Abstract

Aim: To investigate whether the response to reslizumab is similar or different among patients not previously exposed to these drugs (naïve) or in patients with a prior failure (switchers).

Methods: Multi-centre, retrospective, real-life study that included subjects with severe uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma treated with reslizumab. The main outcome measure was control, defined as absence of severe exacerbations, Asthma Control Test = 20 and no maintenance oral corticosteroids (OCS). Follow-up: 52 weeks.

Results: 91 naïve patients and 61 switchers were included. Sixteen out of 68 switchers came from mepolizumab (6 had previously failed to respond to omalizumab) and 52 came from omalizumab. At baseline, no significant differences were found between groups in demographic, clinical and functional variables. A higher proportion of naïve patients achieved control (46% vs 32.4%; p = 0.086). Results for other outcome variables are shown in the Figure. 

Conclusion: Although to a lesser extent than that seen in severe asthma patients who initiate reslizumab for the first time, a significant proportion (32%) of patients with prior failure to other biologics achieve control.