The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that an estimated 3.23 million people worldwide die each year from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), making it the third leading cause of death globally. It is not curable, and the damage caused by COPD is not reversible. However, COPD can be managed and treated, though more effective therapies are needed to reduce inflammation, prevent disease exacerbations, and improve quality-of-life.

Here’s where Dupixent (dupilumab) comes in. Dupixent is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 signaling; these interleukins both play a role in inflammatory responses within the body. Dupixent is already approved to treat nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, prurigo nodularis, eczema, and asthma. 

IL-4 and IL-13 also drive type 2 inflammation, a dysregulated pattern of immune response. Medical literature has increasingly connected type 2 inflammation and COPD. In fact, an estimated 20-40% of people with COPD have type 2 inflammation, which can increase eosinophils in the body and cause COPD exacerbations. 

Researchers recently sought to understand whether Dupixent could potentially act as an effective therapeutic agent for people living with this disease. 

Studying Dupixent: A Phase 3 Study

Originally reported by Jeff Hansen of the University of Alabama at Birmington (UAB) News, results are now available from a Phase 3 clinical study evaluating Dupixent for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 939 patients enrolled. They were split into two cohorts, one which received a placebo and one which received 300mg Dupixent subcutaneously every two weeks.

The findings of the study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Dupixent was found to be relatively well-tolerated; its safety has, generally, already been established. In terms of how effective the treatment was, Dupixent significantly lowered the rate of annual exacerbations, reduced inflammation, and improved respiratory function. These results, which appeared within the first 2-4 weeks of starting dupilumab, lasted throughout the trial’s entirety (52 weeks). 

About COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that obstructs airflow from the lungs. This makes it more difficult to breathe over time. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis can both result in COPD. Right now, an estimated 15 million people in the United States are living with diagnosed COPD, with an estimated 12 million undiagnosed. If you smoke, are female, are older in age, have worked with chemicals or been exposed to air pollution, had lots of childhood respiratory issues, or have alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD), you have a higher risk of developing COPD. 

Symptoms related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may include:

• Frequent or recurrent respiratory infections
• Shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing
• Chronic cough
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness or pressure
• Lethargy and/or fatigue
• Swelling of the lower extremities
• Excess mucus production
• Increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer

If you have this disease, you should stop smoking. Avoiding air pollutants and lung infections, and partaking in pulmonary rehabilitation or supplemental oxygen use, are also recommended. Learn more about COPD here.