GlaxoSmithKline reports positive data from trial of new EGPA therapy

GlaxoSmithKline has announced the results of a new clinical study of an innovative treatment for the rare disease eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).

The pivotal phase III trial investigated the efficacy and safety of mepolizumab, an IL-5 antagonist, in patients with relapsing and refractory EGPA. This condition is characterised by widespread inflammation in the walls of small blood vessels.

Both co-primary endpoints and all secondary endpoints were met in the trial, with the drug shown to help induce and maintain remission while reducing the use of corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive therapies.

Steve Yancey, vice-president and medicine development lead for mepolizumab at GlaxoSmithKline, said: "Given that patients with this rare systemic inflammatory disease have limited treatment options, these results represent a significant step forward in our efforts to help them."

Currently, the drug is available in Europe under the brand name Nucala for use as an add-on treatment for severe refractory eosinophilic asthma in adult patients. However, it has not yet been approved for use as an EGPA therapy in any country.

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