AstraZeneca at ATS 2024: Look for Late-Breaking Data on Novel Therapeutics for COPD

AstraZeneca has announced an extensive roster of research to be presented at ATS 2024, the annual scientific meeting of the American Thoracic Society, May 17-22, in San Diego, CA.

Key among the trials with new data that will be of interest to primary care clinicians are the ETHOS phase 3 post-hoc analysis of cardiopulmonary outcomes in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated with triple inhaled therapy budesonide/ glycopyrrolate/ formoterol fumarate (BGF; Breztri) and the COURSE phase 2a trial that is evaluating tezepelumab (Tezspire) in individuals with moderate-to-severe COPD.

“Data at ATS demonstrate our progress in advancing a new wave of innovative treatments, moving beyond symptom control into disease modification, remission and one day, potentially cure,” Sharon Barr, PhD, executive vice president, biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, said in the company’s announcement.

“Today, COPD patients have highly limited options if their disease is uncontrolled on inhaled medicines. We’re encouraged by the results of the COURSE Phase IIa data exploring tezepelumab in a broad population of COPD patients beyond those with baseline blood eosinophils above 300 cells/μL and look forward to these data being presented at the ATS International Conference.”

In all the company is scheduled to present 59 abstracts among which will be 12 late-breaking posters. Following are snapshots of the leading abstracts in COPD and asthma research.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

COURSE Phase IIa trial: late-breaking data from a proof-of-concept trial investigating tezepelumab in moderate to very severe COPD patients. Importantly this trial included COPD patients irrespective of inflammatory drivers, baseline blood eosinophil levels, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and smoking status.

New data from early clinical trials with tozorakimab investigating its ability to inhibit IL-33ox biologic effects and block the RAGE-EGFR pathway vs other IL-33 antibodies; the resulting reduction in excess inflammation and epithelial dysfunction may be highly beneficial in individuals with IL-33-driven disease, including COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / cardiopulmonary risk

ETHOS Phase 3 post-hoc analysis investigates the effect of triple inhaled therapy B/G/F across a range of cardiopulmonary outcomes, beyond traditional COPD endpoints.

EXACOS-CV multi-country retrospective cohort study: The late-breaking international real-world data is based on more than 1 million individuals with COPD; the analysis explores the risk of serious cardiovascular events or death following a COPD exacerbation, adding to the expanding body of evidence demonstrating the importance of proactively addressing cardiopulmonary risk in COPD.

SKOPOS-MAZI retrospective analysis: the study provides new real-world evidence comparing mortality rates in patients who start therapy with BGF single inhaler triple therapy (SITT), versus multiple inhaler triple therapy (MITT) among patients with COPD in the US.

“Our broad pipeline and portfolio of inhaled and biologic medicines are the cornerstone of our bold ambition to transform respiratory care. COPD remains one of the leading causes of death globally, and at ATS we will present important real-world evidence reinforcing the need to address cardiopulmonary risk in COPD as well as the potential for our inhaled triple therapy [BGF] to reduce this risk,” Ruud Dobber, PhD, executive vice president and president, BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit, AstraZeneca, said.

Asthma

MANDALA Phase III post-hoc analysis: new efficacy data for as-needed use of albuterol-budesonide (Airsupra) by baseline blood eosinophil count in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma.

ACADIA trial design: outlining innovative approaches to study design for the ACADIA study of as needed use of albuterol-budesonide by adolescents.

Potential first-in-class pre-biologics in asthma / early science

New Phase I safety and efficacy data for AZD8630/AMG 104, an inhaled TSLP inhibitor in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma.

Preclinical data for AZD4604, an inhaled, small molecule selective Janus Kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor in development for the treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma. The data explores JAK selectivity and implications for clinical inhibition compared to other currently marketed JAK inhibitors.

Source

AstraZeneca unveils latest research across key respiratory and immune-mediated diseases at ATS 2024 showcasing strength of its broad pipeline and portfolio. News release. AstraZeneca. May 1, 2024. Accessed May 6, 2024. https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2024/az-unveils-latest-research-across-key-respiratory-and-immune-mediated-diseases-at-ats-2024-showcasing-strength-of-its-broad-pipeline-and-portfolio.html