Tralokinumab, an anti-IL-13 mAb for the potential treatment of asthma and COPD

Biopharmaceutical approaches have been used to target key elements in the processes controlling airway inflammation in asthma and COPD. There is compelling evidence that IL-13 is a key mediator in the inflammatory processes in the asthmatic lung. Tralokinumab (CAT-354), under development by MedImmune, is an injectable, anti-IL-13 humanized mAb for the potential treatment of asthma and COPD. In a study in mice, tralokinumab prevented the development of the asthmatic phenotype, including eosinophil recruitment and airway hyperresponsiveness. In clinical trials, tralokinumab demonstrated favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles, both in healthy volunteers and in patients with asthma. This review summarizes the problems and successes regarding recent developments in mAb-based strategies targeted against IL-13 in asthma and COPD, with an emphasis on tralokinumab.