Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Inflammation: Practical Approaches to Integrating Biologic Therapy

This activity was originally presented as a part of Immunology Specialty Pharmacy Day of Education 2025.

Program Description

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic airway inflammation that can damage and destroy alveoli in the lungs over time. COPD treatment and management are increasingly based on molecular characteristics, including the presence of key cytokines IL-4 and IL-13, among others, with advances allowing for more accurate therapeutic targeting. This session will focus on the emerging role of type 2 inflammation in COPD exacerbations and the growing focus on targeted add-on treatments. Pharmacists need to stay updated with the evolving landscape of emerging biologics and monoclonal antibodies in COPD as well as the demonstrated efficacy of these agents to improve lung function and patient quality of life. Emerging monoclonal antibodies in COPD pharmacotherapeutics can improve clinical outcomes by identifying undertreated or uncontrolled patients, and pharmacists must educate patients on these treatments. In this session, panelists will discuss patient cases and interventions with biologics as maintenance therapy, barriers to initiating biologics, and guideline-directed care to reduce the burden of COPD exacerbations. The inclusion of a Powered By Patients interview will offer insights into challenges in the management of COPD exacerbations as well as perspectives for pharmacists to offer individualized treatment recommendations based on patient profiles.

Target audience: Specialty Pharmacist

Type of activity: Application
Release date: July 31, 2025
Expiration date: July 31, 2026

Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours

Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Examine the role of type 2 inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its implications in treatment decision making
• Personalize treatment recommendations for patients with uncontrolled COPD exacerbations eligible for biologic therapy based on guideline recommendations
• Employ patient counseling strategies to optimize adherence and outcomes with biologic therapy in COPD