Biologic Therapy for Nasal Polyps – A New Era in Treatment
For years, patients with chronic nasal polyps have faced recurring symptoms despite repeated courses of steroids or surgery. Now, a new class of medicines called biologic therapies offers long-term relief — and they’re available right here in Hampshire.
At Hampshire ENT clinics, our team works closely with respiratory and allergy specialists to deliver personalised biologic therapy for patients with severe or recurrent nasal polyps.
🧬 What Are Biologic Therapies?
Biologics are targeted antibody treatments that act on specific parts of the immune system driving inflammation.
In chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), the inflammation is often due to overactive Type 2 (eosinophilic) inflammation. Biologics help by blocking these inflammatory signals, reducing swelling and polyp size.
💊 Who Can Benefit?
You may be suitable for biologic therapy if you have:
Persistent nasal polyps despite surgery or steroid treatment
A reduced sense of smell or constant nasal blockage
Associated asthma or aspirin sensitivity
Need for repeated courses of oral steroids
Your ENT specialist will assess your symptoms, nasal endoscopy findings, and previous treatments to decide if biologics are appropriate.
💉 Types of Biologic Treatments
Common biologic medicines licensed for nasal polyps include:
Dupilumab (Dupixent®) – targets IL-4 and IL-13 inflammation pathways
Omalizumab (Xolair®) – targets allergic IgE-driven inflammation
Mepolizumab (Nucala®) – targets IL-5, reducing eosinophilic inflammation
These are given as regular injections, often every 2–4 weeks, and can be administered in clinic or at home after training.
🌟 Benefits of Biologic Therapy
Reduces nasal blockage and congestion
Improves sense of smell and quality of life
Reduces or eliminates the need for surgery
Lowers dependence on oral steroids
Improves asthma control in patients with combined airway disease
🤝 Multidisciplinary Care in Hampshire
Our joint ENT/Respiratory biologics clinic brings together specialists in sinus disease, allergy, and severe asthma to provide integrated care for patients with complex airway inflammation.
This collaborative approach ensures patients receive the right biologic therapy for both their nasal and lower airway symptoms.
📍 Accessing Biologic Therapy in Hampshire
If you have persistent or recurrent nasal polyps despite other treatments, biologic therapy may finally offer lasting relief. Clinics available at Portsmouth, Winchester & Salisbury, and the wider Hampshire region.
👉 Contact Hampshire ENT clinics to arrange a consultation and find out if you’re eligible for biologic therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Biologic Therapy for Nasal Polyps
What are nasal polyps?
Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that develop from the lining of the nose and sinuses due to chronic inflammation. They can cause persistent nasal blockage, loss of smell, postnasal drip, and recurrent sinus infections.
What are biologic therapies?
Biologic therapies are targeted antibody treatments that act on specific immune pathways driving inflammation. In chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), they reduce the overactive Type 2 (eosinophilic) inflammation responsible for polyp growth and swelling.
How are biologics different from steroids?
Steroids broadly suppress inflammation and often provide only temporary relief. Biologics work more precisely on the immune signals causing the disease, offering long-term control with fewer systemic side effects and reducing the need for repeated oral steroid courses.
Who is suitable for biologic therapy?
You may be considered if you have:
Persistent or recurrent nasal polyps despite surgery
Ongoing symptoms despite regular steroid sprays
Repeated need for oral steroids
Loss of smell or severe nasal blockage
Co-existing asthma or aspirin sensitivity
Eligibility is assessed by your ENT specialist based on symptoms, nasal endoscopy, scans, and previous treatments.
What biologic medications are available for nasal polyps?
Commonly used biologics include:
Dupilumab (Dupixent®) – targets IL-4 and IL-13 pathways
Omalizumab (Xolair®) – targets IgE-driven allergic inflammation
Mepolizumab (Nucala®) – targets IL-5 to reduce eosinophils
Your specialist will advise which option is most appropriate.
How are biologic treatments given?
Biologics are given as regular injections, usually every 2–4 weeks. After initial supervision, many patients can self-administer at home.
Do biologics replace surgery completely?
In some patients, yes. Biologics can significantly reduce or eliminate the need for further sinus surgery. In others, they are used alongside surgery to prevent recurrence and maintain long-term control.
How soon do biologics start working?
Many patients notice improvement in nasal blockage and sense of smell within weeks, with continued benefit over months of treatment.
Are biologics safe?
Biologics are generally very well tolerated. Side effects are usually mild and may include injection-site reactions or transient symptoms. Your care team will monitor you regularly.
Will biologics help asthma as well?
Yes. In patients with both nasal polyps and asthma, biologics often improve both upper and lower airway symptoms, leading to better overall breathing control.
Where can I access biologic therapy locally?
Assessment and treatment are available through Hampshire ENT Clinics, with access to a joint ENT/Respiratory biologics clinic for integrated care across Portsmouth, Winchester, Salisbury, and the wider Hampshire region.