US-based biotechnology company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:REGN) and French healthcare company Sanofi S.A. (Euronext Paris:SAN) (Nasdaq:SNY) announced on Wednesday that the European Commission has approved Dupixent (dupilumab) as an add-on maintenance treatment for adults with uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterised by raised blood eosinophils.

Dupixent is the first-ever targeted therapy for COPD. It targets adults with eosinophilia, a specific type of white blood cell, who are already on standard-of-care inhaled medications.

This approval is based on positive Phase 3 trials showing significant reductions in exacerbations, improved lung function and better health-related quality of life. Dupixent is the sixth approved use for the drug in the EU and represents a new treatment option for an estimated 220,000 patients. Regulatory submissions are ongoing in other regions.

Dupixent is being jointly developed by Regeneron and Sanofi under a global collaboration agreement.