An overview of the preclinical discovery and development of tezepelumab for the treatment of asthma

INTRODUCTION: Tezepelumab is a human IgG2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to human thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), preventing its interaction with the receptor and inhibiting multiple downstream inflammatory pathways. TSLP is an alarmin relevant to the pathogenesis of asthma. AREAS COVERED: This article focuses on the significance of TSLP in developing asthma and how tezepelumab can target it, thus playing a potentially relevant role in the treatment of asthma. EXPERT OPINION: An extensive clinical development program has shown that tezepelumab can improve all key primary and secondary endpoints in patients with severe asthma, compared to placebo, when added to standard therapy. Of particular importance is the favorable impact of this biological drug on exacerbation rates and lung function in patients with uncontrolled severe asthma regardless of the type 2 endotype. Therefore, tezepelumab is likely the first biologic to treat asthma exacerbations in patients with low eosinophil levels successfully. Furthermore, it appears to be a safe drug and can be 'self-administered' using a pre-filled, disposable pen. Tezepelumab should be preferred over other currently available biologics because blocking upstream mediators may have a broader therapeutic impact than those that inhibit downstream cytokines and/or block their receptors.