Mepolizumab (proposed trade name Bosatria ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that recognizes the IL-5 protein. It is currently in development for the management of hypereosinophilic syndrome by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and has received orphan drug designation by the FDA. more

Mepolizumab (proposed trade name Bosatria ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that recognizes the IL-5 protein. It is currently in development for the management of hypereosinophilic syndrome by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and has received orphan drug designation by the FDA. [ 1 ]

Previously, the drug was investigated in larger indications where eosinophils play an important role in the disease progression. Phase II trials in asthma were underway by April 1998 and by March 2002, phase II trials had also been initiated in atopic dermatitis. Mepolizumab had little efficacy in preclinical or clinical studies for atopic dermatitis [ 2 ] and it failed to sufficiently deplete eosinophils in clinical trials for asthma [ 3 ] . GSK's recent strategy has focused on gaining orphan-drug status and pursuing hypereosinophilic syndrome . less