Core Insights - AstraZeneca's asthma drug Fasenra failed to control acute exacerbations in a late-stage study for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, marking a setback for the company's efforts in addressing this serious lung condition [1] - Fasenra is AstraZeneca's second-best-selling respiratory and immunology drug, with sales reaching $920 million in the first half of 2025, an 18% year-over-year increase [1] - The study participants were current or former smokers with a history of at least two acute exacerbations in the past year, and Fasenra did not meet the primary endpoint compared to placebo [1] - AstraZeneca plans to analyze the complete study data to better understand the results [1] Additional Developments - AstraZeneca's executive Sharon Barr emphasized the complexity and heterogeneity of COPD, stating the company will continue to advance other promising solutions in its pipeline to meet unmet patient needs [2] - The company has other COPD treatments, including the three-in-one inhaler Breztri Aerosphere and the investigational drug tozorakimab [2] - AstraZeneca announced that its rare disease drug Saphnelo successfully met its primary endpoint in a late-stage clinical trial, significantly reducing the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease [2]