Background: Dupilumab, an anti-IL-4 receptor a mAb, inhibits IL-4/IL-13 signaling, key drivers of type 2/TH2 immune diseases (eg, atopic/allergic disease). In a pivotal, phase 2b study (NCT01854047), dupilumab reduced severe exacerbations, improved lung function and quality of life, and was generally well tolerated in patients with uncontrolled persistent asthma despite using medium-to-high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting b2-agonists. Objective: To examine dupilumabʼs effect on the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) total score and its allergic rhinitis (AR)-associated items in asthma patients with comorbid perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). Methods: A post hoc analysis reporting data from the phase 2b study for the 200 and 300 mg every 2 week (q2w) doses under investigation in phase 3 (NCT02414854) was carried out. PAR was defined at study entry as a specific response to typical perennial antigens (IgE >0.35 Ku/L). Results: Overall, 241 (61%) patients had PAR. In asthma patients with PAR, dupilumab 300 mg q2w versus placebo significantly improved SNOT-22 total score (least squares mean difference, 25.98; 95% CI, 210.45 to 21.51; P 5.009) and all 4 AR-associated symptoms evaluated (nasal blockage, 20.60; 95% CI, 20.96 to 20.25; runny nose, 20.67; 95% CI, 21.04 to 20.31; sneezing, 20.55; 95% CI, 20.89 to 20.21; postnasal discharge, 20.49; 95% CI, 20.83 to 20.16; all P < .01). Dupilumab 200 mg q2w demonstrated numerical, but not statistically significant, decreases in SNOT-22 total score (21.82; 95% CI, 26.46 to 2.83; P 5 .443 vs placebo) and in each ARassociated symptom. In patients without PAR, no differences were observed for these measures versus placebo. Conclusions: Dupilumab 300 mg q2w significantly improved AR-associated nasal symptoms in patients with uncontrolled persistent asthma and comorbid PAR.
Cessation of long-acting β2-agonist in children with persistent asthma on inhaled corticosteroids