Mepolizumab Significantly Reduces Exacerbation Rates in COPD Patients with Eosinophilic Phenotype

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has demonstrated that mepolizumab, an anti-eosinophilic monoclonal antibody, effectively lowers the frequency of moderate to severe exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have a history of exacerbations and elevated blood eosinophil counts of at least 300 cells per microliter. The randomized, placebo-controlled trial involved over 800 participants receiving standard triple inhaled therapy, with half receiving 100 mg of mepolizumab subcutaneously every four weeks over a period ranging from one to two years.

Results showed that those treated with mepolizumab experienced a notable reduction in exacerbation rates, with an annualized rate of 0.80 events compared to 1.01 events in the placebo group, indicating a 21% decrease. Additionally, the time to the first moderate or severe exacerbation was extended in the mepolizumab group, averaging 419 days versus 321 days for placebo recipients. While the treatment did not significantly impact health-related quality of life or symptom scores, adverse events were similar across both groups, suggesting a favorable safety profile.

Researchers conclude that adding mepolizumab to existing guideline-based COPD management can offer additional benefits for select patients with eosinophilic inflammation, helping to deepen disease control and reduce exacerbation frequency. This represents a significant advancement in personalized COPD therapy, particularly for patients with eosinophilic phenotypes.

For more detailed information, refer to the original study: Frank C. Sciurba et al, Mepolizumab to Prevent Exacerbations of COPD with an Eosinophilic Phenotype, New England Journal of Medicine, 2025. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-mepolizumab-yields-moderatesevere-exacerbations-copd.html