The FDA has approved Sanofi and Regeneron’s drug dupilumab (Dupixent) for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly referred to as "smoker's lung."

The health regulator has cleared the drug's use as an add-on treatment for some adults with inadequately controlled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition that progressively damages the lungs and causes restricted airflow.

COPD, which is the fourth leading cause of death globally, is a lifelong condition that commonly affects cigarette smokers but can also be caused by air pollution and related occupational hazards.

In July, the European Union approved the use of the drug in patients who cannot be helped by standard inhaled treatments for the potentially deadly disease.

In late-stage trials, the drug significantly reduced the moderate or severe exacerbations and also helped to significantly improve lung function, compared to a placebo.