AstraZeneca-Amgen asthma drug hits 69% remission in esophageal disease trial
AZN•Tezspire achieved remission in 69% of patients receiving the 420 mg dose at 24 weeks, versus 3.5% on placebo, in a trial for eosinophilic esophagitis. The companies said remission benefits were maintained through 52 weeks.
1. Remission results
Amgen and AstraZeneca said Tezspire reduced swallowing difficulties and achieved disease remission in patients with symptomatic and uncontrolled eosinophilic esophagitis. At 24 weeks, remission was achieved by 65% of patients on the 210 mg dose and 69% on the 420 mg dose, compared with 3.5% on placebo.
2. Results through 52 weeks
The companies said the benefits were maintained through 52 weeks, with remission in 67.8% of patients on the 210 mg dose and 63.3% on the 420 mg dose, compared with 5.4% on placebo. At 24 weeks, swallowing-difficulty scores fell by 18.8 points and 22 points on the two doses, respectively, versus a 14.7-point reduction with placebo.
3. Drug and side effects
Tezspire blocks TSLP, a protein involved in an inflammatory pathway. The most commonly reported side effects were upper respiratory infections, headache and diarrhea. It is approved in a number of countries as an add-on treatment for severe asthma.
