Asthma is common and in many, particularly those with more severe disease, there remains a substantial unmet need. Success with biologics targeting eosinophilic
inflammation underscore the value of treating
inflammation in
asthma beyond
corticosteroids.
Fevipiprant (QAW039) is an oral treatment for
asthma. It competitively and reversibly antagonises the
prostaglandin D2 receptor 2 (DP2) expressed on inflammatory and structural cells. Areas covered: We reviewed
fevipiprant's mode of action and efficacy against other current and emerging pharmacological interventions for moderate-to-severe
asthma. We undertook a literature review using the PubMed/Medline database, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Clinical Trials website and from manufacturers' press releases with the search terms: 'QAW039', '
Fevipiprant', 'CRTH2 antagonists', 'DP2', 'DP1', '
monoclonal antibody', 'eosinophil' with '
asthma' plus the names of individual drugs. Three Phase 2 trials have been conducted and three Phase 3 trials (NCT02563067, NCT03052517, NCT02555683) are in progress. To date
Fevipiprant's greatest success has been in targeting severe eosinophilic
asthma. Expert opinion:
Fevipiprant presents the possibility of a new orally active
therapy for
asthma. If successful in phase 3 trials it will have an enormous impact on the treatment paradigm for
asthma and will potentially widen access for pre-biologic treatment to a larger population.