Meta-analysis of Nucala (mepolizumab) shows efficacy in asthma patients- GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline presented results from a post-hoc study which showed that severe asthma patients with a baseline blood eosinophil count of 150 cells/microlitre or above who received Nucala (100mg fixed dose subcutaneous injection of mepolizumab) or an investigational dose of mepolizumab had a significant improvement in their exacerbation rates compared to those receiving placebo. The data showed that when these patients were stratified by baseline eosinophil levels, a significant improvement in exacerbation rates was observed in all groups receiving mepolizumab with the greatest improvement occurring in those patients with higher levels of eosinophils. These results are from a meta-analysis of data generated in 1192 patients, 846 who received mepolizumab and 346 on placebo, from the DREAM (MEA112997) and MENSA (MEA115588) studies.

Overall, the meta-analysis demonstrated a 47% (95% confidence interval: 38–56%) reduction in annual exacerbation rates with mepolizumab versus placebo. Clinically relevant reductions in exacerbation rate were shown to range from 52% for patients with a baseline eosinophil threshold of ­­­>150 cells/µL, to 70% for patients with a baseline eosinophil threshold of >500 cells/µL. Data were presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) annual meeting.