Mepolizumab add-on therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with eosinophil-associated exacerbations

Mepolizumab is in clinical development as an add-on therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with eosinophilic disease. COPD is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. COPD is a long-term condition that is characterised by periods of acute exacerbations (worsening of respiratory symptoms) such as shortness of breath, cough and/or mucus production. COPD can be associated with a high level of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood, which may contribute to inflammation, airway obstruction and mucus plugging. People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and a variety of other conditions, which significantly contributes to the morbidity and mortality of COPD. There is currently a high unmet need for appropriate treatment options for COPD.