Research Roundup, October 2025

In this month’s roundup, we highlight recent studies and announcements related to eosinophil-associated diseases:

EoE and the “Atopic March”
Researchers looked at how eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) fits into what’s known as the “atopic march.” The atopic march describes how allergic conditions such as eczema, food allergies, asthma, and hay fever often develop in a particular order during childhood. This study presents new evidence suggesting that EoE should be considered the fifth condition in this allergic progression. Their data showed that children with eczema were more likely to later develop EoE, indicating that having eczema early in life may increase the risk. Read more.

Eosinophilic Asthma: Oral Dexpramipexole Meets Lung‑function Endpoint

In EXHALE‑4, a Phase III study of adults with eosinophilic asthma, the oral pill dexpramipexole significantly improved lung function compared with placebo and lowered blood eosinophil counts. Two additional Phase III trials (EXHALE‑2 and ‑3) are underway. Read more.

COPD with Eosinophilic Phenotype: RESOLUTE Phase III Misses Primary Goal

In the RESOLUTE study, researchers tested benralizumab, a biologic medicine, in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The drug did not meet the main goal of showing a statistically significant reduction in the number of flare-ups. However, there were some signs of improvement compared with those who did not receive the treatment. Read more.

Benralizumab Across Rare Eosinophilic Disorders Shows High Response

A prospective small study from Israel followed adults with various non-asthmatic eosinophilic conditions for 52 weeks. Most patients had marked clinical improvement, blood eosinophils fell to nearly zero, and those who completed treatment were able to stop corticosteroids. Some relapsed after stopping therapy. Because the study was small and non‑randomized, larger controlled studies are needed to confirm benefit. Read more.

Could Vaccines Potentially Teach the Immune System to Tolerate Allergens?

• Researchers in Spain developed and tested a new mucosal (nose- or mouth-delivered) vaccine designed to help the body respond differently to allergens that can cause airway inflammation. In a mouse model of allergic airway disease, the vaccine successfully prevented eosinophilic inflammation—a type of immune response often seen in conditions like asthma and other allergic airway disorders. The vaccine worked by retraining the immune system to tolerate allergens rather than overreact to them, reducing tissue damage and inflammation. These findings suggest that perhaps in the future, mucosal vaccines could become a promising new approach to prevent or lessen allergic airway diseases in people. More research and clinical trials are needed. Access the study online.
• Researchers tested an mRNA shot (packaged in lipid nanoparticles, like COVID-19 vaccines) that encodes a specific allergen to retrain the immune system. In mouse models of allergy (egg protein and house dust mite), the therapy lowered allergy-type inflammation, reduced eosinophils and mucus, and improved airway hypersensitivity. The approach also boosted protective antibody responses while keeping IgE in check. View the abstract.