Biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca plc (STO:AZN) (LON:AZN) (NYSE:AZN) reported on Friday that tozorakimab met the primary endpoint in both the OBERON and TITANIA Phase III trials evaluating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The studies demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in the annualised rate of moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbations versus placebo in both former smokers and the broader population, including current smokers and patients across eosinophil levels and disease severity.

The investigational monoclonal antibody, a first-in-class interleukin-33 (IL-33)–targeting biologic, also showed a generally well-tolerated and favourable safety profile when administered at 300 mg every four weeks alongside standard of care inhaled therapies. The trials enrolled patients who continued to experience exacerbations despite standard treatment, addressing a high unmet need in a disease that affects nearly 400 million people globally and ranks as the third leading cause of death.

Full trial results are expected to be presented at an upcoming medical meeting, while additional COPD Phase III studies, PROSPERO and MIRANDA, are ongoing.

Tozorakimab is also being evaluated in a Phase III study for severe viral lower respiratory tract disease and a Phase II asthma trial.