Abstract
Introduction: Late-onset asthma with elevated blood eosinophils is a distinct and difficult-to-treat asthma phenotype.
Objectives: To determine whether reslizumab, an anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody, reduces exacerbations and improves lung function in patients (pts) with late-onset asthma and elevated blood eosinophils (≥400/µL) inadequately controlled on inhaled corticosteroids.
Methods: Data were pooled from two 52-week placebo-controlled trials of reslizumab IV 3 mg/kg (every 4 weeks) in pts (12-75 yrs) with inadequately controlled asthma, ≥1 asthma exacerbation within 12 months, and a screening blood eosinophil count ≥400/µL. Annual rate of asthma exacerbations (defined as worsening events requiring additional corticosteroid and/or urgent asthma treatment) and overall change in lung function (FEV1) were stratified by age of asthma onset (<40 or ≥40 yrs).
Results: 476 and 477 pts were randomized to placebo and reslizumab, respectively; 273 pts (placebo=130; reslizumab=143) had late-onset asthma (age ≥40 yrs). Baseline eosinophil counts were similar. Mean baseline characteristics for late-onset pts included age: 58.2 yrs, 59% female, BMI: 27.9, ACQ6 score: 2.5, and FEV1: 1.84 L (67% predicted). Efficacy results by treatment and age of onset are shown.
Conclusion: Reslizumab produced larger asthma exacerbation reductions and improvements in lung function in pts with late versus early-onset asthma with elevated blood eosinophils.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015
