The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved mepolizumab (Nucala) as an add-on treatment for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and an eosinophilic phenotype — a form of the condition linked to higher levels of inflammation-causing white blood cells called eosinophils. Research shows that 20 percent to 40 percent of people with COPD have type 2 inflammation marked by elevated eosinophils.

This is the first biologic medication approved for this group of people with COPD who still have flare-ups despite using inhaled triple therapy. Biologics are medications made from proteins that target specific parts of the immune system. Mepolizumab works by targeting interleukin-5 (IL-5), a protein involved in type 2 inflammation, and is given as a monthly injection.

In clinical trials, mepolizumab significantly lowered the number of moderate and severe COPD flare-ups — some of which required emergency care or hospitalization — in people with elevated eosinophil counts. The most recent trial showed a 21 percent drop in annual flare-up rates compared to placebo (inactive treatment) and suggested that people taking the drug needed fewer hospital visits.

New Hope for Hard-To-Control COPD

Many people with COPD manage their symptoms with inhaled medications that reduce inflammation and open the airways. However, some still experience frequent flare-ups, especially those with a specific type of inflammation linked to high levels of eosinophils.

This approval offers people with eosinophilic COPD a new way to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of flare-ups. Nearly 70 percent of those who continue to have worsening symptoms despite triple inhaler therapy fall into this group.

If you or a loved one has COPD and continues to have flare-ups despite current treatments, speak with your doctor. They can review your plan and may recommend tests to see if factors like eosinophilic inflammation may play a role.

Learn eight signs your COPD may be getting worse.

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