Prescriptions of biologics in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in Germany (2019–2023)
摘要
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is often associated with type 2 inflammation and has significant impact on quality of life. Since 2019, biologics targeting type 2 pathways have been approved as add-on therapy for severe, treatment-refractory CRSwNP. However, the development of biologic prescribing patterns in Germany since their approval has not yet been systematically analyzed.
MethodologyDiagnosis and prescription data of all residents with statutory health insurance (SHI) in Germany were analyzed for 2019–2023. Patients diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS, ICD-10: J32 and/or J33) and CRSwNP (ICD-10: J32 and J33) treated ENT specialists were included. We assessed case numbers, biologic prescriptions (Dupilumab, Omalizumab, Mepolizumab), biologic-treated patients per physician, and proportions among CRS/CRSwNP patients. Demographic variables (age, sex, residence) were also analyzed.
ResultsCRS and CRSwNP case numbers declined in 2020 but increased thereafter. Biologic prescriptions rose from < 0.1% in 2019 to ~ 5% of CRSwNP patients in 2023. Biologic-treated patients per physician increased from 2.59 to 13.34 (SD: 19.78) in CRSwNP and from 3.78 to 18.41 (SD: 27.09) in CRS. Omalizumab was most prescribed in 2019 (55%), but Dupilumab dominated from 2020 onward (86–94%). Mepolizumab use rose to 5–10% in 2022–2023. Biologic-treated patients were younger than those without (53.2 vs. 56.1 years; p < 0.001). Rural patients had slightly higher CRSwNP prevalence but lower biologic use.
ConclusionsBiologic use in CRSwNP increased substantially. Age and regional differences suggest disparities in access or prescribing patterns.