At the European Respiratory Society Congress in Barcelona, researchers unveiled results from two late‑stage trials of AstraZeneca’s experimental monoclonal antibody, tozorakimab. The drug, administered as a sub‑cutaneous injection every four weeks, targets interleukin‑33 – a protein that drives airway inflammation and mucus production in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Significant reduction in flare‑ups

Across both studies, which together enrolled 1,750 current or former smokers who had experienced COPD exacerbations in the prior year, patients receiving tozorakimab experienced 29% to 34% fewer moderate‑to‑severe flare‑ups than those given a placebo. The average rate of exacerbations among tozorakimab‑treated participants was 1.41 events for current smokers and 1.44 events for former smokers, compared with 2.00 and 2.03 events respectively in the placebo groups.

Broad efficacy regardless of patient characteristics

Study leader Dr. Frank Sciurba of the University of Pittsburgh emphasized that the benefit was consistent across a range of sub‑groups. “Reducing exacerbations is one of the most important goals in the treatment of COPD because flare‑ups have a profound impact on patients’ health, quality of life and long‑term outcomes,” he said. The drug performed similarly regardless of smoking status, severity of lung impairment, or blood eosinophil levels – a marker often used to guide COPD therapy.

Safety profile comparable to placebo

Both trials reported overall safety profiles that were generally similar between the tozorakimab and placebo arms. No new safety signals emerged, suggesting the therapy is well‑tolerated when added to standard COPD treatment regimens.

Regulatory next steps

With the data now published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study team indicated that the findings will be submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for review. “It is encouraging to have an additional, safe therapy for patients who often struggle to breathe,” Dr. Sciurba added.

High‑dose flu vaccine also shows promise for older lung‑disease patients

In a related presentation, researchers highlighted the benefits of the high‑dose influenza vaccine for adults over 65, including those with chronic lung conditions. Analysis of two large randomized trials involving nearly 470,000 volunteers – about 32,000 of whom had chronic pulmonary disease – found the high‑dose vaccine reduced hospital admissions for flu or pneumonia by 8.8% compared with the standard‑dose vaccine. Dr. Lisa Steen Duus of Gentofte Hospital in Copenhagen noted that these results provide reassurance for older patients and their families seeking stronger protection against serious respiratory illness.

Implications for patients and families

For the millions of Americans living with COPD, an additional therapy that can meaningfully lower the frequency of debilitating flare‑ups represents a hopeful development. Families dealing with the day‑to‑day challenges of COPD can look forward to a potential new tool that may improve quality of life and reduce hospital visits.

While further regulatory review is required, the positive trial outcomes underscore the importance of continued investment in respiratory research and the promise of innovative biologic treatments to address chronic lung disease.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.