriminatory biomarkers may aid identification of those patients most likely to benefit from treatment with these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garry M Walsh
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND This is the second update of previously published reviews in the Cochrane Library (2015, first update 2017). Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is the main cytokine involved in the proliferation, maturation, activation and survival of eosinophils, which cause airway inflammation and are a classic feature of asthma. Studies of monoclonal antibodies targeting IL-5 or its receptor (IL-5R) suggest they reduce asthma exacerbations, improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and lung function in appropriately selected patients, justifying their inclusion in the latest guidelines. OBJECTIVES To compare the effects of therapies targeting IL-5 signalling (anti-IL-5 or anti-IL-5Rα) with placebo on exacerbations, health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) measures and lung function in adults and children with chronic asthma, and specifically in those with eosinophilic asthma refractory to existing treatments. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and two trials registers, manufacturers' websites, and reference lists of included studies. The most recent search was 7 February 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials comparing mepolizumab, reslizumab and benralizumab versus placebo in adults and children with asthma. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted data and analysed outcomes using a random-effects model. We used standard methods expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS Seventeen studies on about 7600 participants met the inclusion criteria. Six used mepolizumab, five used reslizumab, and six used benralizumab. One study using benralizumab was terminated early due to sponsor decision and contributed no data. The studies were predominantly on people with severe eosinophilic asthma, which was similarly but variably defined. One was in children aged 6 to 17 years; nine others included children over 12 years but did not report results by age group separately. We deemed the overall risk of bias to be low, with all studies contributing data of robust methodology. We considered the certainty of the evidence for all comparisons to be high overall using the GRADE scheme, except for intravenous (IV) mepolizumab and subcutaneous (SC) reslizumab because these are not currently licensed delivery routes. The anti-IL-5 treatments assessed reduced rates of 'clinically significant' asthma exacerbation (defined by treatment with systemic corticosteroids for three days or more) by approximately half in participants with severe eosinophilic asthma on standard care (at least medium-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)) with poorly controlled disease (either two or more exacerbations in the preceding year or Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score of 1.5 or more), except for reslizumab SC. The rate ratios for these effects were 0.45 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36 to 0.55; high-certainty evidence) for mepolizumab SC, 0.53 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.64; moderate-certainty evidence) for mepolizumab IV, 0.43 (95% CI 0.33 to 0.55; high-certainty evidence) for reslizumab IV, and 0.59 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.66; high-certainty evidence) for benralizumab SC. Non-eosinophilic participants treated with benralizumab also showed a significant reduction in exacerbation rates, an effect not seen with reslizumab IV, albeit in only one study. No data were available for non-eosinophilic participants treated with mepolizumab. There were improvements in validated HRQoL scores with all anti-IL-5 agents in severe eosinophilic asthma. This met the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for the broader St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ; 4-point change) for benralizumab only, but the improvement in the ACQ and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), which focus on asthma symptoms, fell short of the MCID (0.5 point change for both ACQ and AQLQ) for all of the interventions. The evidence for an improvement in HRQoL scores in non-eosinophilic participants treated with benralizumab and reslizumab was weak, but the tests for subgroup difference were negative. All anti-IL-5 treatments produced small improvements in mean pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory flow in one second (FEV1) of between 0.08 L and 0.15 L in eosinophilic participants, which may not be sufficient to be detected by patients. There were no excess serious adverse events with any anti-IL-5 treatment; in fact, there was a reduction in such events with benralizumab, likely arising from fewer asthma-related hospital admissions. There was no difference compared to placebo in adverse events leading to discontinuation with mepolizumab or reslizumab, but significantly more discontinued benralizumab than placebo, although the absolute numbers were small (42/2026 (2.1%) benralizumab versus 11/1227 (0.9%) placebo). The implications for efficacy or adverse events are unclear. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Overall this analysis supports the use of anti-IL-5 treatments as an adjunct to standard care in people with severe eosinophilic asthma and poor symptom control. These treatments roughly halve the rate of asthma exacerbations in this population. There is limited evidence for improved HRQoL scores and lung function, which may not meet clinically detectable levels. The studies did not report safety concerns for mepolizumab or reslizumab, or any excess serious adverse events with benralizumab, although there remains a question over adverse events significant enough to prompt discontinuation. Further research is needed on biomarkers for assessing treatment response, optimal duration and long-term effects of treatment, risk of relapse on withdrawal, non-eosinophilic patients, children (particularly under 12 years), comparing anti-IL-5 treatments to each other and, in patients meeting relevant eligibility criteria, to other biological (monoclonal antibody) therapies. For benralizumab, future studies should closely monitor rates of adverse events prompting discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen Milan
- Health Innovation Campus and Centre for Health Futures, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | | | - Freda Yang
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Colin Ve Powell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidra Medciine, Doha, Qatar
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Menzies-Gow A, Hoyte FL, Price DB, Cohen D, Barker P, Kreindler J, Jison M, Brooks CL, Papeleu P, Katial R. Clinical Remission in Severe Asthma: A Pooled Post Hoc Analysis of the Patient Journey with Benralizumab. Adv Ther 2022; 39:2065-2084. [PMID: 35287231 PMCID: PMC9056458 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02098-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Consensus definitions for clinical remission and super-response were recently established for severe asthma. Benralizumab is an interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor α-directed monoclonal antibody for severe, uncontrolled asthma; efficacy and safety were demonstrated in previous pivotal phase 3 trials (SIROCCO, CALIMA, ZONDA). This analysis applied a composite remission definition to characterize individual responses to benralizumab after 6 and 12 months. Methods In previous phase 3 studies, eligible patients were those with severe, uncontrolled asthma receiving medium- or high-dosage inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting β2-agonists. This post hoc analysis included patients randomized to the approved benralizumab dose and not receiving oral corticosteroids (OCS) at baseline (SIROCCO/CALIMA) or OCS ≤ 12.5 mg per day (ZONDA). Individual remission components were zero exacerbations; zero OCS use; Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6) score < 1.5 or ≤ 0.75; and pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) increase ≥ 100 mL; clinical remission incorporated zero exacerbations, zero OCS use, ACQ-6 score ≤ 0.75, and pre-bronchodilator FEV1 increase ≥ 100 mL after 6 or 12 months. Results Overall, 609 patients (N = 301 and N = 308) and 586 patients (N = 293 and N = 293) receiving benralizumab in SIROCCO and CALIMA were included at 6 and 12 months, respectively; 40 ZONDA patients were included after 6 months. In SIROCCO/CALIMA, similar to 6-month findings, approx. 83% and approx. 49% receiving benralizumab, and 77% and 37% on placebo achieved ≥ 2 and ≥ 3 remission components after 12 months; 14.5% (85/586) on benralizumab and 7.7% (48/620) on placebo achieved clinical remission at 12 months. Among ZONDA patients, 75% and approx. 48% on benralizumab and 35% and 20% on placebo achieved ≥ 2 and ≥ 3 remission components at 6 months, respectively; 22.5% (9/40) on benralizumab and 7.5% on placebo achieved clinical remission. Conclusions This analysis demonstrates clinical remission is achievable by targeting the underlying drivers of inflammation. Precision medicines can help shift treatment paradigms toward treat-to-target, with clinical remission as the ultimate therapeutic goal in severe asthma. Clinical trial registration SIROCCO (NCT01928771); CALIMA (NCT01914757); ZONDA (NCT02075255). Dr. Andrew Menzies-Gow Discusses a Post Hoc Analysis of Clinical Remission in Severe Asthma with Benralizumab
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-022-02098-1. Widely accepted definitions for disease remission are already established for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and cancer, among others. Two separate expert groups recently collaborated to discuss clinical remission/super-response to treatment in patients with severe asthma. Both groups developed separate, yet similar ways to determine whether a patient should be considered “in remission.” In this study, we used the results from three previous trials (SIROCCO, CALIMA, and ZONDA) that were conducted to assess a therapy called benralizumab in patients with severe asthma to identify patients who met some or all of the criteria for disease remission in severe asthma. These criteria included zero asthma exacerbations; zero oral steroid (OCS) use; asthma control score; and improvement in lung function. Across all three trials, about three quarters of the patients achieved two or more remission components and about half achieved three or more remission components after 6 months of treatment; furthermore, these rates were generally similar to the numbers of patients who achieved two or more components and three or more components of remission after 12 months of treatment. Overall, 15–23% of patients achieved clinical remission in 6 months, and approximately 15% achieved remission within 12 months. The results show that biologic therapies like benralizumab help improve the symptoms of severe asthma and allow patients to achieve disease remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Menzies-Gow
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney St, London, SW3 6NP, UK.
- Harefield Hospital, Harefield, Uxbridge, UK.
| | - Flavia L Hoyte
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - David B Price
- Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Midview City, Singapore
- Centre of Academic Primary Care, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - David Cohen
- BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Peter Barker
- BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - James Kreindler
- BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Maria Jison
- BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Rohit Katial
- BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
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Cevhertas L, Ogulur I, Maurer DJ, Burla D, Ding M, Jansen K, Koch J, Liu C, Ma S, Mitamura Y, Peng Y, Radzikowska U, Rinaldi AO, Satitsuksanoa P, Globinska A, Veen W, Sokolowska M, Baerenfaller K, Gao Y, Agache I, Akdis M, Akdis CA. Advances and recent developments in asthma in 2020. Allergy 2020; 75:3124-3146. [PMID: 32997808 DOI: 10.1111/all.14607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we discuss recent publications on asthma and review the studies that have reported on the different aspects of the prevalence, risk factors and prevention, mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of asthma. Many risk and protective factors and molecular mechanisms are involved in the development of asthma. Emerging concepts and challenges in implementing the exposome paradigm and its application in allergic diseases and asthma are reviewed, including genetic and epigenetic factors, microbial dysbiosis, and environmental exposure, particularly to indoor and outdoor substances. The most relevant experimental studies further advancing the understanding of molecular and immune mechanisms with potential new targets for the development of therapeutics are discussed. A reliable diagnosis of asthma, disease endotyping, and monitoring its severity are of great importance in the management of asthma. Correct evaluation and management of asthma comorbidity/multimorbidity, including interaction with asthma phenotypes and its value for the precision medicine approach and validation of predictive biomarkers, are further detailed. Novel approaches and strategies in asthma treatment linked to mechanisms and endotypes of asthma, particularly biologicals, are critically appraised. Finally, due to the recent pandemics and its impact on patient management, we discuss the challenges, relationships, and molecular mechanisms between asthma, allergies, SARS-CoV-2, and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacin Cevhertas
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Christine Kühne‐Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK‐CARE) Davos Switzerland
- Department of Medical Immunology Institute of Health Sciences, Bursa Uludag University Bursa Turkey
| | - Ismail Ogulur
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Marmara University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Debbie J. Maurer
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
| | - Daniel Burla
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
| | - Mei Ding
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Christine Kühne‐Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK‐CARE) Davos Switzerland
- Department of Allergology Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan Hubei China
| | - Kirstin Jansen
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
| | - Jana Koch
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics (SIB) Davos Switzerland
| | - Chengyao Liu
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Beijing TongRen HospitalCapital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Siyuan Ma
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Beijing TongRen HospitalCapital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Yasutaka Mitamura
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
| | - Yaqi Peng
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Otorhinolaryngology HospitalThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou China
| | - Urszula Radzikowska
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Christine Kühne‐Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK‐CARE) Davos Switzerland
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Immune Regulation Medical University of Bialystok Bialystok Poland
| | - Arturo O. Rinaldi
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
| | - Pattraporn Satitsuksanoa
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Christine Kühne‐Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK‐CARE) Davos Switzerland
| | - Anna Globinska
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
| | - Willem Veen
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Christine Kühne‐Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK‐CARE) Davos Switzerland
| | - Milena Sokolowska
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
| | - Katja Baerenfaller
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics (SIB) Davos Switzerland
| | - Ya‐dong Gao
- Department of Allergology Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan Hubei China
| | - Ioana Agache
- Faculty of Medicine Transylvania University Brasov Romania
| | - Mübeccel Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
| | - Cezmi A. Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF) University of Zurich Davos Switzerland
- Christine Kühne‐Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK‐CARE) Davos Switzerland
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Matsuno O, Minamoto S. Rapid effect of benralizumab for severe asthma with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2020; 64:101965. [PMID: 33039667 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2020.101965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The anti-interleukin (IL)-5 agent benralizumab has recently become available for treatment of severe asthma with promising results; however, it appears effective only in specific subgroups of asthma patients. Severe asthma with chronic rhinosinusitis/nasal polyps (CRSwNP or eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis, ECRS) is a severe eosinophilic asthma phenotype that necessitates individualized treatment. OBJECTIVE To assess differences in response to benralizumab between severely eosinophilic asthma patients with and without CRSwNP. METHODS Seventeen outpatients with severe eosinophilic asthma treated with benralizumab for 1 year were evaluated at the Osaka Habikino Medical Center. Blood eosinophil count, Asthma Control Questionnaire 5 (ACQ5), Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and spirometry were recorded at weeks 0, 4, 16, 24, and 50. RESULTS ACQ5 and AQLQ in CRSwNP(+) groups improved significantly after 4, 16, 24, and 50 weeks (p = 0.0195, 0.0156, 0.0117, and 0.0078 and p = 0.0098, 0.0098, 0.0029, and 0.0098, respectively) of benralizumab treatment. ACQ5 in CRSwNP(-) groups did not improve significantly after benralizumab treatment, but AQLQ improved significantly after 24 (p = 0.0313) and 50 weeks (p = 0.0313). Forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) predicted in CRSwNP(+) groups were improved significantly after 4 weeks (p = 0.0137), 16 weeks (p = 0.0127), 24 weeks (p = 0.0098) and 50 weeks (p = 0.0420) of benralizumab treatment. %FEV1 in CRSwNP(-) groups were improved significantly after 24 weeks (p = 0.0313) and 50 weeks (p = 0.0313) of benralizumab treatment (Fig. 3). Forced vital capacity (FVC) predicted in CRSwNP(+) groups were improved significantly after 24 weeks (p = 0.0195) and %FVC in CRSwNP(-) groups improved significantly after 50 weeks (p = 0.0313) of benralizumab treatment. Maximum mid-expiratory flow rate predicted in CRSwNP(+) groups were improved significantly after 16 (p = 0.0137 and 50 weeks (p = 0.0371) of benralizumab treatment. CONCLUSIONS Benralizumab can exert a very rapid therapeutic action, detectable 4 weeks after treatment initiation in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma with CRSwNP. However, severe eosinophilic asthma without CRSwNP takes longer to respond to benralizumab treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Matsuno
- Department of Medicine for Allergic Disease, Osaka Habikino Medical Center, 3-7-1 Habikino, Habikino City, Osaka, 583-8588, Japan.
| | - Seijiro Minamoto
- Department of Medicine for Allergic Disease, Osaka Habikino Medical Center, 3-7-1 Habikino, Habikino City, Osaka, 583-8588, Japan
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Menzella F, Ruggiero P, Galeone C, Scelfo C, Bagnasco D, Facciolongo N. Significant improvement in lung function and asthma control after benralizumab treatment for severe refractory eosinophilic asthma. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2020; 64:101966. [PMID: 33039666 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2020.101966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Severe eosinophilic asthma is a complex disease and much effort has been made to fully understand its mechanisms. Bronchial remodeling and loss of lung function are important features in asthma, however their key aspects are not completely clear, especially the impact that biological drugs may have on them. One of the key cytokines involved in the pathophysiology of eosinophilic asthma is interleukin-5 (IL-5), which plays a very important role together with other type 2 cytokines and chemokines in the development, transmigration and persistence of eosinophils into airways, such as eotaxin-2 and 3, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IL-33, as well as IL-4 and IL-13. Several monoclonal antibodies have been developed against this cytokine (mepolizumab, reslizumab) or its receptor (benralizumab). Data on the improvement of respiratory function in patients who undergo benralizumab treatment are scarce and partly conflicting. Real-life studies may play a crucial role in clarifying this important aspect. The aim of this retrospective observational real-world study was to evaluate the effect of benralizumab on lung function improvement, exacerbation rate, oral corticosteroids (OCS) reduction and asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) score before and after six months of treatment with benralizumab in a cohort of 20 consecutive patients with severe refractory asthma (SRA) treated at the Pneumology Unit of Local Health Authority, Reggio Emilia, Italy. Add-on therapy with benralizumab allowed to completely suspend OCS in 19 out of 20 patients. Notably, the number of moderate/severe exacerbations dropped significantly (p < 0,0001); as well as an improvement in ACQ score (p < 0,0001). The most relevant data concern respiratory function: the average pre-bronchodilator FEV1 increased by 21.3% (+680 ml) compared to baseline (p = 0,0006). Moreover, the improvement in morning PEF (+66,6 l/min) confirmed the benefit of benralizumab (p = 0,02). The improvement in respiratory function was significantly higher in patients with blood eosinophilia greater than 500 cells/μL and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This study underlies a noticeable improvement in respiratory function, much higher than what has been observed in literature so far. This aspect, together with the others aforementioned, should be considered when choosing a treatment option in the context of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Menzella
- Department of Medical Specialties, Pneumology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda USL di Reggio Emilia- IRCCS, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Ruggiero
- Department of Medical Specialties, Pneumology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda USL di Reggio Emilia- IRCCS, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carla Galeone
- Department of Medical Specialties, Pneumology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda USL di Reggio Emilia- IRCCS, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Chiara Scelfo
- Department of Medical Specialties, Pneumology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda USL di Reggio Emilia- IRCCS, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Diego Bagnasco
- Allergy & Respiratory Diseases, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicola Facciolongo
- Department of Medical Specialties, Pneumology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda USL di Reggio Emilia- IRCCS, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Walsh GM. Anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of asthma: an update. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:1237-1244. [PMID: 32529893 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1782381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma exhibits marked heterogeneity in symptoms with severe or refractory asthma representing a clear area of unmet medical need. These patients require more specifically targeted treatments with monoclonal antibody-based biologics targeted at inhibition of the type 2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 having considerable potential as effective treatments for severe asthma. For the most part, anti-cytokine-based biologic therapies are more likely to give significant clinical benefit in carefully selected patient populations that take asthma phenotypes and endotypes into account. AREAS COVERED This review is based on recent English-language original articles in Pub Med or MedLine that reported significant clinical findings on the current status, therapeutic potential and safety of the anti-IL-5 biologics mepolizumab, reslizumab and benralizumab in the treatment of severe refractory asthma. EXPERT OPINION Anti-IL-5 treatment appears effective in patients with eosinophilic asthma through exacerbation prevention with accumulating evidence of glucocorticoid-sparing effects with an acceptable safety profile for these biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garry M Walsh
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen, UK
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