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

How NUCALA targets eosinophils

Diagram of NUCALA anti-IL-5 mechanism of action on blood eosinophils

The mechanism of action of NUCALA in EGPA 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 (IL-5R) 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 EGPA, however, eosinophilia leads to inflammation and tissue/organ damage.2

Eosinophils cells diagram

Reduction seen at Week 4 and maintained through Week 523

Graph of LS mean blood eosinophil ratio to baseline for NUCALA and placebo Graph of LS mean blood eosinophil ratio to baseline for NUCALA and placebo
Graph of LS mean blood eosinophil ratio to baseline for NUCALA and placebo Graph of LS mean blood eosinophil ratio to baseline for NUCALA and placebo

NUCALA mean blood eosinophil levels:

  • 177 cells/µL at baseline
  • 38 cells/µL at Week 52

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

*Placebo, 216 cells/µL at Week 52 (172 cells/µL at baseline). Counts given as geometric mean.3
Note: Mean normal blood eosinophil levels in a general population of subjects without confounding factors have been reported as 100 cells/µL (range: 34-257) and 107 cells/µL (5th, 95th percentile: 30, 395); levels vary based on age, sex, environmental exposures, and comorbid conditions.4,5