NICE approves reslizumab for severe eosinophilic asthma

Reslizumab is licensed as an add-on treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma that is inadequately controlled in adults despite maintenance therapy with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus another maintenance treatment.

The NICE guidance states that adults are eligible for treatment only if their blood eosinophil count is ≥400 cells per microlitre and the patient has had 3 or more asthma exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids in the previous 12 months.

'Reslizumab has the potential to dramatically improve the quality of life for some people living with severe asthma and we are delighted that it has been recommended for use on the NHS,' said Kay Boycott, Chief Executive of Asthma UK.

'New monoclonal antibody treatments, which have shown success in clinical trials. are likely to be effective in treating around 30-40% of those living with severe asthma, so it is imperative that they are made available,' she added.

Review after 12 months

Treatment with reslizumab should be reviewed after 12 months and stopped if there has been an inadequate response. If the response at 12 months is adequate, treatment may be continued with an annual assessment of response thereafter.

An adequate response is defined as clinically meaningful reduction in the number of severe exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids or a clinically significant reduction in continuous oral corticosteroid use while maintaining or improving asthma control.

Approval of reslizumab by NICE is contingent on the manufacturer supplying the monoclonal antibody with the discount agreed in the patient access scheme.