A recent trial found that nearly 60% of patients with a rare condition called eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) went into remission when treated with Fasenra, a medication developed by AstraZeneca. The European Commission has approved Fasenra as an additional treatment for adults with this condition, which used to be known as Churg-Strauss syndrome.
EGPA is a rare disease that causes inflammation in blood vessels, potentially leading to serious organ damage if not treated. Many people with EGPA also have severe asthma and nasal problems.
Fasenra is the second biologic drug approved for EGPA and offers a convenient monthly injection option for patients. This approval was based on results from a study called MANDARA, which compared Fasenra to another drug, mepolizumab, in 140 patients. The study found that Fasenra was as effective as mepolizumab, with nearly 60% of patients achieving remission. Additionally, 41% of patients on Fasenra were able to stop using oral corticosteroids.
AstraZeneca’s Fasenra is already approved for use in over 80 countries and has been a well-established treatment for severe asthma. This new approval gives EGPA patients in Europe a much-needed treatment option.