[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): eosinophilia and novel drug therapies]

The phenotyping of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has increasingly gained attention in recent years, as it leads to new and individualized therapeutic concepts.

The aim is to provide an overview of the heterogeneity of COPD and to summarize current drug therapy concepts, particularly in the context of eosinophilic airway inflammation.

Several prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled studies have shown a reduction in exacerbations and overall mortality with inhaled triple therapy using an inhaled corticosteroid and dual bronchodilation. The higher the eosinophils in the blood, the greater the expected effect. In addition, a reduction in exacerbations with biologics in COPD with eosinophilia has been demonstrated for dupilumab. Eosinophil-guided therapy for acute exacerbations is the subject of current research.

For COPD without exacerbations, dual bronchodilation forms the basis of inhaled therapy. With exacerbations, inhaled triple therapy is indicated for patients with a blood eosinophil count of ≥ 300/µl. This type of treatment may also be useful when eosinophils are between 100 and 300/µl. Therapy with dupilumab is a possible option for the eosinophilic phenotype in the near future.