Since the release of dupilumab for atopic dermatitis, studies are currently underway to investigate dupilumab for nasal polyps, asthma and a host of other conditions. Dupilumab is a human monoclonal antibody against interleukin 4 and 13. A study published in JAMA titled “Effect of subcutaneous dupilumab on nasal polyp burden in patients with chronic sinusitis and nasal polyposis”, evaluated the effects of add-on dupilumab for nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis.
60 patients with nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis were recruited for the study, these patients had an inadequate response to nasal steroids. 35 of the patients had asthma too. All patients received Nasonex (mometasone furoate) for 16 weeks. They were also randomly assigned dupilumab (brand name is Dupixent).
Adding dupilumab to intranasal steroids reduced nasal polyps in adults. Further studies are currently underway to investigate whether or not dupilumab will be a long term treatment option for chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps.
Unfortunately, current treatment options for patients with nasal polyps are limited. Many patients need multiple surgeries and the symptoms never fully resolve. Nasal steroids can help somewhat, but they are not always effective. With the launch of new biologics over the past couple of years, there is hope that at least one of them will be an option for treating nasal polyps in the future.
Mepolizumab (Nucala) for Nasal Polyps
Potential new Nasal Polyps Treatment option
Sinusitis Diagnosis and Management
Allergy Biologics, Past, Present and Future…
Between all the biologics currently being studied, dupilumab seems to have the best clinical outcome for nasal polyps, although it is still too early to tell if any of them will get FDA approval.
If you do suffer from recurrent nasal polyps, it is important to consult with both an ENT doctor and an allergy doctor to come up with a treatment plan that is best for you.