GSK’s Nucala Accepted for EMA Review for COPD Treatment

UK-based GSK plc’s (LON: GSK, NYSE: GSK) application for expanding the use of its anti-interleukin-15 (IL-15) biologic Nucala (mepolizumab) has been accepted for review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The proposed new use is as an add-on maintenance treatment for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have an eosinophilic phenotype.

Current Approvals
Mepolizumab is currently approved in Europe for four conditions mediated by IL-5, including severe refractory eosinophilic asthma, severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, relapsing-remitting or refractory eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), and inadequately controlled hypereosinophilic syndrome. This marks the first step toward potential expansion into COPD treatment, though it is not yet approved for COPD in any country.-Fineline Info & Tech