New COPD injection begins wider NHS rollout for eligible patients

A new injectable treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is being introduced across the NHS, offering another option to some patients whose condition remains uncontrolled despite standard treatment.

Dupilumab, also known by the brand name Dupixent, is a biologic medicine that targets proteins involved in inflammation. NICE recommends it for adults with raised levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, who continue to experience serious or repeated COPD flare-ups while receiving suitable inhaled treatments. It is not intended for everyone living with the condition.

The medicine is administered by injection every two weeks. After receiving appropriate training, many patients can use a pre-filled pen to inject it themselves at home. Clinical trials found that dupilumab reduced moderate-to-severe COPD flare-ups by approximately 30% to 34% among the selected patients studied.

The first NHS patients received the treatment at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London in June. Services elsewhere are now developing pathways to identify eligible patients and provide the necessary monitoring, although access may vary as local NHS systems complete their arrangements. Another injectable biologic, mepolizumab, has also since been recommended by NICE for a defined group of adults with uncontrolled COPD and raised eosinophils.

These injections do not cure COPD or replace existing treatment. Patients experiencing repeated flare-ups should continue taking prescribed medicines and speak to their respiratory team about whether a specialist assessment may be appropriate.

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