Can Tezepelumab Reduce Steroid Dependence?
Phase 3 SUNRISE trial evaluates whether patients with severe asthma can taper maintenance oral corticosteroids while maintaining asthma control.
By
Kathryn Wighton
June 25, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Can Tezepelumab Reduce Steroid Dependence?
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Severe oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma Key Mechanisms Tezepelumab reduces maintenance oral corticosteroid dose while maintaining asthma control. Target Population Adults aged 18 to 80 years with physician-diagnosed asthma on maintenance oral corticosteroid therapy. Care Setting Phase 3 clinical trial
Key Highlights
Tezepelumab showed 2.93 times the odds of achieving greater reduction in oral corticosteroid dose compared to placebo. 36% of tezepelumab patients achieved a 90% to 100% reduction in oral corticosteroid dose without loss of asthma control. Prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second increased by 0.24 L in the tezepelumab group. 30% of tezepelumab patients experienced at least one asthma exacerbation compared to 59% in the placebo group. Adverse events occurred in 57% of tezepelumab patients versus 72% in placebo. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Patients should have physician-diagnosed asthma and be on maintenance oral corticosteroid therapy. Management
Consider tezepelumab for reducing oral corticosteroid dependence while maintaining asthma control. Monitoring & Follow-up
Monitor blood eosinophil counts and asthma control during treatment. Risks
Adverse events and serious adverse events were reported; monitor for these during treatment. Patient & Prescribing Data
Adults with severe asthma requiring oral corticosteroids.
Tezepelumab may allow for significant reductions in corticosteroid use while maintaining asthma control.
Clinical Best Practices
Assess baseline blood eosinophil counts before initiating tezepelumab. Evaluate asthma control regularly during treatment. Related Resources & Content
