The COURSE Phase IIa clinical trial was conducted to evaluate tezepelumab (marketed as TEZSPIRE) in people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that had a wide range of blood eosinophil counts (BEC). These participants had disease that ranged from moderate to severe. Tezepelumab, the result of a collaboration between Amgen and AstraZeneca, resulted in a 17% percent drop in COPD exacerbations versus placebo at 52 weeks, an effect that was not considered statistically significant. Results of the trial were presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference.
While the result for the entire patient group was not significant, in individuals with BEC of at least 150 cells/µL, the reduction in exacerbations increased to 37%. Prior research suggests that around 65% of patients that would be bio-eligible for the therapy meet this threshold. In patients whose BEC was at least 300 cells/µL, exacerbations were reduced by 46%. Treatment with tezepelumab also resulted in improved lung function and quality of life.
From these results, the authors determined that tezepelumab could play a significant role in treatment for a significant number of COPD patients regardless of other factors such as smoking or the presence of complications like chronic bronchitis or emphysema. A Phase III study for the drug in this indication is already in development.
About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a progressive disease of the lungs resulting in long-term symptoms affecting airflow and breathing. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are considered the two most common types of COPD, however, there is a significant degree of variation and overlap, with some patients having signs of both types, as well as other contributing illness. The most widespread cause of COPD is tobacco smoking, but exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution, certain chemicals and hazards (dust, fumes, etc.), as well as certain genetic conditions, are also significant risk factors. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chronic cough, fatigue, wheezing, and weight loss. Patients may experience acute exacerbations of symptoms lasting several days. COPD is treated in a number of ways, such as quitting smoking, getting annual flu and pneumococcal vaccinations (which reduces exacerbations), and bronchodilators. Corticosteroids and antibiotics can also help prevent exacerbations and help them resolve sooner. To learn more about COPD, click here.
