Rilzabrutinib Improves Asthma Symptoms in the First 2 Weeks of Treatment, Study Finds

Patients experienced rapid improvement in asthma symptoms, even with withdrawal from inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting β-agonists (LABA), Leda Mannent, MD, global project head, Immunology and Inflammation, Sanofi, said in an interview.

The findings from the double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study were presented at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2024 International Conference.

This transcript was lightly edited.

Transcript

What were the notable findings from the study that warrant further investigation? Are there plans to explore rilzabrutinib’s efficacy in other respiratory conditions?

The most striking findings of the study was the very rapid improvement in symptoms, and this is unprecedented. This was seen from the first 2 weeks of the treatment, and symptoms continued to improve despite the withdrawal of the ICS and LABA. In addition to that, we also could see this reduction in the loss of asthma control events despite withdrawal of the ICS LABA. So, we are, of course, exploring all the data that we have on hand, and we will we are working to see what the future indications are in respiratory.

I would also like to highlight that rilzabrutinib is also developed in multiple immune indications. We just got phase 3 positive data in immune thrombocytopenia, and we are very excited about this new therapy for these patients that have failed all other treatment options. A month ago, we also presented at AAAAI [2024 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Meeting] the effects of rilzabrutinib from a phase 2b study in chronic spontaneous urticaria.¹ So, there are multiple avenues in these diseases and immunologic diseases. These patients very often have comorbidities. Patients with asthma have other diseases, including chronic spontaneous urticaria or other atopic diseases.

Can you elaborate on the potential long-term benefits of rilzabrutinib in managing asthma, such as preventing exacerbations or improving lung function?

Our first study was a short study; however, it tells us what could be the potential effect rilzabrutinib in the long term. We know that by controlling symptoms, there is a strong correlation between the control of symptoms and the exacerbation. So, we believe that rilzabrutinib has this potential by reducing and improving the symptoms to reduce exacerbation in the future. However, this needs to be proven, of course. We are planning to investigate rilzabrutinib in larger, long-term studies in asthma. As for any other chronic treatment, these clinical studies will provide the robust evidence for benefit and also the safety of real use of rilzabrutinib in patients with asthma.

Reference

1. Campbell P. Rilzabrutinib reduces itch, hives in chronic spontaneous urticaria in phase 2 trial. HCPLive. February 24, 2024. https://www.hcplive.com/view/rilzabrutinib-reduces-itch-hives-in-chronic-spontaneous-urticaria-in-phase-2-trial