AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:AZN) and Amgen Inc (NASDAQ:AMGN, ETR:AMG) have unveiled positive results from their phase III WAYPOINT study, which tested the effectiveness of Tezspire (tezepelumab) in treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
The research found the drug, currently used to treat severe asthma, significantly reduced the size of nasal polyps and decreased nasal congestion compared to a placebo.
WAYPOINT was a randomised, double-blind trial involving adults with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps who were still experiencing symptoms despite using standard treatments such as intranasal corticosteroids.
Participants received either Tezspire or a placebo, administered through injections under the skin.
Dr Joseph Han, Vice Chair at Eastern Virginia Medical School, highlighted the impact of nasal polyps on patients' lives when he said: "Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps negatively impacts patients' daily lives, with obstructions leading to disturbances in smell, taste, and sleep, as well as pain and fatigue.
"The impressive data from WAYPOINT demonstrate tezepelumab's potential as a new treatment for patients whose lives are disrupted by this debilitating disease."
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is known to cause considerable issues for patients, leading to repeat surgeries and frequent use of oral corticosteroids. These corticosteroids often come with serious side effects, adding to the burden on patients.
Dr Brian Lipworth, Professor at the University of Dundee in Scotland, added: "Patients diagnosed with nasal polyps continue to experience significant burden, including repeat surgeries and frequent treatment with high doses of oral corticosteroids associated with serious side effects.
"The Tezepelumab data are clinically meaningful and offer patients hope for a potential new treatment option that may reduce the burden on patients and healthcare systems."
The safety of the treatment was consistent with what is already known about the medication. Full results will be shared with regulatory authorities and presented at an upcoming medical meeting.
Tezspire is currently approved for treating severe asthma in the US, European Union, Japan, and nearly 60 other countries.
It is available as a pre-filled syringe or auto-injector for self-administration in these regions. The promising findings from the WAYPOINT study indicate the potential for expanding Tezspire's use to patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, pending further regulatory review.