GSK gets CDSCO panel nod to market Mepolizumab for two rare disease indications

This came in the wake of the proposal presented by the drug-maker GSK for Mepolizumab Solution for Injection for the addition of two indications namely

(a) Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and

(b) Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES).

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a disease caused by inflammation (swelling) that occurs in certain types of cells in blood or tissues. Everyone who gets EGPA has a history of asthma and/or allergies. It can affect many of body's organs.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a group of blood disorders that occur when one is having high numbers of eosinophils, white blood cells that play an important role in immune system. Over time, the excess eosinophils enter various tissues, eventually damaging organs.

Mepolizumab injection belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It is a fully-humanized monoclonal IgG1 kappa anti-IL-5 antibody used in conjunction with other therapies. It works by blocking the action of substances in the body that causes the symptoms of asthma.

It is used along with other medications to prevent wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing caused by asthma in certain children 6 years of age and older and adults whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medication.

This injection is also indicated along with other medications to treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (ongoing runny nose, sinus swelling, or nasal congestion, with or without a reduced sense of smell or pain and pressure in the face) in adults whose symptoms are not controlled with other medications.

Mepolizumab injection comes as a prefilled syringe, a prefilled autoinjector, or as a powder to be mixed with water and injected subcutaneously (just under the skin). It is usually given once every 4 weeks. It is not used to treat a sudden attack of asthma symptoms.

At recent SEC meeting for pulmonary, the committee extensively evaluated the proposal presented by drug-maker GSK for pharma major GSK presented the proposal for Mepolizumab Solution for Injection for two indications: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES).

In addition, the committee noted that the proposed indications are rare disease indications and are approved in USA, Europe, etc.

After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for grant of permission to market the drug for the aforesaid indications.