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Anti-IL-4/IL-13 receptor alpha monoclonal antibody (type 2 inflammation biologic)

Dupilumab (Moderate-Severe Asthma)

Brand names: Dupixent (200 mg/1.14 mL and 300 mg/2 mL prefilled syringe)

This is dupilumab used as an add-on biologic for severe asthma with a type 2 inflammatory (eosinophilic) phenotype or oral-corticosteroid dependence, given by subcutaneous injection. It is initiated by a specialist for patients inadequately controlled on high-intensity inhaled therapy.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the shared receptor subunit for interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, key drivers of type 2 airway inflammation. This reduces eosinophilic inflammation, exacerbations, and steroid requirement.

Prescribing in practice

  • It must not be used to treat acute asthma or status asthmaticus, and corticosteroids must not be stopped abruptly on starting therapy but tapered gradually under supervision.
  • Transient blood eosinophilia can occur and rarely manifests as eosinophilic conditions or vasculitis, which should be evaluated.
  • Conjunctivitis and injection-site reactions are common; ensure relevant vaccinations are up to date and counsel on hypersensitivity.

Monitoring

Monitor asthma control, blood eosinophil counts, and for new or worsening eye symptoms or features of systemic eosinophilic disease.

Counselling the patient

  • Continue your inhalers and do not use this for a sudden asthma attack.
  • Report red, itchy, or painful eyes, which can occur with this medicine.
  • After training you may inject at home; rotate injection sites.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE recommends dupilumab as an add-on treatment option for specified severe asthma phenotypes inadequately controlled despite optimised standard therapy.

Reference: NICE TA751 (2022); LIBERTY ASTHMA QUEST Trial (Castro et al, NEJM 2018); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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