ABSTRACT: Background:Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, blocks the shared receptor component for interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, key drivers of type 2 inflammation. In the phase 3 LIBERTY ASTHMA QUEST trial (NCT02414854) in patients with uncontrolled, moderate-to-severe asthma, add-on dupilumab 200?mg or 300?mg every 2?weeks reduced exacerbations and improved forced expiratory volume in 1?s (FEV1) and quality of life over 52?weeks. This analysis evaluates dupilimab's effect on lung function in the overall population, and subgroups with baseline elevated type 2 inflammatory biomarkers. Methods:Patients were randomised to 52?weeks of subcutaneous dupilumab 200?mg every 2 weeks, 300?mg every 2 weeks, or matched-volume placebos. Lung function outcomes were analysed in the overall population, in patients with ?150?eosinophils·µL-1, ?300?eosinophils·µL-1, ?25?ppb fractional exhaled nitric oxide (F eNO), and both ?150?eosinophils·µL-1 and ?25?ppb F eNO, at baseline. Results:Dupilumab treatment (200?mg and 300?mg every 2?weeks) resulted in significant improvements versus placebo after 52?weeks in pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (0.20 and 0.13?L, respectively, versus placebo) and post-bronchodilator FEV1 (0.19 and 0.13?L, respectively), forced vital capacity (FVC) (0.20 and 0.14?L, respectively), forced expiratory flow (0.19 and 0.13?L·s-1, respectively) and pre-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio (1.75% and 1.61%, respectively) in the overall population (p<0.001). Difference versus placebo in post-bronchodilator FEV1 slope of change (weeks 4-52) was significant (0.04?L·year-1; p<0.05). Greater improvements were achieved in patients with elevated baseline blood eosinophil and/or F eNO levels for most outcomes. Conclusions:Dupilumab improves lung function outcomes, including large and small airway measurements and fixed airway obstruction, in patients with uncontrolled, moderate-to-severe asthma; particularly in patients with elevated biomarkers of type 2 inflammation.
