Top news of May: Dupilumab in children, monoclonal antibody cocktail for COVID-19 and more

The Healio Editors have compiled a list of the most-read news in pulmonology posted in May.

Highlights from the last month include highlights from the American Thoracic Society International Conference, with new updates on asthma treatments; a monoclonal antibody cocktail that reduced hospitalization and death in the outpatient setting; respiratory symptoms with dual use of tobacco and e-cigarettes; and more.

Read these articles, and others, below, in no particular order.

Dupilumab reduces severe asthma exacerbations, improves lung function in children

Dupilumab significantly reduced asthma exacerbations and improved lung function within 2 weeks in children aged 6 to 11 years with uncontrolled moderate to severe asthma with evidence of type 2 inflammation. Read more

Monoclonal antibody cocktail cut COVID-19 hospitalization, death by 70% in outpatient setting

A cocktail of two monoclonal antibodies — casirivimab and imdevimab — significantly reduced the risk for hospitalization or death in nonhospitalized patients with COVID-19, according to results of a phase 3 pivotal trial. Read more

Benralizumab safe, effective in severe asthma for up to 5 years

Treatment with benralizumab in adults with severe, uncontrolled asthma was well tolerated for up to 5 years, with a long-term safety profile consistent with previous phase 3 trials. Read more

Active and maternal tobacco smoking around birth increase risk for IPF

Active and passive tobacco smoking around birth was associated with an increase in the risk for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, researchers reported in Chest. Read more

Fauci: COVID-19 vaccines the ‘bright light of this extraordinary challenge’

COVID-19 took center stage at the opening ceremony of the ATS International Conference, with a virtual keynote given by Anthony S. Fauci, MD, on lessons learned from the pandemic, a message on vaccination and more. Read more

Longer use of positive airway pressure may lower elevated COVID-19 risk in patients with sleep apnea

A new study found that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased risk for COVID-19 infection, and greater adherence to positive airway pressure therapy was associated with reduced risk for infection. Read more

Teens, young adults who report e-cigarette use have increased odds of asthma

Teens and young adults who report current e-cigarette use have increased risk for developing asthma and experiencing asthma exacerbations, according to data reported at the ATS International Conference. Read more

Weighted ‘lottery’ increased access to remdesivir early in COVID-19 pandemic

A weighted lottery that was designed to increase access to remdesivir early in the COVID-19 pandemic for those most affected by the virus resulted in more equitable distribution of the medication, researchers reported. Read more

Dual use of tobacco and e-cigarettes linked to increased risk for respiratory symptoms

Respiratory symptoms such as cough and wheeze are more likely in individuals who use both e-cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes together, compared with use of either product alone. Read more

Gefapixant reduces chronic cough frequency in large pooled analysis

Gefapixant 45 mg twice daily resulted in clinically important reductions in cough frequency compared with placebo in patients with refractory or unexplained chronic cough. Read more