Clinical Recommendations For The Use Of Mepolizumab In Severe Asthma
Download a pdf version of this document here: Mepolizumab Clinical Recommendation [v8 13 March 2020; revised format]
About the treatment 
Introduction
Mepolizumab Nucala is indicated as an add-on therapy for people with uncontrolled severe refractory eosinophilic asthma, aged ≥12 years.
Mechanism of action
Mepolizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody (IgG1, kappa), which targets human IL-5 with high affinity and specificity. IL-5 is the major cytokine responsible for the growth and differentiation, recruitment, activation and survival of eosinophils.
Mepolizumab inhibits the bioactivity of IL-5 with nanomolar potency by blocking the binding of IL-5 to the alpha chain of the IL-5 receptor complex expressed on the eosinophil cell surface, thereby inhibiting IL-5 signalling and reducing the production and survival of eosinophils.
Pharmacodynamic effects
In clinical trials, reduction in blood eosinophils was observed consistently following treatment with mepolizumab. The magnitude and duration of this reduction was dose- dependent. Following a dose of 100 mg administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 32 weeks, blood eosinophils were reduced to a geometric mean count of 40 cells/μL (0.04 x 109 cells/L). This corresponds to a geometric mean reduction of 84% compared to placebo. This magnitude of reduction was observed within 4 weeks of treatment and was maintained throughout the treatment period.
Clinical Benefit
In a meta-analysis the relative rate reduction for hospitalisations compared to placebo was 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30-0.80; P = 0.004 and for hospitalisation/emergency room visit the relative rate was, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.33-0.73; P < 0.001) (1). It also has an oral-steroid sparing effect, permitting an average OCS dose reduction of 50% in patients with severe OCS dependent eosinophilic asthma (2). Responding patients are adults and adolescents with severe asthma, who experience persistent asthma exacerbations despite optimal inhaled therapy, and with evidence of eosinophilia from blood eosinophil counts (≥300 cells/μL or ≥0.3 x 109 cells/L)) or sputum eosinophilia (>3%)(3).
The safety and efficacy of mepolizumab has not been established in adolescents weighing < 45 kg.
PBS eligibility for Mepolizumab Access
[Accessed 13 March 2020; please check https://servicesaustralia.gov.au/severe-asthma?context=23021 for any recent changes]| CHECKLIST | |
| Must be treated by a respiratory physician, clinical immunologist, allergist or general physician experienced in the management of patients with severe asthma.
Age ≥ 12 years |
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| Patient must not have received PBS-subsidised treatment with a biological medicine for severe asthma; OR
Patient must have had a break in treatment from the most recently approved PBS-subsidised biological medicine for severe asthma AND The treatment must not be used in combination with and within 4 weeks of another PBS-subsidised biological medicine prescribed for severe asthma. |
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| Has had asthma for at least 12 months AND
FEV1 ≤ 80% predicted documented on one or more occasions in the last 12 months AND Has blood eosinophil count ≥300 cells/μL (≥0.3 x 109 cells/L) in the last 12 months OR patient must have blood eosinophil count greater than or equal to 150 cells per microlitre while receiving treatment with oral corticosteroids in the last 12 months AND Under the care of the same physician for 6 months OR Diagnosed by a multidisciplinary severe asthma clinic team |
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| Has a diagnosis of asthma defined by standard clinical features, including (1 or more of the following):
a) FEV1 reversibility ≥ 12% and ≥ 200mL at baseline within 30 minutes after administration of salbutamol (200-400mg), OR b) Airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) defined as >20% decline in FEV1 during a direct bronchial provocation test or >15% decline during an indirect test, OR c) Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) variability of >15% between the 2 highest and 2 lowest peak expiratory flow rates during 14 days OR d) Patient must have a diagnosis of asthma from at least two physicians experienced in the management of patients with severe asthma |
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| The patient has received optimised asthma therapy including adherence to high dose[1] inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and adherence to long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) for at least 12 months and treatment with oral corticosteroids (OCS) (either as daily OCS for at least 6 weeks or a cumulative dose of oral corticosteroids of ≥ 500mg prednisolone equivalent in the previous 12 months) | |
| Failed to achieve adequate control with optimized asthma therapy, despite formal assessment of and adherence to correct inhaler technique, as indicated by:
a. Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5) score ≥2 AND b. One of the following experienced in the previous year: i. ≥1 admission to hospital for a severe asthma exacerbation, OR ii. ≥1 severe asthma exacerbation requiring documented use of systemic corticosteroids (OCS initiated or increased for at least 3 days, or parenteral corticosteroids) prescribed/supervised by a physician. |
[1] For definitions of high dose ICS for adults, see https://www.asthmahandbook.org.au/resources/medicines-guide/preventers/inhaled-corticosteroids
Some exemptions to the above treatment requirements, based on toxicity, are possible. See https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/severe-asthma-toxicity-criteria-and-severity-descriptors?context=23021 for details
Safety profile
(Extracted from Nucala Mepolizumab Product Information (PI), for further information not included here refer to the PI)
PRECAUTIONS
Mepolizumab should not be used to treat acute asthma exacerbations.
Asthma-related adverse events or exacerbations may occur during treatment with Mepolizumab. Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if their asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens after initiation of treatment with Mepolizumab.
Abrupt discontinuation of asthma medication (including inhaled and oral corticosteroids or long acting beta agonists) after initiation of Mepolizumab therapy is not recommended. Reductions in inhaled and oral corticosteroid doses, if warranted, should be gradual and performed under the supervision of a physician.
Mepolizumab side effects
Hypersensitivity and Administration Reactions
Acute and delayed systemic reactions, including hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, hypotension), have occurred following administration of mepolizumab. These reactions generally occur within hours of administration, but in some instances had a delayed onset (i.e., days). These reactions may occur for the first time after a long duration of treatment. In the event of a hypersensitivity reaction, mepolizumab should be discontinued.
Parasitic Infections
Eosinophils may be involved in the immunological response to some helminth infections. Patients with pre-existing helminth infections were excluded from participation in the clinical programme. Patients with pre-existing helminth infections should be treated for their infection prior to mepolizumab therapy. If patients become infected whilst receiving treatment with mepolizumab and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, temporary discontinuation of mepolizumab should be considered.
Opportunistic Infections: Herpes Zoster
In controlled clinical trials, 2 serious adverse reactions of herpes zoster occurred in patients treated with mepolizumab versus none in the placebo group.
Use in Pregnancy (Category B1):
The effect of mepolizumab on human pregnancy is unknown. No treatment related effects on embryofetal or postnatal development have been shown in animal studies.
Mepolizumab should be used during pregnancy only if the expected benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Use in Lactation:
There are no data regarding the excretion of mepolizumab in human milk. A decision should be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or discontinue mepolizumab, taking into account the importance of breast-feeding to the infant and the importance of the drug to the mother.
Paediatric Use:
The safety and efficacy of mepolizumab in children under the age of 12 years has not yet been established.
Use in the Elderly:
No formal studies have been conducted in elderly patients.
Dosage
The recommended dose of mepolizumab is 100mg, administered by subcutaneous injection every four weeks.
Storage
Unopened vials should be refrigerated at temperatures between 2-8ºC (Do not freeze). The vial should be stored in its original packaging.
After reconstitution with Water for Injection, the solution is stable for up to 6 hours if stored below 30ºC. Protection from light is not necessary during administration.
Procedures
The patient should remain for one hour after the first mepolizumab injection in an area under direct staff observation. For subsequent doses, an observation period of 30 minutes is required.
Mepolizumab should be reconstituted and administered by a health care professional. Monitoring of patients after administration of biological agents is recommended.
Before the First Injection
Initial injections will generally be administered in the specialist’s clinic or private rooms, day hospital or day procedure unit, for the first 2 to 3 doses. In some situations, the initiation and continued administration of monoclonal antibodies may be considered in primary care, provided specific conditions are met (see Appendix A). This approach may be reasonable where the patient has to travel long distances to the specialist’s clinic or where no ready access to a day procedure unit or outpatient clinic is available.
- Obtain Strongyloides serology for all patients being considered for mepolizumab treatment, when blood is being drawn for eosinophil count. If serology is positive, treat for Strongyloides before commencing mepolizumab (for more details, see the Appendix B). For pre-existing helminth infection, manage accordingly (see precautions), prior to initiation of mepolizumab.
- Complete PBS mepolizumab application including ACQ5 and blood eosinophil count (within the last 12 months). Initial treatment forms can be downloaded at: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/severe-asthma?context=23021
- Complete an authority script prescribing mepolizumab 100mg SCI injection every 4 weeks, with 7 repeats for the first prescription. Subsequent prescriptions will require 5 repeats.
- Send the completed application form, authority prescription form, copy of ACQ5 and copy of blood eosinophil pathology report to:
Department of Human Services Complex Drugs Programs
Reply Paid 9826 HOBART TAS 7001
Alternatively, submit the completed application documents through a Provider Digital Access (PRODA) account. More information on registration and management of a PRODA account can be found here:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/proda-provider-digital-access.
5. Once approval is received invite the patient to attend the clinic for their first dose and arrange for the medication to be ordered and obtained according to your hospital’s policy. Allow time for the patient to receive the script and the pharmacy to order stock.
Injection day
An assessment of the patient’s current asthma and general health should be made before each injection to determine whether there were any recent health changes that might require withholding treatment. This assessment should include vital signs, exacerbation history and spirometry.
Patients should be reminded to continue to take their other asthma medications unless the regimen is changed by their managing physician.
Procedure can only take place in an area where there is access to emergency procedures and adequate medical support.
Ensure rescue medication such as adrenaline, salbutamol MDI and spacer or nebuliser therapy, antihistamines and systemic corticosteroids are accessible.
Ensure mepolizumab has been ordered by the respiratory physician on an approved medication chart.
Confirm that the patient has taken their usual asthma medications.
Assess current asthma control and exacerbation status and manage as required.
Assess clinical progress by recording medication requirements and changes since last visit.
Perform baseline observations (HR, RR, BP, SpO2 and Temp).
Spirometry assessment should be performed at baseline and PBS continuation assessment. At other visits it may be performed according to the physician’s discretion.
Record all information in patient’s medical record.
Reconstitution
Mepolizumab is provided as a lyophilised powder in a single-use vial for subcutaneous injection only and should be reconstituted by a healthcare professional using standard aseptic techniques as follows:
Preparation in a laminar flow hood is not indicated in any product information nor supported by evidence.
- Reconstitute the mepolizumab powder in the vial with 1.2 mL of sterile Water for Injections preferably using a 2 to 3 mL syringe and a 21G needle. The reconstituted solution will contain a concentration of 100 mg/mL mepolizumab.
- The stream of sterile water for injections should be directed vertically onto the centre of the lyophilised cake. Allow the vial to sit at room temperature during reconstitution, gently swirling the vial for 10 seconds with circular motion, followed by resting the vial for 5 seconds, until the powder is dissolved. Note: Do not shake the reconstituted solution during the procedure as this may lead to product foaming or precipitation. Reconstitution is typically complete within 5 -10 minutes after the sterile water has been added, but it may take additional time.
You may need to tip the vial on its side and roll gently to dissolve all of the dose.
- If a mechanical reconstitution device (swirler) is used to reconstitute MEPOLIZUMAB, reconstitution can be accomplished by swirling at 450 rpm for no longer than 10 minutes. Alternatively, swirling at 1000 rpm for no longer than 5 minutes is acceptable.
- Following reconstitution, mepolizumab should be visually inspected for particulate matter and clarity prior to use. The solution should be clear to opalescent, and colourless to pale yellow or pale brown, free of visible particles. Small air bubbles, however, are expected and acceptable. If particulate matter remains in the solution or if the solution appears cloudy or milky, the solution should not be used.
Reconstituted solution
- Mepolizumab is for single use in one patient only and contains no antimicrobial agent. To reduce microbiological hazard, use as soon as practicable after reconstitution. Discard any unused solution.
- If storage is necessary, store below 30°C for not more than 6 hours
Administration
- For subcutaneous administration a 1 mL polypropylene syringe fitted with a disposable needle, 25-27G is preferable.
- Just prior to administration, remove 1 mL of reconstituted mepolizumab. Do not shake the reconstituted mepolizumab solution during the procedure as this could lead to product foaming or precipitation.
- Administer the 1 mL injection (equivalent to 100 mg mepolizumab) subcutaneously into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen.
Post administration
The patient must be observed directly by a suitably qualified clinician administering the injection for at least one hour after the first dose and 30 minutes thereafter, looking for adverse effects from the medication.
If the patient refuses to wait for the recommended period of time he or she must sign a waiver, and a discussion with the treating physician is to precede the next administration booking.
While a formal review of response is not required for PBS approval until 6 months after commencement of treatment, a review of clinical progress at around 3 months is recommended.
This review should assess asthma control, adverse events and medication adherence. This review can occur through a face-to-face meeting or by phone.
Assessing response
All applications for continuing treatment must include a measurement of response to the prior course of therapy. The assessment of the patient’s response to an initial course of treatment must be made at around 26 to 30 weeks after the first dose. For second and subsequent treatment courses, the assessment must be made around 18 to 22 weeks of treatment.
The same physician who initiated treatment with mepolizumab should also complete the application for the first assessment. Continuing applications must include an ACQ5 calculation sheet.
An adequate response to treatment is defined as:
- A reduction in ACQ5 scores of at least 0.5 from baseline OR
- Maintenance OCS dose reduced by at least 25% from baseline and no deterioration of ACQ5 score from baseline
This assessment, which will be used to determine eligibility for continuing treatment, must be submitted within 4 weeks of the date of assessment, and no later than 2 weeks prior to the patient completing their current treatment course, to avoid an interruption to supply.
For patients receiving grandfather PBS treatment or for second and subsequent courses, the assessment must be made around 18 to 22 weeks of treatment.
Continuation forms can be downloaded at: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/severe-asthma?context=23021#a5
Australian Mepolizumab Registry
The Australian Mepolizumab Registry collects and reports on data from people with severe refractory eosinophilic asthma who receive mepolizumab.
The Registry will provide a mechanism for sharing information which will help researchers and clinicians to better understand the use, efficacy, and safety associated with the treatment of severe asthma with mepolizumab. All information collected from participating sites will be securely stored in the main data repository. Access to the Register will be restricted to authorised users. The Registry will report regularly on characteristics and outcomes for this population.
The Australian Mepolizumab Registry is an investigator initiated study supported by a clinical research grant from GlaxoSmithKline [dated 21st October 2016; protocol 207455] covering the period 1/10/2016 until 31/12/2023].
For further information please contact:
Dr Erin Harvey
Project Manager
Australian Mepolizumab Registry (AMR)
Level 2 West Wing, Hunter Medical Research Institute Building
Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights NSW 2305
Australia
T: +61 2 4042 0099
F: +61 2 4042 0046
E:erin.harvey@newcastle.edu.au
Protocol developed by:
Professor Vanessa McDonald – Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma
Jane Civitico – Respiratory Clinical Nurse Consultant RPAH
Professor Peter Gibson – Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma
Steven Maltby – Research Academic, Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma
Investigators from the Centre of Excellence in Severe Asthma – Professor Helen Reddel, Professor Peter Wark, Professor Greg King, Clinical Professor Alan James, Professor John Upham, Professor Ian Yang
Dr Edmond Lau
Dr Rebecca Davis
Dr Raymond Chan
Dr Erin Harvey
John Harrington – Respiratory Clinical Nurse Consultant John Hunter Hospital
Resources used
Mepolizumab Product Information – https://au.gsk.com/en-au/products/medicines/nucala/(date accessed 06-12-2018)
Adolescent and adult severe eosinophilic asthma Initial PBS authority application. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/severe-asthma?context=23021#a5. (date accessed 06-12-2018)
Adolescent and adult severe eosinophilic asthma Continuing PBS authority application. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/severe-asthma?context=23021#a5 (date accessed 06-12-2018)
References
- Yancey SW, Ortega HG, Keene ON, Mayer B, Gunsoy NB, Brightling CE, et al. Meta-analysis of asthma-related hospitalization in mepolizumab studies of severe eosinophilic asthma. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology. 2016.
- Grainge CL, Maltby S, Gibson PG, Wark PA, McDonald VM. Targeted therapeutics for severe refractory asthma: monoclonal antibodies. Expert review of clinical pharmacology. 2016;9(7):927-41.
- Gibson PG, McDonald VM. Management of severe asthma: targeting the airways, comorbidities and risk factors. Internal medicine journal. 2017;47(6):623-31.
APPENDIX A: Initiation of Monoclonal Antibodies for Severe Asthma in Primary Care
APPENDIX B: Parasitic Infections and Mepolizumab Treatment
Parasitic infections are relevant when considering mepolizumab treatment, because anti-IL5 treatment could theoretically lead to disseminated parasitic infection, and because parasitic infections are a common cause of mild peripheral eosinophilia (e.g. they were found in 64% of people investigated in UK for eosinophils >500),[2] particularly in those who had visited/come from tropical areas (e.g. parasitic infections found in 39% of Caucasian travelers returning to UK who had eosinophils >450[3]; and 76% of immigrants to southern Spain who had eosinophils >500[4]).
In Australia, for patients with eosinophilia, the most important parasitic infection to consider before starting mepolizumab is Strongyloides stercoralis, because:
- Chronic Strongyloides infection is usually asymptomatic, so a negative history for gastro-intestinal symptoms does not exclude infection[5],[6]
- Strongyloides infection can be present for many decades if untreated4,5
- Many Australians have travelled to areas endemic for Strongyloides (including northern Australia, South Asia, and South and Central America).
- The consequences of disseminated Strongyloides infection are more serious than for many other parasitic infections (the Centre for Disease Control states that case fatality rates for disseminated Strongyloides infection are close to 90%)5
There are no validated screening questionnaires for parasitic infection. Australian infectious diseases specialists therefore recommend that, until further data are available, Strongyloides serology should be obtained for all patients being considered for mepolizumab, regardless of travel or GIT history. If serology is positive, the patient should be treated5 before commencing mepolizumab, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.
It should be noted that Strongyloides infection should also be considered before commencing patients on oral corticosteroids.
[1] For definitions of high dose ICS for adults, see https://www.asthmahandbook.org.au/resources/medicines-guide/preventers/inhaled-corticosteroids.
[2] J. Whetham et al. Investigation of Tropical Eosinophilia; Assessing a Strategy Based on Geographical Area. Journal of Infection (2003) 46: 180-185
[3] A. D. Harries et al. Eosinophilia in Caucasians returning from the tropics. Transactions of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 1986 80, 327-328
[4] Salas-Coronas et al, Evaluation of eosinophilia in immigrants in Southern Spain using tailored screening and treatment protocols: A prospective study. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease (2015) 13, 315e321
[5] Page W and Spear R, Chronic strongyloidiasis – Don’t look and you won’t find. Australian Family Physician Vol.45, No.1–2, Jan–Feb 2016
[6] Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Resources for Health Professionals, Parasites – Strongyloides https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/strongyloides/health_professionals/index.html
