GlaxoSmithKline reports positive trial data for new asthma drug

GlaxoSmithKline has reported positive findings from a pivotal phase III study of mepolizumab, its potentially groundbreaking new asthma therapy.

The MEA115588 study evaluated the efficacy of two dose regimens of mepolizumab in the treatment of patients with severe eosinophilic asthma and met its primary endpoint of reduction in the frequency of exacerbations among those involved.

It means the manufacturer now has two studies showing a reduction in exacerbations in a specific group of patients with a severe form of asthma who continue to exacerbate despite treatment with high doses of their current maintenance therapies.

Full results from the studies will be posted on the company's GlaxoSmithKline clinical study register, clinicaltrials.gov and presented at a future scientific meeting.

Dave Allen, head of the respiratory therapy area unit within GlaxoSmithKline's research and development arm, said: "It is exciting that this is the first non-inhaled treatment for severe asthma and we will be progressing towards global filings at the end of the year."

This comes after the company commenced a phase III trial of a new therapy for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis last month.