Depemokimab-ulaa: A Long-Acting Interleukin-5 Inhibitor.

Abstract

Objective: To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of subcutaneous depemokimab-ulaa as add-on therapy in the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma.

Data sources: PubMed database, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched using the following terms: depemokimab, depemokimab-ulaa, Exdensur, and GSK3511294.

Study selection and data extraction: Articles published in English between January 2020 and March 2026, related to pharmacology, safety, efficacy, and clinical trials, were reviewed. Four studies met inclusion criteria.

Data synthesis: In phase 3 trials, SWIFT-1 and SWIFT-2, depemokimab-ulaa demonstrated comparable reductions in elevated blood eosinophil (EOS) counts when compared to other interleukin-5 (IL-5) targeting therapies in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. The annualized exacerbation rates were 0.46 and 0.56 with depemokimab-ulaa vs 1.11 and 1.08 with placebo (P < .001), respectively. There were no differences in other outcomes that were studied. In the phase 3 NIMBLE trial, depemokimab-ulaa did not meet the noninferiority margin when patients were switched from other anti-IL-5 therapies. Depemokimab-ulaa maintained a favorable safety profile, with no serious adverse events or deaths considered to be related to the drug.Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice in Comparison to Existing Drugs:When compared with other anti-IL-5 agents, depemokimab-ulaa might serve as an effective alternative option with its twice-yearly dosing offering a significant advantage potentially improving patient adherence and clinical outcomes.

Conclusion: Depemokimab-ulaa's twice-yearly dosing offers a convenient alternative to other anti-IL-5 therapies as add-on treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma.