Pulmonology Month in Review: March 2025

​In March, the pulmonology field saw notable advancements in treatments and diagnostic insights. The FDA accepted Liquidia Corporation's resubmission for treprostinil inhalation powder (YUTREPIA), aiming for final approval to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD). ​

A study comparing pneumococcal vaccines in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found that the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) provided longer-lasting protection against pneumonia than the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23). ​

Research indicated that bronchodilator responsiveness tests in asthma patients yield more reliable results when conducted in the morning, suggesting a potential shift in clinical practice to optimize diagnostic accuracy. The accuracy of pulse oximeters in individuals with darker skin pigmentation has also been called into question, highlighting the need for more inclusive calibration standards to ensure equitable respiratory care. ​

At the AAAAI/WAO Joint Congress, experts provided insights into personalized asthma treatments and environmental health disparities. Flavia Hoyte, MD, discussed the roles of interleukin-5 (IL-5) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) in tezepelumab response, emphasizing the importance of targeted therapies in asthma management, while Sarah Chambliss, PhD, explored the impact of pollution sources on asthma morbidity in communities of color, underscoring the necessity for addressing environmental determinants in respiratory health.

Here’s what happened in March:

Pulmonary Tests Demonstrated Varying Accuracy

Skin Pigmentation May Impact Capability of Pulse Oximeters Concerns have been raised about the accuracy of pulse oximeters in individuals with darker skin pigmentation, as these devices may overestimate oxygen saturation levels in non-White patients. The findings highlight the need for more inclusive calibration standards to ensure equitable and accurate respiratory monitoring.

Asthma Bronchodilator Tests May be More Reliable in the Morning

New research indicated that bronchodilator responsiveness testing in asthma is more reliable when performed in the morning, due to variations in airway physiology throughout the day. The findings could influence clinical practice by optimizing the timing of diagnostic assessments for improved accuracy.

Expert Insights from AAAAI/WAO Joint Congress

Investigating IL-5, IL-13, and Tezepelumab Response, with Flavia Hoyte, MD At the AAAAI/WAO Joint Congress, Flavia Hoyte, MD, discussed the roles of IL-5 and IL-13 in modulating response to tezepelumab, a biologic used for severe asthma. Her findings reinforce the need for personalized approaches in asthma management, leveraging biomarkers to optimize treatment efficacy.

Investigating Pollution Sources and Asthma Morbidity in Communities of Color, with Sarah Chambliss, PhD Sarah Chambliss, PhD, explored how pollution sources contribute to asthma disparities in communities of color, emphasizing the disproportionate burden of environmental exposures. Her discussion underscored the importance of addressing social determinants of health in respiratory disease management and advocacy efforts.

Other Pulmonology News Highlights

FDA Accepts Treprostinil Resubmission for PAH, PH-ILD Final Approval The FDA accepted Liquidia Corporation’s resubmission for treprostinil inhalation powder (YUTREPIA) for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD), positioning it for final approval after the expiration of Tyvaso DPI’s market exclusivity in May 2025. The decision marks a significant regulatory step toward expanding treatment options for these progressive and life-threatening conditions.

PCV13 Pneumonia Vaccine Shows Longer Durability Over PPV23 in People With COPD A study comparing pneumococcal vaccines in patients with COPD found that PCV13 provided longer-lasting protection against pneumonia than PPV23, with a sustained immune response over time. These findings suggest PCV13 may offer superior durability in preventing pneumococcal infections in this high-risk population.