NICE has recommended dupilumab, a first-of-its-kind targeted COPD treatment that reduces flare-ups and improves lung function, offering new hope to thousands of patients
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended dupilumab, an innovative biologic therapy for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), marking a major advancement in treatment options. This new injectable therapy — delivered at home every two weeks — is the first targeted treatment shown to reduce COPD flare-ups by almost a third while improving breathing and lung function for people with uncontrolled symptoms. With an estimated 30,000 people in England eligible, this NICE approval brings fresh hope to patients and could help reduce pressure on NHS hospitals.
How dupilumab benefits COPD patients
In England, almost 30,000 people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could benefit from a new at-home treatment recommended by NICE.
Dupilumab is a simple pre-filled pen, injected by the user every two weeks, and is the first biologic that targets both the symptoms of COPD and the underlying cause of the disease. It works by reducing flare-ups and improving breathing.
In clinical trials, the drug reduced COPD flare-ups by around 30%, with participants also reporting improved lung function and easier breathing.
Dupilumab is recommended for adults with uncontrolled COPD who have raised blood eosinophil levels (a type of white blood cell) and have experienced either at least one severe flare-up or two or more moderate flare-ups in the previous 12 months, despite being on the maximum available inhaler therapy. These criteria help identify patients most likely to benefit from dupilumab.
Expert commentary
“This recommendation marks a significant milestone for people with COPD, offering an effective and targeted therapy with strong results. This is better for patients and the NHS. For people whose COPD remains uncontrolled despite existing treatments, dupilumab could offer genuine hope for a better quality of life. Recommending this medicine demonstrates NICE is continuing to get the best care to patients while ensuring value for the taxpayer,” Helen Knight, NICE Director of medicines evaluation, remarked.
“Today’s announcement will bring hope to many who have not been able to access treatment that could transform their lives. Now we need to improve broader COPD care and, subject to final guidance, ensure that everyone who could benefit from dupilumab can access it,” commented Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive of Asthma + Lung UK.
Sarah continues, “This is the first ever targeted treatment for people with uncontrolled COPD and a major milestone for those who could soon be able to access it. While not everyone will be eligible for this drug, this is the most important breakthrough in COPD care in nearly a decade. COPD can have a life-limiting impact on people’s lives, leaving people struggling with daily tasks as they fight to breathe.”
“Many people with COPD live under the constant worry of when their next disease flare-up could lead to an episode of disabling breathlessness or an emergency hospital admission. The NHS rollout of a take-at-home jab for COPD will transform the lives of around 100,000 people over the next few years, cutting the chances of them having severe exacerbations by one-third for the first time as well as improving their quality of life,” added Dr Jonathan Fuld, National Clinical Director for respiratory disease at NHS England.
Jonathan added, “People taking the injection in trials saw improvements within a fortnight, and with the NHS seeing more than 120,000 emergency admissions for COPD each year, this new medication could also soon help to ease pressure on A&E departments.”
