Dear Dr. K:<\/b> <\/i>What can you tell me about the new asthma drug, Nucala?<\/i><\/p>\n
It is just newly released by the FDA, seems very promising; unfortunately, it is not for you.<\/p>\n
Because I\u2019ve helped you with your asthma for several years, I am aware that you don\u2019t have eosinophilic asthma, and thus, would not be a candidate for this new drug.<\/p>\n
Nucala\u2019s pharmacologic name is mepolizumab is a monoclonal antibody whose target is interleukin\u20135 (IL\\-5). It is delivered in a subcutaneous injection that is given once a month in a doctor\u2019s office. It is designed for severe asthmatics aged 12 years or older, who have the eosinophilic type of asthma.<\/p>\n
IL-5 is the main cytokine responsible for growth, recruitment, activation and survival of eosinophils \u2013 one form of white blood cell that causes airway inflammation in a large number of asthmatics. By inhibiting IL-5, you prevent the eosinophils from getting into the lungs to create their mischief.<\/p>\n
One criterion for being a candidate for Nucala is having a blood eosinophil count of 300 cells\/mcl.<\/p>\n
The drug trials revealed excellent improvement in target patients who received the drug, including better control of their asthma with fewer exacerbations. Also, a large percentage of asthmatics on oral steroids were able to reduce their steroid dose or go off oral steroids while receiving Nucala.<\/p>\n
Several patients on Nucala had shingles during the trial, so a shingles vaccine is recommended prior to starting treatment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dear Dr. K: What can you tell me about the new asthma drug, Nucala? It is just newly released by the FDA, seems very promising; unfortunately, it is not for you. Because I\u2019ve helped you with your asthma for several years, I am aware that you don\u2019t have eosinophilic asthma, and thus, would not be a candidate for this new drug. Nucala\u2019s pharmacologic name is mepolizumab is a monoclonal antibody whose target is interleukin\u20135 (IL\\-5). It is delivered in a…<\/p>\n