New Drug Tezspire Shows Promising Results in Reducing Nasal Polyp Severity and Recurrence Rates

In China, chronic sinusitis represents a noteworthy health concern, affecting approximately 8 percent of the population—around 107 million individuals, according to official data. Within these cases, chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) makes up roughly 20 to 33 percent. Even following surgical procedures, CRSwNP tends to exhibit a high rate of recurrence. Medical experts have observed recurrence rates from 20 to 60 percent within a period of 18 months to 4 years post-operation. These recurrences are not just detrimental to patient health and life quality; they also lead to considerable social and economic impacts.

A recent clinical trial involving AstraZeneca and Amgen's new medication, Tezspire, indicated noteworthy success in effectively reducing nasal polyp severity among patients dealing with CRSwNP. According to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the recent American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology/World Allergy Organization Joint Congress, patients treated with Tezspire experienced considerable improvements across various significant clinical outcomes.

Specifically, the study found that Tezspire successfully lowered nasal polyp size and congestion severity, dramatically cutting down the necessity for additional nasal polyp surgeries by 98 percent. Additionally, it decreased reliance on anti-inflammatory steroid medications by 88 percent compared to placebo treatments. Furthermore, another related trial demonstrated Tezspire's ability to also manage severe, uncontrolled asthma by diminishing annual asthma exacerbation rates by 74 percent over the course of 52 weeks, significantly improving lung function, asthma management, and overall life quality relative to placebo.

Joseph Han, co-primary investigator of the study and vice-chair at the Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Old Dominion University, underscored the clinical importance of the findings. Han stressed that numerous patients affected by nasal polyps constantly face a cycle of recurrent surgeries and potentially severe side effects stemming from prolonged oral corticosteroid use. He described the trial outcomes as clinically significant, highlighting Tezspire's capability of reducing the disease's burden by virtually eliminating the need for repeat surgeries and steroid utilization.

Professor Wang Dehui from the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University echoed Han's opinion and expressed optimism regarding the potential of Tezspire to reshape treatment strategies. Professor Wang emphasized that these latest trial findings could lead to a substantial drop in the necessity for surgeries and steroid therapies in the management of nasal polyp patients, ultimately easing the long-term effects of the disease for many who currently endure frequent surgical interventions and systemic side effects from glucocorticoid usage.