Lebrikizumab

Drug Overview

Lebrikizumab (Roche/Chugai) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to interleukin (IL)-13. IL-13 induces bronchial epithelial cells to secrete periostin, a matricellular protein. Large quantities of periostin are secreted basally into the underlying matrix by activated airway epithelial cells, which causes autocrine effects on epithelial cell function and paracrine effects on fibroblasts. Thus, periostin may contribute to the mechanisms of airway remodeling in asthma. The production of IL-13 is inhibited by inhaled glucocorticoids, although some patients with uncontrolled asthma continue to have elevated levels of IL-13 in their sputum, despite the use of systemic and inhaled glucocorticoids. IL-13 can also contribute to resistance to glucocorticoids.

In July 2016, Roche announced that it had discontinued lebrikizumab’s development program in asthma, following mixed results from the drug’s pivotal Phase III LAVOLTA I and LAVOLTA II studies. Lebrikizumab’s efficacy and safety are being assessed in other indications, namely atopic dermatitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.