Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko)

What is Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko) for?

Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko) is a thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) blocker indicated as an add-on maintenance therapy for severe asthma in adults and paediatric patients aged 12 years and older.^[1]

It is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus, but it can help prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and can improve breathing.^[1]

It is available in vial form or as a syringe, each containing 110 mg/mL tezepelumab-ekko.^[1]

How does Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko) work?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that leads to lung inflammation and airway narrowing. A protein that is involved in the development of asthma is thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). TSLP is a cytokine, a type of protein that is involved in inflammatory processes.^[2]

Tezepelumab, the active ingredient in Tezspire, is an antibody that can bind to TSLP. Thereby it can block its action and reduce inflammation of the airways.^[2]

Where has Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko) been approved?

Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko) was approved as an add-on maintenance treatment for severe asthma by:

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA on December 17, 2021.^[3]

Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko) was approved under Priority Review for the treatment of severe asthma, and is currently under regulatory review in the EU, Japan and several other countries around the world.^[4]

Please note that this medicine may have also been approved in other regions than the ones we’ve listed. If you have a question about its approval in a specific country feel free to contact our support team.

How is Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko) taken?

The standard dosage is:^[1]

• 210 mg given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously) once every 4 weeks

If you miss a dose, you should take the dose as soon as possible. Thereafter, you can resume dosing on the usual day of administration. If the next dose is already due, then administer as planned.^[1]

Complete information about Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko) dosage and administration can be found in the official prescribing information listed in our references section.^[1]

Note: Please consult with your treating doctor for personalised dosing.

Are there any known adverse reactions or side effects of Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko)?

Common adverse reactions

The most common side effects (≥3% of patients) listed in the prescribing information include:^[1]

• Sore throat (pharyngitis)
• Joint stiffness (arthralgia)
• Back pain

Serious adverse reactions

The serious adverse reactions listed in the prescribing information include:^[1]

• Severe allergic reactions, such as rash or eye allergy

Use in a specific population

Before starting with treatment, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:^[1]

• Have ever had a severe allergic reaction
• Have a parasitic (helminth) infection.
• Plan to receive any vaccines. Immunization with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during treatment with Tezspire
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Tezspire passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby during treatment.
• Are taking medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements

For a comprehensive list of side effects and adverse reactions please refer to the official prescribing information.^[1]

References

1. Full prescribing information [FDA]: Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko) [PDF]
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Jan 2021

2. Tezepelumab in Adults and Adolescents with Severe, Uncontrolled Asthma
Menzies-Gow, A et al., NEJM, May 2021

3. FDA approves maintenance treatment for severe asthma
FDA press release, Dec 2021

4. Tezspire (tezepelumab) approved in the US for severe asthma
AstraZeneca press release, Dec 2021