A GATA3-specific DNAzyme attenuates sputum eosinophilia in eosinophilic COPD patients: a feasibility randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: A subset of COPD-patients presents with eosinophilic airway inflammation. While treatment of asthmatic patients with the GATA3-specific DNAzyme SB010 attenuated sputum eosinophilia after allergen challenge, this specific treatment has not been evaluated in patients with COPD. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of inhaled SB010 in COPD patients with sputum eosinophilia. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre clinical trial in COPD-patients with sputum eosinophilia (≥2.5% non-squamous cells). Patients inhaled 10 mg SB010 bid or matching placebo via the controlled inhalation system AKITA2 APIXNEB for 28 days. Endpoints included the feasibility of the study (primary), patient’s safety, sputum eosinophils, F(E)NO, lung function, symptoms, and biomarkers. The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00006087. RESULTS: One hundred thirty patients were screened, 23 patients were randomized (FEV(1) 49.4 ± 11.5%; sputum eosinophils 8.0 ± 8.4%) and 19 patients completed the study (10 placebo, 9 SB010. After 28 days, SB010 decreased the relative sputum eosinophil count (p = 0.004) as compared to no changes in placebo-treated patients. F(E)NO, lung function, and symptoms were not affected significantly. We found an increase in blood IFN-γ (p = 0.02) and a trend to lower IL-5 levels in patients treated with SB010. SB010 was safe and well tolerated. Thirty five AEs (22 SB010, 13 placebo including 1 SAE) were observed with 3 AEs in each group judged to be possibly treatment-related. CONCLUSION: In patients with eosinophilic COPD, sputum eosinophils could be reduced by inhalation of SB010. Long-term studies are needed to demonstrate clinical efficacy. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12931-018-0751-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.