GlaxoSmithKline begins phase III trial of new EGPA therapy

GlaxoSmithKline has announced the commencement of a phase III trial of an innovative treatment for a rare blood disease.

The study will assess the safety and efficacy of mepolizumab, an investigational IL-5 antagonist for the treatment of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), a disease previously known as Churg-Strauss syndrome.

A 300mg dose of mepolizumab will be administered subcutaneously every four weeks and compared with placebo over a 52-week study treatment period in patients with relapsing or refractory EGPA receiving standard of care therapy, including background corticosteroid therapy with or without immunosuppressive therapy.

The study is being carried out as part of an agreement with the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. It is hoped that the new therapy can aid the treatment of EGPA, a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by widespread inflammation in the walls of small blood vessels.

Richard Philipson, disease area head of GlaxoSmithKline Rare Diseases, said: "There are currently limited treatment options for patients with EGPA and our plan to start this phase III study was achieved in collaboration with the NIAID."

This comes after the company announced positive data last month from a phase III clinical trial assessing the potential of a promising new Tafinlar/Mekinist combination in the treatment of melanoma.