AstraZeneca (AZ) has announced its IL-5Rα monoclonal antibody (mAb) Fasenra (benralizumab) missed the primary endpoint in Phase III RESOLUTE trial for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) despite showing numerical improvement in exacerbation reduction. The anti-eosinophil antibody demonstrated safety profiles consistent with established characteristics in severe asthma and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) where it holds approvals. AZ will conduct full data analysis to understand outcomes in this heterogeneous disease affecting 391 million patients globally.

Fasenra previously revolutionised severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) treatment through targeted eosinophil depletion and recently gained approvals for EGPA in over 60 countries. The COPD setback highlights challenges in developing biologics for complex respiratory conditions beyond eosinophil-driven phenotypes. AZ continues developing other pipeline assets targeting unmet needs.

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