RX Review: Monoclonal Antibodies for COPD Management - Episode 2
In this video, the second in a 6-part series, panelists discuss using monoclonal antibodies in early-line COPD treatment.
In this special report from HCPLive, Joseph Khabbaza, MD, moderates an expert discussion with Nikita Desai, MD, and Eric Costanzo, MD, on the impact of and recent developments with monoclonal antibodies in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In this clip, Desai and Costanzo discuss how the growing availability of monoclonal antibodies, including the recent approval of mepolizumab as a second agent, marks a pivotal shift away from the historically inhaler-centric model of COPD management. With mepolizumab and other biologics now FDA-approved for eosinophilic COPD, both panelists emphasize the importance of reaching for these therapies earlier in the treatment course, particularly for patients with two or more exacerbations or a recent severe episode.
Desai highlights how biologic options are no longer reserved for late-stage intervention but are increasingly integrated into earlier management, especially once patients have progressed through triple therapy. She and Costanzo point out that these agents offer a meaningful reduction in exacerbation frequency and severity, with broad benefits across patient outcomes and healthcare utilization.
They also explore barriers to adoption, noting that pulmonologists may be less familiar or comfortable with injectables compared to other subspecialties. Nonetheless, institutional pathways and discharge planning protocols are beginning to embed biologics into early post-hospitalization care. With up to 40% of COPD patients showing signs of type 2 inflammation, biologics represent an increasingly important tool for personalized, proactive disease management.
Part 1: The Biologic Era in COPD: What Mepolizumab Approval Means for Exacerbation Control
Part 2: From Rescue to Routine: Early Use of Biologics in COPD
Part 3: Targeting Type 2 Inflammation: COPD Lessons from Asthma Biology
Part 4: Next-Gen COPD Trials: What Clinicians Need from Biologic Studies
Part 5: Identifying COPD Candidates for Biologics: What Clinicians Should Know
Part 6: EP. 6: Monoclonal Antibodies and the Future of Lung Preservation in COPD
Our Panelists:
Joseph Khabbaza, MD, is a pulmonary and critical care physician at the Cleveland Clinic and a director of the non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis program., who serves as the moderator for this panel discussion.
Nikita Desai, MD, is a pulmonary critical care physician at Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is triple board certified in critical care medicine, internal medicine, and pulmonary medicine.
Eric Costanzo, MD, is a pulmonary critical care and neurocritical care physician and program director of the Pulmonary and Critical Care fellowship at Jersey Shore University Medical Center with Hackensack Meridian Health System and Shore Pulmonary Associates
Relevant disclosures for Khabbaza include Insmed, Regeneron, Sanofi, and Baxter Healthcare Corporation. Desai and Costanzo have no relevant disclosures to report.
