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On Friday, GSK (LSE:GSK) reported positive results from its phase three ‘MATINEE’ clinical trial, which assessed the efficacy of ‘Nucala’ (mepolizumab) in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The FTSE 100 pharmaceutical company revealed that Nucala, a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-5 (IL-5), was tested in COPD patients with chronic bronchitis and emphysema who were already on inhaled maintenance therapies.
The trial focused on patients exhibiting signs of type-two inflammation, indicated by elevated blood eosinophil levels, which is a critical factor in exacerbations of the disease. The MATINEE trial achieved its primary endpoint, demonstrating that adding Nucala to standard treatment significantly reduced the annual rate of moderate to severe exacerbations compared to a placebo.
The study tracked patients for up to 104 weeks, and preliminary safety data indicated that Nucala’s safety profile remained consistent with earlier findings. COPD affects over 300 million people globally, with approximately 40% of these individuals experiencing type-two inflammation, which contributes to worsening symptoms and progressive lung damage.
Nucala’s mechanism of targeting IL-5 aims to decrease inflammation and prevent exacerbations, thereby improving lung function and overall health in COPD patients. Although Nucala is already approved for severe asthma, it is not yet indicated for COPD.
GSK plans to present the full results of the MATINEE trial at an upcoming scientific conference, which may impact future regulatory discussions. At 0835 BST, GSK shares showed a slight increase of 0.21%, trading at 1,642.5p.
