Tezepelumab

Introduction to Tezepelumab

Tezepelumab is a novel biologic therapy approved by the FDA in December 2021 for the treatment of severe asthma in patients aged 12 years and older. It is a first-in-class human monoclonal antibody that targets thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a key epithelial cytokine involved in the initiation and persistence of airway inflammation.

Mechanism of Action

Tezepelumab works by:

  • Binding to TSLP, preventing its interaction with the TSLP receptor complex
  • Inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from immune cells
  • Reducing airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness
  • Decreasing eosinophil, neutrophil, and T cell activation in the airways

Unlike other biologic therapies for asthma, tezepelumab acts upstream in the inflammatory cascade, potentially offering broader efficacy across different asthma phenotypes.

Clinical Applications

Tezepelumab is indicated for:

  • Severe asthma in patients ≥12 years old
  • Add-on maintenance treatment to improve asthma control
  • Reducing exacerbations and improving lung function

Key clinical trial results (NAVIGATOR study):

  • 56% reduction in annual asthma exacerbation rate compared to placebo
  • Significant improvements in lung function (FEV1)
  • Efficacy demonstrated across eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic asthma phenotypes

Dosage and Administration

  • Recommended dose: 210 mg administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks
  • Available as a single-dose pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen
  • Can be administered by a healthcare professional or self-administered after proper training
  • No dose adjustments required for renal or hepatic impairment

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects:

  • Pharyngitis
  • Arthralgia
  • Back pain
  • Injection site reactions

Precautions:

  • Not for use in acute asthma symptoms or exacerbations
  • Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids abruptly upon initiation of therapy
  • Monitor for parasitic (helminth) infections
  • Live vaccines should not be given concurrently



Further Reading
Tags:

Powered by Blogger.