GSK has announced encouraging results from its phase III clinical trials, ANCHOR-1 and ANCHOR-2, for depemokimab in treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).
These trials demonstrated that depemokimab significantly reduced both nasal polyp size and nasal obstruction when compared to a placebo plus standard treatment over 52 weeks. This marks an important advancement for patients with CRSwNP, a condition often under-treated, leaving sufferers with persistent symptoms like nasal blockage and a diminished quality of life.
Depemokimab is an ultra-long-acting biologic therapy, administered only once every six months, making it the first of its kind to offer such extended dosing intervals. It works by targeting interleukin-5 (IL-5), a protein that plays a key role in type 2 inflammation, which is heavily involved in the formation of nasal polyps. By suppressing this inflammation over an extended period, depemokimab aims to reduce the recurrence of symptoms and the burden of regular clinic visits.
CRSwNP affects up to 4% of the population, with nearly 40% experiencing uncontrolled disease despite available treatments. Symptoms include nasal congestion, loss of smell, facial pain, and recurrent infections, which can severely impact daily life. Type 2 inflammation is detected in up to 80% of CRSwNP cases, typically associated with higher disease severity and the need for surgical intervention, which carries a high risk of recurrence.
The results from these ANCHOR trials, along with data from other studies like SWIFT-1 and SWIFT-2 in severe asthma, will be used for regulatory submissions around the world. Currently, depemokimab has not received approval in any country.
The ANCHOR trials were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and conducted across multiple centers over 52 weeks. A total of 143 patients received depemokimab in ANCHOR-1, while 129 received it in ANCHOR-2. Both trials showed positive safety and efficacy results, with ongoing analysis for further insights.
These findings are part of GSK’s broader efforts to improve treatment options for patients with type 2 inflammatory conditions, offering hope for those whose CRSwNP is inadequately managed by current therapies.
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