Biologics Target Inflammation Pathways in COPD

Dave Singh discussed pathway-targeted biologics for COPD at the GOLD 2026 COPD International Conference in Philadelphia.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Asthma

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of two separated clusters of cells joined by a rigid rod, in oxblood, cream, and teal, conveying a treatment distinction in COPD. — Researchers at the GOLD 2026 COPD International Conference said anti-alarmin biologics may treat both type 2 and non-type 2 inflammation in COPD patients. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

At the GOLD 2026 COPD International Conference, University of Manchester professor Dave Singh addressed treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with biologics that target inflammatory pathways. The discussion was held in a session he moderated on November 6, 2026.

Why it matters

Some type 2 biologics that work in asthma have failed in COPD trials, because type 2 inflammation is only one component of COPD but the dominant process in most asthma patients. Anti-alarmin therapies may act on both type 2 and non-type 2 inflammation, offering a different approach for COPD patients.

Phase 3 trials showed dupilumab and mepolizumab reduced COPD exacerbations in patients with elevated blood eosinophil counts, while effect sizes have generally been smaller in COPD than in asthma. The source does not detail how responders can be reliably identified in advance.

The players

Dave Singh

Dave Singh is a professor of clinical pharmacology and respiratory medicine at the University of Manchester who moderated the session and is known for research on COPD and asthma treatment.

GOLD 2026 COPD International Conference

The GOLD 2026 COPD International Conference is an annual gathering of respiratory researchers and clinicians focused on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, held this year in Philadelphia.

The details

Singh said most patients with type 2 COPD also have non-type 2 inflammation, and that anti-alarmin therapy can act on both pathways. Clinicians may identify responders either through empiric treatment followed by assessment of response, or through prediction based on clinical characteristics and biomarkers.

November 6, 2026: Singh presented Session 7 at the GOLD 2026 COPD International Conference in Philadelphia.

Health Landscape

Asthma biologics such as dupilumab and mepolizumab were developed around type 2 inflammation, and their trial results in COPD have been weaker than in asthma. The shift toward anti-alarmin approaches reflects an effort to address the non-type 2 inflammation common in COPD.

Patients with COPD who have elevated blood eosinophil counts may in the future be evaluated for biologic therapy, depending on how clinicians identify responders. The source does not indicate when these approaches would be available in routine care.

The takeaway

Inflammation in COPD is not uniform, so treatments that work in asthma may need to be matched to each patient's inflammatory profile. Clinicians and patients should watch for guidance on identifying likely responders.