New phase 3 data presented at ERS 2026 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicate that tozorakimab could reshape biologic treatment in COPD, delivering clinically meaningful reductions in exacerbations across a broad patient population.
The findings come from the replicate OBERON and TITANIA trials, in which tozorakimab became the first biologic to show statistically significant reductions in moderate and severe COPD exacerbations in both current and former smokers, and in patients across all blood eosinophil counts and all stages of lung function severity.
The results are notable because more than 50% of COPD patients on inhaled standard of care continue to exacerbate. Severe exacerbations also carry a heavy burden, with only 50% of patients living more than 3.5 years after experiencing one.
Across the studies, tozorakimab achieved an approximate 30% reduction in moderate and severe exacerbations in the overall population. A 43% reduction was seen in patients with blood eosinophil counts at or above 300.
In patients with blood eosinophil counts under 150, who currently have no biologic options, the reduction reached 23%.
The trials evaluated tozorakimab’s unique mechanism, which inhibits signalling of both reduced and oxidised forms of IL‑33 via the ST2 and RAGE/EGFR pathways. This dual action has the potential to address inflammation and the cycle of mucus dysfunction, two key contributors to COPD worsening.
A separate integrated analysis presented at ERS found that tozorakimab reduced mucus plugging. It is the first biologic to demonstrate this effect in a broad COPD population.
Together, the findings suggest tozorakimab could offer a differentiated approach for patients with COPD, particularly those who continue to exacerbate despite standard inhaled therapy.
