New COPD Injection Roll Out Across NHS

A NEW targeted treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being introduced across the NHS, offering patients with inadequately controlled disease an additional option to reduce exacerbations and improve respiratory health.

Dupilumab, an injectable biologic therapy targeting type 2 inflammation, was first administered to UK patients at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London in June 2026. Following approval by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), efforts are underway to expand access to eligible patients across England.

A New Approach to COPD Management

Unlike conventional bronchodilators, which primarily improve airflow, dupilumab targets inflammatory pathways associated with COPD exacerbations.

The treatment blocks signalling through interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, helping to reduce type 2 airway inflammation in patients with raised blood eosinophil levels.

Clinical trials demonstrated reductions of approximately 30–34% in annual moderate-to-severe exacerbations among selected patients receiving dupilumab alongside standard inhaled therapy.

Expanding Access Across the NHS

The treatment is administered by subcutaneous injection every two weeks, with patients able to self-administer subsequent doses following appropriate training.

Patients receiving dupilumab are monitored to assess treatment response and determine whether longer-term therapy is appropriate.

The first UK patients received treatment at St Thomas’ Hospital, marking an important milestone in the translation of research into clinical practice.

Access is being expanded through NHS commissioning arrangements, although availability and eligibility remain subject to local implementation and clinical assessment.

Towards More Personalised COPD Treatment

The introduction of dupilumab reflects growing recognition that COPD encompasses multiple inflammatory phenotypes requiring different therapeutic approaches.

Research into the role of eosinophils in COPD, including work led by Professor Mona Bafadhel at King’s College London, has contributed to the development of more targeted treatment strategies.

For patients who continue to experience exacerbations despite optimised inhaled therapy, dupilumab offers an additional option aimed at reducing disease instability and potentially limiting the need for hospital care.

Although it is not a cure for COPD and is not suitable for every patient, its introduction represents an important step towards more personalised respiratory care.

Reference

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. Revolutionary COPD injection given to patients for first time [Internet]. London: Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust; 2026 Jun 23 [cited 2026 Nov 3]. Available from: https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/news/revolutionary-copd-injection-given-patients-first-time.