11th Sep 2023 21:54
(Alliance News) - AstraZeneca PLC on Monday said that its therapy, Fasenra, met the primary endpoint in the Mandara phase three trial in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
The Cambridge-based pharmaceutical company compared a single monthly injection of Fasenra to three injections per month of mepolizumab.
Positive high-level results from the trial showed that Fasenra - otherwise known as benralizumab - demonstrated non-inferior rates of remission compared to mepolizumab in patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis who were receiving oral corticosteroids with or without stable immunosuppressive therapy.
EGPA is a rare, immune-mediated vasculitis that is caused by inflammation of small to medium-sized blood vessels. Half of patients with EGPA have concomitant adult-onset severe eosinophilic asthma. This can lead to damage to multiple organs, including lungs, skin, heart, gastrointestinal tract and nerves, which accumulates over time and without treatment can be fatal.
"The positive MANDARA trial results are exciting because patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis today have limited treatment options but face crippling symptoms, which can even be fatal if not treated," said Principal Investigator Michael Wechsler.
"This trial demonstrates that a biologic medicine given in a single monthly injection could help patients achieve remission rates comparable to the current standard of care, adding to the importance of benralizumab as a potential treatment option for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis."
AstraZeneca shares closed 3.1% lower at 10,506.00 pence each in London on Monday, and 2.4% lower at USD66.60 in New York.
By Holly Beveridge, Alliance News reporter
Comments and questions to [email protected]
Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Related Shares:
Astrazeneca