Fasenra success in phase III OSTRO trial for treatment of nasal polyps.-AstraZeneca

High-level results from the OSTRO Phase III trial showed AstraZeneca’s Fasenra (benralizumab) compared with placebo demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the size of nasal polyps and in nasal blockage in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) . Fasenra demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the endoscopic total nasal polyp score (NPS) and the nasal blockage score (NBS) compared to placebo, in patients with severe bilateral nasal polyposis who were still symptomatic despite continued treatment with standard of care (SoC). SoC consists of intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) and prior surgery and/or use of systemic corticosteroids. Evaluation of NPS was based on a physician assessment of polyp size during endoscopy. NBS evaluation was based on a patient-reported symptoms diary. The safety profile and tolerability of Fasenra in this trial were consistent with the known profile of the medicine. OSTRO is part of AstraZeneca’s clinical trial programme for Fasenra in CRSwNP which also includes the ongoing Phase III ORCHID trial, among others. OSTRO study : OSTRO is a randomised, double-blinded, multi-centre, parallel-group, 56-week Phase III trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Fasenra compared to placebo in patients with nasal polyposis. Fasenra was evaluated in patients, regardless of blood eosinophil count with or without asthma, who were symptomatic despite SoC therapy, including current use of INCS and prior surgery and/or use of systemic corticosteroids. Patients were randomised to receive either Fasenra 30mg or placebo subcutaneously every four weeks for the first three doses and every eight weeks thereafter. The primary outcome measures of the trial were: the effect of Fasenra on nasal polyp burden, assessed by change from baseline in endoscopic total NPS, at week 40 compared to placebo; the effect of Fasenra on patient-reported nasal blockage, assessed by change from baseline in mean NBS, at week 40 compared to placebo. OSTRO involved 413 patients in Europe and North America.