From the Guidelines
Dupixent can improve asthma symptoms, particularly in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), as evidenced by significant improvements in FEV1 and asthma control in clinical trials. The medication, dupilumab, has been evaluated in two randomised double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled, parallel group phase 3 trials, which demonstrated its efficacy in improving asthma outcomes when added to standard-of-care treatment in adults with severe CRSwNP 1. Key benefits of dupilumab in asthma management include:
- Improved lung function, as measured by FEV1
- Enhanced asthma control
- Potential for reduced exacerbation rates and improved quality of life
- Administration via subcutaneous injection, typically 300mg every two weeks It is essential to note that the studies primarily focused on patients with CRSwNP, and the asthma benefits were observed as part of the overall treatment effect in this population 1. While the evidence is promising, it is crucial to consider the specific patient population and underlying conditions when evaluating the potential benefits of dupilumab for asthma symptom management. In clinical practice, dupilumab may be considered as an add-on therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe asthma, particularly those with type 2 inflammation or eosinophilic asthma, who remain symptomatic despite using inhaled corticosteroids and other controller medications.
From the FDA Drug Label
with other asthma medicines for the maintenance treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma in adults and children 6 years of age and older whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. DUPIXENT helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and can improve your breathing DUPIXENT may also help reduce the amount of oral corticosteroids you need while preventing severe asthma attacks and improving your breathing.
Yes, DuPixent can improve asthma symptoms. It is used for the maintenance treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma in adults and children 6 years of age and older whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. DuPixent helps prevent severe asthma attacks and can improve breathing, and may also help reduce the amount of oral corticosteroids needed 2.
From the Research
Asthma Symptoms Improvement with DuPixent
- DuPixent (dupilumab) has been shown to improve asthma symptoms in patients with moderate to severe asthma, particularly those with a type 2 inflammation phenotype 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The medication works by inhibiting the signaling of type 2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13, which are key drivers of type 2 inflammation in asthma 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Clinical trials have demonstrated that dupilumab reduces the rate of severe asthma exacerbations, improves lung function, and enhances asthma control and quality of life in patients with uncontrolled persistent asthma 4, 5, 6.
Patient Subgroups
- Dupilumab has been shown to be effective in various patient subgroups, including those with:
- Elevated eosinophils (≥150 cells/μL) and/or fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) ≥25 ppb 5, 6.
- Allergic asthma phenotype, defined as baseline serum total IgE ≥30 IU/mL and 1 or more perennial aeroallergen-specific IgE level ≥0.35 kU/L 6.
- Non-allergic asthma phenotype, with dupilumab efficacy not impacted by allergic status 6.
Treatment Outcomes
- Dupilumab has been associated with significant reductions in severe asthma exacerbations, improved lung function, and enhanced asthma control and quality of life in patients with type 2-high asthma on high-dose inhaled corticosteroids at baseline 5.
- The medication has also been shown to be effective in patients taking medium-dose inhaled corticosteroids 5.