Determining Factors Associated with Patient Response to Biologic Therapies in the Treatment of Asthma

Abstract

Specific Aims: To examine the association between biomarkers, laboratory parameters, and patient characteristics, with patient response to a biologic agent: Xolair, Dupixent and Fasenra. Methods: This study used a retrospective cohort design. Patients were included if they have previously taken, or are currently taking, at least one of the biologic medications of interest (Xolair, Dupixent and Fasenra), and had baseline laboratory values on file prior to the start of the agent(s). Demographic and laboratory variables were used as predictors in a multinomial regression model to determine if associations exist between patient-specific characteristics and drug response. Results: Rhinosinusitis, presence of nasal polyps, and smoking status (current or former) were all found to have significant associations with patient drug response. Patients with rhinosinusitis were significantly more likely to respond to Fasenra than to Xolair. Patients with nasal polyps were significantly more likely to respond to Dupixent than Xolair. Smoking status was found to have a dual association. Patients who have, or currently smoke, were significantly more likely to respond to Fasenra, and significantly less likely to respond to Dupixent, when compared to Xolair. Conclusions: Rhinosinusitis, presence of nasal polyps, and smoking status may be useful predictors for biologic drug response in patients with severe asthma. These findings may provide useful content for future studies to interrogate predictors in drug response and help guide healthcare providers to select optimal medication regimens.