Omalizumab (Xolair)

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Omalizumab (Xolair) works by blocking IgE (immunoglobulin E), a substance made by the body that plays a key role in the allergic response. Xolair is approved by the FDA for the treatment of inadequately controlled moderate-to-severe asthma as well as for nasal polyps inadequately controlled with corticosteroid medications. Research has also found that Xolair may reduce or eliminate reactions to aspirin and NSAIDs in some AERD patients, although more research in this area is needed. 

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Research on Omalizumab (Xolair)

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Omalizumab-Induced Aspirin Tolerance in Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease Patients Is Independent of Atopic Sensitization

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Omalizumab for Aspirin-Hypersensitivity and Leukotriene Overproduction in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease: A Randomized Trial

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Omalizumab treatment in Samter's triad: case series and review of the literature

 

Effect of Omalizumab on Outcomes in Patients with Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

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Omalizumab in the Treatment of Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

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Omalizumab Can Inhibit Respiratory Reaction During Aspirin Desensitization

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Mepolizumab (Nucala)

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Mepolizumab is an anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody. Nucala is approved by the FDA for the treatment of severe asthma in patients 12 years or older and with an eosinophilic phenotype. Nucala is recommended for those with asthma that is not able to be controlled with inhaled steroid medications. A recent study found that Nucala reduced the need for sinus surgery in patients with severe nasal polyps. Research done at Brigham & Women's found that Nucala reduced sinus symptoms, including anosmia and congestion, in AERD patients.  A 2017 study found that serious adverse reactions to Nucala are rare. Of 1,300 patients taking Nucala for severe eosinophilic asthma, only 2 serious adverse events were reported (asthma exacerbations). Nucala is taken every 4 weeks.

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Research on Mepolizumab (Nucala)

 

Reduced need for surgery in severe nasal polyposis with mepolizumab: Randomized trial

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Mepolizumab, a humanized anti–IL-5 mAb, as a treatment option for severe nasal polyposis

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Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Mepolizumab in Patients With Severe Eosinophilic Asthma

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A Pragmatic Analysis of Mepolizumab in Patients with Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

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Benralizumab (Fasenra)

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Fasenra (benralizumab) is approved in the US for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. Like Nucala and Cinqair, it is an anti-IL5 antibody. It is currently being studied as a treatnent for nasal polyps. Fasenra has been shown to rapidly deplete eosinophil levels, reduce oral steroid use, and reduce the occurrence of severe asthma attacks. Fasenra is the only biologic medication currently available for asthma that has an 8 week dosing schedule, which may make it more convenient for patients. 

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Research on Benralizumab (Fasenra)

 

Efficacy and Safety of Benralizumab in Patients with Eosinophilic Asthma: A Meta-Analysis

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The Clinical Profile of Benralizumab in the Management of Severe Eosinophilic Asthma

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Oral Glucocorticoid–Sparing Effect of Benralizumab in Severe Asthma

 

 

 

Dupilumab (Dupixent)

 

Dupixent is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe asthma and also for nasal polyps inadequately controlled with corticosteroid medications. Dupixent is an IL-4 and IL-13 monoclonal antibody. This medication has been shown to improve asthma, reduce nasal polyp symptoms, and improve smell function. It was also shown to be generally more effective for AERD treatment than the other biologic medications discussed on this page. Dupilumab is approved for home administration after proper training. 

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Research on Dupilumab (Dupixent)

 

Appraisal of the Real-World Effectiveness of Biologic Therapies in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

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Dupilumab as Add-on Therapy for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyposis in Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

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Dupilumab Improves Nasal Polyp Burden and Asthma Control in Patients with CRSwNP and AERD

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Efficacy and Safety of Dupilumab in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps: Results from the Randomized Phase 3 Sinus-24 Study

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Risks of Biologic Medications

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These medications are generally well tolerated, but side effects do occur in some patients. We recommend visiting the manufacturer's website to see detailed side effect information on each medication. Biologic medications are newer treatments, so the long term safety has not been established. 

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Aspirin Desensitization vs Biologic Medications

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With the availability of new treatments, patients must now consider which treatment option is right for them. At this point, there is no definite answer about which treatment will work best for which patient. Both of these treatments can be successful for patients and some patients may require both aspirin desensitization and a biologic medication to feel well. Other patients are not able tolerate one or the other due to side effects. At this time, there's no definite answer as far as which of these will be most successful for which patient. One consideration is that aspirin desensitization should be done after surgery, whereas this is not required with biologic medications like Dupixent. There may also be significant difference in the cost of these treatments for patients - daily aspirin is relatively inexpensive, whereas biologic medications may be expensive depending on insurance coverage. Patients and doctors should discuss the pros and cons of both treatments and come up with a plan that takes the patients preference into consideration.

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