1
|
Patadia R, Casale TB, Fowler J, Patel S, Cardet JC. Advancements in biologic therapy in eosinophilic asthma. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38619468 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2342527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asthma encompasses a spectrum of phenotypes often categorized into two groups- type 2 high (T2 high) and type 2 low (T2 low). T2 high includes atopic and eosinophilic presentations whereas T2 low is non-atopic, non-eosinophilic, and oft associated with neutrophilic inflammation. Eosinophilic asthma is often driven by IgE, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 and TSLP. This can lead to eosinophilic inflammatory response in the airways which in turn can be used as target for treatment. AREAS COVERED The article will focus on biologic therapy that is currently being used in eosinophilic asthma management in mainly the adult population including clinical trials and co-morbidities that can be treated using the same biologics. A review on asthma biologics for pediatric population has been reviewed elsewhere. EXPERT OPINION Biological therapy for asthma targeting the IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and TSLP pathways are shown to have benefit for the treatment of eosinophilic asthma, as exemplified in real-world studies. When choosing the right biological agent factors such as phenotype, comorbidities, and cost-effectiveness of the biologic agent must be taken into consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rini Patadia
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James A. Haley Veterans' Affairs Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Thomas B Casale
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James A. Haley Veterans' Affairs Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - John Fowler
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Shiven Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Cardet
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The James A. Haley Veterans' Affairs Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zheng Y, Abuqayyas L, Quartino A, Guan Y, Gao Y, Liu L, Hellqvist Å, Colice G, MacDonald A. Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Exposure-Efficacy and Body Weight-Response Analyses for Tezepelumab in Patients With Severe, Uncontrolled Asthma. J Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38632826 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Tezepelumab is a human monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity of thymic stromal lymphopoietin. This analysis assessed the suitability of a fixed-dose regimen of tezepelumab 210 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) in adults and adolescents with severe, uncontrolled asthma. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using data from 1368 patients with asthma or healthy participants enrolled in 8 clinical studies (phases 1-3). Tezepelumab exposure-efficacy relationships were analyzed in the phase 3 NAVIGATOR study (NCT03347279), using asthma exacerbation rates over 52 weeks and changes in pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s at week 52. Tezepelumab pharmacokinetics were well characterized by a 2-compartment linear disposition model with first-order absorption and elimination following subcutaneous and intravenous administration at 2.1-420 and 210-700 mg, respectively. There were no clinically relevant effects on tezepelumab pharmacokinetics from age (≥12 years), sex, race/ethnicity, renal or hepatic function, disease severity (inhaled corticosteroid dose level), concomitant asthma medication use, smoking history, or anti-drug antibodies. Body weight was the most influential covariate on tezepelumab exposure, but no meaningful differences in efficacy or safety were observed across body weight quartiles in patients with asthma who received tezepelumab 210 mg subcutaneously Q4W. There was no apparent relationship between tezepelumab exposure and efficacy at this dose regimen, suggesting that it is on the plateau of the exposure-response curve of tezepelumab. In conclusion, a fixed-dose regimen of tezepelumab 210 mg subcutaneously Q4W is appropriate for eligible adults and adolescents with severe, uncontrolled asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zheng
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, AstraZeneca, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lubna Abuqayyas
- Clinical Pharmacology Modeling and Simulation, Amgen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Angelica Quartino
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ye Guan
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, AstraZeneca, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Yuying Gao
- Shanghai Qiangshi Information Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Shanghai Qiangshi Information Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Åsa Hellqvist
- Biometrics, Late-stage Development, Respiratory and Immunology, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gene Colice
- Late-Stage Development, Respiratory and Immunology, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Alexander MacDonald
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Menzella F, Munari S, Corsi L, Tonin S, Cestaro W, Ballarin A, Floriani A, Dartora C, Senna G. Tezepelumab: patient selection and place in therapy in severe asthma. J Int Med Res 2024; 52:3000605241246740. [PMID: 38676539 DOI: 10.1177/03000605241246740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a disease characterised by heterogeneous and multifaceted airway inflammation. Despite the availability of effective treatments, a substantial percentage of patients with the type 2 (T2)-high, but mainly the T2-low, phenotype complain of persistent symptoms, airflow limitation, and poor response to treatments. Currently available biologicals target T2 cytokines, but no monoclonal antibodies or other specific therapeutic options are available for non-T2 asthma. However, targeted therapy against alarmins is radically changing this perspective. The development of alarmin-targeted therapies, of which tezepelumab (TZP) is the first example, may offer broad action on inflammatory pathways as well as an enhanced therapeutic effect on epithelial dysfunction. In this regard, TZP demonstrated positive results not only in patients with severe T2 asthma but also those with non-allergic, non-eosinophilic disease. Therefore, it is necessary to identify clinical features of patients who can benefit from an upstream targeted therapy such as anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin. The aims of this narrative review are to understand the role of alarmins in asthma pathogenesis and epithelial dysfunction, examine the rationale underlying the indication of TZP treatment in severe asthma, summarise the results of clinical studies, and recognise the specific characteristics of patients potentially eligible for TZP treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Menzella
- Pulmonology Unit, S. Valentino Hospital, Montebelluna (TV), AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Italy
- Pulmonology and Otolaryngology Multidisciplinary Unit, S. Valentino Hospital, Montebelluna (TV), AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Italy
| | - Sara Munari
- Pulmonology and Otolaryngology Multidisciplinary Unit, S. Valentino Hospital, Montebelluna (TV), AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Italy
- Otolaryngology Unit, S. Valentino Hospital, Montebelluna (TV), AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Corsi
- Pulmonology Unit, S. Valentino Hospital, Montebelluna (TV), AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Italy
- Pulmonology and Otolaryngology Multidisciplinary Unit, S. Valentino Hospital, Montebelluna (TV), AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Italy
| | - Silvia Tonin
- Pulmonology Unit, S. Valentino Hospital, Montebelluna (TV), AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Italy
- Pulmonology and Otolaryngology Multidisciplinary Unit, S. Valentino Hospital, Montebelluna (TV), AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Italy
| | - Walter Cestaro
- Pulmonology and Otolaryngology Multidisciplinary Unit, S. Valentino Hospital, Montebelluna (TV), AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Italy
- Otolaryngology Unit, S. Valentino Hospital, Montebelluna (TV), AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballarin
- Pulmonology Unit, S. Valentino Hospital, Montebelluna (TV), AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Italy
| | - Ariel Floriani
- Pulmonology Unit, S. Valentino Hospital, Montebelluna (TV), AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Italy
| | - Cristina Dartora
- Pulmonology Unit, S. Valentino Hospital, Montebelluna (TV), AULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Italy
| | - Gianenrico Senna
- Asthma Center and Allergy Unit, University of Verona & AOUI Verona, Policlinico GB Rossi, Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sverrild A, Cerps S, Nieto-Fontarigo JJ, Ramu S, Hvidtfeldt M, Menzel M, Kearley J, Griffiths JM, Parnes JR, Porsbjerg C, Uller L. Tezepelumab decreases airway epithelial IL-33 and T2-inflammation in response to viral stimulation in patients with asthma. Allergy 2024; 79:656-666. [PMID: 37846599 DOI: 10.1111/all.15918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory virus infections are main triggers of asthma exacerbations. Tezepelumab, an anti-TSLP mAb, reduces exacerbations in patients with asthma, but the effect of blocking TSLP on host epithelial resistance and tolerance to virus infection is not known. AIM To examine effects of blocking TSLP in patients with asthma on host resistance (IFNβ, IFNλ, and viral load) and on the airway epithelial inflammatory response to viral challenge. METHODS Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF, n = 39) and bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) were obtained from patients with uncontrolled asthma before and after 12 weeks of tezepelumab treatment (n = 13) or placebo (n = 13). BECs were cultured in vitro and exposed to the viral infection mimic poly(I:C) or infected by rhinovirus (RV). Alarmins, T2- and pro-inflammatory cytokines, IFNβ IFNλ, and viral load were analyzed by RT-qPCR and multiplex ELISA before and after stimulation. RESULTS IL-33 expression in unstimulated BECs and IL-33 protein levels in BALF were reduced after 12 weeks of tezepelumab. Further, IL-33 gene and protein levels decreased in BECs challenged with poly(I:C) after tezepelumab whereas TSLP gene expression remained unaffected. Poly(I:C)-induced IL-4, IL-13, and IL-17A release from BECs was also reduced with tezepelumab whereas IFNβ and IFNλ expression and viral load were unchanged. CONCLUSION Blocking TSLP with tezepelumab in vivo in asthma reduced the airway epithelial inflammatory response including IL-33 and T2 cytokines to viral challenge without affecting anti-viral host resistance. Our results suggest that blocking TSLP stabilizes the bronchial epithelial immune response to respiratory viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Sverrild
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Cerps
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - J J Nieto-Fontarigo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- BioLympho Research group, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology-Biological Research Centre (CIBUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Translational Research in Airway Diseases Group (TRIAD), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - S Ramu
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - M Hvidtfeldt
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Menzel
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - J Kearley
- Bioscience, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - J M Griffiths
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - J R Parnes
- Translational Medicine, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - C Porsbjerg
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L Uller
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kai Y, Suzuki K, Kataoka R, Sato I, Tamaki S, Muro S. Efficacy of tezepelumab against uncontrolled severe non-type 2 asthma refractory to bronchial thermoplasty, benralizumab, dupilumab and mepolizumab. Respirol Case Rep 2024; 12:e01311. [PMID: 38420113 PMCID: PMC10898956 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe asthma affects approximately 5%-10% of patients with asthma. Herein, we describe a case of non-type 2 asthma that progressively worsened over the years. An 80-year-old woman was diagnosed with asthma 11 years back. She experienced repeated exacerbations requiring treatment with systemic corticosteroid despite therapy with medications including high-dose inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting beta-agonists plus long-acting muscarinic antagonist. The patient presented with non-eosinophilic asthma. Therefore, the patient was initially treated with bronchial thermoplasty, which was effective for 1 year only. Treatment with bronchial thermoplasty, benralizumab, dupilumab, and mepolizumab was ineffective. The fourth treatment, which included tezepelumab, was initiated. The patient's symptoms and quality of life improved significantly. This is the first case of a patient who did not respond to sequential bronchial thermoplasty, benralizumab, dupilumab, and mepolizumab but who presented with good clinical response to tezepelumab. Therefore, tezepelumab may be useful for patients with non-type 2 asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiro Kai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Minami-Nara General Medical Center Yoshino-gun Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Minami-Nara General Medical Center Yoshino-gun Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kataoka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Minami-Nara General Medical Center Yoshino-gun Japan
| | - Ichiro Sato
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Nara Medical University Kashihara Japan
| | - Shinji Tamaki
- Department of Internal Medicine National Hospital Organization Nara Medical Center Nara Japan
| | - Shigeo Muro
- Department of Respiratory Medicine Nara Medical University Kashihara Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Baglivo I, Colantuono S, Lumaca A, Papa A, Gasbarrini A, Caruso C. The last step to achieve barrier damage control. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1354556. [PMID: 38415254 PMCID: PMC10897052 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1354556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity characterises inflammatory diseases and different phenotypes and endotypes have been identified. Both innate and adaptive immunity contribute to the immunopathological mechanism of these diseases and barrier damage plays a prominent role triggering type 2 inflammation through the alarmins system, such as anti-Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP). Treatment with anti-TSLP monoclonal antibodies showed efficacy in severe asthma and clinical trials for other eosinophilic diseases are ongoing. The aim of this perspective review is to analyse current advances and future applications of TSLP inhibition to control barrier damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Baglivo
- Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente (CEMAD) Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Stefania Colantuono
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Day Hospital (UOSD DH) Medicina Interna e Malattie dell’ApparatoDigerente, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Arianna Lumaca
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale (UOSD) di Allergologia, Ospedale Maria Santissima (SS) Dello Splendore, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alfredo Papa
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Day Hospital (UOSD DH) Medicina Interna e Malattie dell’ApparatoDigerente, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente (CEMAD) Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Cristiano Caruso
- Unità Operativa Semplice Dipartimentale Day Hospital (UOSD DH) Medicina Interna e Malattie dell’ApparatoDigerente, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mazzetto R, Miceli P, Tartaglia J, Ciolfi C, Sernicola A, Alaibac M. Role of IL-4 and IL-13 in Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:245. [PMID: 38398754 PMCID: PMC10889933 DOI: 10.3390/life14020245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The interleukins IL-4 and IL-13 are increasingly recognized contributors to the pathogenesis of cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs), and their role in disease-associated pruritus is accepted. The prevailing Th2 profile in advanced CTCL underscores the significance of understanding IL-4/IL-13 expression dynamics from the early stages of disease, as a shift from Th1 to Th2 may explain CTCL progression. Targeted agents blocking key cytokines of type 2 immunity are established therapeutics in atopic disorders and have a promising therapeutic potential in CTCL, given their involvement in cutaneous symptoms and their contribution to the pathogenesis of disease. IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31 are implicated in pruritus, offering therapeutic targets with dupilumab, tralokinumab, lebrikizumab, and nemolizumab. This review analyzes current knowledge on the IL-4/IL-13 axis in mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome, the most common types of CTCL, examining existing literature on the pathogenetic implications with a focus on investigational treatments. Clinical trials and case reports are required to shed light on novel uses of medications in various diseases, and ongoing research into the role of IL-4/IL-13 axis blockers in CTCL therapy might not only improve the management of disease-related pruritus but also provide in-depth insights on the pathophysiologic mechanisms of CTCL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alvise Sernicola
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35121 Padova, Italy; (R.M.); (P.M.); (J.T.); (C.C.); (M.A.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ridolo E, Barone A, Ottoni M, Peveri S, Montagni M, Nicoletta F. The New Therapeutic Frontiers in the Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Biological Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1702. [PMID: 38338983 PMCID: PMC10855546 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a multifaceted disease characterized by a wide heterogeneity of clinical manifestations, endoscopic and histopathologic patterns, and responsiveness to therapy. From the perspective of an effective approach to the patient, the different inflammatory mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of EoE and biologics, in particular monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), targeting these pathways are needed. Currently, the most relevant is dupilumab, which interferes with both interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 pathways by binding IL-4 receptor α, and is the only mAb approved by the European Medicine Agency and US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of EoE. Other mAbs investigated include mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab (interfering with IL-5 axis), cendakimab and dectrekumab (anti-IL-13s), tezepelumab (anti-TSLP), lirentelimab (anti-SIGLEG-8), and many others. Despite the undeniable economic impact of biologic therapies, in the near future, there will be room for further reflection about the opportunity to prescribe biologic agents, not only as a last-line therapy in selected cases such as patients with comorbidities involving common pathways. Although recent findings are very encouraging, the road to permanent success in the treatment of EoE is still long, and further studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of mAbs and to discover new potential targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erminia Ridolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Ottoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Peveri
- Departmental Unit of Allergology, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Marcello Montagni
- Departmental Unit of Allergology, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Caminati M, Buhl R, Corren J, Hanania NA, Kim H, Korn S, Lommatzsch M, Martin N, Matucci A, Nasser SM, Pavord ID, Domingo C. Tezepelumab in patients with allergic and eosinophilic asthma. Allergy 2023. [PMID: 38146651 DOI: 10.1111/all.15986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease commonly driven by allergic and/or eosinophilic inflammation, both of which may be present in severe disease. Most approved biologics for severe asthma are indicated for specific phenotypes and target individual downstream type 2 components of the inflammatory cascade. Tezepelumab, a human monoclonal antibody (immunoglobulin G2λ), binds specifically to thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an epithelial cytokine that initiates and sustains allergic and eosinophilic inflammation in asthma. By blocking TSLP, tezepelumab has demonstrated efficacy across known asthma phenotypes and acts upstream of all current clinically used biomarkers. In a pooled analysis of the phase 2b PATHWAY (NCT02054130) and phase 3 NAVIGATOR (NCT03347279) studies, compared with placebo, tezepelumab reduced the annualized asthma exacerbation rate over 52 weeks by 62% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53, 70) in patients with perennial aeroallergen sensitization (allergic asthma); by 71% (95% CI: 62, 78) in patients with a baseline blood eosinophil count ≥300 cells/μL; and by 71% (95% CI: 59, 79) in patients with allergic asthma and a baseline blood eosinophil count ≥300 cells/μL. This review examines the efficacy and mode of action of tezepelumab in patients with allergic asthma, eosinophilic asthma and coexisting allergic and eosinophilic phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Caminati
- Asthma Center and Allergy Unit, Verona Integrated University Hospital & Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Roland Buhl
- Pulmonary Department, Mainz University Hospital, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jonathan Corren
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nicola A Hanania
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Harold Kim
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie Korn
- IKF Pneumologie Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Thoraxklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marek Lommatzsch
- Department of Pneumology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Neil Martin
- Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
- University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Andrea Matucci
- Immunoallergology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Shuaib M Nasser
- Department of Allergy, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ian D Pavord
- Respiratory Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christian Domingo
- Servei de Pneumologia, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shinkai M, Yabuta T. Tezepelumab: an anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin monoclonal antibody for the treatment of asthma. Immunotherapy 2023; 15:1435-1447. [PMID: 37724378 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2023-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in which epithelial cytokines and airway inflammation play critical pathophysiological roles. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an epithelial cytokine, is central in the initiation and persistence of airway inflammation in asthma. Tezepelumab is a human immunoglobulin G2λ (IgG2λ) monoclonal antibody developed for treating moderate-to-severe asthma by specifically binding to TSLP and preventing its binding to the TSLP receptor on inflammatory cells. In this narrative review, we describe the results of clinical trials that evaluated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy and safety of tezepelumab in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma. We also introduce the ongoing clinical trials in patients with asthma as well as future trials investigating the use of tezepelumab for other indications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaharu Shinkai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tokyo Shinagawa Hospital, 6-3-22 Higashioi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-8522, Japan
| | - Tadataka Yabuta
- Medical Department, AstraZeneca K.K., 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Minami D, Hosoya T, Hosoya M, Nagano A, Nakajima Y, Miyahara N, Kanehiro A. Dramatic Response to Tezepelumab as an Initial Biologic Agent for Refractory Asthma Associated with Type 2 and Non-type 2 Traits. Acta Med Okayama 2023; 77:671-674. [PMID: 38145943 DOI: 10.18926/amo/66161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
A 74-year-old Japanese woman presented with a 45-year history of refractory asthma. She had been treated with inhaled corticosteroids, a long-acting β2-agonist, and a long-acting muscarinic antagonist for 6 months. She also had a repeated viral infection. Her condition had been characterized as a refractory asthma associated with type 2 and non-type 2 traits. We began treatment with tezepelumab. The control of the patient's asthma symptoms and quality of life improved greatly within 1 month (changes in eosinophil count from 748 to 96 /μL, in FeNO from 32 to 17 ppb, in the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score from 3.59 to 6.68, and in the Asthma Control Test score from 13 to 23). Tezepelumab was effective as an initial biologic agent for a patient with refractory asthma associated with type 2 and non-type 2 traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Minami
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hosoya Hospital
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Himeji Saint Mary's Hospital
- Department of Internal Medicine, Himeji Saint Mary's Hospital
| | | | | | - Akichika Nagano
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Himeji Saint Mary's Hospital
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kawashima K, Matsuno O, Okuno M, Kawabe T, Hanada Y. Successful Treatment of Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Secretory Otitis Media in Refractory Asthma With Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP) Receptor Monoclonal Antibody. Cureus 2023; 15:e47798. [PMID: 38022039 PMCID: PMC10676711 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) is a type 2 inflammatory disease that frequently co-occurs with bronchial asthma. The current treatment options for ECRS include endoscopic sinus surgery and oral corticosteroid therapy (OCS). However, recurrence after surgery is common, and OCS therapy may cause side effects. We present the case of a 74-year-old woman with severe asthma, ECRS, and secretory otitis media with possible eosinophilic otitis media, who experienced significant improvement in both conditions after treatment with tezepelumab, an anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) antibody. Tezepelumab treatment led to a reduction in blood and tissue eosinophil counts. It improved the nasal polyp and computed tomography scores, tympanic and hearing test results, and asthma symptoms without using OCSs. Our findings suggest that tezepelumab may be a promising option for those patients with asthma, ECRS, and secretory otitis media who do not respond well to conventional treatment because upstream of the type 2 inflammation pathway is suppressed. Further to this case report, future studies are required to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of tezepelumab in treating ECRS and secretory otitis media due to type 2 inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayoko Kawashima
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Habikino Medical Center, Habikino, JPN
| | - Osamu Matsuno
- Department of Allergology and Rheumatology, Osaka Habikino Medical Center, Habikino, JPN
| | - Mika Okuno
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Habikino Medical Center, Habikino, JPN
| | - Takanari Kawabe
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Habikino Medical Center, Habikino, JPN
| | - Yukiko Hanada
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Habikino Medical Center, Habikino, JPN
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lin F, Yu B, Deng B, He R. The efficacy and safety of tezepelumab in the treatment of uncontrolled asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34746. [PMID: 37565847 PMCID: PMC10419598 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tezepelumab is a human thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) antibody with effects in asthma. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the overall efficacy and safety of tezepelumab for the treatment of uncontrolled asthma. METHODS The databases Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials were searched from inception to April 1, 2022. Only randomized controlled trial (RCTs) that evaluated tezepelumab and a comparator for treating uncontrolled asthma were included. Additionally, articles were limited to English. The primary outcome was clinical efficacy, and the secondary outcome was adverse events. The risk of bias and quality were assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration bias assessment tool. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager Version 5.3. RESULTS Four RCTs with a total of 1600 patients were included in the study. Pooled analysis indicated that tezepelumab had significantly decreased annualized asthma exacerbations (odds ratio [OR] = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.57, -0.80], P < .00001) and the asthma control questionnaire score of 6 (ACQ-6) among the patients (standard mean difference [SMD] = -0.29, 95% CI = [-0.39, -0.20], P < .00001) compared to placebo. Furthermore, tezepelumab treatment significantly improved forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1, SMD = 0.28, 95% CI = [0.11, 0.45], P = .001). Regarding safety, the pooled analysis indicated that patients treated with tezepelumab showed no significant difference in adverse events that led to discontinuation of the treatment, but they experienced some other (non-serious) adverse events compared to the placebo group. However, there was a significant decrease in the incidence of serious adverse events and any adverse events in the tezepelumab group. Tezepelumab use was associated with adverse events, including nasopharyngitis, headache, and bronchitis, despite effectively treating asthma. CONCLUSION Tezepelumab effectively improved FEV1, reduced the disease symptom score, and decreased the risk of exacerbations in uncontrolled asthma patients. Tezepelumab was associated with some adverse events compared to placebo. This suggests that careful management of adverse events is required if tezepelumab is used to treat asthma patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Clinical Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, China
| | - Bowen Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong He
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Clinical Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Habash M, Guiang H, Mayers I, Quinton A, Vuong V, Dineen A, Singh S, Gibson D, Turner AP. Cost-effectiveness of tezepelumab in Canada for severe asthma. J Med Econ 2023:1-20. [PMID: 37417781 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2023.2234235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To assess the cost-effectiveness of tezepelumab as add-on maintenance therapy compared with standard of care (SoC) for the treatment of patients with severe asthma in Canada. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cost utility analysis was conducted using a Markov cohort model with five health states ('controlled asthma', 'uncontrolled asthma', 'previously controlled asthma with exacerbation', 'previously uncontrolled asthma with exacerbation', and 'death'). Tezepelumab plus SoC was compared to SoC (high dose inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting beta agonist) using efficacy estimates derived from the NAVIGATOR (NCT03347279) and SOURCE (NCT03406078) trials. The model included the costs of therapy, administration, resource use for disease management and adverse events. Utility estimates were calculated using a mixed effects regression analysis of the NAVIGATOR and SOURCE trials. A Canadian public payer perspective was used with a 50-year time horizon, a 1.5% annual discount rate, and the base case analysis was conducted probabilistically. A key scenario analysis assessed the cost-effectiveness of tezepelumab compared with currently reimbursed biologics informed by an indirect treatment comparison. RESULTS The base case analysis suggested that tezepelumab plus SoC was associated with a quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gain of 1.077 compared with SoC alone at an incremental cost of $207,101 (2022 Canadian dollars), resulting in an incremental cost-utility ratio of $192,357/QALY. The key scenario analysis demonstrated that tezepelumab was dominant against all currently reimbursed biologics, with higher incremental QALYs (ranging from 0.062 to 0.407) and lower incremental costs (ranging from -$6,878 to -$1,974). Additionally, when compared against currently reimbursed biologics in Canada, tezepelumab had the highest probability of being cost-effective across all willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds. CONCLUSION Tezepelumab provided additional life years and QALYs at additional cost compared with SoC in Canada. In addition, tezepelumab dominated (i.e., more effective, less costly) the other currently reimbursed biologics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Irvin Mayers
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liaqat A, Mason M, Foster B, Gregory G, Patel A, Barlas A, Kulkarni S, Basso R, Patak P, Liaqat H, Qureshi M, Shehata A, Awad Y, Ghaly M, Gulzar Q, Doty W. Evidence-Based Approach of Biologic Therapy in Bronchial Asthma. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4321. [PMID: 37445357 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of biologic agents in the treatment of bronchial asthma has a wide impact on improving quality of life, reducing morbidity, and overall health care utilization. These therapies usually work by targeting specific inflammatory pathways involving type 2 inflammation and are particularly effective in severe eosinophilic asthma. Various randomized controlled trials have shown their effectiveness by reducing exacerbation rates and decreasing required glucocorticoid dosages. One of the relatively newer agents, tezepelumab, targets thymic stromal lymphoprotein and has proven its efficacy in patients independent of asthma phenotype and serum biomarker levels. This article reviews the pathophysiologic mechanism behind biologic therapy and offers an evidence-based discussion related to the indication, benefits, and adverse effects of such therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Liaqat
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, McLaren Health/Michigan State University, Flint, MI 48532, USA
| | - Mathew Mason
- Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Brian Foster
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33321, USA
| | - Grant Gregory
- Internal Medicine, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, AL 36303, USA
| | - Avani Patel
- Internal Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Aisha Barlas
- Internal Medicine, Mercy Health, Rockford, IL 61114, USA
| | - Sagar Kulkarni
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Southeast Health, Dothan, AL 36301, USA
| | - Rafaela Basso
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Southeast Health, Dothan, AL 36301, USA
| | - Pooja Patak
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Hamza Liaqat
- Internal Medicine, Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt 47040, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Qureshi
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Southeast Health, Dothan, AL 36301, USA
| | - Abdelrahman Shehata
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Southeast Health, Dothan, AL 36301, USA
| | - Yousef Awad
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Southeast Health, Dothan, AL 36301, USA
| | - Mina Ghaly
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Southeast Health, Dothan, AL 36301, USA
| | - Qamar Gulzar
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Southeast Health, Dothan, AL 36301, USA
| | - Walter Doty
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Southeast Health, Dothan, AL 36301, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ebina-Shibuya R, Leonard WJ. TSLP-targeting therapy: Beyond allergy? Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1241. [PMID: 37165746 PMCID: PMC10172609 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Risa Ebina-Shibuya
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Warren J Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Immunology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ogata H, Sha K, Kotetsu Y, Enokizu‐Ogawa A, Katahira K, Ishimatsu A, Taguchi K, Moriwaki A, Yoshida M. Tezepelumab treatment for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Respirol Case Rep 2023; 11:e01147. [PMID: 37082171 PMCID: PMC10111631 DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
An 82-year-old man had been diagnosed with asthma. He experienced repeated exacerbations requiring treatment with a systemic corticosteroid despite being treated with medications including high-dose fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol, montelukast sodium, and theophylline; treatment with mepolizumab was then initiated. The patient had been free from exacerbations for 15 months; however, he suffered from post-obstructive pneumonia and atelectasis secondary to mucoid impaction in the right middle lobe of the lung, accompanied by a productive cough, wheezing, dyspnea, and right chest pain. In addition to the development of mucus plugs, the levels of serum IgE specific to Aspergillus spp. became positive; a definite diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) was established. The patient underwent treatment with tezepelumab. Over 3 months, the mucus plugs and pulmonary opacities diminished gradually in parallel with the improvement in the control of asthmatic symptoms. Tezepelumab might provide a novel steroid-sparing strategy for the management of ABPA, although further studies are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Ogata
- Department of Respiratory MedicineNational Hospital Organization Fukuoka National HospitalFukuokaJapan
| | - Kachi Sha
- Department of Respiratory MedicineNational Hospital Organization Fukuoka National HospitalFukuokaJapan
| | - Yasuaki Kotetsu
- Department of Respiratory MedicineNational Hospital Organization Fukuoka National HospitalFukuokaJapan
| | - Aimi Enokizu‐Ogawa
- Department of Respiratory MedicineNational Hospital Organization Fukuoka National HospitalFukuokaJapan
| | - Katsuyuki Katahira
- Department of Respiratory MedicineNational Hospital Organization Fukuoka National HospitalFukuokaJapan
| | - Akiko Ishimatsu
- Department of Respiratory MedicineNational Hospital Organization Fukuoka National HospitalFukuokaJapan
| | - Kazuhito Taguchi
- Department of Respiratory MedicineNational Hospital Organization Fukuoka National HospitalFukuokaJapan
| | - Atsushi Moriwaki
- Department of Respiratory MedicineNational Hospital Organization Fukuoka National HospitalFukuokaJapan
| | - Makoto Yoshida
- Department of Respiratory MedicineNational Hospital Organization Fukuoka National HospitalFukuokaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chiang S, Lee SE. New Concepts in Barrier Dysfunction in CRSwNP and Emerging Roles of Tezepelumab and Dupilumab. Am J Rhinol Allergy 2023; 37:193-197. [PMID: 36848281 DOI: 10.1177/19458924231154061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial barrier disturbances in CRSwNP patients play an important role in both the innate and adaptive immune responses, contributing to chronic inflammation, olfactory dysfunction, and impairments in quality of life. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of the sinonasal epithelium in disease and health, review the pathophysiology of epithelial barrier dysfunction in CRSwNP, and the immunologic targets for treatment. METHODS Literature review. RESULTS Blockade of cytokines such as thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IL-4, and IL-13 have shown promise in barrier restoration and IL-13, specifically may be central to olfactory dysfunction. CONCLUSION The sinonasal epithelium plays a crucial role in the health and function of the mucosa and immune response. Increased understanding of the local immunologic dysfunction has led to several therapeutics that can potentially restore epithelial barrier function and olfaction. Real world and comparative effectiveness studies are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Chiang
- Department of Surgery, 1861Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stella E Lee
- Department of Surgery, 1861Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Nopsopon T, Lassiter G, Chen ML, Alexander GC, Keet C, Hong H, Akenroye A. Comparative efficacy of tezepelumab to mepolizumab, benralizumab, and dupilumab in eosinophilic asthma: A Bayesian network meta-analysis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:747-755. [PMID: 36538979 PMCID: PMC9992307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear how the efficacy of tezepelumab, approved for the treatment of type 2 high and low asthma, compares to the efficacy of other biologics for type 2-high asthma. OBJECTIVES We sought to conduct an indirect comparison of tezepelumab to dupilumab, benralizumab, and mepolizumab in the treatment of eosinophilic asthma. METHODS The investigators conducted a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analyses. They identified randomized controlled trials indexed in PubMed, Embase, or Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) between January 1, 2000, and August 12, 2022. Outcomes included exacerbation rates, prebronchodilator FEV1, and the Asthma Control Questionnaire. RESULTS Ten randomized controlled trials (n = 9201) met eligibility. Tezepelumab (relative risk: 0.63; 95% credible interval [CI]: 0.46-0.86) was associated with significantly lower exacerbation rates than benralizumab and larger improvements in FEV1 compared to mepolizumab (mean difference [MD]: 66; 95% CI: -33 to 170) and benralizumab (MD: 62; 95% CI: -22 to 150), though the 95% CI crossed the null value of 0. Mepolizumab improved the Asthma Control Questionnaire score the most, but this improvement was not significantly different from that of tezepelumab (tezepelumab vs mepolizumab; MD: 0.14; 95% CI: -0.10 to 0.38). For efficacy by clinically important thresholds, tezepelumab, mepolizumab, and dupilumab achieved a >99% probability of reducing exacerbation rates by ≥50% compared to placebo, but benralizumab had only a 66% probability of doing so. Tezepelumab and dupilumab had a probability of 1.00 of improving prebronchodilator FEV1 by ≥100 mL above placebo. Compared to mepolizumab, dupilumab had >90% chance for improving FEV1 by ≥50 mL, but none of the differences between biologics exceeded 100 mL. CONCLUSIONS In individuals with eosinophilic asthma, tezepelumab and dupilumab were associated with greater improvements (although below clinical thresholds) in exacerbation rates and lung function than benralizumab or mepolizumab.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanawin Nopsopon
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass; Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Grace Lassiter
- Department of Anesthesiology, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
| | - Ming-Li Chen
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Mass; Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - G Caleb Alexander
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md; Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness, Baltimore, Md; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md
| | - Corinne Keet
- Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Hwanhee Hong
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Ayobami Akenroye
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Feist J, Lipari M, Kale-Pradhan P. Tezepelumab in the Treatment of Uncontrolled Severe Asthma. Ann Pharmacother 2023; 57:62-70. [PMID: 35535458 DOI: 10.1177/10600280221095540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of subcutaneous tezepelumab in the treatment of severe uncontrolled asthma. DATA SOURCES The PubMed database and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched using the following terms: tezepelumab, Tezspire, AMG157, and MEDI9929. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Articles published in English between January 2000 and March 2022 related to pharmacology, safety, and clinical trials were assessed. DATA SYNTHESIS In a phase 2 trial, tezepelumab at low, medium, and high doses reduced the annualized asthma exacerbation rate by 62%, 71%, and 66%, respectively, when compared with placebo (P < 0.001). In addition to significant reduction of asthma exacerbation rate in the overall treatment population, a phase 3 trial showed significant reduction of asthma exacerbation across all subgroups analyzed regardless of serum eosinophil count (EOS), fractionated exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) level, or allergic status as determined by IgE sensitivity. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE Tezepelumab is indicated to treat nonallergic and noneosinophilic severe uncontrolled asthma phenotypes in addition to type 2 inflammatory asthma. When selecting the most appropriate biologic agent, consider the risks, benefits, and costs. There is a paucity of data on the efficacy of tezepelumab in patients with comorbid conditions. In the case of a patient presenting with uncontrolled severe asthma with such comorbid conditions, it may be prudent to consider a biologic therapy that can target both. CONCLUSION Tezepelumab has shown clinical utility in severe uncontrolled asthma regardless of phenotype, fulfilling the need for treatment options in individuals with severe, uncontrolled, noneosinophilic, and nonallergic asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Feist
- Wayne State University, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Melissa Lipari
- Wayne State University, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Pramodini Kale-Pradhan
- Wayne State University, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Langley PC. Mapping Impossible Utilities: The ICER Report on Tezepelumab for Severe Asthma. Innov Pharm 2022; 13:10.24926/iip.v13i2.4455. [PMID: 36654713 PMCID: PMC9836758 DOI: 10.24926/iip.v13i2.4455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The focus of this commentary is on the attempt to create EQ-5D-3L ordinal preferences from a disease specific asthma questionnaire, the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). The question is whether it is possible from the perspective of fundamental measurement to create a simple linear algorithm to map AQLQ scores to EQ-5D-3L preferences. It is proposed that this is mathematically impossible as the aggregate AQLQ score is ordinal, apart from the fact that the AQLQ is a multiattribute score that lacks construct validity and any pretense to having interval properties. Disallowing the mapped utilities means that the modelling cannot be sustained. It is proposed that the focus should be on single attribute measures of the latent construct "need fulfillment quality of life". These measures would meet the required standards of Rasch Measurement Theory (RMT) applying simultaneous conjoint standards of measurement theory, as well as capturing the patient voice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul C Langley
- Adjunct Professor, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN,Corresponding author: Paul C. Langley, PhD Adjunct Professor, College of Pharmacy University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN Director, Maimon Research LLC; Tucson, AZ Website: www.maimonresearch.com
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kardas G, Panek M, Kuna P, Damiański P, Kupczyk M. Monoclonal antibodies in the management of asthma: Dead ends, current status and future perspectives. Front Immunol 2022; 13:983852. [PMID: 36561741 PMCID: PMC9763885 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.983852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with moderate-to-severe asthma may now be treated using a variety of monoclonal antibodies that target key inflammatory cytokines involved in disease pathogenesis. Existing clinical data on anti-IgE, anti-IL-5 and other immunological pathways indicate these therapies to offer reduced exacerbation rates, improved lung function, greater asthma control and better quality of life. However, as several patients still do not achieve satisfactory clinical response with the antibodies available, many more biologics, aiming different immunological pathways, are under evaluation. This review summarizes recent data on existing and potential monoclonal antibodies in asthma. Recent advances have resulted in the registration of a new antibody targeting TSLP (tezepelumab), with others being under development. Some of the researched monoclonal antibodies (e.g. anti-IL-13 tralokinumab and lebrikizumab or anti-IL-17A secukinumab) have shown optimistic results in preliminary research; however, these have been discontinued in asthma clinical research. In addition, as available monoclonal antibody treatments have shown little benefit among patients with T2-low asthma, research continues in this area, with several antibodies in development. This article summarizes the available pre-clinical and clinical data on new and emerging drugs for treating severe asthma, discusses discontinued treatments and outlines future directions in this area.
Collapse
|
23
|
Muacevic A, Adler JR, Haque SN, Tasha T, Arko SB, Agrawal H, Razu MI, Parisapogu A, Maisha S, Siddique MA, Abbasi FK, Shama N, Dev Nath S, Ghosh AS, Quader F. The Impact of Tezepelumab in Uncontrolled Severe Asthma: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Cureus 2022; 14:e32156. [PMID: 36601189 PMCID: PMC9807140 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma, a chronic illness, is characterized by inflammation and airway constriction. Uncontrolled severe asthma is related to poor quality of life and increased utilization of health resources. Conventional treatments are associated with a significant amount of adverse effects. Recent years have seen the identification of various molecular effectors and signaling pathways as interesting targets for the biological therapy of severe asthma that is resistant to current therapies. Because they only target some downstream components of the inflammatory response in asthma, leaving other components unaffected, current biologic treatments only lower the exacerbation rate by 50%. If we focus on the upstream mediators of the inflammatory response in asthma, it might have a greater effect and be more efficient. Tezepelumab is a human monoclonal IgG2 antibody that specifically binds to thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) at the level of its TSLPR (thymic stromal lymphopoietin receptor) binding site, inhibiting the interaction between human TSLP and TSLPR. It is being used to treat the cytokines on the respiratory epithelial layer known as "alarmins." It is the only biologic drug available for treating severe uncontrolled asthma, despite limitations in biomarker and phenotype. In light of recent developments, the lack of knowledge on tezepelumab prompts us to publish a comprehensive systematic review. We discovered that regardless of blood eosinophil level and fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels, tezepelumab dramatically lowers asthma exacerbation in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma when compared to placebo. Tezepelumab also lessens patients' demand for healthcare resources while improving clinical indicators of lung function, health-related quality of life, and asthma management in patients. Tezepelumab plays a role in enhancing pre-bronchodilator FEV1 and lowering blood eosinophil count and fractional exhaled nitric oxide in patients with or without chronic allergies (FeNO). There have been no reports of fatalities or severe adverse events connected to tezepelumab.
Collapse
|
24
|
Zoumot Z, Al Busaidi N, Tashkandi W, Aljohaney AA, Isse S, Vidyasagar K, Ukwaja KN. Tezepelumab for Patients with Severe Uncontrolled Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Asthma Allergy 2022; 15:1665-1679. [PMID: 36425526 PMCID: PMC9680989 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s378062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Tezepelumab is a human monoclonal antibody that blocks thymic stromal lymphopoietin, an epithelial-cell-derived cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. It was approved by the United States Federal Drug Administration (US FDA) as an add-on maintenance treatment for patients with severe uncontrolled asthma in December 2021. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the safety and efficacy of tezepelumab on forced expiratory volume (FEV1) (L), the rate of asthma exacerbations, health-related quality of life, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) (ppb), and blood eosinophil count (cells/mL) in patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma. Mean changes for efficacy and proportions (safety) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to provide pooled estimates. A total of six randomized controlled trials comprising 2667 patients were included, of whom 1610 were treated with tezepelumab and 1057 received placebo. The pooled analysis showed that tezepelumab treatment resulted in an improvement in FEV1 of 0.15 L (95% CI: 0.12 to 0.17), a reduction in the asthma exacerbation rate per year of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.51 to 0.70), and a reduction in FeNO of -12.41 ppb (95% CI: -14.28 to -10.53) when compared to placebo. Improvements in FEV1 and FeNO levels were maintained at 24 and 52 weeks. As for safety, patients did not experience a higher incidence of adverse drug reactions with tezepelumab (0.79 (95% CI: 0.55 to 1.12)) as compared to placebo. As for quality of life, different doses of the tezepelumab intervention group depicted non-significant improvement in the QoL, from 0.15 (95% CI: -0.09 to 0.38) for 70 mg, 0.18 (95% CI: -0.10 to 0.46) for 210 mg, 0.08 (95% CI: -0.16 to 0.32) for 280 mg as compared to the placebo. Tezepelumab significantly reduced exacerbation rates and improved FEV1 with an acceptable safety profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaid Zoumot
- Respiratory Institute Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nasser Al Busaidi
- Department of Pulmonology, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Wail Tashkandi
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed A Aljohaney
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Said Isse
- Respiratory Institute Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kota Vidyasagar
- Department of Pharmacy, University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kakatiya University, Warangal, Telangana, 506009, India
| | - Kingsley Nnanna Ukwaja
- Department of Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bakakos A, Rovina N, Loukides S, Bakakos P. Biologics in severe asthma: Outcomes in clinical trials-Similarities and differences. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:855-870. [PMID: 35712995 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2091409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Severe asthma is a heterogenous disease characterized by multiple phenotypes. Targeted biologic therapies have revolutionarily changed the management of severe asthma by affecting various clinical outcomes, mainly by reducing exacerbations and the use of maintenance corticosteroids, but also by improving lung function and patient quality of life. AREAS COVERED Randomized controlled trials have convincingly demonstrated the efficacy of different biologics in improving the above outcomes. However, no head-to-head studies exist to compare their efficacy and many patients with severe asthma are eligible for more than one biologic agent. In this review, we present the effect of various biologics in the various outcomes as shown in randomized controlled trials and discuss their similarities and differences. EXPERT OPINION Both the initial choice of a biologic as well as the option of switching to another give the clinician an interesting but also difficult decision when choosing a biologic therapy for patients with severe asthma. This decision is mainly based on the individual characteristics of the patient, especially rate of exacerbations and use of systemic corticosteroids, but is also influenced by the presence of comorbidities and lung function impairment. No safety concerns have been raised around the use of these biologics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agamemnon Bakakos
- 1st University Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikoletta Rovina
- 1st University Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stelios Loukides
- 2nd University Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Bakakos
- 1st University Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ando K, Fukuda Y, Tanaka A, Sagara H. Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Tezepelumab and Other Biologics in Patients with Inadequately Controlled Asthma According to Thresholds of Type 2 Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Cells 2022; 11. [PMID: 35269440 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin antibody (tezepelumab) has therapeutical potential for inadequately controlled asthma. However, evidence comparing tezepelumab with other biologics is scarce. To address this issue, we performed a network meta-analysis to compare and rank the efficacy of five treatments (tezepelumab, dupilumab, benralizumab, mepolizumab, and placebo) in overall participants and in subgroups stratified by the thresholds of type 2 inflammatory biomarkers, including peripheral blood eosinophil count (PBEC) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). The primary endpoints were annualized exacerbation rate (AER) and any adverse events (AAEs). In the ranking assessment using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) of AER, tezepelumab ranked the highest overall and across subgroups (based on PBEC and FeNO level thresholds). A significant difference was observed between tezepelumab and dupilumab in the patient subgroup with PBEC < 150, and between tezepelumab and benralizumab in overall participants and the patient subgroup with PBEC ≥ 300 and ≥150, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of AAEs in the overall participants between each pair of five treatment arms. These results provide a basis for the development of treatment strategies for asthma and may guide basic, clinical, or translational research.
Collapse
|
27
|
Menzies-Gow A, Steenkamp J, Singh S, Erhardt W, Rowell J, Rane P, Martin N, Ackert JPL, Quinton A. Tezepelumab compared with other biologics for the treatment of severe asthma: a systematic review and indirect treatment comparison. J Med Econ 2022; 25:679-690. [PMID: 35570578 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2022.2074195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To compare the efficacy of tezepelumab with other approved biologics via indirect treatment comparisons (ITCs) in patients aged ≥ 12 years with severe uncontrolled asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified from a systematic literature review were synthesized using two different ITC approaches: network meta-analysis (NMA) and simulated treatment comparison (STC). Outcomes of interest were annualized asthma exacerbation rate (AAER) and AAER for exacerbations leading to hospitalization. To address potential heterogeneity between study populations, various subgroup analyses were performed for the NMA (based on blood eosinophil count, fractional exhaled nitric oxide level, and presence of allergic asthma), and for the STC, models were adjusted for potential treatment effect modifiers. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the impact of study design (exclusion of non-placebo-controlled studies and non-phase 3 or 4 studies). Results were reported as rate ratios (RRs) with 95% credible/confidence intervals and ranking statistics were computed for the NMAs. RESULTS Sixteen RCTs were included in at least one of the ITCs. All biologics (tezepelumab, dupilumab, benralizumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, and omalizumab) had similar efficacy, with no statistically significant RRs for either exacerbation outcome; however, tezepelumab was favorably associated with numerically lower AAERs and was ranked first in the network for both types of exacerbation outcome. This trend was consistent in the subgroup and sensitivity analyses. As with the primary NMA, the STC results did not demonstrate any significant differences between biologics, but point estimates were favorable towards tezepelumab. LIMITATIONS Heterogeneity between trials was observed among eligibility criteria and clinically important patient characteristics; however, the impact on findings is expected to be low, based on consistency across analyses. CONCLUSIONS Findings from both ITCs (NMA and STC) support the use of tezepelumab in a broad patient population of severe uncontrolled asthma of any phenotype.
Collapse
|
28
|
Salvati L, Maggi L, Annunziato F, Cosmi L. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin and alarmins as possible therapeutical targets for asthma. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 21:590-6. [PMID: 34608100 DOI: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000000793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Overview of epithelial cytokines, particularly thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), released by the airway epithelium and the effects of their inhibition on the outcomes of patients with asthma. RECENT FINDINGS The epithelial cytokines are early mediators at the top of the inflammatory cascade and are attractive therapeutic targets to prevent exacerbations and improve lung function in patients with type 2 and nontype 2 asthma. SUMMARY Clinical trials demonstrated that tezepelumab, an anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody, is a promising alternative treatment for asthma that is effective also in nontype 2 asthma. The PATHWAY and NAVIGATOR trials have assessed its effects in improving outcomes on broad clinically diverse populations. The identification of biomarkers will help to predict potential responders and help in asthma treatment personalization.
Collapse
|
29
|
Pelaia C, Pelaia G, Longhini F, Crimi C, Calabrese C, Gallelli L, Sciacqua A, Vatrella A. Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting Alarmins: A New Perspective for Biological Therapies of Severe Asthma. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091108. [PMID: 34572294 PMCID: PMC8465735 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alarmins are innate cytokines, including thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin-33 (IL-33), and interleukin-25 (IL-25), which are mainly produced by airway epithelium and exert a prominent role in asthma pathobiology. In particular, several environmental factors such as allergens, cigarette smoking, airborne pollutants, and infectious agents trigger the release of alarmins, which in turn act as upstream activators of pro-inflammatory pathways underlying type 2 (T2-high) asthma. Indeed, alarmins directly activate group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells and also stimulate dendritic cells to drive the commitment of naïve T helper (Th) cells towards the Th2 immunophenotype. Therefore, TSLP, IL-33, and IL-25 represent suitable targets for add-on therapies of severe asthma. Within this context, the fully human anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody tezepelumab has been evaluated in very promising randomized clinical trials. Tezepelumab and other anti-alarmins are thus likely to become, in the near future, valuable therapeutic options for the biological treatment of uncontrolled severe asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa-Località Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0961-3647007; Fax: +39-0961-3647193
| | - Giulia Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.P.); (F.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Federico Longhini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.P.); (F.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy;
| | - Cecilia Calabrese
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa-Località Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Angela Sciacqua
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.P.); (F.L.); (A.S.)
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Pelaia C, Pelaia G, Crimi C, Maglio A, Gallelli L, Terracciano R, Vatrella A. Tezepelumab: A Potential New Biological Therapy for Severe Refractory Asthma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094369. [PMID: 33922072 PMCID: PMC8122263 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an innate cytokine, belonging to the group of alarmins, which plays a key pathogenic role in asthma by acting as an upstream activator of cellular and molecular pathways leading to type 2 (T2-high) airway inflammation. Released from airway epithelial cells upon tissue damage induced by several noxious agents including allergens, viruses, bacteria, and airborne pollutants, TSLP activates dendritic cells and group 2 innate lymphoid cells involved in the pathobiology of T2-high asthma. Tezepelumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to TSLP, thereby preventing its interaction with the TSLP receptor complex. Preliminary results of randomized clinical trials suggest that tezepelumab is characterized by a good safety and efficacy profile in patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Pelaia
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0961-3647007; Fax: +39-0961-3647193
| | - Giulia Pelaia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95131 Catania, Italy;
| | - Angelantonio Maglio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy; (A.M.); (A.V.)
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Rosa Terracciano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Vatrella
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy; (A.M.); (A.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Alpizar S, Megally A, Chen C, Raj A, Downie J, Colice G. Functionality and Performance of an Accessorized Pre-Filled Syringe and an Autoinjector for At-Home Administration of Tezepelumab in Patients with Severe, Uncontrolled Asthma. J Asthma Allergy 2021; 14:381-392. [PMID: 33907423 PMCID: PMC8064619 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s305114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tezepelumab is an anti-thymic stromal lymphopoietin monoclonal antibody in development for the treatment of severe asthma. This study assessed the functionality and performance of an accessorized pre-filled syringe (APFS) and an autoinjector (AI) for administration of tezepelumab in the clinic and at home. METHODS This phase 3, multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study (PATH-HOME, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03968978) was conducted in patients aged 12-80 years with asthma that was uncontrolled despite treatment with medium- to high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus at least one additional controller medication. Patients received six subcutaneous doses of tezepelumab 210 mg via APFS or AI. The first dose was administered by a healthcare professional, and patients or caregivers administered subsequent doses. First, second, third and final doses were administered in the clinic; fourth and fifth doses were administered at home. The primary endpoint was the proportion of successful administrations of tezepelumab. Secondary endpoints included the functionality and performance of the devices, Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ)-6 score, pharmacokinetics and safety. RESULTS Overall, 216 patients were randomized (APFS, n=111; AI, n=105). Tezepelumab was successfully administered via APFS by 91.7% of the participants (100/109) and via AI by 92.4% (97/105). Overall, 95.4-97.1% of at-home administrations were successful across device groups. Malfunction occurred in 6 of 655 dispensed APFSs and 5 of 624 dispensed AIs. Clinically meaningful improvements in ACQ-6 score were observed after 24 weeks in 81.1% and 76.2% of the patients in the APFS and AI groups, respectively. Tezepelumab pharmacokinetics were consistent between device groups and with previous studies. The most common adverse event was nasopharyngitis (9.3%). Injection-site reactions occurred in 5.7% and 0% of the patients in the AI and APFS groups, respectively. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the APFS and AI were functional and reliable, and performed equally well at home and in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sady Alpizar
- Clinical Research Trials of Florida, Inc., Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ayman Megally
- Late-Stage Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Claudia Chen
- Biostatistics, Late-Stage Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Abhi Raj
- Device Development, AstraZeneca, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John Downie
- Global Development Inflammation, Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Gene Colice
- Late-Stage Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pescitelli L, Rosi E, Ricceri F, Pimpinelli N, Prignano F. Novel Therapeutic Approaches and Targets for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 22:73-84. [PMID: 32525769 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200611112755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atopic Dermatitis is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, with an estimated prevalence of 2.1-4.9% in adults. Recently, advances in Atopic Dermatitis understanding have highlighted the role of inappropriate Th2 cell activation as principally involved in its pathogenesis. Other immune pathways seem to play a key role in the complex Atopic Dermatitis pathophysiology. The anti-IL-4/IL-13 was the first monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adult patients whose disease is resistant to other therapies. Following its interesting results in terms of efficacy and safety, new therapies are in development. METHODS Monoclonal antibodies targeting IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, IL-22, IL-23, IL-31 and TSLP are currently under investigation on patients with moderate to severe Atopic Dermatitis patients. Moreover, small molecules like anti-PDE4 and JAK inhibitors may also represent other treatment possibilities. RESULTS In this section, we present data available on the efficacy and safety of newer molecules for the treatment of Atopic Dermatitis. CONCLUSION The extreme clinical heterogeneity and the chronic progression of Atopic Dermatitis need for newer, safer and more effective treatments, able to control the disease and to improve the quality of life of affected patients. Dupilumab, and the other monoclonal antibodies and small molecules currently under investigation aim to improve the clinical management of Atopic Dermatitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Pescitelli
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elia Rosi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Federica Ricceri
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Nicola Pimpinelli
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Prignano
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Emson C, Corren J, Sałapa K, Hellqvist Å, Parnes JR, Colice G. Efficacy of Tezepelumab in Patients with Severe, Uncontrolled Asthma with and without Nasal Polyposis: A Post Hoc Analysis of the Phase 2b PATHWAY Study. J Asthma Allergy 2021; 14:91-99. [PMID: 33568920 PMCID: PMC7868291 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s288260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tezepelumab is a human monoclonal antibody that blocks thymic stromal lymphopoietin, an epithelial cytokine implicated in asthma pathogenesis, from binding to its heterodimeric receptor. In the phase 2b PATHWAY study, tezepelumab significantly reduced annualized asthma exacerbation rates (AAERs) versus placebo, irrespective of baseline disease characteristics, and improved lung function and symptom control, in adults with severe, uncontrolled asthma. This post hoc analysis assessed the efficacy of tezepelumab in adults with severe, uncontrolled asthma with and without nasal polyposis (NP). Methods In this post hoc analysis of the PATHWAY study (NCT02054130), participants (N=550) were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive subcutaneous tezepelumab 70 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W), 210 mg Q4W or 280 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W), or placebo Q2W, for 52 weeks. The AAER over 52 weeks and the change from baseline to week 52 in blood eosinophil count, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 with tezepelumab 210 mg (the phase 3 dose) and placebo were analyzed in patients grouped by self-reported presence (NP+) or absence (NP-) of NP at screening. Results At baseline, NP+ patients had higher blood eosinophil counts, higher FeNO levels and higher serum IL-5 and IL-13 levels than NP- patients. Tezepelumab 210 mg reduced the AAER versus placebo to a similar extent in both NP+ and NP- patients (NP+, 75% [95% confidence interval (CI): 15, 93], n=23; NP-, 73% [95% CI: 47, 86], n=112). Patients treated with tezepelumab 210 mg demonstrated greater reductions in blood eosinophil count and levels of FeNO, IL-5 and IL-13 than placebo-treated patients, irrespective of NP status. Discussion Tezepelumab reduced exacerbations and reduced type 2 inflammatory biomarkers in patients with and those without NP, supporting its efficacy in a broad population of patients with severe asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Emson
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Corren
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kinga Sałapa
- Biometrics, Late-Stage Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Åsa Hellqvist
- Biometrics, Late-Stage Development, Respiratory and Immunology, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Gene Colice
- Late-Stage Development Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dorey-Stein ZL, Shenoy KV. Tezepelumab as an Emerging Therapeutic Option for the Treatment of Severe Asthma: Evidence to Date. Drug Des Devel Ther 2021; 15:331-338. [PMID: 33536746 PMCID: PMC7850420 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s250825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a complex heterogeneous disease defined by chronic inflammation of the airways. Patients present with wheezing, chest tightness, cough and shortness of breath. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness and variable expiratory airflow limitation are hallmark features. About 3.6-6.1% of patients, despite receiving high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and a second controller medication, report persistent symptoms referred to as severe asthma. Uncontrolled severe asthma is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, diminished quality of life and increased health expenditures. The development of modern biological therapy has revolutionized severe asthma treatment. By targeting specific chemokines, asthma control has drastically improved, resulting in better quality of life, less emergency department visits and inpatient admissions, and decreased chronic systemic corticosteroid utilization. Despite these advances, there remains a subset of asthma patients who remain symptomatic with poor quality of life and heavy utilization of the healthcare system. Recently attention has been given to pharmaceutical therapy directed at receptors and cytokines on the epithelial layer of the lung referred to as "alarmins". Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an interleukin-7-like receptor family found on the epithelial layer of the lung that releases a cytokine cascade inducing eosinophilic inflammation, mucus production and airflow obstruction in asthmatics. Tezepelumab is the first investigational monoclonal antibody that inhibits TSLP. Proof of concept study and phase IIb studies demonstrated reduced asthma exacerbations, improvement in quality of life, less decline in FEV1 and decrease in biochemical inflammatory markers in comparison to placebo. It is presently undergoing three phase III studies and an additional phase II study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachariah L Dorey-Stein
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kartik V Shenoy
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ly N, Zheng Y, Griffiths JM, van der Merwe R, Agoram B, Parnes JR, Roskos L. Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Tezepelumab to Guide Phase 3 Dose Selection for Patients With Severe Asthma. J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 61:901-912. [PMID: 33368307 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Tezepelumab is a human monoclonal antibody that blocks thymic stromal lymphopoietin, an epithelial cytokine involved in asthma pathogenesis. In the phase 2b PATHWAY study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02054130), tezepelumab significantly reduced exacerbations in adults with severe, uncontrolled asthma. We used pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling to guide tezepelumab dose selection for phase 3 trials in patients with severe asthma. PK data from 7 clinical studies were used to develop a population PK model. Population PK-PD models were developed to characterize the relationship between tezepelumab PK and asthma exacerbation rate (AER) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels (using phase 2b PD data only). Tezepelumab PK were well described by a 2-compartment model with first-order absorption; PK parameter estimates were consistent with those of other immunoglobulin G2 antibodies. PK-PD models predicted that subcutaneous dosing at 210 mg every 4 weeks was associated with ≈90% of the maximum drug effect of tezepelumab on AER and FeNO; further dose increases were not expected to result in additional, clinically meaningful treatment benefit. No clinically significant covariates of treatment effects on AER and FeNO were identified. Population PK simulations, exposure-response relationships and safety profiles of tezepelumab at doses up to 280 mg every 2 weeks suggested that no dose adjustment based on body weight or for adolescents was required. These results support the selection of 210 mg every 4 weeks subcutaneously as the dose for phase 3 studies of tezepelumab in adults and adolescents with severe asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neang Ly
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R and D, AstraZeneca, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yanan Zheng
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R and D, AstraZeneca, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Janet M Griffiths
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R and D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Rene van der Merwe
- Late-stage Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R and D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Balaji Agoram
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R and D, AstraZeneca, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Lorin Roskos
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R and D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Corren J, Karpefors M, Hellqvist Å, Parnes JR, Colice G. Tezepelumab Reduces Exacerbations Across All Seasons in Patients with Severe, Uncontrolled Asthma: A Post Hoc Analysis of the PATHWAY Phase 2b Study. J Asthma Allergy 2021; 14:1-11. [PMID: 33469316 PMCID: PMC7810672 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s286036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tezepelumab is a human monoclonal antibody that blocks thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an epithelial cytokine implicated in airway inflammation in asthma, from binding to its heterodimeric receptor. In the PATHWAY phase 2b study, tezepelumab significantly reduced exacerbation rates compared with placebo in adults with severe, uncontrolled asthma, irrespective of baseline disease characteristics. Objective To evaluate the effect of tezepelumab on asthma exacerbations on a seasonal basis. Methods This was a post hoc analysis of the PATHWAY study (NCT02054130). Adults (N=550) with severe, uncontrolled asthma were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive subcutaneous tezepelumab 70 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W), 210 mg Q4W or 280 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W), or placebo Q2W, for 52 weeks. The annualized asthma exacerbation rate (AAER), total number of days with an exacerbation, proportion of patients with at least one exacerbation or 0, 1 or ≥2 exacerbations, and proportion of patients experiencing an exacerbation per day were evaluated by season and over the year, by treatment in the overall study population and in subgroups according to baseline blood eosinophil count (≥300 cells/µL or <300 cells/µL) or atopic asthma status (fluoro-enzyme immunoassay [FEIA]+ or FEIA-). Results Seasonal variations in exacerbation rates were found, with peaks observed in fall and winter, and greater variations in patients with high blood eosinophil counts (≥300 cells/µL). Tezepelumab treatment consistently reduced exacerbation rates across all seasons compared with placebo. Furthermore, there was a trend, which was not significant, toward a reduction in the total number of days with exacerbations and in the proportion of patients with exacerbations during each season in patients treated with tezepelumab compared with those who received placebo, irrespective of blood eosinophil count or atopic asthma status. Conclusion Tezepelumab reduced exacerbations across all seasons, irrespective of evaluated baseline disease characteristics. These data support the efficacy of tezepelumab in a broad population of patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Corren
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Åsa Hellqvist
- Biometrics, Late-Stage Development, Respiratory and Immunology, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Gene Colice
- Late-Stage Development, Respiratory and Immunology, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Damask CC, Ryan MW, Casale TB, Castro M, Franzese CB, Lee SE, Levy JM, Lin SY, Lio PA, Peters AT, Platt MP, White AA. Targeted Molecular Therapies in Allergy and Rhinology. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 164:S1-S21. [PMID: 33138725 DOI: 10.1177/0194599820965233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Biologic agents, monoclonal antibodies that target highly-specific molecular pathways of inflammation, are becoming integrated into care pathways for multiple disorders that are relevant in otolaryngology and allergy. These conditions share common inflammatory mechanisms of so-called Type 2 inflammation with dysregulation of immunoglobulin E production and eosinophil and mast cell degranulation leading to tissue damage. Biologic agents are now available for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), asthma, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), atopic dermatitis (AD), and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). This paper summarizes the diagnosis and management of these conditions and critically reviews the clinical trial data that has led to regulatory approval of biologic agents for these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mario Castro
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | | | - Stella E Lee
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Sandra Y Lin
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter A Lio
- Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Sakamoto K, Matsuki S, Irie S, Uchida N, Hayashi N, Horiuchi M, Ren S. A Phase 1, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Immunogenicity of Subcutaneous Tezepelumab in Healthy Japanese Men. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2020; 9:833-840. [PMID: 31960624 PMCID: PMC7586988 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Tezepelumab, a human immunoglobulin G2 monoclonal antibody against thymic stromal lymphopoietin, is currently under clinical development for the treatment of severe, uncontrolled asthma. This phase 1, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-ascending-dose study assessed the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity of subcutaneous tezepelumab in healthy Japanese men. Participants were assigned to 1 of 3 tezepelumab dose cohorts (35, 105, or 280 mg; n = 8 per cohort) and randomized (6:2) to receive a single subcutaneous dose of tezepelumab or placebo, with a follow-up period of 84 to 112 days. The overall incidences and severities of treatment-emergent adverse events were similar across tezepelumab doses and between the tezepelumab and placebo groups. Tezepelumab was absorbed slowly, reaching a maximum serum concentration (mean, 5.2-39.7 µg/mL) after 7 to 10 days. Area under the concentration-time curve (mean, 207.2-1612.0 µg · day /mL) increased in an approximate dose-proportional manner. Tezepelumab had a long terminal serum half-life (mean, 23.9-26.3 days) and a small apparent distribution volume, suggesting limited distribution into peripheral tissues. No participants developed anti-tezepelumab antibodies. Single-dose, subcutaneous administration of tezepelumab 35 to 280 mg resulted in an acceptable safety profile with linear pharmacokinetics in healthy Japanese men. No clear differences in tezepelumab safety and pharmacokinetics between Japanese and non-Japanese populations were identified.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacokinetics
- Asian People/ethnology
- Asthma/blood
- Asthma/drug therapy
- Asthma/immunology
- Body Mass Index
- Case-Control Studies
- Cytokines/antagonists & inhibitors
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Healthy Volunteers/statistics & numerical data
- Humans
- Immune System Phenomena/drug effects
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
- Immunoglobulin G/pharmacology
- Injections, Subcutaneous
- Male
- Placebo Effect
- Safety
- Severity of Illness Index
- Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shunji Matsuki
- SOUSEIKAI Fukuoka Mirai Hospital Clinical Research CenterFukuokaJapan
| | - Shin Irie
- SOUSEIKAI Fukuoka Mirai Hospital Clinical Research CenterFukuokaJapan
| | - Naoki Uchida
- Department of Pharmacology, Division of Clinical PharmacologyShowa University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | | | | | - Song Ren
- Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology, AstraZenecaGaithersburgMarylandUSA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Gauvreau GM, Sehmi R, Ambrose CS, Griffiths JM. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin: its role and potential as a therapeutic target in asthma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:777-792. [PMID: 32567399 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1783242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an epithelial cytokine (alarmin), is a central regulator of the immune response to inhaled environmental insults such as allergens, viruses and pollutants, initiating a cascade of downstream inflammation. There is compelling evidence that TSLP plays a major role in the pathology of asthma, and therapies that aim to block its activity are in development. AREAS COVERED We review studies conducted in humans and human cells, largely published in PubMed January 2010-October 2019, that investigated the innate and adaptive immune mechanisms of TSLP in asthma relevant to type 2-driven (eosinophilic/allergic) inflammation and non-type 2-driven (non-eosinophilic/non-allergic) inflammation, and the role of TSLP as a mediator between immune cells and structural cells in the airway. Clinical data from studies evaluating TSLP blockade are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION The position of TSLP at the top of the inflammatory cascade makes it a promising therapeutic target in asthma. Systemic anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody therapy with tezepelumab has yielded positive results in clinical trials to date, reducing exacerbations and biomarkers of inflammation in patients across the spectrum of inflammatory endotypes. Inhaled anti-TSLP is an alternative route currently under evaluation. The long-term safety and efficacy of TSLP blockade need to be evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gail M Gauvreau
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University , Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roma Sehmi
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University , Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Janet M Griffiths
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D , Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a heterogeneous disease. Recent advancements in understanding AD pathogenesis resulted in the exponential expansion of its therapeutic pipeline, particularly following the success and FDA-approval of dupilumab. Different phenotypes of AD by age and ethnicity have also recently been described and clinical studies of emerging treatments will further clarify the role of each cytokine pathway in AD.Areas covered: We review the impressive repertoire of biologics for treatment of moderate-to-severe AD, including those targeting Th2, Th22, Th17/IL-23 and IgE. We highlight the scientific rationale behind each approach and provide a discussion of the most recent clinical efficacy and safety data.Expert opinion: AD is a complex disease and recent research has identified numerous endotypes, reinforcing the rationale for developing targeted therapeutics to antagonize these factors. Dupilumab has revolutionized AD treatment and its mechanistic studies also offer crucial insight into AD pathogenesis. Nevertheless, this biologic does not work for everyone, highlighting the need for a more precise approach to address the unique immune fingerprints of each AD subset. Ultimately targeted therapeutics will complement our understanding of the AD molecular map and help push AD management into an era of personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianni Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- College of Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Emma Guttman-Yassky
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
- Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Caminati M, Polk B, Rosenwasser LJ. What have recent advances in therapy taught us about severe asthma disease mechanisms? Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:1145-1153. [PMID: 31549894 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1672536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Severe asthma still represents a worldwide challenge. The need for further treatment options has stimulated basic and pharmacological research to focus on the immune and inflammatory background of asthma. The new biologic drugs express the considerable advances in the field and besides providing a revolutionary treatment option for severe asthma, contribute themselves to better understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms they address, paving the way to new potential targets.Areas covered: A selective search on PubMed and Medline was performed, including the evidence on immunology of severe asthma published up to May 2019 by focusing on the immunological effects of biologic drugs underlying their clinical outcomes.Expert opinion: The recent pharmacological research in the field of biologics has represented an exceptional opportunity for exploring severe asthma mechanisms. However, some points deserve to be addressed by further investigation. Although in the absence of safety warnings so far, interfering with the immune system may raise some safety concerns, especially in the long-term use. Particularly when interacting with epithelial and innate immunity the selection of candidates probably deserves special caution. Also, whether biologics exert a true disease-modifying effect is not completely clear. As a direct practical implication, the optimal treatment duration is still controversial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Caminati
- Asthma Center and Allergy Unit, Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy.,Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Brooke Polk
- Wash U School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Marone G, Spadaro G, Braile M, Poto R, Criscuolo G, Pahima H, Loffredo S, Levi-Schaffer F, Varricchi G. Tezepelumab: a novel biological therapy for the treatment of severe uncontrolled asthma. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:931-940. [PMID: 31549891 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1672657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is overexpressed in the airways of severe asthmatics and is an upstream cytokine that orchestrates inflammatory responses in asthma. TSLP exerts its effects by binding to a high affinity heteromeric receptor complex composed of TSLPR and IL-7Rα. An association of polymorphisms in TSLP with airway hyperresponsiveness, IgE, eosinophilia and asthma has been documented. TSLP has been implicated in asthma pathophysiology. Tezepelumab is a first-in-class human monoclonal antibody that binds to TSLP, thus inhibiting its interaction with TSLP receptor complex. Tezepelumab given as an add-on-therapy to patients with severe uncontrolled asthma has shown safety, tolerability and efficacy. Several trials are evaluating the long-term safety and the efficacy of tezepelumab in adults and adolescents with severe uncontrolled asthma.Areas covered: We provide an overview of the monoclonal antibody therapeutics market for severe uncontrolled asthma, examine the underlying pathophysiology that drives TSLP and discuss the use of tezepelumab for the treatment of severe uncontrolled asthma,Expert opinion: TSLP is a promising target for T2-high and perhaps some patients with T2-low asthma. The results of preliminary clinical trials are encouraging. Several unanswered questions concerning basic pathophysiological aspects of TSLP variants, the long-term safety and efficacy of tezepelumab with different phenotypes/endotypes of asthma should be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Marone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali dei Colli - Monaldi Hospital Pharmacy, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spadaro
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences and Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,WAO Center of Excellence, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariantonia Braile
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences and Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,WAO Center of Excellence, Naples, Italy
| | - Remo Poto
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences and Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,WAO Center of Excellence, Naples, Italy
| | - Gjada Criscuolo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences and Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,WAO Center of Excellence, Naples, Italy
| | - Hadas Pahima
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Unit, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Stefania Loffredo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences and Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,WAO Center of Excellence, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Levi-Schaffer
- Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Unit, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gilda Varricchi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences and Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,WAO Center of Excellence, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
The management of atopic dermatitis is changing with the development of novel biologic agents to target specific molecules in the inflammatory cascade. Following the ability of dupilumab has proved its ability to act on the interleukin 4 receptor in treating atopic dermatitis. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin monoclonal antibody (AMG157/MEDI9929) and OX40 blocking antibody (GBR 830) were developed by targeting the same pathway as dupilumab further upstream. The clinical data on the efficacy for these drugs are not yet known. There is some early evidence that AMG157/MEDI9929 attenuates most measures of allergen-induced asthmatic responses. However, there are no public data on its ability to treat atopic dermatitis. In a phase 2a study, GBR 830 showed at least a 50% reduction in the Eczema Area and Severity Index scores of 17 of 23 patients, but it was not sufficiently powered for identification of statistical differences between GBR 830 versus placebo. Although there is potential for these 2 drugs to greatly improve the management of severe atopic dermatitis, significant clinical trials have not yet been completed to prove efficacy, and there are not yet any available phase 3 clinical trials, which are needed to truly evaluate their efficacy in affecting T-cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W James Tidwell
- Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, California; Division of Dermatology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.
| | - Joseph F Fowler
- Division of Dermatology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| |
Collapse
|