Biologics for COPD — Finally Here

Abstract

The use of biologic therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, has revolutionized the treatment of many human diseases. In respiratory medicine, monoclonal antibodies have already transformed the management of severe asthma.1 By contrast, previous trials of biologic agents targeting interleukin-5 have yielded potentially relevant but mostly inconclusive results in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).2,3 Fortunately for patients with COPD, things are changing, and biologic treatment is finally here for them. In this issue of the Journal, Bhatt et al.4 report the results of a 52-week, phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial (the BOREAS trial), which involved 939 patients who had . . .

Topics & Concepts