Lancet

AAAAI 2025: Twice-yearly novel biologic shows promise in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

March 5, 2025

Depemokimab, an anti-IL-5 biologic administered biannually, offers a promising new treatment option for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), significantly reducing polyp size and nasal congestion while maintaining a favorable safety profile. This could potentially reduce the need for frequent corticosteroid use and surgical interventions in this patient population. The results were shared at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)/World Allergy Organization (WAO) Joint Congress in San Diego, CA.

Study details: The ANCHOR-1 (NCT05274750) and ANCHOR-2 (NCT05281523) trials were phase 3, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of twice-yearly depemokimab in patients with CRSwNP. Enrollment criteria included a nasal polyp score (NPS) of 5-8 and either a history of systemic corticosteroid use for ≥3 consecutive days in the past 2 years or previous nasal polyp surgery. Participants were randomized to receive either depemokimab or placebo. The coprimary endpoints were changes from baseline in total endoscopic nasal polyps score (0–8) at week 52 and mean nasal obstruction score (0–3) over weeks 49–52.

Results: Depemokimab demonstrated a statistically significant improvement of 0.7 total NPS (confidence interval [CI] –0·9 to –0·4) and 0.24 mean nasal obstruction verbal response scale score (95% CI -0.39 to -0.08) from baseline compared with placebo in both trials. Treatment was well-tolerated, with adverse events comparable to placebo.

Source:

Gevaert P, et al. (2025, February 28). Lancet. Efficacy and safety of twice per year depemokimab in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (ANCHOR-1 and ANCHOR-2): phase 3, randomised, double-blind, parallel trials. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)00197-7/abstract