Update on Reslizumab for Eosinophilic Asthma

Abstract

Introduction Patients with severe eosinophilic asthma have an unmet need for novel and efficacious treatments. Reslizumab is one of three monoclonal antibodies targeting the interleukin-5 (IL5) pathway and has been found in phase 3b clinical trials to reduce asthma exacerbations, control asthma-related symptoms and improve pulmonary function in patients with eosinophilic asthma. Areas covered In this article we will discuss the results of asthma clinical trials using reslizumab, beginning with a discussion of the relationship between eosinophils, IL5 and asthma. We conducted PubMed searches using the terms ‘reslizumab’, ‘anti-IL5’, ‘eosinophilic asthma’, ‘IL5 asthma’. We also searched ClinicalTrials.gov for ‘reslizumab’, ‘reslizumab asthma’, ‘SCH 55700’, ‘SCH 55700 asthma’, ‘Cinquil’, and ‘Cinquil asthma’. Expert opinion Reslizumab and other anti-IL5 therapies have seen success in recent trials through more stringent study participant selection targeting eosinophilic inflammation. This selection can now be based on simple blood counts. These drugs have shown a very good safety profile, but long-term safety data is not yet available. Approval for these drugs is eagerly awaited by clinicians and patients alike.