Real-world usage and response to gefapixant in refractory chronic cough

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Respiratory Medicine
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Refractory chronic cough (RCC) significantly impacts quality of life.
• The P2X3 antagonist gefapixant represents a novel therapeutic class for RCC.
• Real-world data on gefapixant's efficacy in RCC is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the real-world usage and effectiveness of gefapixant in patients with RCC.
• To identify factors associated with treatment response and discontinuation.

Main Methods:

• Multicentre retrospective study of 272 patients with RCC prescribed gefapixant.
• Data collection included demographics, cough characteristics, treatment response, and taste disturbances.
• Cough specialists assessed patient response and cough course post-discontinuation.

Main Results:

• Half of patients reported a significant cough response (≥5/10 scale), with 25% reporting excellent response (≥8/10).
• Improvements were rapid, often within 2 weeks, and sustained in responders who discontinued treatment.
• Taste disturbance was not linked to treatment response and was less common with specific cough triggers.

Conclusions:

• Gefapixant demonstrated a rapid and effective antitussive effect in a real-world setting for RCC.
• The study supports gefapixant's utility as a treatment option for refractory chronic cough.