Role of Monoclonal Antibodies in the Management of Eosinophilic Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Rationale: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Acute exacerbations are associated with progressive decline in lung function and quality of life. After recognition of the role of type 2 inflammation in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic COPD, there was increased interest in studying monoclonal antibodies as a therapeutic agent. Multiple randomized controlled trials showed promising results, yet no consensus exists. Objectives: Our study aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the role of monoclonal antibodies in the management of patients with eosinophilic COPD. Methods: We systematically searched multiple databases using prespecified search terms. We included only randomized controlled trials that compared monoclonal antibodies versus placebo in patients with objective evidence of eosinophilic COPD receiving standard-of-care therapy. The primary outcome of interest was the annualized rate of COPD exacerbation. Absolute changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 second and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores were secondary outcomes. We also reported serious adverse effects and all-cause mortality. Statistical analysis was conducted via random effects model using RevMan software. Results: We identified and included eight double blinded, placebo-controlled trials with a total of 4,512 patients and a median follow up of 52 weeks. The patients' mean age was 65 ± 8 years, with 85% male. Seventy percent of patients were former smokers, with a mean of 43 ± 25 pack-years of smoking history. The majority of patients were receiving triple inhaled therapy. The mean serum eosinophil count at enrollment was 398 ± 297 cells/μl. The monoclonal antibodies studied were dupilumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab, astegolimab, and itepekimab. Compared with placebo, patients who received monoclonal antibodies had a significantly decreased annualized COPD exacerbation rate (rate ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-0.86; P < 0.001). The serious adverse effect rate was significantly lower in the monoclonal antibody arm compared with placebo (odds ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.69-0.93; P = 0.004). The all-cause mortality rates were not statistically different between the groups (odds ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.63-1.3; P = 0.6). Dupilumab showed a trend of improved efficacy over mepolizumab and benralizumab. Conclusions: In patients with eosinophilic COPD receiving standard-of-care therapy, the use of monoclonal antibodies led to a significant reduction in annualized COPD exacerbation rate compared with placebo. Monoclonal antibodies have an acceptable tolerability and safety profile.