Efficacy of Biologics in Severe, Uncontrolled Asthma Stratified by Blood Eosinophil Count: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of biologics in patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma have shown differential results by baseline blood eosinophil count (BEC). In the absence of head-to-head trials, we describe the effects of biologics on annualized asthma exacerbation rate (AAER) by baseline BEC in placebo-controlled RCTs. Exacerbations associated with hospitalization or an emergency room visit, pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s, Asthma Control Questionnaire score, and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score were also summarized. Methods: MEDLINE (via PubMed) was searched for RCTs of biologics in patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma and with AAER reduction as a primary or secondary endpoint. AAER ratios and change from baseline in other outcomes versus placebo were compared across baseline BEC subgroups. Analysis was limited to US Food and Drug Administration-approved biologics. Results: In patients with baseline BEC ≥ 300 cells/μL, AAER reduction was demonstrated with all biologics, and other outcomes were generally improved. In patients with BEC 0 to < 300 cells/μL, consistent AAER reduction was demonstrated only with tezepelumab; improvements in other outcomes were inconsistent across biologics. In patients with BEC 150 to < 300 cells/μL, consistent AAER reduction was demonstrated with tezepelumab and dupilumab (300 mg dose only), and in those with BEC 0 to < 150 cells/μL, AAER reduction was demonstrated only with tezepelumab. Conclusion: The efficacy of all biologics in reducing AAER in patients with severe asthma increases with higher baseline BEC, with varying profiles across individual biologics likely due to differing mechanisms of action.