AstraZeneca says tozorakimab reduces COPD flare-ups in late-stage trials

AstraZeneca reported that its experimental antibody tozorakimab reduced annualised rates of moderate-to-severe COPD flare-ups versus placebo in two late-stage trials, and said detailed trial data will be presented at a medical conference.

AstraZeneca on Friday reported that its experimental respiratory drug tozorakimab reduced moderate-to-severe flare-ups of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in two late-stage trials. The treatment met the main goal in both studies and reduced the annualised rate of such flare-ups versus placebo in the primary group of former smokers and in the overall study population. The trials enrolled current and former smokers with varying levels of lung damage and white blood cell counts. Detailed trial results will be presented at an upcoming medical conference. Reported findings: - The treatment met the primary endpoint in two late-stage trials, the company announced. - It reduced the annualised rate of moderate-to-severe COPD flare-ups versus placebo in former smokers and in the overall population. - The studies included current and former smokers with different levels of lung damage and white blood cell counts. - Tozorakimab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-33 and is intended to reduce inflammation and disrupt mucus dysfunction. - AstraZeneca said detailed data will be disclosed at an upcoming medical conference. - The company previously reported that its asthma drug Fasenra did not reduce COPD exacerbations in a separate late-stage study. Summary: The results provide a clinical trial update showing reduced flare-ups in the reported studies and point to mechanisms related to inflammation and mucus dysfunction. Detailed data presentation at a medical conference is the next scheduled disclosure, and broader regulatory or clinical implications are undetermined at this time.