An Injected COPD Drug Cut Flare Ups About Thirty Percent in Patients Whose Inhalers Were Not Enough

AstraZeneca (AZN) and Amgen (AMGN) reported positive Phase III trial results for their co-developed asthma drug, TEZSPIRE. AZN's Q2 revenue rose 6% to $15.38B, with strong growth in Oncology and Rare Disease, while AMGN's revenue increased 10% to $10.1B but faced biosimilar pressure on mature products. AZN shows stronger EPS growth and portfolio momentum, while AMGN has robust key product growth and raised its 2026 revenue guidance.

AstraZeneca's experimental drug tozorakimab reduced COPD flare-ups by 29-34% in late-stage trials, with patients experiencing fewer exacerbations than placebo. The drug targets interleukin-33 and showed effectiveness regardless of smoking status or disease severity. The data is under FDA review for approval. Separately, high-dose flu vaccines reduced hospitalizations in older lung-disease patients, and severe asthma was linked to brain structure changes.

AstraZeneca's stock fell 1.3% to $158 despite positive Phase 3 results for its COPD treatment, tozorakimab, which showed a 34% reduction in flare-ups in trials. The FDA granted priority review, with a decision expected in Q1 2027. The company reported no new safety concerns across 2,306 patients.

AstraZeneca's oral relaxin receptor agonist AZD5462 showed hemodynamic benefits in heart failure patients across ejection fraction spectrum in a phase 2b trial. The 20 mg dose showed the most promise. The drug was well tolerated with no major safety signals. Researchers recommend further trials with the 20 mg dose.

The FDA approved AstraZeneca's breast cancer drug camizestrant (Etcamah) for patients with ESR1 mutations, despite earlier advisory committee opposition. Approval was based on a trial showing improved progression-free survival. The drug is used with a CDK4/6 inhibitor and requires a specific blood test for eligibility. AstraZeneca's stock may be affected by this development.

RBC initiated coverage of five European pharma companies, rating Roche (RHHBY) and AstraZeneca (AZN) Outperform with price targets of 400 CHF and 14,500 pence, respectively. Novartis (NOVN), GSK (GSK), and Sanofi (SNY) were rated Sector Perform. Analysts highlighted Roche's strong pipeline and AstraZeneca's undervaluation.