Dupilumab shows promising results for asthma patients with a rare fungal complication

A phase 2 randomized controlled trial has found that dupilumab (Dupixent) significantly improves outcomes for patients living with both asthma and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) — a rare but serious fungal-driven lung condition. Compared to placebo, dupilumab delivered meaningful gains in lung function, quality of life, and asthma control, while also dramatically reducing dependence on systemic corticosteroids.

The trial enrolled 62 patients who received either 300 mg dupilumab or placebo every two weeks for up to 52 weeks. No drug-related serious adverse events were reported, and the safety profile was consistent with prior dupilumab studies — a reassuring signal for a population that often has limited treatment options.

By the Numbers:

• Lung function (FEV1) improved by a mean difference of 0.201 L in favor of dupilumab at week 24 (P = .002)
• Quality of life scores (SGRQ) dropped by 25.3 points with dupilumab vs. 8.9 points with placebo at week 52
• 71.4% of dupilumab patients stopped systemic corticosteroids by week 24, vs. 14.3% on placebo
• Total IgE levels fell by a median of 64.5% with dupilumab vs. no change with placebo

Why it matters: ABPA complicates asthma management and is notoriously difficult to treat, often requiring long-term corticosteroids that carry significant side effects. This trial offers the first placebo-controlled evidence that dupilumab can meaningfully address both the inflammatory and functional burden of this condition.