One year of mepolizumab. Efficacy and safety in real-life in Italy

Background: Severe asthma is a disease with a heavy socio-economic burden and a relevant impact on the life of patients. Mepolizumab (MEP) was recently introduced in practice. The previous data were favourable as efficacy and safety are concerned. Nowadays, we can report the clinical data after more than one year of use of MEP in the real-life setting. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MEP in a real life framework, mainly concerning asthma ex-acerbations, steroid dependence, effects on respiratory function and adverse events. Methods: This retrospective analysis was performed on 138 patients, treated with MEP for at least 12 months, and referred to eleven severe asthma clinics in Italy. All patients met the criteria for severe uncontrolled asthma according to ATS/ERS guidelines and prescribing MEP conditions according to the Italian Drug Agency (AIFA). Results: We could observe 138 patients (78 female, age 58 +/- 10 years). The average age of onset of asthma was 34 +/- 16 years. The blood eosinophil count decreased from 822 +/- 491/mu L at baseline to 117 +/- 96/mu L (p < .0001) after 12 months of therapy. Exacerbations decreased from 3.8/year to 0.7/year (-81%; p < .0001). Steroid-dependent patients before MEP (80%) with a daily dose of 10.1 +/- 9.4 mg prednisone decrease at 28% after 12 months with a mean of 2.0 +/- 4.2 mg/day (p < .0001). The occurrence of adverse events was overall low. Conclusions & clinical relevance: In this real-life setting, MEP confirmed its efficacy and safety profile, already shown in clinical trials. This was apparent concerning exacerbation rate, systemic steroids intake and safety.