Mepolizomab

What it is and how it works

Mepolizumab is a humanised IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds interleukin-5 and prevents it from binding to its receptor on eosinophils. This reduces the production, maturation and survival of eosinophils, lowering blood and tissue eosinophil counts and eosinophilic inflammation.

Indications

Add-on maintenance treatment of severe refractory eosinophilic asthma; chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps inadequately controlled by standard therapy; eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA); hypereosinophilic syndrome.

Dosage and administration (summary)

Severe eosinophilic asthma and nasal polyps: 100 mg by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks. EGPA and hypereosinophilic syndrome: 300 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to mepolizumab or excipients.

Warnings and precautions

Not for treatment of acute asthma exacerbations or acute bronchospasm; systemic or inhaled corticosteroids should not be stopped abruptly after starting treatment. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur. Pre-existing helminth infections should be treated before starting; herpes zoster has been reported and vaccination may be considered.

Pregnancy

IgG antibodies cross the placenta; use in pregnancy only if the expected benefit outweighs the possible risk.

Storage and supply

Store at 2–8 °C (lyophilised powder vials may be stored below 25 °C where the product information permits); do not freeze; protect from light.

Source: reference summary prepared from the EU SmPC/EPAR, BNF and WHO Model Formulary. The approved product information in Iran governs.