What is the relationship between Dupixent (dupilumab) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

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Last updated: February 17, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the FDA Drug Label

DUPIXENT is indicated as an add-on maintenance treatment of adult patients with inadequately controlled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and an eosinophilic phenotype. Limitations of Use DUPIXENT is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm.

Relationship between Dupixent and COPD:

  • Dupixent (dupilumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with inadequately controlled Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and an eosinophilic phenotype.
  • It is used as an add-on maintenance treatment for COPD.
  • However, it is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm 1.

From the Research

Relationship Between Dupixent (Dupilumab) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

  • The study 2 found that dupilumab was associated with lower all-cause mortality, fewer emergency department visits, and lower acute exacerbation rates in patients with COPD.
  • Dupilumab was also associated with reductions in the requirement for short-acting β2-agonists and short-acting muscarinic antagonists for symptom control, as well as decreased rates of subsequent pneumonia and COPD-relevant comorbidities 2.
  • Another study 3 found that dupilumab reduced exacerbations and improved lung function in patients with COPD and type 2 inflammation, with similar efficacy in patients with and without emphysema.

Efficacy of Dupilumab in COPD

  • The study 2 included US patients with COPD who were seen between April 2017 and August 2024, and found that receiving dupilumab was associated with improved outcomes, including lower all-cause mortality and fewer emergency department visits.
  • The study 3 was a phase 3 randomized trial that found that dupilumab reduced exacerbation rates and improved lung function in patients with COPD and type 2 inflammation.

Comparison with Other Studies

  • While studies 4, 5, and 6 focused on the efficacy of dupilumab in patients with moderate to severe asthma, they did not provide direct evidence on the relationship between dupilumab and COPD.
  • However, these studies did demonstrate the efficacy of dupilumab in improving lung function and reducing exacerbations in patients with asthma, which may be relevant to its use in patients with COPD.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.