Can tezepelumab help improve my sense of smell and taste over time?

Tezepelumab is a biologic drug that blocks a protein called thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), which is involved in airway inflammation. For people with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), loss of smell and taste is a common and bothersome symptom. Clinical trials show that tezepelumab can improve these senses, with effects starting within days and lasting for at least a year.

What the research says

A phase 3 trial called WAYPOINT studied 408 adults with uncontrolled CRSwNP who received either tezepelumab or placebo every 4 weeks for 52 weeks ¹⁶. The trial measured smell using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and a daily symptom diary. By week 4, patients on tezepelumab had significantly better smell scores than those on placebo, and these improvements grew larger by week 52 ¹⁶. For example, the UPSIT score improved by about 9.5 points more with tezepelumab than placebo at 52 weeks ¹⁶. Improvements in daily smell scores were seen as early as day 7 ¹⁶. The SNOT-22 questionnaire, which includes a loss of smell/taste item, also showed significant benefits with tezepelumab at both 4 and 52 weeks ¹⁶. Another analysis from the NAVIGATOR study in patients with severe asthma and a history of CRSwNP found similar sustained improvements in SNOT-22 scores with tezepelumab ⁵. While other biologics like mepolizumab also help CRSwNP symptoms ³⁴, tezepelumab's effect on smell appears early and consistent.

What to ask your doctor

• How does tezepelumab compare with other biologics (like dupilumab or mepolizumab) for improving smell and taste?
• What are the potential side effects of tezepelumab, and how is it administered?
• How long might it take to notice improvements in smell and taste after starting tezepelumab?
• Is tezepelumab an option for me given my current treatments and overall health?
• Will my insurance cover tezepelumab, and what is the expected cost?