American Thoracic Society 2019 (ATS 2019) International Conference

PONENTE trial to assess safety, efficacy of OCS reduction with benralizumab treatment

Roshini Claire Anthony, 20190531140303

The phase IIIb PONENTE trial* aims to assess if adults with severe eosinophilic asthma who are treated with benralizumab can safely reduce their doses of oral corticosteroid (OCS) therapy, while still maintaining asthma control.

Benralizumab cuts risk of asthma exacerbations

Audrey Abella, 20190531093928

The anti-interleukin-5 receptor alpha monoclonal antibody benralizumab significantly reduced the rates of severe exacerbations (SevEx) and asthma worsening episodes (AWE) in patients with severe asthma, leading to a reduction in the risk of overall CompEx* events, according to a post hoc analysis of the phase III SIROCCO** and CALIMA*** trials presented at ATS 2019.

As-needed budesonide/formoterol matches maintenance budesonide at less ICS exposure

Pearl Toh, 20190529180010

Using budesonide/formoterol as needed was as effective as budesonide maintenance therapy in preventing exacerbations but with a lower exposure to ICS among patients with mild asthma, including adolescent patients and regardless of prior treatment used, according to two subgroup analyses of the SYGMA* 1 and 2 studies presented at the ATS 2019 Congress.

Flu shots help prevent hospitalization in COPD patients

Pearl Toh, 20190523180010

Influenza vaccination effectively reduced the risk of influenza-related hospitalizations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with those who were not vaccinated, according to a study presented at ATS 2019.