Trends in dupilumab persistence among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Abstract

Background: Establishing effective treatment algorithms for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remains challenging, particularly concerning biologic therapies' discontinuation rates. Limited real-world data exist on the persistence of dupilumab, a biologic used in CRSwNP. We conducted a large-scale claims-based analysis to compare dupilumab discontinuation rates. Methodology: Utilizing the IBM MarketScan® Research Database, we identified CRS patients treated with dupilumab from July 2019 to December 2021. We assessed drug discontinuation rates, comorbidities, demographics, and surgical history using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Of 1718 CRS patients on dupilumab, median age at initiation was 45 years, with 44% male. Dupilumab persistence varied by comorbidity, with patients with comorbid asthma exhibiting the longest median usage (652 days). Statistically significant differences in drug persistence were observed among comorbid conditions (p<0.001). Younger patients (<50 years) had higher discontinuation rates (p<0.001). Conclusions: Our study reveals that many CRS patients without comorbidities discontinue dupilumab within the first year, with a median duration of 366 days. Age and comorbidities significantly influence dupilumab persistence. These findings aid clinicians in counseling CRS patients and underscore the need for further research to optimize treatment strategies.