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COPDJuly 2023Summary reviewed July 2026

What the BOREAS Trial Found — Dupilumab for COPD with Type 2 Inflammation

Researchers tested dupilumab in people with COPD who had high levels of certain immune cells called eosinophils. Those who received dupilumab had 30% fewer flare-ups, better breathing, and improved quality of life compared to those on standard treatment alone.

What the trial was testing

The BOREAS enrolled 939 patients with copd. The study was sponsored by Sanofi and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

It was a large trial designed to confirm whether the treatment works well enough for wider use. Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.

What the results showed

People taking dupilumab had 30% fewer COPD flare-ups compared to those on standard treatment.

The New England journal of medicine · 2023 · NCT03930732

These findings — that people on dupilumab had fewer COPD flare-ups than those on standard treatment — were published in the The New England journal of medicine and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 939 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with copd, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

Dupilumab is FDA-approved for this use as of 2024. If you have COPD with frequent flare-ups and high eosinophil counts despite using standard inhalers, talk to your doctor about whether dupilumab could help reduce your flare-ups and improve your breathing.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.