AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN) reported that its experimental drug tozorakimab met the primary endpoint in a Phase III trial for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

The MIRANDA trial showed tozorakimab demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the annualized rate of moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbations compared to placebo. The results applied to both the primary population of former smokers and the overall population that included current and former smokers.

Patients in the trial received tozorakimab 300mg or placebo every two weeks in addition to standard care. The study enrolled COPD patients who continued experiencing moderate-to-severe exacerbations while on inhaled standard treatments.

"These results add to the growing body of evidence that indicates tozorakimab delivered meaningful clinical benefits for COPD patients who urgently need new treatment options," said Frank Sciurba, a professor at the University of Pittsburgh and chief investigator of the LUNA program.

The company previously announced positive results from two other Phase III trials, OBERON and TITANIA, testing tozorakimab at a four-week dosing interval in March.

Tozorakimab is described as a potential first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-33. The drug was generally well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with previous trials, according to the company.

AstraZeneca plans to submit the data to regulatory authorities and present findings at an upcoming medical meeting. The company also is studying tozorakimab in Phase III trials for severe viral lower respiratory tract disease and Phase II trials for asthma.

COPD affects nearly 400 million people globally and ranks as the third leading cause of death worldwide. More than 50% of patients experience exacerbations despite standard inhaled treatments.