Dupixent Shows Positive Results in COPD Study

Sanofi and Regeneron’s blockbuster eczema and asthma drug Dupixent (dupilumab) showed positive results in a late-stage study in patients with uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who were already receiving standard-of-care inhaled therapy.

The treated participants had a 30 percent reduction in moderate or severe acute exacerbations, as well as meaningful improvements in lung function and quality of life. A separate late-stage study is ongoing and data from that trial is expected in 2024.

Dupixent was first approved by the FDA in March 2017 for treatment of eczema. In October 2018, it was approved for treating moderate-to-severe asthma.

Sales of Dupixent exceeded $9 billion in 2022. If approved as the first biologic therapy for  COPD, the drug is likely to significantly expand annual sales.