Camlipixant for Refractory Chronic Cough: Promising Phase 2b Trial Results and Clinical Implications

Introduction

Refractory chronic cough (RCC) represents a significant clinical challenge, characterized by persistent cough lasting over eight weeks despite investigation and treatment for known causes or lacking identifiable etiology. Affecting a notable proportion of adults, RCC often impairs patients’ physical, psychological, and social well-being. Currently, there is no widely accessible, approved therapy for RCC, and available treatments like neuromodulators are limited by efficacy concerns and adverse effects. Recent advances focus on peripheral targets such as the P2X3 receptor, an ATP-gated ion channel implicated in sensory neuron activation and cough reflex hypersensitivity. Camlipixant is a selective P2X3 antagonist evaluated for efficacy and safety in RCC management. This article critically reviews the SOOTHE phase 2b randomized trial that investigated camlipixant in adults with RCC and elevated baseline cough frequency.

Study Design and Methods