AstraZeneca study shows efficacy of benralizumab in severe asthma

AstraZeneca has announced data from two phase III clinical trials demonstrating the strong performance of its promising new asthma therapy benralizumab.

Results from two pivotal phase III registrational trials, SIROCCO and CALIMA, have shown the anti-eosinophil monoclonal antibody was well tolerated among severe asthma patients and achieved the primary endpoint in both studies.

The trials assessed the efficacy and safety of two dose regimens of benralizumab as an add-on therapy for severe uncontrolled asthma with eosinophilic inflammation in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older.

Significant reductions in the annual asthma exacerbation rate were associated with the drug when compared to placebo, while its safety and tolerability were in line with trends seen in previous studies.

Sean Bohen, executive vice-president, global medicines development and chief medical officer of AstraZeneca, said: "Benralizumab is AstraZeneca's first respiratory biologic and its development underscores our commitment to transform the treatment of asthma and chronic respiratory disease with our next generation of respiratory medicines."

Regulatory submissions for the drug in the US and EU are anticipated in the second half of 2016.