NAVIGATE II: Randomized, double-blind trial of the exhalation delivery system with fluticasone for nasal polyposis

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis is common and sometimes complicated by nasal polyps (NPs). Corticosteroid nasal sprays are often unsatisfactory because they are ineffective at delivering medication to high/deep sites of inflammation.

Objective: We sought to assess whether an exhalation delivery system with fluticasone (EDS-FLU) capable of high/deep drug deposition improves outcomes.

Methods: Patients (n = 323) 18 years and older with moderate-to-severe congestion and NPs were randomized to twice-daily EDS-FLU (93, 186, or 372 μg) or exhalation delivery system (EDS)-placebo for 24 weeks (16 double-blind plus 8 open-label when all received 372 μg). Coprimary end points were change in nasal congestion/obstruction at 4 weeks and summed bilateral polyp grade at 16 weeks. Secondary end points included symptoms, polyp elimination, and functioning.

Results: EDS-FLU was superior on both coprimary end points (P < .001 vs EDS-placebo, all doses). Mean polyp grade improved continuously through week 24 (P < .009, all comparisons), with polyps eliminated on at least 1 side in approximately 25% of patients at week 24 versus 8.7% with EDS-placebo (P ≤ .014, all comparisons). Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test scores also improved significantly versus those in patients receiving EDS-placebo (-21.1 to -21.4 vs -11.7 at week 16, P < .05 all doses). At the end of the double-blind period, EDS-FLU (all doses) significantly improved all 4 defining disease symptoms. In most patients (68%), those receiving EDS-FLU reported "much" or "very much" improvement. The number of patients eligible for surgery decreased by 62%-67%. The safety profile was similar to that reported in prior trials evaluating conventional corticosteroid nasal sprays in comparable populations.

Conclusion: EDS-FLU produces clinically and statistically significant improvement in all 4 diagnostically defining disease symptoms, polyp grade, and quality of life in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with NPs.