GSK: Advances in the Treatment of Nasal Polyps – Depemokimab Impresses in Studies

The pharmaceutical company GSK presented promising results from the Phase 3 studies ANCHOR-1 and ANCHOR-2, which investigated the efficacy and safety of the drug Depemokimab compared to a placebo in adults with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, or CRSwNP for short. Both studies achieved their primary endpoints regarding the change in the total endoscopic nasal polyp score after 52 weeks and the change in the average nasal congestion score between weeks 49 and 52. It was observed that the overall frequency and severity of treatment-related adverse events were similar in both groups—Depemokimab and placebo. GSK expert Kaivan Khavandi emphasized the significance of the results, as millions of people worldwide suffer from an uncontrolled form of CRSwNP, often characterized by type 2 inflammatory markers. This patient group frequently relies on corticosteroids and often experiences the return of nasal polyps after surgical interventions. Depemokimab could provide targeted and sustainable suppression of the critical inflammatory pathway underlying nasal polyp growth and nasal congestion. The condition CRSwNP affects up to 4% of the world's population, with 40% of these cases considered uncontrolled. It is caused by inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which can lead to the growth of nasal polyps. Symptoms include nasal congestion, loss of the sense of smell, and facial pressure. The data obtained from ANCHOR-1 and ANCHOR-2, as well as the results from the Phase 3 studies SWIFT-1 and SWIFT-2 on Depemokimab in severe asthma, are to be used in upcoming regulatory submissions. Notably, Depemokimab is administered only twice a year as an ultra-long-acting biologic. Currently, GSK’s stock is up by 0.80%, trading at $39.14 in pre-market trading.