Long-term safety of tezepelumab in patients with asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveTezepelumab has demonstrated its effectiveness in patients with asthma, but its safety, especially for long-term use, needs to be further explored. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the safety of long-term use of tezepelumab in patients with asthma.Data sourcesA systematic search was made of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov, without language restrictions.Study selectionsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) on treatment of asthma with tezepelumab, compared with placebo, were reviewed. Studies were pooled to weighted mean differences (WMDs) and risk ratios (RRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsSeven RCTs (enrolling 2050 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Serious adverse event (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.95), upper respiratory tract infection (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.96), and asthma (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.76) were more frequent in the placebo groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients with at least one adverse event (AE), AEs leading to discontinuation of study treatment, all-cause death, influenza, bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, headache, and hypertension between the two groups.ConclusionLong-term (12-52 wk) use of tezepelumab in patients with asthma does not increase the incidence of adverse events.