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POSITIVE RESULTS FROM TEZSPIRE® (TEZEPELUMAB-EKKO) PHASE 3 WAYPOINT TRIAL HIGHLIGHT RAPID, SUSTAINED EFFECT IN CHRONIC RHINOSINUSITIS WITH NASAL POLYPS

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Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) and AstraZeneca announced positive results from the Phase 3 WAYPOINT trial for TEZSPIRE® (tezepelumab-ekko) in treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

The trial demonstrated significant improvements in key metrics:

  • Reduced nasal polyp severity with a Nasal Polyp Score decrease of -2.065
  • Improved nasal congestion with a score reduction of -1.028
  • Decreased need for nasal polyp surgery by 98%
  • Reduced systemic corticosteroid use by 88%

Improvements were observed as early as week two for nasal congestion and week four for polyp score, with effects sustained through week 52. The safety profile aligned with its approved severe asthma indication, with common adverse events including COVID-19, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infection.

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) e AstraZeneca hanno annunciato risultati positivi dallo studio di Fase 3 WAYPOINT per TEZSPIRE® (tezepelumab-ekko) nel trattamento della rinosinusite cronica con polipi nasali (CRSwNP).

Lo studio ha dimostrato miglioramenti significativi in metriche chiave:

  • Riduzione della gravità dei polipi nasali con una diminuzione del punteggio dei polipi nasali di -2.065
  • Miglioramento della congestione nasale con una riduzione del punteggio di -1.028
  • Decremento del bisogno di intervento chirurgico per polipi nasali del 98%
  • Riduzione dell'uso di corticosteroidi sistemici dell'88%

I miglioramenti sono stati osservati già dalla seconda settimana per la congestione nasale e dalla quarta settimana per il punteggio dei polipi, con effetti mantenuti fino alla settimana 52. Il profilo di sicurezza è risultato in linea con l'indicazione approvata per l'asma grave, con eventi avversi comuni tra cui COVID-19, nasofaringite e infezione delle vie respiratorie superiori.

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) y AstraZeneca anunciaron resultados positivos del ensayo de Fase 3 WAYPOINT para TEZSPIRE® (tezepelumab-ekko) en el tratamiento de la rinosinusitis crónica con pólipos nasales (CRSwNP).

El ensayo demostró mejoras significativas en métricas clave:

  • Reducción de la gravedad de los pólipos nasales con una disminución del Puntuación de Pólipos Nasales de -2.065
  • Mejora de la congestión nasal con una reducción de puntuación de -1.028
  • Disminución de la necesidad de cirugía para pólipos nasales en un 98%
  • Reducción del uso de corticosteroides sistémicos en un 88%

Las mejoras se observaron tan pronto como en la segunda semana para la congestión nasal y en la cuarta semana para la puntuación de pólipos, con efectos sostenidos hasta la semana 52. El perfil de seguridad se alineó con su indicación aprobada para asma severa, con eventos adversos comunes que incluyen COVID-19, nasofaringitis e infección de las vías respiratorias superiores.

암젠 (NASDAQ:AMGN)과 아스트라제네카는 TEZSPIRE® (테제펠루맙-엑코)가 비강 폴립이 있는 만성 비염(CRSwNP) 치료에 대한 3상 WAYPOINT 시험에서 긍정적인 결과를 발표했습니다.

시험에서는 주요 지표에서 유의미한 개선이 나타났습니다:

  • 비강 폴립의 중증도가 -2.065 감소
  • 비강 혼잡도가 -1.028 감소
  • 비강 폴립 수술 필요성 98% 감소
  • 전신 코르티코스테로이드 사용 88% 감소

개선은 비강 혼잡도에 대해 2주차, 폴립 점수에 대해 4주차에 관찰되었으며, 효과는 52주까지 지속되었습니다. 안전성 프로필은 승인된 중증 천식 적응증과 일치하며, 일반적인 부작용으로는 COVID-19, 비인두염 및 상기도 감염이 포함됩니다.

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) et AstraZeneca ont annoncé des résultats positifs de l'essai de Phase 3 WAYPOINT pour TEZSPIRE® (tezepelumab-ekko) dans le traitement de la rhinosinusite chronique avec polypes nasaux (CRSwNP).

L'essai a démontré des améliorations significatives dans des indicateurs clés :

  • Réduction de la gravité des polypes nasaux avec une diminution du score des polypes nasaux de -2.065
  • Amélioration de la congestion nasale avec une réduction de score de -1.028
  • Diminution du besoin de chirurgie des polypes nasaux de 98%
  • Réduction de l'utilisation de corticostéroïdes systémiques de 88%

Des améliorations ont été observées dès la deuxième semaine pour la congestion nasale et la quatrième semaine pour le score des polypes, avec des effets maintenus jusqu'à la semaine 52. Le profil de sécurité était conforme à son indication approuvée pour l'asthme sévère, avec des événements indésirables courants tels que COVID-19, nasopharyngite et infection des voies respiratoires supérieures.

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) und AstraZeneca haben positive Ergebnisse der Phase-3-Studie WAYPOINT für TEZSPIRE® (tezepelumab-ekko) zur Behandlung von chronischer Rhinosinusitis mit Nasenpolypen (CRSwNP) bekannt gegeben.

Die Studie zeigte signifikante Verbesserungen in wichtigen Kennzahlen:

  • Verminderung der Schwere der Nasenpolypen mit einer Abnahme des Nasenpolypen-Scores um -2.065
  • Verbesserung der Nasenverstopfung mit einer Punktreduzierung von -1.028
  • Reduzierung des Bedarfs an Nasenpolypenoperationen um 98%
  • Verminderung des Einsatzes von systemischen Kortikosteroiden um 88%

Die Verbesserungen wurden bereits in der zweiten Woche für die Nasenverstopfung und in der vierten Woche für den Polypen-Score beobachtet, die Effekte hielten bis zur 52. Woche an. Das Sicherheitsprofil entsprach der genehmigten Indikation für schwere Asthmaerkrankungen, wobei häufige Nebenwirkungen COVID-19, Nasopharyngitis und Atemwegsinfektionen umfassten.

Positive
  • Phase 3 trial met all primary and secondary endpoints
  • 98% reduction in need for nasal polyp surgery
  • 88% reduction in systemic corticosteroid use
  • Rapid onset of action (2-4 weeks)
  • Sustained efficacy through 52 weeks
Negative
  • Potential hypersensitivity reactions reported
  • Post-marketing cases of anaphylaxis observed
  • Cannot be used for acute symptoms or exacerbations

Insights

Amgen's Phase 3 WAYPOINT trial for TEZSPIRE delivers exceptionally strong efficacy data that could substantially expand the drug's market potential beyond its current severe asthma indication. The 98% reduction in nasal polyp surgery need and 88% reduction in systemic corticosteroid use represent clinically meaningful endpoints that address major pain points in CRSwNP management.

What's particularly impressive is the rapid onset of action - with improvements observed as early as week two for nasal congestion - and sustained efficacy through 52 weeks. This temporal profile offers significant advantages over current treatment modalities that often provide only temporary relief.

The publication in New England Journal of Medicine and presentation at a major allergology congress adds substantial scientific credibility. From a mechanistic perspective, TEZSPIRE's approach of targeting inflammation at the epithelium level represents a differentiated strategy compared to other biologics in this space.

For context, CRSwNP affects approximately 4% of the population, with about 30% having inadequate response to current treatments. This positions TEZSPIRE to address a significant unmet need in a condition characterized by high recurrence rates and substantial quality-of-life impairment.

The compelling WAYPOINT results potentially unlock a valuable new revenue stream for Amgen's TEZSPIRE franchise. CRSwNP represents a market worth approximately $2-3 billion annually and growing, creating meaningful upside potential beyond TEZSPIRE's current severe asthma indication.

The dramatic 98% reduction in surgery need carries significant economic implications: each sinus surgery costs $10,000-15,000 on average, creating a strong value proposition for payers. Similarly, the 88% reduction in systemic corticosteroid use addresses a major cost driver and minimizes expensive corticosteroid-related complications.

This label expansion would position TEZSPIRE against competitors like Sanofi/Regeneron's Dupixent in the biologics space for CRSwNP. The shared development with AstraZeneca means profit-sharing arrangements are in place, but the expanded indication would still be accretive to both companies.

Looking forward, these results likely support a supplemental Biologics License Application, with potential approval timeline of 12-18 months if submitted promptly. The consistent safety profile with existing indications should streamline regulatory review.

For Amgen investors, this represents a significant positive catalyst that strengthens the company's respiratory portfolio and demonstrates successful lifecycle management of a key biologic asset.

Significantly Reduced Nasal Congestion, Polyp Size and Nearly Eliminated Need for Surgery

Data Published in NEJM and Presented at AAAAI/WAO 2025

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., March 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) and AstraZeneca today announced full results from the Phase 3, registrational WAYPOINT trial demonstrating that TEZSPIRE® (tezepelumab-ekko) significantly reduced nasal polyp severity, the need for surgery and systemic corticosteroid use in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP [nasal polyps]) compared to placebo.1,2 The data were published today in the New England Journal of Medicine and were highlighted as a late-breaking oral presentation during the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)/World Allergy Organization (WAO) Joint Congress in San Diego.1,2

Treatment with TEZSPIRE significantly reduced nasal polyp severity measured by the co-primary endpoints: Nasal Polyp Score (NPS) by -2.065 (95% CI: -2.389, -1.742; p<0.0001) and nasal congestion (measured by participant-reported Nasal Congestion Score [NCS]) by -1.028 (95% CI: -1.201, -0.855; p<0.0001) at week 52 compared to placebo.1,2 Improvements in NPS were observed as early as week four and NCS as early as week two (the first post-treatment assessments, respectively) and were sustained through week 52.1

"Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is a recurrent condition often requiring repeat courses of systemic corticosteroids, even for patients on currently available biologics, and can require repeat surgeries," said Jay Bradner, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. "The WAYPOINT data highlight the potential of targeting inflammation at the epithelium to provide lasting relief for those with CRSwNP, adding to the efficacy profile that has been well established for TEZSPIRE in severe asthma."

Statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements were observed across all key secondary outcomes assessed in the overall trial population. Importantly, TEZSPIRE significantly reduced the need for nasal polyp surgery by 98% (; p<0.0001) and the need for systemic corticosteroid treatment by 88% (; p<0.0001) compared to placebo.1

"Many patients living with nasal polyps are at risk of repeat surgeries and serious systemic side effects from long-term oral corticosteroids," said Dr. Joseph Han, vice chair of rhinology & endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery, and allergy, otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and co-primary investigator in the trial. "The WAYPOINT results are clinically meaningful and suggest that tezepelumab could greatly reduce the burden of nasal polyps for patients by nearly eliminating the need for future surgery and corticosteroid use and by significantly reducing nasal polyp size and congestion."

Table 1: Summary of co-primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints1,2

Endpoint

Tezepelumab

(n=203)

Placebo

(n=205)

Difference vs. Placebo

(95% CI)

Co-primary endpoints

Total Nasal Polyp Score (range 0-8)*

-2.458 (0.114)

-0.392 (0.118)

-2.065 (-2.389, -1.742); p<0.0001**

Nasal Congestion Score (range 0-3)*

-1.743 (0.062)

-0.715 (0.064)

-1.028 (-1.201, -0.855); p<0.0001**

Key secondary endpoints: Assessed in the overall trial population

Time to first nasal polyp surgery decision (% patients)***

0.5 (0.0, 2.5)

22.1 (16.4, 28.2)

0.02 (0.00, 0.09); p<0.0001**

Time to first systemic glucocorticoid use (% patients)***

5.2 (1.1, 14.7)

18.3 (13.3, 24.1)

0.12 (0.04, 0.27); p<0.0001**

Time to nasal polyp surgery decision and/or systemic glucocorticoid use (% patients)***

5.7 (1.3, 15.0)

30.6 (24.2, 37.1)

0.08 (0.03, 0.17); p<0.0001**

Loss of Smell Score (range 0-3)*

-1.26 (0.06)

-0.26 (0.06)

-1.00 (-1.18, -0.83); p<0.0001**

Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) total score (range 0-10)*

-45.02 (1.81)

-17.76 (1.84)

-27.26 (-32.32, -22.21); p<0.0001**

Sinus Computed Tomography Lund–Mackay (CT-LMK) score (range -0-24)*

-6.27 (0.24)

-0.55 (0.24)

-5.72 (-6.39, -5.06); p<0.0001**

Total Symptom Score (TSS) (range 0-24)*

-10.39 (0.40)

-3.50 (0.41)

-6.89 (-8.02, -5.76); p<0.0001**

Key secondary endpoints: Assessed in a subset of patients with comorbid asthma or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease 

Pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 in liters)*

0.02 (0.04)

0.03 (0.04)

-0.01 (-0.12, 0.11); p=0.9362


*LS mean change (SE) from baseline at Week 52

** Denotes statistically significant at 0.01 level after adjustment for multiplicity. Unadjusted p-values are presented

***% patients from Kaplan Meier estimate (95% confidence interval) is provided for each treatment group, hazard ratio (95% confidence invterval) is presented for the difference vs placebo. 

In patients with CRSwNP, TEZSPIRE had a safety profile consistent with its approved severe asthma indication.1,2 The most frequently reported adverse events for TEZSPIRE in the WAYPOINT trial were COVID-19, nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infection.1

TEZSPIRE® (tezepelumab-ekko) U.S. Indication
TEZSPIRE is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with severe asthma.

TEZSPIRE is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus.

TEZSPIRE® (tezepelumab-ekko) Important Safety Information
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Known hypersensitivity to tezepelumab-ekko or excipients.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions were observed in the clinical trials (e.g., rash and allergic conjunctivitis) following the administration of TEZSPIRE. Postmarketing cases of anaphylaxis have been reported. These reactions can occur within hours of administration, but in some instances have a delayed onset (i.e., days). In the event of a hypersensitivity reaction, consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient to determine whether to continue or discontinue treatment with TEZSPIRE.

Acute Asthma Symptoms or Deteriorating Disease
TEZSPIRE should not be used to treat acute asthma symptoms, acute exacerbations, acute bronchospasm, or status asthmaticus.

Abrupt Reduction of Corticosteroid Dosage
Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids abruptly upon initiation of therapy with TEZSPIRE. Reductions in corticosteroid dose, if appropriate, should be gradual and performed under the direct supervision of a physician. Reduction in corticosteroid dose may be associated with systemic withdrawal symptoms and/or unmask conditions previously suppressed by systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Parasitic (Helminth) Infection
It is unknown if TEZSPIRE will influence a patient's response against helminth infections. Treat patients with pre-existing helminth infections before initiating therapy with TEZSPIRE. If patients become infected while receiving TEZSPIRE and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, discontinue TEZSPIRE until infection resolves.

Live Attenuated Vaccines
The concomitant use of TEZSPIRE and live attenuated vaccines has not been evaluated. The use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided in patients receiving TEZSPIRE.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥3%) are pharyngitis, arthralgia, and back pain.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
There are no available data on TEZSPIRE use in pregnant women to evaluate for any drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Placental transfer of monoclonal antibodies such as tezepelumab-ekko is greater during the third trimester of pregnancy; therefore, potential effects on a fetus are likely to be greater during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Please see the full Prescribing Information including Patient Information and Instructions for Use.

You may report side effects related to AstraZeneca products by clicking here.

About TEZSPIRE® (tezepelumab-ekko)
TEZSPIRE is a first-in-class human monoclonal antibody that works on the primary source of inflammation: the airway epithelium, which is the first point of contact for viruses, allergens, pollutants and other environmental insults. Specifically, TEZSPIRE targets and blocks TSLP, a key epithelial cytokine that sits at the top of multiple inflammatory cascades and initiates an overreactive immune response to allergic, eosinophilic and other types of airway inflammation associated with severe asthma.18,19  TSLP is released in response to multiple triggers associated with asthma exacerbations, including allergens, viruses and other airborne particles.

Expression of TSLP is increased in the airways of patients with asthma and has been correlated with disease severity.8,18 Blocking TSLP may prevent the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by immune cells, resulting in the prevention of asthma exacerbations and improved asthma control.18-20  By working at the top of the cascade, TEZSPIRE helps stop inflammation at the source and has the potential to treat a broad population of severe asthma patients.10,18,21

TEZSPIRE is currently approved for the treatment of severe asthma in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and more than 50 countries across the globe.22-25 It is approved as a pre-filled, single-use pen and auto-injector for self-administration in the U.S. and Europe.22, 23

Beyond severe asthma and CRSwNP, TEZSPIRE is also in development for other potential indications including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).26,27 Regulatory filings for TEZSPIRE in CRSwNP are currently under review by regulatory authorities in multiple regions. In October 2021, tezepelumab was granted Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA for the treatment of EoE. In July 2024, the U.S. FDA granted a Breakthrough Therapy Designation for tezepelumab for the add-on maintenance treatment of patients with moderate to very severe COPD characterised by an eosinophilic phenotype.

About Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP [nasal polyps])       
CRSwNP is a complex inflammatory disorder characterized by persistent inflammation of the nasal mucosa accompanied by benign growths, called nasal polyps.4,5 Nasal polyps can block nasal passages and lead to breathing problems, difficulty in sense of smell, nasal discharge, facial pain, sleep disturbance and other adverse effects on quality of life.6-8

Epithelial dysfunction and inflammation are important characteristics of chronic rhinosinusitis and impede the ability of the epithelium to act as a physical and immunological barrier against the external environment.9 Estimates suggest that up to 56% of patients with CRSwNP have comorbid asthma. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is an epithelial cytokine that has been implicated in shared pathophysiological processes underlying severe asthma and CRSwNP.10,11

Current treatments for CRSwNP include intranasal and/or systemic corticosteroids, surgery and biologic medication.5,8,12-17

About the Phase 3 WAYPOINT Trial
WAYPOINT is a double-blind, multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tezepelumab in adults with severe CRSwNP.1,2,3 Participants received tezepelumab or placebo, administered via subcutaneous injection. The trial also included a post-treatment follow-up period of 12-24 weeks for participants who completed the 52-week treatment period.1,2,3

The co-primary endpoints of the trial were change from baseline in total nasal polyp size, measured by the endoscopic total Nasal Polyp Score, and change from baseline in bi-weekly mean nasal congestion, measured by the participant-reported Nasal Congestion Score evaluated as part of the daily Nasal Polyposis Symptom Diary.3

Key secondary endpoints included loss of smell; improvement in disease-specific health-related quality of life as measured by SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) score; Lund-Mackay score; time to surgery decision and/or systemic corticosteroids for nasal polyposis; time to nasal polyposis surgery decision; time to systemic corticosteroids for nasal polyposis; Nasal Polyposis Symptom Diary total symptom score and pre-bronchodilator FEV1 in patients with comorbid asthma and aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease/NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (NSAID-ERD) at Week 52.3

About the Amgen and AstraZeneca Collaboration
In 2020, Amgen and AstraZeneca updated the 2012 collaboration agreement for TEZSPIRE. Both companies will continue to share costs and profits equally after payment by AstraZeneca of a mid-single-digit royalty to Amgen. AstraZeneca continues to lead development and Amgen continues to lead manufacturing. All aspects of the collaboration are under the oversight of joint governing bodies. Under the amended agreement, in North America, Amgen, as the principal, recognizes product sales of TEZSPIRE in the United States, and AstraZeneca, as the principal, recognizes product sales of TEZSPIRE in Canada. AstraZeneca leads commercialization for TEZSPIRE outside North America.

About Amgen
Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative medicines to help millions of patients in their fight against some of the world's toughest diseases. More than 40 years ago, Amgen helped to establish the biotechnology industry and remains on the cutting-edge of innovation, using technology and human genetic data to push beyond what's known today. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline that builds on its existing portfolio of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, inflammatory diseases and rare diseases.

In 2024, Amgen was named one of the "World's Most Innovative Companies" by Fast Company and one of "America's Best Large Employers" by Forbes, among other external recognitions. Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average®, and it is also part of the Nasdaq-100 Index®, which includes the largest and most innovative non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization.

For more information, visit Amgen.com and follow Amgen on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Threads

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CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks
Kate Meyer, 872-867-0754 (media)
Elissa Snook, 609-251-1407 (media)
Justin Claeys, 805-313-9775 (investors) 

References:

  1. Lipworth, BJ, Han JK, et al. Tezepelumab in adults with severe, uncontrolled CRSwNP. N Engl J Med. 2025. 
  2. Lipworth, BJ, Han JK, et al. Efficacy and safety of tezepelumab in adults with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: results from the Phase 3 WAYPOINT Study. [Late breaking oral presentation]. Presented at the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology /World Allergy Organization Joint Congress 2025 (28 February – 03 March). 
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FAQ

What were the main results of AMGN's TEZSPIRE Phase 3 WAYPOINT trial?

The trial showed TEZSPIRE reduced nasal polyp severity (-2.065 NPS), improved nasal congestion (-1.028 NCS), decreased surgery need by 98%, and reduced corticosteroid use by 88% compared to placebo.

How quickly did AMGN's TEZSPIRE show effectiveness in the WAYPOINT trial?

TEZSPIRE showed improvements as early as week two for nasal congestion and week four for nasal polyp score, with effects lasting through week 52.

What are the safety concerns for AMGN's TEZSPIRE in nasal polyps treatment?

The most common adverse events were COVID-19, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infection, consistent with its existing safety profile in severe asthma.

How does TEZSPIRE impact the need for surgery in nasal polyp patients?

TEZSPIRE significantly reduced the need for nasal polyp surgery by 98% compared to placebo in the Phase 3 WAYPOINT trial.

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