Patients in the UK with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can now access a new injection aimed at preventing potentially fatal flare-ups of the incurable lung disease. The drug, dupilumab, has demonstrated the ability to reduce the frequency of these exacerbations by one-third.
COPD affects an estimated 1.7 million people in the UK. Exacerbations, characterized by a worsening of symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing, significantly increase the risk of serious complications and are associated with over 30,000 deaths annually. The new treatment, administered as an injection every two weeks, was approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) last year. The first COPD patients received the drug through the National Health Service (NHS) last week.
Experts anticipate that dupilumab could contribute to a reduction in COPD-related deaths and hospital admissions, which currently cost the NHS approximately £2 billion per year. Traditionally, COPD, often triggered by smoking, has been managed with inhalers and steroids. Lifestyle changes, including exercise and diet, have also been recommended to lower exacerbation risk, though studies indicate that most patients live less than a decade after diagnosis.
Mentioning the drug's mechanism, dupilumab targets proteins responsible for inflammation in the body. This action helps to reduce swelling in the airways and decrease mucus buildup, thereby improving a patient's ability to breathe.
"Dupilumab offers people an effective, targeted therapy that has shown impressive results – reducing flare-ups and improving lung function," said Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE. "This is better for patients, offering genuine hope for a better quality of life, and better for the NHS."
Patrick Regan, a 67-year-old from Catford, south-east London, was among the first to receive the injection at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Diagnosed with COPD 15 years ago, Regan expressed his willingness to try the medication, stating, "I was happy to have it – anything to make me feel a bit better and breathing better." He added that the condition significantly impacts his ability to engage in activities like walking and spending time with his family, making the new medication a vital option for improving his quality of life.