Real-life effectiveness of anti-IL-5(-receptor) antibody treatment in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma

In patients with uncontrolled, severe eosinophilic asthma treatment with anti-IL-5(-receptor) (anti-IL5(R)) antibodies is a promising therapeutic approach. Results of clinical trials demonstrate a very good effectiveness and safety profile of these drugs. However, there is limited data on real-life effectiveness because the drugs have been approved for just a few years. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the real-life effectiveness of the anti-IL5(R) antibodies mepolizumab, reslizumab and benralizumab in severe eosinophilic asthma shortly after approval in Germany. In 119 patients (n=44 male, mean age 54±14 yrs., BMI 27.5±6.2, FEV1 1.9±0.8L (64±21%), 5±3 exacerbations in the last 12 months, ACQ-5 3.4±1.3, BDP dose 1000±800µg/d, median eosinophils: 410/µl (interquartile range 170-688), n=73 on oral corticosteroids) anti-IL5(R) treatment was initiated according to the label. Patient response was evaluated after 4 months. There was a significant improvement in FEV1 (median increase120 ml (IQR -100 -400 ml), 7% (-6 -22%), p In summary, the real-life results confirm the results of clinical trials and demonstrate clinical and functional improvements of various parameters defining severe asthma.