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FDA approved Fasenra (benralizumab) for Severe Eosinophilic Asthma and EGPAFDA approved new drug Fasenra for severe asthma and rare disease.

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Key Takeaway
Consider Fasenra as add-on therapy for severe eosinophilic asthma (age 6+) and for adult EGPA, with weight-based dosing in children.

The FDA has approved Fasenra (benralizumab) for two indications: as add-on maintenance treatment for severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype in patients aged 6 years and older, and for treatment of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in adults. Benralizumab is an interleukin-5 receptor alpha-directed cytolytic monoclonal antibody that reduces eosinophil levels. For asthma, the approval covers both pediatric and adult patients, with dosing based on age and weight. For EGPA, it is the first biologic approved specifically for this condition. The drug is not indicated for acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. Clinicians should note that monitoring after administration is recommended, and the drug can be self-injected after proper training for eligible patients.

Clinical Details (Mechanism · Dosing · Trial Data · Warnings)
Mechanism of Action

Fasenra is an interleukin-5 receptor alpha-directed cytolytic monoclonal antibody (IgG1, kappa). It binds to the alpha subunit of the IL-5 receptor, which is expressed on eosinophils and basophils, leading to antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, reducing eosinophil levels.

Indication & Patient Population

Fasenra is indicated for: - Add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with severe asthma and with an eosinophilic phenotype. - Treatment of adult patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Limitations of Use: Not for relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus.

Dosing & Administration

Administer by subcutaneous injection. Asthma: - Adults and adolescents (12 years and older): 30 mg every 4 weeks for first 3 doses, then every 8 weeks. - Pediatric patients 6 to 11 years: weight-based dosing. Less than 35 kg: 10 mg every 4 weeks for first 3 doses, then every 8 weeks. 35 kg or more: 30 mg every 4 weeks for first 3 doses, then every 8 weeks. EGPA: - 30 mg every 4 weeks. General: Warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes before use. Visually inspect for particulate matter and discoloration. Do not use if cloudy, discolored, or contains large particles. Inject into thigh, abdomen, or upper arm (if given by healthcare provider or caregiver). Prefilled syringe for healthcare provider use; autoinjector (Fasenra PEN) for patient/caregiver use after training. For asthma patients aged 6 to 11 years weighing 35 kg or more, Fasenra PEN should only be administered by caregiver or healthcare provider.

Key Clinical Trial Data

Trial data not available in label.

Warnings & Contraindications

Not reported in label.

Place in Therapy

Fasenra is an add-on maintenance therapy for severe eosinophilic asthma and a treatment for EGPA. It is not for acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. Monitoring after administration is recommended.

The FDA has approved a new drug called Fasenra (benralizumab) for two conditions. First, it is an add-on maintenance treatment for severe asthma with a specific type of inflammation (eosinophilic) in people aged 6 years and older. Second, it is the first biologic approved for adults with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), a rare disease that causes inflammation in blood vessels. Fasenra works by reducing the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that can cause swelling and damage. It is given as an injection under the skin, and some patients may be able to self-inject after training. The approval is based on studies showing it can reduce asthma attacks and help control EGPA symptoms. However, Fasenra is not for treating sudden breathing problems or asthma attacks. Patients should continue using their rescue inhaler as needed. If you or your child has severe asthma or EGPA, talk to your doctor to see if Fasenra might be a good option. Your doctor can help you understand the benefits and risks, and decide if this treatment fits your health needs.

What this means for you:
Fasenra is a new option for severe asthma and EGPA, but it is not a rescue medicine.

Study Details

Study typeFda approval
PublishedNov 2017
View Original Abstract ↓
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FASENRA is an interleukin-5 receptor alpha-directed cytolytic monoclonal antibody (IgG1, kappa) indicated for: • add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with severe asthma, and with an eosinophilic phenotype. (1.1) • treatment of adult patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). (1.2) Limitations of Use: Not for relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. (1.1) 1.1 Asthma FASENRA is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with severe asthma, and with an eosinophilic phenotype [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) , Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Limitations of Use: • FASENRA is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. 1.2 Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis FASENRA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).
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