TARGET EOSINOPHILS IN COPD WITH AN ANTI-IL-5 THERAPY

How NUCALA targets eosinophils, a key driver of inflammation

Diagram showing how NUCALA (mepolizumab) targets eosinophils

The mechanism of action of NUCALA in COPD has not been definitively established.

  • IL-5 binds to complex on EOS

    Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is the major cytokine responsible for eosinophil growth, activation, and survival. IL-5 binds to the IL-5 receptor complex expressed on the eosinophil cell surface. 

  • How IL-5 impacts EOS

    Downstream signaling by IL-5 promotes the growth and differentiation, recruitment, activation, and survival of eosinophils. 

  • NUCALA targets IL-5

    NUCALA, a humanized monoclonal antibody, targets IL-5 and binds to it. NUCALA blocks IL-5 binding to the alpha chain of the IL-5 receptor complex. 

  • How NUCALA reduces EOS

    NUCALA inhibits IL-5 signaling, reducing the production and survival of eosinophils.

What role do blood eosinophils play?

Eosinophils play a role in maintaining health, which includes regulating the immune system, regenerating and repairing tissue, and host protection (eg, defending the body against parasitic infection).1 In COPD with an eosinophilic phenotype, however, too many eosinophils are a key driver of COPD pathophysiology, and are associated with greater risk of COPD exacerbations and airway inflammation.2-5

In MATINEE, NUCALA reduced eosinophils at Week 4 and maintained throughout the treatment period6  

In MATINEE, NUCALA reduced eosinophils at Week 4 and maintained throughout the treatment period In MATINEE, NUCALA reduced eosinophils at Week 4 and maintained throughout the treatment period
Approximately 79% eosinophil reduction at Week 104 vs placebo Approximately 79% eosinophil reduction at Week 104 vs placebo

NUCALA ratio to screening: Week 4, 0.23; Week 104, 0.21.

Mean blood eosinophil levels (NUCALA, placebo):

  • Screening: 480 cells/µL, 480 cells/µL
  • At Week 104: 60 cells/μL (n=94), 330 cells/μL (n=82)

All results are descriptive. The clinical significance of these pharmacodynamic data is unknown.

*SOC=triple inhaled therapy (ICS + LABA + LAMA).

MATINEE/METREX study designs

COPD patient Nicholas floating in a pool in an inner tube COPD patient Nicholas floating in a pool in an inner tube

YOU MAY KNOW COPD PATIENTS LIKE NICHOLAS IN YOUR PRACTICE

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EXPLORE NUCALA DATA IN COPD PATIENTS WITH AN EOSINOPHILIC PHENOTYPE

CI=confidence interval; EOS=eosinophil; ICS=inhaled corticosteroid; IL-5=interleukin-5; IL-5R=interleukin-5 receptor; LABA=long-acting beta2-agonist; LAMA=long-acting muscarinic antagonist; LS=least squares; SCR=screening; SOC=standard of care.