Efficacy and safety of dupilumab for the treatment of uncontrolled asthma: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Respir Res. 2019 May 31;20(1):108. doi: 10.1186/s12931-019-1065-3.

Abstract

Background: Several recent clinical trials have assessed the effects of dupilumab in uncontrolled asthma, but reached no definite conclusion. We therefore conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the overall efficacy and safety of dupilumab for the treatment of uncontrolled asthma.

Methods: All randomized controlled trials were included. Standard mean differences (SMD) or relative risks (RR) were calculated using Fixed-or random-effects models.

Results: Five studies involving 3369 patients were identified. Pooled analysis showed significant improvements in the first-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) (SMD = 4.29, 95% CI: 2.78-5.81) and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire scores (SMD = 4.39, 95% CI: 1.44-7.34). Dupilumab treatments were also associated with significantly decreased 5-item Asthma Control Questionnaire scores (SMD = - 4.95, 95% CI: - 7.30 to - 2.60), AM and PM asthma symptom scores (SMD = - 5.09, 95% CI: - 6.40 to - 3.77; SMD = - 4.92, 95% CI: - 5.98 to - 3.86, respectively), and severe exacerbation risk (RR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.67-0.79) compared with placebo, with similar incidence of adverse events (RR = 1.0; 95% CI: 0.96-1.04).

Conclusion: Dupilumab treatment is relatively well-tolerated and could significantly improve FEV1, symptoms, asthma control, and quality of life, and reduced severe exacerbation risk in patients with uncontrolled asthma.

Keywords: Dupilumab; Meta-analysis; Randomized control trial; Uncontrolled asthma.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Asthma / diagnosis
  • Asthma / drug therapy*
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / methods*
  • Respiratory Function Tests / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • dupilumab