Acute Ascaris suum challenge asthma model in cynomolgus monkeys; reduced pulmonary eosinophilia
“In vivo, mepolizumab decreased peripheral eosinophil counts in Cynomolgus monkeys and reduced pulmonary eosinophilia in response to A. suum challenge in an acute model of asthma.”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 9Source ↗
Why that model
Mepolizumab binds only human and nonhuman primate IL-5, not mouse or rat IL-5
“The species specificity of mepolizumab was restricted to human and nonhuman primate IL-5 only. Mepolizumab did not bind to mouse or rat IL-5.”
✓ VerifiedFDA pharmacology/toxicology review, p. 75Source ↗
Reviewer's view of the efficacy data
EMA: in vitro and in vivo PD showed IL-5 inhibition; pharmacology programme satisfactory, no further studies required
“The in vitro and in vivo pharmacodynamic studies indicated that mepolizumab had an inhibitory effect on IL-5. The applicant conducted a satisfactory programme of pharmacology studies and the CHMP considered that further studies were not required.”