GSK's New Drug Depemokimab: One Injection Every Six Months for Asthma

According to information from the CDE website, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has submitted a marketing application for depemokimab in China. Considering the latest progress in clinical trials, the expected indication for this drug is severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA).

Depemokimab is a new generation anti-interleukin 5 (IL-5) monoclonal antibody developed by GSK, characterized by a longer half-life, high binding affinity, and high potency, requiring only one injection every six months. In contrast, GSK's first-generation IL-5 monoclonal antibody, mepolizumab (trade name: Nucala), requires monthly injections and was approved for marketing in the United States in November 2015. According to GSK's financial report, global sales of mepolizumab were approximately $2 billion in 2023.

Currently, depemokimab has completed four Phase III clinical studies targeting SEA and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Two Phase III studies for SEA (SWIFT-1 and SWIFT-2) showed a significant reduction in the frequency of asthma attacks in the depemokimab group compared to the placebo group after 52 weeks of treatment. Similarly, two Phase III studies for CRSwNP (ANCHOR-1 and ANCHOR-2) also indicated a significant decrease in the total nasal endoscopic polyp score in the depemokimab group compared to the placebo group after 52 weeks of treatment. Additionally, the nasal congestion scores in the depemokimab group, assessed through a verbal rating scale (VRS) during weeks 49-52, also showed a significant reduction compared to the placebo group. Detailed data has not been publicly disclosed yet.