Have you wondered why having more drug options matters for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps?

In the inaugural episode of our new series, The Itch Review, co-hosts Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta, along with special guest Dr. Michael Blaiss, unpack the journal article "Tezepelumab in Adults with Severe Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps," published in the New England Journal of Medicine on March 1, 2025.

This article is about the Phase III WAYPOINT trial of tezepelumab. Already approved for severe asthma, this once-monthly biologic is now showing promise in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Over 52 weeks, 408 patients were randomized to receive 210 mg of tezepelumab every four weeks or placebo. Researchers tracked nasal-polyp scores, congestion, sense of smell, and rates of rescue surgery.

In this episode, we provide a brief overview of what CRSwNP is, why inflammation drives polyp formation and how blocking TSLP fits into today’s biologics options. We’ll walk you through the WAYPOINT Phase III design, explain the primary and secondary endpoints, and translate the headline results into what they mean for real-world patients who’ve exhausted their treatment options.

➡️ Get the infographic here.

• CRSwNP basics & tezepelumab mechanism of action: How nasal polyps form and why targeting TSLP can reduce inflammation
• WAYPOINT design: 52-week, placebo-controlled Phase III study in 408 patients
• Primary endpoints: Mean change in nasal polyp score and nasal-congestion score
• Secondary endpoints: Smell recovery, need for rescue surgery or systemic steroids, and quality-of-life measures
• Why choice matters: Every CRSwNP patient responds differently, and having more treatment options means more chances to find the right fit

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to AstraZeneca for sponsoring today’s episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Ever wonder who’s working behind the scenes to improve allergy care nationwide?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. James Tracy, the 2024-2025 president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), to explore how the College supports both patients and clinicians. Dr. Tracy shares how he got involved, what drives his leadership, and what’s ahead for the future of allergy and asthma care.

From workforce shortages to the promise of AI in medicine, this conversation takes you behind the curtain of the specialty. Plus, we dig into how patients and providers alike can make a difference through advocacy.

What we cover in our episode about ACAAI, leadership & allergy care

• Dr. Tracy’s unique path to leadership: How his non-traditional journey from practicing in rural Nebraska to leading the ACAAI shaped his approach to advocacy and patient care.
• Creating leadership opportunities: Why mentorship and involvement in ACAAI committees can open doors for clinicians, fellows-in-training, and future leaders in allergy and immunology.
• Patient tools that make a difference: Free ACAAI resources that help patients better understand and manage their conditions.
• The evolving role of the allergist: How allergists are uniquely trained to manage complex conditions and why that matters as technology, treatment options, and care delivery evolve.
• Future-focused leadership at ACAAI: Dr. Tracy’s vision for tackling workforce shortages, embracing AI and gene editing, and keeping patient care at the center of innovation.

Resources:

• Asthma Allergy Day on Capitol Hill
• More information about advocacy
• The American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology Patient Resources
• The American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology Allergist Finder

Ever wonder how culture and language barriers affect diagnosing chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in Latinx patients?

In this episode, allergist Dr. Juanita Mora joins Kortney and Dr. Gupta to discuss chronic spontaneous urticaria (hives) and the unique challenges faced by the Latinx community. They highlight the importance of cultural competency in health care and the barriers that Latinx patients often encounter, such as language differences and access to specialists. They also discuss how Latinx patients are often not given all treatment options for hives, such as biologics.

Dr. Mora emphasizes the importance of having resources available in Spanish and encourages patients and families to advocate for their care. They explore practical tips on how technology, family support, and proper patient education can help overcome barriers, leading to better diagnosis, treatment, and improved quality of life for Hispanic patients managing CSU.

What we cover in our episode about chronic hives in the Latinx community:

• Diagnosing hives in skin of color: How CSU symptoms can present differently on darker skin tones, making accurate diagnosis harder.
• Overcoming barriers for Latinx patients: The specific hurdles the Latinx community faces like language barriers, limited access to Spanish-speaking allergists, and challenges obtaining advanced treatments such as biologics.
• Role of family and community support: How involving family members and community leaders can improve CSU awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage patients to seek timely medical treatment.
• Importance of Spanish-language patient education: Why accessible, culturally relevant education and resources in Spanish are essential for empowering Latinx patients to manage their CSU effectively.
• Cultural beliefs and CSU diagnosis: How cultural perceptions around health and family influence the timing of diagnosis and willingness to seek medical care.

Resources Spanish

• ¿Qué es la urticaria crónica?
• Urticaria Crónica - Dr. Antonio Olvera
• Urticaria crónica espontánea/idiopática (erupción crónica)
• Protocolo urticaria cronica

Resources English

• Chronic Urticaria Management, Resources & Glossary of Terms
• Chronic Hives: 10 Actions to Support Your Mental Health
• Why Are My Hives Not Going Away?

Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Novartis for sponsoring today’s episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.