Association of Sputum Eosinophilia With Easily Measured Type-2 Inflammatory Biomarkers in Untreated Mild Persistent Asthma.

BACKGROUND: A multicenter clinical trial in patients with mild persistent asthma indicated that response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is limited to those with sputum eosinophilia. However, testing for sputum eosinophilia is impractical in most clinical settings. OBJECTIVE: We examined associations between sputum eosinophilia and type 2 inflammatory biomarkers in untreated mild persistent asthma. METHODS: Induced sputum, blood eosinophil count (BEC), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and serum periostin were obtained twice during the 6-week run-in period in a clinical trial that enrolled patients 12 years and older with symptomatic, mild persistent asthma without controller therapy. The optimal threshold for each biomarker was based on achieving 80% or greater sensitivity. Performance of biomarkers (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve [AUC], range 0.0-1.0) in predicting sputum eosinophilia 2% or greater was determined; AUCs of 0.8 to 0.9 and more than 0.9 define excellent and outstanding discrimination, respectively. RESULTS: Of 564 participants, 27% were sputum eosinophilic, 83% were atopic, 70% had BEC of 200/uL or higher or FeNO of 25 ppb or greater; 64% of participants without sputum eosinophilia had elevated BEC or FeNO. The AUCs for BEC, FeNO, and both together in predicting sputum eosinophilia were all below the threshold for excellent discrimination (AUC 0.75, 0.78, and 0.79, respectively). Periostin (in adults) had poor discrimination (AUC 0.59; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: In untreated mild persistent asthma, there is substantial discordance between sputum eosinophilia, BEC, and FeNO. Until prospective trials test the ability of alternative biomarkers to predict ICS response, BEC or FeNO phenotyping may be an option to consider ICS through a shared decision-making process with consideration of other clinical features.

Dupilumab Efficacy in Patients with Type 2 Asthma with and without Elevated Blood Neutrophils.

Introduction: Elevated neutrophil counts in blood, sputum, or lung have been associated with poor clinical outcomes and more severe disease in patients with type 2 asthma. In the phase 3 LIBERTY ASTHMA QUEST (NCT02414854), add-on dupilumab 200 and 300 mg every 2 weeks compared with matched placebo significantly reduced severe asthma exacerbations and improved forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in patients with uncontrolled, moderate-to-severe asthma. This post hoc analysis explored the efficacy of dupilumab in patients with type 2 asthma enrolled in QUEST with or without elevated blood neutrophil counts. Methods: Annualized severe exacerbation rates during the 52-week treatment period and least-squares mean change from baseline in FEV1 over time were evaluated for patients with elevated type 2 biomarkers at baseline (blood eosinophils ≥ 150 cells/µL or fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) ≥ 20 ppb; and eosinophils ≥ 300 cells/µL or FeNO ≥ 50 ppb) and low (<4,000 cells/µL) or high (≥4,000 cells/µL) neutrophil counts. Results: Dupilumab significantly reduced annualized severe exacerbation rates compared with placebo during the 52-week treatment period in patients with elevated type 2 biomarkers, irrespective of baseline neutrophil count (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). Significant improvements in FEV1 versus placebo were observed as early as Week 2 and over the 52-week treatment period, irrespective of baseline neutrophil count (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Safety findings were similar across all subgroups, regardless of neutrophil counts at baseline. Conclusions: Dupilumab treatment significantly reduced annualized severe exacerbation rates and improved lung function in patients with uncontrolled, moderate-to-severe, type 2 asthma, irrespective of baseline blood neutrophil count. This trial is registered with NCT02414854.

Mepolizumab Reduces Systemic Corticosteroid Use in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps.

BACKGROUND: Systemic corticosteroids (SCSs) are associated with short- and long-term adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: To assess mepolizumab efficacy according to prior SCS use and characterize mepolizumab's SCS-sparing capabilities, in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. METHODS: In the randomized, double-blind, phase III SYNAPSE trial (NCT03085797), adults with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps eligible for repeat sinus surgery despite standard of care treatment received mepolizumab (100 mg subcutaneously) or placebo every 4 weeks for 52 weeks. The impact of prior SCS courses (0/1/>1) on mepolizumab versus placebo treatment responses (changes from baseline in total endoscopic nasal polyp [week 52], nasal obstruction visual analog scale [weeks 49-52], and 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test total [week 52] scores) was analyzed post hoc. To characterize mepolizumab's SCS-sparing capabilities, time-to-first SCS course for nasal polyps (prespecified) and total prednisolone-equivalent oral corticosteroid dose by patient baseline characteristics (post hoc, in patients with ≥1 SCS course during SYNAPSE) were assessed up to week 52. RESULTS: Mepolizumab versus placebo improved treatment responses, irrespective of prior SCS use. By week 52, the probability of requiring SCSs for nasal polyps (Kaplan-Meier estimate [95% CI]) was lower with mepolizumab (25.4% [20.0-32.1]) versus placebo (37.5% [31.1-44.6]). In patients requiring 1 or more dose of SCSs, total (mean ± SD mg/y) prednisolone-equivalent oral corticosteroid dose was lower with mepolizumab (438.9 ± 350.40) versus placebo (505.2 ± 455.091), overall and irrespective of prior sinus surgeries, blood eosinophil count, or comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Mepolizumab is associated with clinical benefits in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps regardless of prior SCS use and has an SCS-sparing effect.

Questions in Mild Asthma: An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement.

Background: Patients with mild asthma are believed to represent the majority of patients with asthma. Disease-associated risks such as exacerbations, lung function decline, and death have been understudied in this patient population. There have been no prior efforts from major societies to describe research needs in mild asthma. Methods: A multidisciplinary, diverse group of 24 international experts reviewed the literature, identified knowledge gaps, and provided research recommendations relating to mild asthma definition, pathophysiology, and management across all age groups. Research needs were also investigated from a patient perspective, generated in conjunction with patients with asthma, caregivers, and stakeholders. Of note, this project is not a systematic review of the evidence and is not a clinical practice guideline. Results: There are multiple unmet needs in research on mild asthma driven by large knowledge gaps in all areas. Specifically, there is an immediate need for a robust mild asthma definition and an improved understanding of its pathophysiology and management strategies across all age groups. Future research must factor in patient perspectives. Conclusions: Despite significant advances in severe asthma, there remain innumerable research areas requiring urgent attention in mild asthma. An important first step is to determine a better definition that will accurately reflect the heterogeneity and risks noted in this group. This research statement highlights the topics of research that are of the highest priority. Furthermore, it firmly advocates the need for engagement with patient groups and for more support for research in this field.

Mild asthma: Lessons learned and remaining questions.

Patients living with mild disease represent the largest proportion of asthma patients. There are significant challenges in proposing a definition that would best describe these patients, while also accurately identifying at-risk individuals. Current literature suggests considerable inflammatory and clinical heterogeneity within this group. Research has shown that these patients are at risk of poor control, exacerbations, lung function decline, and death. Despite conflicting data on its prevalence, eosinophilic inflammation appears to be a predictor of poorer outcomes in mild asthma. There is an immediate need to better understand phenotypic clusters in mild asthma. It is also important to understand factors that influence disease progression and remission, as it is evident that both vary in mild asthma. Guided by robust literature that supports inhaled corticosteroid-based strategies over short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) reliant regimens, the management of these patients has evolved considerably. Unfortunately, SABA use remains high in clinical practice despite strong advocacy from the Global Initiative for Asthma. Future mild asthma research should explore the role of biomarkers, develop prediction tools based on composite risk scores, and explore targeted therapies at least for at-risk individuals.

Patterns of rescue and maintenance therapy claims surrounding a clinical encounter for an asthma exacerbation.

BACKGROUND: A "window of opportunity" has been proposed where anti-inflammatory therapy administration in response to symptoms could prevent exacerbation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate rescue and maintenance therapy claims surrounding a severe asthma exacerbation serious enough to require a face-to-face clinical encounter. METHODS: Merative MarketScan research databases (US administrative claims 2011 to 2017) were analyzed for patients aged ≥4 years, with an asthma diagnosis code, who filled short-acting ß2-agonist (SABA) and Global Initiative for Asthma Steps 3 to 5 maintenance therapies. Patients were indexed on a random SABA claim and had 12 months' continuous health plan eligibility pre- and post-index. Serious exacerbations were severe exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids prescribed from an outpatient clinic, urgent care or emergency department, or hospitalization for asthma. SABA and maintenance claims 30 days pre- and post-event were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 319,342 patients (30% children 4 to 11 years; 70% adults or adolescents ≥12 years), 27.2% of children and 16.8% of adolescents or adults experienced ≥ 1 serious exacerbation (unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.85 [95% confidence interval, 1.81-1.88]). In the 30 days pre-event, 42.6% filled ≥1 SABA (children: 44.3%; adolescents or adults: 41.5%; OR, 1.12 [1.09-1.16]) and 57.4% filled maintenance (children: 59.0%; adolescents or adults: 56.3%; OR, 1.12 [1.08-1.15]). In the 30 days post-event, 61.4% filled SABA (children: 69.7%; adolescents or adults: 55.6%; OR, 1.84 [1.78-1.90]) and 94.8% filled maintenance (children: 98.6%; adolescents or adults: 92.2%; OR, 6.09 [5.45-6.81]). CONCLUSION: Many patients treated as having moderate-to-severe asthma escalate SABA claims before a serious exacerbation, but approximately 40% have no anti-inflammatory maintenance fill, highlighting a "window of opportunity" to prevent exacerbations using inhaled corticosteroids concomitantly with SABA as rescue.

Severe Asthma Standard-of-Care Background Medication Reduction With Benralizumab: ANDHI in Practice Substudy.

BACKGROUND: The phase IIIb, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled ANDHI double-blind (DB) study extended understanding of the efficacy of benralizumab for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. Patients from ANDHI DB could join the 56-week ANDHI in Practice (IP) single-arm, open-label extension substudy. OBJECTIVE: Assess potential for standard-of-care background medication reductions while maintaining asthma control with benralizumab. METHODS: Following ANDHI DB completion, eligible adults were enrolled in ANDHI IP. After an 8-week run-in with benralizumab, there were 5 visits to potentially reduce background asthma medications for patients achieving and maintaining protocol-defined asthma control with benralizumab. Main outcome measures for non-oral corticosteroid (OCS)-dependent patients were the proportions with at least 1 background medication reduction (ie, lower inhaled corticosteroid dose, background medication discontinuation) and the number of adapted Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) step reductions at end of treatment (EOT). Main outcomes for OCS-dependent patients were reductions in daily OCS dosage and proportion achieving OCS dosage of 5 mg or lower at EOT. RESULTS: For non-OCS-dependent patients, 53.3% (n = 208 of 390) achieved at least 1 background medication reduction, increasing to 72.6% (n = 130 of 179) for patients who maintained protocol-defined asthma control at EOT. A total of 41.9% (n = 163 of 389) achieved at least 1 adapted GINA step reduction, increasing to 61.8% (n = 110 of 178) for patients with protocol-defined EOT asthma control. At ANDHI IP baseline, OCS dosages were 5 mg or lower for 40.4% (n = 40 of 99) of OCS-dependent patients. Of OCS-dependent patients, 50.5% (n = 50 of 99) eliminated OCS and 74.7% (n = 74 of 99) achieved dosages of 5 mg or lower at EOT. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate benralizumab's ability to improve asthma control, thereby allowing background medication reduction.

Impact of mepolizumab in patients with high-burden severe asthma within a managed care population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the real-world impact of mepolizumab on the incidence of asthma exacerbations, oral corticosteroid (OCS) use and asthma exacerbation-related costs in patients with high-burden severe asthma. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of the MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Databases in patients with high-burden severe asthma (≥80th percentile of total healthcare expenditure and/or significant comorbidity burden). Patients were ≥12 years of age upon mepolizumab initiation (index date November 1, 2015-December 31, 2018) and had ≥2 mepolizumab administrations during the 6 months post-index. Asthma exacerbation frequency (primary outcome), use of OCS (secondary outcome), and asthma exacerbation-related costs (exploratory outcome) were assessed during the 12 months pre-index (baseline) and post-index (follow-up). RESULTS: In total, 281 patients were analyzed. Mepolizumab significantly reduced the proportion of patients with any asthma exacerbation (P < 0.001) or exacerbations requiring hospitalization (P = 0.004) in the follow-up versus baseline period. The mean number of exacerbations decreased from 2.5 to 1.5 events/patient/year (relative reduction: 40.0%; P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with ≥1 OCS claim also decreased significantly from 94.0% to 81.9% (relative reduction: 12.9%; P < 0.001), corresponding to a decrease from 6.6 to 4.7 claims/person/year (P < 0.001). Of the 264 patients with ≥1 OCS claim during baseline, 191 (72.3%) showed a decrease in mean daily OCS use by ≥50% in 117 patients (61.3%). Total asthma exacerbation-related costs were significantly lower after mepolizumab was initiated (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mepolizumab reduced exacerbation frequency, OCS use and asthma exacerbation-related costs in patients with high-cost severe asthma. Mepolizumab provides real-world benefits to patients, healthcare systems and payers.

A Predictive Machine Learning Tool for Asthma Exacerbations: Results from a 12-Week, Open-Label Study Using an Electronic Multi-Dose Dry Powder Inhaler with Integrated Sensors.

Purpose: Machine learning models informed by sensor data inputs have the potential to provide individualized predictions of asthma deterioration. This study aimed to determine if data from an integrated digital inhaler could be used to develop a machine learning model capable of predicting impending exacerbations. Patients and Methods: Adult patients with poorly controlled asthma were enrolled in a 12-week, open-label study using ProAir® Digihaler®, an electronic multi-dose dry powder inhaler (eMDPI) with integrated sensors, as reliever medication (albuterol, 90 µg/dose; 1-2 inhalations every 4 hours, as needed). Throughout the study, the eMDPI recorded inhaler use, peak inspiratory flow (PIF), inhalation volume, inhalation duration, and time to PIF. A model predictive of impending exacerbations was generated by applying machine learning techniques to data downloaded from the inhalers, together with clinical and demographic information. The generated model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic area under curve (ROC AUC) analysis. Results: Of 360 patients included in the predictive analysis, 64 experienced a total of 78 exacerbations. Increased albuterol use preceded exacerbations; the mean number of inhalations in the 24-hours preceding an exacerbation was 7.3 (standard deviation 17.3). The machine learning model, using gradient-boosting trees with data from the eMDPI and baseline patient characteristics, predicted an impending exacerbation over the following 5 days with an ROC AUC of 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.77-0.90). The feature of the model with the highest weight was the mean number of daily inhalations during the 4 days prior to the day the prediction was made. Conclusion: A machine learning model to predict impending asthma exacerbations using data from the eMDPI was successfully developed. This approach may support a shift from reactive care to proactive, preventative, and personalized management of chronic respiratory diseases.

Phenotyping, Precision Medicine, and Asthma.

The traditional one-size-fits all approach based on asthma severity is archaic. Asthma is a heterogenous syndrome rather than a single disease entity. Studies evaluating observable characteristics called phenotypes have elucidated this heterogeneity. Asthma clusters demonstrate overlapping features, are generally stable over time and are reproducible. What the identification of clusters may have failed to do, is move the needle of precision medicine meaningfully in asthma. This may be related to the lack of a straightforward and clinically meaningful way to apply what we have learned about asthma clusters. Clusters are based on both clinical factors and biomarkers. The use of biomarkers is slowly gaining popularity, but phenotyping based on biomarkers is generally greatly underutilized even in subspecialty care. Biomarkers are more often used to evaluate type 2 (T2) inflammatory signatures and eosinophils (sputum and blood), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and serum total and specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E reliably characterize the underlying inflammatory pathways. Biomarkers perform variably and clinicians must be familiar with their advantages and disadvantages to accurately apply them in clinical care. In addition, it is increasingly clear that clinical features are critical in understanding not only phenotypic characterization but in predicting response to therapy and future risk of poor outcomes. Strategies for asthma management will need to leverage our knowledge of biomarkers and clinical features to create composite scores and risk prediction tools that are clinically applicable. Despite significant progress, many questions remain, and more work is required to accurately identify non-T2 biomarkers. Adoption of phenotyping and more consistent use of biomarkers is needed, and we should continue to encourage this incorporation into practice.

Dupilumab efficacy in subgroups of type 2 asthma with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids at baseline.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Dupilumab blocks the shared receptor component for interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13, key and central drivers of type 2 inflammation in multiple diseases. In phase 3 QUEST (NCT02414854), add-on dupilumab 200 and 300 mg every 2 weeks reduced severe exacerbations, improved pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and was generally well tolerated in patients with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma. This post hoc analysis assessed dupilumab efficacy in subpopulations of patients with type 2 asthma and high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). METHODS: Adjusted annualized severe exacerbation rates over the treatment period, least squares (LS) mean change from baseline at Week 12 in pre-bronchodilator FEV1, and LS mean change from baseline at Week 24 in 5-item Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5) scores were analyzed in subgroups of patients receiving high-dose (>500 µg) ICS with baseline blood eosinophils ≥150 cells/µL and/or fractional exhaled nitric oxide ≥25 ppb. Subgroups included allergic phenotype (with/without), comorbid chronic rhinosinusitis and/or nasal polyposis (with/without), pre-bronchodilator FEV1/forced vital capacity (<70%/≥70%), blood eosinophil level, exacerbation history, median baseline pre-bronchodilator FEV1, age at asthma onset (≤40/>40 years), median FEV1 reversibility, body mass index (<30/≥30 kg/m2), and sex. RESULTS: Dupilumab vs placebo reduced exacerbations and improved pre-bronchodilator FEV1 at Week 12 and ACQ-5 at Week 24 across subgroups of patients with type 2 asthma and high-dose ICS at baseline. Dupilumab was also effective in patients receiving medium-dose ICS. CONCLUSION: Dupilumab reduced severe exacerbations and improved lung function and asthma control in subgroups of patients with type 2 asthma and high-dose ICS at baseline. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02414854.

Respiratory Symptoms among US Adults: a Cross-Sectional Health Survey Study.

INTRODUCTION: Data collected through ongoing, state-based, cross-sectional health surveys could be used to better understand the contribution of respiratory symptoms to impaired health among the US adult population. METHODS: We used the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System telephone health survey in four states (Kentucky, Florida, South Carolina, Texas) to describe the relationship between symptoms, associated factors such as tobacco smoking, and health impairments. Self-reported productive cough, shortness of breath (SOB), and dyspnea on exertion (DOE) were categorized as minimal, moderate, or severe. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression models with age as a covariate to assess relationships of symptoms with other factors. RESULTS: Among adults ≥ 18 years, respiratory impairment [current asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a current moderate or severe symptom] occurred in 39.1% of the population. More than half of adults reporting moderate or severe symptoms had not been diagnosed with asthma or COPD, particularly with DOE and productive cough. Subjects were at greater risk of moderate and severe SOB or productive cough with increasing age, prolonged smoking duration (≥ 20 years), being an ever-smoker, or if reporting COPD, current asthma, or any other comorbidity except cancer. Morbid obesity [body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m2] was associated with severe DOE at a rate similar to current asthma or COPD (25.6%, 95% CI 20.9-30.3%; 20.8%, 95% CI 16.4-25.1%; 21.3%, 95% CI 17.5-25.1%, respectively); it was the most common cause of DOE. SOB was associated with worse general health impairment and limited ambulation compared with other symptoms. Tobacco smoking prevalence and race varied among states, affecting symptom prevalence. CONCLUSION: In the largest US survey in decades, we provide a current perspective of respiratory symptoms among adults of all ages. While known risk factors were apparent, low-risk persons also frequently reported symptoms and impairments.

Allergic and eosinophilic asthma in the era of biomarkers and biologics: similarities, differences and misconceptions.

OBJECTIVE: Severe asthma is associated with substantial personal and economic burden; maintaining disease control is the key management goal. Increased understanding of asthma heterogeneity and development of type 2 (T2)-targeting biologics has substantially advanced disease management and outcomes; however, despite both being driven by T2 inflammation, allergic and eosinophilic asthma have different treatment recommendations. We sought to better understand the similarities and differences between allergic and eosinophilic asthma and highlight where misconceptions may arise. DATA SOURCES: Published articles, pivotal trials, post hoc analyses, and asthma clinical guidelines sourced from PubMed. STUDY SELECTIONS: Sources reporting allergic and eosinophilic asthma classifications, disease mechanisms, and biomarkers associated with treatment response. RESULTS: This review highlights that severe allergic and eosinophilic asthma are both driven by T2 inflammation with eosinophils playing a cardinal role. Despite this overlap, treatment recommendations differ based on asthma classification. T2 cytokine gene expression is a reasonably well-established research tool, but not a well-established biomarker in clinical practice, unlike blood eosinophil counts, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, and immunoglobulin E; the clinical relevance of immunoglobulin E as a predictive biomarker remains unclear. CONCLUSION: Asthma classifications that can be easily characterized at patient level to ensure accurate diagnosis, predict disease trajectory, and treatment response are required. The current dichotomy of allergic and eosinophilic asthma classifications is likely too simplistic, given the similar eosinophil-mediated disease pathophysiology in both classifications. Our results provide future directions to guide clinically meaningful interpretation of asthma endophenotypes, which may improve understanding of severe asthma characterization and aid future advances in defining responders more precisely with personalized medicine approaches.

Results of a Phase 2b Trial With GB001, a Prostaglandin D2 Receptor 2 Antagonist, in Moderate to Severe Eosinophilic Asthma.

BACKGROUND: Prostaglandin D2 receptor 2 (DP2) antagonists inhibit prostaglandin D2-induced effects, including recruitment and activation of cells driving asthma pathogenesis. However, challenges identifying target population and end points persist. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the effect of the DP2 antagonist GB001 on asthma worsening in patients with moderate to severe eosinophilic asthma? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In this phase IIb, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging, parallel-group, multicenter study, GB001 or placebo was added to standard-of-care treatment in patients with moderate to severe asthma with a blood eosinophil count ≥ 250 cells/µL. Patients aged ≥ 18 years to < 75 years received one of four once-daily treatments (GB001 20 mg, 40 mg, or 60 mg or placebo). The primary end point was the proportion of patients who experienced asthma worsening by 24 weeks. Efficacy analyses were performed for the intention-to-treat population and safety analyses for patients who received at least one dose of study treatment. RESULTS: A total of 480 patients were treated. The ORs for asthma worsening for GB001 20 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg vs placebo were 0.674 (95% CI, 0.398-1.142), 0.677 (95% CI, 0.399-1.149), and 0.651 (95% CI, 0.385-1.100), respectively. Analysis according to baseline blood eosinophil levels and/or fractional exhaled nitric oxide did not show greater treatment effects with higher values. Elevated liver aminotransferase levels and adverse events leading to discontinuation were more frequent for GB001 60 mg than with placebo, GB001 20 mg, and GB001 40 mg. INTERPRETATION: Although GB001 did not significantly reduce the odds of asthma worsening, reductions favoring GB001 were observed. Treatment effects were consistent regardless of high/low type 2 phenotype. The overall safety profile was acceptable, although GB001 60 mg was associated with risk of liver injury. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03683576; URL: www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov.

Real World Biologic Use and Switch Patterns in Severe Asthma: Data from the International Severe Asthma Registry and the US CHRONICLE Study.

INTRODUCTION: International registries provide opportunities to describe use of biologics for treating severe asthma in current clinical practice. Our aims were to describe real-life global patterns of biologic use (continuation, switches, and discontinuations) for severe asthma, elucidate reasons underlying these patterns, and examine associated patient-level factors. METHODS: This was a historical cohort study including adults with severe asthma enrolled into the International Severe Asthma Registry (ISAR; http://isaregistries.org, 2015-2020) or the CHRONICLE Study (2018-2020) and treated with a biologic. Eleven countries were included (Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, South Korea, Spain, UK, and USA). Biologic utilization patterns were defined: 1) continuing initial biologic; 2) stopping biologic treatment; or 3) switching to another biologic. Reasons for discontinuation/switching were recorded and comparisons drawn between groups. RESULTS: A total of 3531 patients were included. Omalizumab was the most common initial biologic in 2015 (88.2%) and benralizumab in 2019 (29.6%). Most patients (79%; 2791/3531) continued their first biologic; 10.2% (356/3531) stopped; 10.8% (384/3531) switched. The most frequent first switch was from omalizumab to an anti-IL-5/5R (49.6%; 187/377). The most common subsequent switch was from one anti-IL-5/5R to another (44.4%; 20/45). Insufficient efficacy and/or adverse effects were the most frequent reasons for stopping/switching. Patients who stopped/switched were more likely to have a higher baseline blood eosinophil count and exacerbation rate, lower lung function, and greater health care resource utilization. CONCLUSION: The description of real-life patterns of continuing, stopping, or switching biologics enhances our understanding of global biologic use. Prospective studies involving structured switching criteria could ascertain optimal strategies to identify patients who may benefit from switching.

Benralizumab improves symptoms of patients with severe, eosinophilic asthma with a diagnosis of nasal polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Clinically meaningful improvement in the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) was observed in patients with severe, eosinophilic asthma, and nasal polyposis (NP) treated with benralizumab in the ANDHI trial. A post hoc assessment of the effects of benralizumab on SNOT-22 response and asthma efficacy measures in these patients was conducted for further characterization of the efficacy and safety of benralizumab for patients with severe asthma and NP. METHODS: Adults with severe, eosinophilic asthma who had experienced ≥2 prior-year exacerbations despite high-dosage inhaled corticosteroid plus additional controller[s] were randomized to 24 weeks of benralizumab or placebo. Patients with physician-diagnosed chronic rhinosinusitis with NP of any severity ongoing at baseline who consented to participate were included in the current ANDHI NP substudy population. Effect on NP symptoms was assessed by the SNOT-22, with an improvement of at least 8.9 defined as clinically significant (responder). Effects on chronic asthma outcomes were assessed by means of annualized asthma exacerbation rate (AER), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1 ), and Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6). All p-values were nominal. RESULTS: Of the ANDHI population (n = 656), 23% (n = 153) participated in the NP substudy (n = 96 benralizumab; n = 57 placebo). Patients were 50% female, with mean age of 53 years, had prior-year AER = 3.3; mean pre-bronchodilator FEV1  = 55% predicted; and median blood eosinophil count â€‹= 510 cells/µl. For patients with high baseline SNOT-22 scores (>30), benralizumab treatment improved symptoms of NP as measured by SNOT-22 from baseline to Week 24 compared with placebo (Week 24: -10.44 [p = .0176]). Percentage of responders to SNOT-22 was greater for benralizumab vs. placebo (71.3% vs. 45.5%; p = .0036), and effect was enhanced for patients with high baseline SNOT-22 scores (>30). A 69% reduction vs. placebo in annualized AER (0.77 vs. 2.47; p < .0001) and greater clinically meaningful improvements from baseline in SGRQ total score (-16.7), FEV1 (+0.32 L), and ACQ-6 (-0.88) were observed (p < .0001). Benralizumab was well-tolerated. Frequency of adverse events (AEs) was similar for benralizumab (76.0%) and placebo (73.7%) groups. Most common AEs (frequency ≥5%) reported at a greater frequency in benralizumab vs. placebo included headache, sinusitis, pyrexia, and influenza. CONCLUSIONS: These substudy data from ANDHI demonstrated the efficacy profile of benralizumab for patients with severe, eosinophilic asthma and NP, with improvement in SNOT-22 and asthma outcomes.

HuR-Targeted Inhibition Impairs Th2 Proinflammatory Responses in Asthmatic CD4+ T Cells.

RNA-binding protein HuR (ELAVL1) is a master regulator of gene expression in human pathophysiology. Its dysregulation plays an important role in many diseases. We hypothesized that HuR plays an important role in Th2 inflammation in asthma in both mouse and human. To address this, we used a model of airway inflammation in a T cell-specific knockout mouse model, distal lck-Cre HuRfl/fl, as well as small molecule inhibitors in human peripheral blood-derived CD4+ T cells. Peripheral CD4+ T cells were isolated from 26 healthy control subjects and 45 asthmatics (36 type 2 high and 9 non-type 2 high, determined by blood eosinophil levels and fraction of exhaled NO). Our mouse data showed conditional ablation of HuR in T cell-abrogated Th2 differentiation, cytokine production, and lung inflammation. Studies using human T cells showed that HuR protein levels in CD4+ T cells were significantly higher in asthmatics compared with healthy control subjects. The expression and secretion of Th2 cytokines were significantly higher in asthmatics compared with control subjects. AMP-activated protein kinase activator treatment reduced the expression of several cytokines in both type 2 high and non-type 2 high asthma groups. However, the effects of CMLD-2 (a HuR-specific inhibitor) were more specific to endotype-defining cytokines in type 2 high asthmatics. Taken together, these data suggest that HuR plays a permissive role in both allergen and non-allergen-driven airway inflammation by regulating key genes, and that interfering with its function may be a novel method of asthma treatment.

Biomarkers to Predict Response to Inhaled Corticosteroids and Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists in Adolescents and Adults with Mild Persistent Asthma.

Rationale: Whether biomarkers can be used to predict response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) in mild persistent asthma is unclear. Objectives: In a prespecified exploratory analysis of a randomized clinical trial of 295 participants 12 years of age or older with uncontrolled mild persistent asthma, we sought to identify biomarkers of treatment response after 12 weeks of ICS (mometasone, 200 µg or 220 µg twice/d), LAMA (tiotropium, 5 µg/d), or placebo in adults (⩾18 yr) and adolescents (12-17 yr) separately. Methods: The primary outcome was a composite outcome of asthma control (treatment failure, asthma control days, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]). Analyses examined type 2 inflammatory biomarkers and physiologic biomarkers. We assessed the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for response to ICS and LAMA (each versus placebo). An AUC of 0.5 suggests no discrimination, 0.7-0.8 is considered acceptable, more than 0.8-0.9 is considered excellent, and more than 0.9 is considered outstanding. Results: In 237 adults, sputum and blood eosinophil levels and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) each predicted ICS response (AUCs: 0.61 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.53-0.69], 0.64 [95% CI, 0.56-0.72], and 0.62 [95% CI, 0.54-0.70], respectively; all P < 0.01); the AUC for blood eosinophil levels and FeNO together was 0.66 (95% CI, 0.58-0.74; P < 0.001). In 58 adolescents, the number of positive aeroallergens and total serum immunoglobulin E each predicted ICS response (AUCs: 0.69 [95% CI, 0.52-0.85] and 0.73 [95% CI, 0.58-0.87], respectively; both P < 0.03); the AUC for both together was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.58-0.87; P = 0.003). After ipratropium bromide, FEV1 reversibility predicted LAMA response in adults (AUC: 0.61 [95% CI, 0.53-0.69], P = 0.007) but not in adolescents. Conclusions: The AUCs of the type 2 inflammatory biomarkers and physiological biomarkers we examined may not be high enough to confidently identify individuals with asthma who respond to ICS and LAMA. However, our findings indicate that the biomarkers that predict response to ICS or LAMA may differ in adults versus adolescents with uncontrolled mild persistent asthma. Prospective, biomarker-stratified clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and to identify first-line controllers tailored for each population.

Effective Management of Severe Asthma with Biologic Medications in Adult Patients: A Literature Review and International Expert Opinion.

Severe asthma often remains uncontrolled despite effective treatments and evidence-based guidelines. A group of global experts in asthma and biologic medications from 9 countries considered the most relevant clinical variables to manage severe asthma in adult patients and guide treatment choice. The resulting recommendations address the investigation of biomarker levels (blood eosinophil count along with fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide [FeNO]), clinical features (oral corticosteroid [OCS] dependence, specific comorbid disease entities associated with severe type 2 asthma), and safety considerations. Current evidence suggests that biomarkers, including both blood or sputum eosinophil counts as well as FeNO, add prognostic and predictive value and should be measured in all patients with severe asthma. OCS use is an important factor in biologic selection, especially given the documented ability of some biologics to reduce OCS dependence. Comorbid diseases and relevant safety considerations to each biologic should also be considered. More data are needed to determine whether biomarker profiles identify patients suited to one biologic versus another as limited data support differential predictors of response. Further prospective head-to-head trials and post hoc analyses of clinical trial data are warranted. The authors believe that these recommendations have value as they offer expert opinion to assist health care providers in making difficult decisions regarding the quality of care in severe, type 2 asthma with biologic medications. They remain conditional and are based on limited data owing to a lack of head-to-head comparisons.