Wechsler ME, Ruddy MK, Pavord ID, et al. - Compared with placebo, use of itepekimab (a new monoclonal antibody for interleukin-33 blockade) to treat moderate-to-severe asthma resulted in a lower incidence of events indicating a loss of asthma control and also improved lung function.

• A phase 2 trial of 296 adults with moderate-to-severe asthma taking inhaled glucocorticoids plus long-acting beta-agonists.

• They were randomized to receive subcutaneous itepekimab, itepekimab plus dupilumab (combination therapy), dupilumab, or placebo every 2 weeks for 12 weeks.

• Occurrence of an event indicating a loss of asthma control, by 12 weeks, was reported in 22%, 27%, and 19% of patients in the itepekimab, combination, and dupilumab groups, respectively, vs 41% in the placebo group.

• Itepekimab and dupilumab monotherapies, but not combination therapy, afforded increased forced expiratory volume in 1 second before bronchodilator use, vs placebo.

• Improved asthma control and quality of life were achieved with itepekimab vs placebo.

• Adverse events’ incidence was similar in all four trial groups.