GlaxoSmithKline reports positive results from Nucala trial

GlaxoSmithKline said on Monday that data from a phase IIIb trial of its Nucala (mepolizumab) drug added to standard of care achieved clinically and statistically significant improvements in the health-related quality of life and lung function in patients with severe asthma, when compared to patients treated with a placebo and standard of care.

The MUSCA study met all of its primary and secondary endpoints.

Dr Frank Albers, medical affairs lead for Nucala at Glaxo, said: "The data from the MUSCA study underscore the importance of Nucala as a treatment option for patients with severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype.

“These are patients who have very limited treatment options to control their asthma. For them shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and the risk of an asthma attack is an ever-present occurrence and one that can have a severe impact their life on a daily basis. By demonstrating improvements in a range of important markers of asthma control, including quality of life and lung function, these data reinforce the valuable role Nucala can play in the treatment of some of the most severe asthma patients."

Exploratory endpoints were the annual rate of exacerbations (asthma attacks), which was reduced by 58%, and the number of exacerbations requiring emergency room visits or hospitalisation, which was reduced by 68% for people treated with mepolizumab compared with placebo.

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