Nucala has already been approved in Europe as an add-on treatment for patients with extreme eosinophilic asthma. Now, the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended that Nucala is approved for three more conditions, all of which are driven by eosinophils.

Nucala Indications

As previously stated, Nucala (mepolizumab) has already been approved by the EMA for the treatment of eosinophilic asthma, a respiratory condition characterized by low numbers of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell. Now, CHMP has announced that they believe Nucala should receive additional approval for three more indications: continual rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRwNP), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), and hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES).

As there are already few options for patients living with eosinophilic disorders, this recommendation is very exciting for patients and medical professionals alike. Hopefully, Nucala will continue forward to gain approval for these indications.

About CRwNP

Continual rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is a rare disorder that is characterized by chronic inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages and sinuses, along with benign growths inside the nose known as polyps. Affected individuals experience symptoms like congestion, pain or pressure in the face, nasal discharge, and minimal or no sense of smell. Treatment options include oral steroids, over-the-counter nasal sprays, antibiotics, and nasal steroid sprays. Biologics and leukotriene modifiers are reserved for those with severe cases.

About EGPA

Formerly known as Churg-Strauss syndrome, EGPA is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by the inflammation of blood vessels. This stops blood from flowing throughout the body, which can cause lasting damage. The most commonly impacted organs are the lungs, nervous system, skin, GI tract, and heart. Symptoms include white blood cells found outside of the blood vessels, neuropathy, sinusitis, asthma, and lesions that appear to move when caught on a chest X-ray. Possible treatments include corticosteroids, biologics, immunosuppressive drugs, and immune globulin.

About HES

HES is a rare blood disorder that is characterized by high levels of eosinophils. These white blood cells cause damage throughout the body, so symptoms depend on which organs are impacted. Possible effects include:

• Brain damage
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Memory loss
• Heart disease/failure
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Nerve damage in the extremities
• Lesions and rashes
• Lung disease

Medical professionals do not what causes the levels of eosinophils to skyrocket, but they do have a number of treatment options. These are chemotherapy agents, interferon-alpha, steroids, and Gleevec.

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