AstraZeneca's experimental drug shows reduced COPD flare-ups in smokers

Late-stage trials indicate tozorakimab cuts moderate-to-severe flare-ups for smokers

AstraZeneca's experimental drug tozorakimab reduced moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease flare-ups by 29-34% in late-stage clinical trials. Among former and current smokers enrolled in two studies, patients receiving tozorakimab experienced 1.41-1.44 flare-ups per patient-year versus 2.00-2.03 in placebo groups. Findings were presented at a medical meeting in Barcelona on September 9, 2026. This represents preliminary results from trials specifically targeting smokers, with full regulatory review pending. The source describes results for this population only—no global impact or hospitalization data is reported. The drug shows potential for reducing flare-up frequency in smokers, but its broader health access or cost implications remain unverified at this stage. The source describes results for this population only—no global impact or hospitalization data is reported. This is a preliminary finding from two trials with no global application described in the source material.

Source: HumanProgress