Effect of Mepolizumab on Decrease of Systemic Corticosteroids in Patients With Severe Eosinophilic Asthma

The primary objective of the study is to measure the effect of mepolizumab on declines in oral corticosteroid therapy (prednisolone or prednisone) in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that affects 5 to 10% of adults and children. Despite current treatments that are often effective, 10% of patients are not controlled by inhaled therapies. These severe asthma require regular use of systemic corticosteroids in 30 to 40% of cases. In this context, the use of glucocorticoids is associated with many more or less serious adverse effects, but still affecting the patient's quality of life. Several treatments have already been proven to save systemic steroids (theophylline, anti-leukotrienes, golimumab ...). On the other hand, none is currently recommended because of a risk / benefit ratio that is too high.

Mepolizumab is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to and inactivates interleukin 5. It has recently been shown to be effective in reducing the daily dose of oral corticosteroids and in reducing exacerbations in these patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. It also reduces the number of eosinophils in the blood and sputum and improves the quality of life.

Patients will receive a subcutaneous injection of 100mg mepolizumab every 4 weeks for one year, for a total of 12 injections.

In France, this treatment was subject to a Temporary Authorization for Nominative Use in severe eosinophilic asthma and is reserved for hospital use.

The injections will be done in HDJ Pneumology CHU Grenoble Alpes and patients will be followed monthly during injections and one month after the end of injections.