Los Angeles Allergist

Los Angeles Allergist

Alan Khadavi, MD, APC
  • Home
  • Meet Dr. Khadavi
  • Conditions We Treat
  • Your First Visit
  • Insurance Accepted
  • Allergy and Asthma Info
    • Asthma Info
    • Allergic Rhinitis
    • Allergic Triggers
  • Blog
  • Media
  • Contact Us

9001 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 204
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: 310-282-8822

16260 Ventura Blvd., Suite 140
Encino, CA 91436
Phone: 818-528-7776

March 8, 2022 by Alan Khadavi

Itepekimab in Asthma and COPD

Itepekimab is an anti-Il-33 monoclonal. Il-33 is an epithelium-derived cytokine that promotes Th2 immune responses in response to cellular damage with roles in asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

Two randomized controlled clinical trials were performed assessing the efficacy of Itepekimab in asthma and COPD.

After identifying the asthma associated variants in the genes encoding IL-33 or its receptor IL1RL1, also modifying the risk of COPD, the investigators performed a phase 2 placebo-controlled trial in patients with moderate to severe COPD. This study published in the Lancet. Itepekimab did not reduce the annualized rate of exacerbations overall but did so in a prespecified subgroup of former smokers.

Published in The New England Journal of Medicine, investigators performed a phase 2 placebo controlled trial assessing itepekimab in combination with dupilumab, which inhibits the downstream signaling pathways of both Il-4 and IL-13, in patients with moderate to severe asthma. The combination of of itepekimab and dupilumab reduced the incidence of loss of asthma control and improved lung function, but were not superior to each drug alone.

These studies highlight the potential of targeting IL-33 in COPD and asthma.

The last several years many new biological drugs have been released for asthma. Targeted therapy is being used for particular patients. In the past for asthma, it was just a “one sized fits all” approach for asthma, all patient were usually given a steroid inhaler as first line approach. But over the years, different subtypes of asthma have been discovered. For patients with allergic asthma, Xolair is given for patients who have an elevated IgE.

For patients with eosinophilic asthma, there are 3 medications currently available, Nucala, Fasenra and Cinqair.

For patients with steroid dependent asthma and eosinophilic asthma, Dupixent is another biologic. And for patients with “other” types of asthma, Tezspire can be used.

Itepekimab may be a choice in the future for patients who have associated issues with IL-33 or its receptor. Currently there is no commercial testing to check patients who have abnormalities with those biomarkers, but it could be potentially be tested and used in the future.

Filed Under: Asthma, biologics, Blog

alan-khadavi
Dr. Alan Khadavi
Allergy & Asthma Specialist

Latest Posts

May 31, 2023

Understanding Yeast Allergy, am I Allergic to Yeast?

yeast allergy

May 23, 2023

Neffy, a New Epinephrine Nasal Spray

neffy

May 19, 2023

Broccoli Allergy: An Emerging Concern in Allergy

broccoli allergy

May 16, 2023

Xolair vs. Nucala vs. Dupixent in Asthma, which is the best?

Xolair vs. Nucala vs. Dupixent

May 10, 2023

Garlic Allergy, An Overview and its Benefits

garlic allergy

May 4, 2023

Oat Allergy: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

oat allergy

May 3, 2023

Rice Allergy Overview, all you need to know

rice allergy

April 11, 2023

Banana Allergy Can Come in Many Flavors

banana allergy

April 9, 2023

Eggplant Allergy, an uncommon food allergen

eggplant allergy

April 7, 2023

Corn Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

corn allergy

Read More Posts...

Follow Us…

© 2023 Allergy Los Angeles. All Rights Reserved · Log in · Return to top of page