Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 6, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
32.7K
Mepolizumab versus placebo for asthma
Colin Powell1, Stephen J Milan, Kerry Dwan
1Department of Child Health, Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 28, 2015
Summary
Mepolizumab shows potential in reducing asthma exacerbations and improving quality of life, particularly in severe eosinophilic asthma. However, firm conclusions are limited due to route of administration and lack of pediatric data.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacological interventions for respiratory diseases.
- Immunomodulatory therapies in asthma management.
- Clinical trial analysis of biologic agents.
Background:
- Mepolizumab targets interleukin-5 (IL-5), a key mediator in eosinophilic airway inflammation.
- Existing guidelines lack recommendations for mepolizumab in asthma management.
- Potential benefits include reduced exacerbations and improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of mepolizumab compared to placebo in managing asthma exacerbations and HRQoL.
- To assess effects in both adult and pediatric populations with chronic asthma.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Searches conducted across multiple databases up to November 2014.
- Inclusion criteria: RCTs comparing mepolizumab versus placebo in adult and pediatric asthma patients.
Main Results:
- Eight studies involving 1707 participants were included; limited pediatric data available.
- Mepolizumab demonstrated a reduction in exacerbations in eosinophilic asthma cohorts (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.43-0.64).
- HRQoL improvements were observed in some studies, though not consistently significant across all measures.
- Serious adverse events were significantly lower with mepolizumab (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.30-0.80), but evidence quality was low.
- A single study on subcutaneous mepolizumab in severe eosinophilic asthma showed improved HRQoL and reduced exacerbations.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence suggests mepolizumab may improve HRQoL and reduce exacerbations in severe eosinophilic asthma.
- Firm conclusions are limited by the unlicensed intravenous route and sparse data on the licensed subcutaneous route.
- Further research is required to determine optimal patient subgroups, dosages, and treatment regimens, especially for children.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
2.4K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
2.4K
01:24Antiasthma Drugs: Methylxanthines
2.0K
Theophylline, a member of the methylxanthine class of bronchodilators, has long been used in asthma management. While its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to have multiple effects on various cellular processes.
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
Theophylline is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase enzymes, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This rise in cAMP and cGMP concentrations stimulates cardiac function,...
2.0K
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
2.3K
Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
2.3K
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
3.3K
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
3.3K
01:23Inhaled Medications
1.0K
Inhaled medications are crucial for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. They are essential for effective treatment and control, ensuring optimal respiratory health and well-being. Inhaled medication delivers drugs directly to the lungs, providing a rapid onset of action and reducing systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications. Three primary types of inhalation devices are used to administer these medications: nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers...
1.0K
01:20Antiasthma Drugs: Muscarinic Receptor Antagonists
2.2K
Muscarinic receptor antagonists, also known as antimuscarinic agents, are a class of bronchodilators used to treat asthma, although they are more commonly used to treat COPD. They work by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter, on muscarinic receptors found in the airways.
Antimuscarinic agents compete with ACh for the same binding site on the muscarinic receptors. By binding to these receptors, they inhibit the downstream effects of ACh and block the parasympathetic...
Antimuscarinic agents compete with ACh for the same binding site on the muscarinic receptors. By binding to these receptors, they inhibit the downstream effects of ACh and block the parasympathetic...
2.2K