A patient with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) fails maximal medical therapy (topical steroids + saline irrigation for 12 weeks). Which biologic agent is FDA-approved as an add-on therapy specifically targeting the IL-4/IL-13 pathway in this condition?

• A Mepolizumab (anti-IL-5)
• B Omalizumab (anti-IgE)
• C Dupilumab (anti-IL-4Rα) ✓
• D Benralizumab (anti-IL-5Rα)

Explanation

Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-4 receptor alpha (IL-4Rα) shared by both IL-4 and IL-13 signaling. It is FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe CRSwNP as an add-on maintenance therapy when standard therapies are inadequate. It reduces polyp size, improves nasal obstruction and smell, and decreases need for systemic steroids or revision surgery. Mepolizumab and benralizumab target IL-5; omalizumab targets IgE (also approved for CRSwNP but via different mechanism).

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.