#109 - Tezepelumab & Nasal Polyps: Inside the WAYPOINT Phase III Trial

Have you wondered why having more drug options matters for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps? In the inaugural episode of our new series, The Itch Review, co-hosts Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta, along with special guest Dr. Michael Blaiss, unpack the journal article "Tezepelumab in Adults with Severe Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps," published in the New England Journal of Medicine on March 1, 2025. This article is about the Phase III WAYPOINT trial of tezepelumab. Already approved for severe asthma, this once-monthly biologic is now showing promise in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Over 52 weeks, 408 patients were randomized to receive 210 mg of tezepelumab every four weeks or placebo. Researchers tracked nasal-polyp scores, congestion, sense of smell, and rates of rescue surgery. In this episode, we provide a brief overview of what CRSwNP is, why inflammation drives polyp formation and how blocking TSLP fits into today’s biologics options. We’ll walk you through the WAYPOINT Phase III design, explain the primary and secondary endpoints, and translate the headline results into what they mean for real-world patients who’ve exhausted their treatment options. ➡️ Get the infographic here. What we cover in our episode about treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps with tezepelumab CRSwNP basics & tezepelumab mechanism of action: How nasal polyps form and why targeting TSLP can reduce inflammation WAYPOINT design: 52-week, placebo-controlled Phase III study in 408 patients  Primary endpoints: Mean change in nasal polyp score and nasal-congestion score Secondary endpoints: Smell recovery, need for rescue surgery or systemic steroids, and quality-of-life measures Why choice matters: Every CRSwNP patient responds differently, and having more treatment options means more chances to find the right fit   Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to AstraZeneca for sponsoring today’s episode. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.