Biologic drugs are a newer treatment option for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. They work differently from other treatments.

Nasal polyps are small, noncancerous growths that develop in the nasal passages and sinuses. The Asthma and Allergy Network reports that they affect about 25% to 30% of people who have chronic rhinosinusitis (an inflammatory disease of the sinuses) and can make already bothersome symptoms worse.

Symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) include:

  • nasal congestion or runny nose
  • facial pain or pressure, including pain in the upper teeth
  • postnasal drip, which can also cause a sore throat
  • loss of taste or smell
  • headache
  • snoring and other sleep problems

Irritants like tobacco smoke, dust, or fumes can cause inflammation in the nasal passages and make these symptoms worse. Avoiding these types of triggers can help reduce symptoms. Nasal rinses — with a saline spray or neti pot — can help, too.

However, people whose symptoms are not well managed with these strategies may require additional treatment. There are a variety of medications used to manage CRSwNP, including:

  • Inhaled corticosteroids: These may be delivered as a nasal spray or through a breathing device, and can be used short term to help treat small nasal polyps.
  • Surgery: Surgery can be done to remove nasal polyps or widen nasal cavities if medications are not working well enough. In most cases, medications are still needed after surgery.
  • Antibiotics: These do not affect nasal polyps themselves but may be needed to manage infections that develop because of CRSwNP.  
  • Biologic therapies: These injectable drugs treat the underlying cause of CRSwNP in the body, not just the related symptoms.

Biologics are a newer class of drugs that have been FDA approved for treating CRSwNP. Options include:

  • dupilumab (Dupixent)
  • mepolizumab (Nucala)
  • omalizumab (Xolair)

These drugs work differently from other treatment options. They target the underlying causes of CRSwNP, not just the symptoms, to provide relief.

Explore the treatment guide below to learn more about biologics for CRSwNP.