Drug Action
Benralizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody that interferes with interleukin-5 receptor binding, thereby reducing the survival of eosinophils and basophils.
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Drug reference
Benralizumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody that interferes with interleukin-5 receptor binding, thereby reducing the survival of eosinophils and basophils.
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Severe eosinophilic asthma (specialist use only) ▶BY SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION ▶Adult: Initially 30 mg every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, then maintenance 30 mg every 8 weeks, to be administered into the thigh, abdomen or upper arm
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▶The half-life of benralizumab is approx. 15 days.
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Pre-existing helminth infection CAUTIONS, FURTHER INFORMATION ▶Helminth infection Manufacturer advises to treat pre- existing helminth infections before starting benralizumab—if patient becomes infected during therapy and does not respond to anti-helminth treatment, discontinue benralizumab until infection is resolved.
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NICE decisions ▶Benralizumab for treating severe eosinophilic asthma (updated September 2019) NICE TA565 Benralizumab (Fasenra ®), as an add-on therapy, is recommended as an option for treating severe eosinophilic asthma that is inadequately controlled in adults despite maintenance therapy with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists, only if: . the patient has agreed to and followed the optimised standard treatment plan, and . the blood eosinophil count has been recorded as Respiratory system 300 cells per microlitre or more and the patient has had 4 or more exacerbations needing systemic corticosteroids in the previous 12 months, or has had continuous oral corticosteroids of at least the equivalent of prednisolone 5 mg per day over the previous 6 months (that is, the patient is eligible for mepolizumab), or . the blood eosinophil count has been recorded as 400 cells per microlitre or more with 3 or more exacerbations needing systemic corticosteroids in the past 12 months (that is, the patient is eligible for reslizumab). Benralizumab is recommended only if the manufacturer provides it according to the commercial arrangement. At 12 months stop benralizumab if the asthma has not responded adequately or continue benralizumab if the asthma has responded adequately and assess response each year. Patients whose treatment was started within the NHS before this guidance was published should have the option to continue treatment, without change to their funding arrangements, until they and their NHS clinician consider it appropriate to stop. www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta565 Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) decisions SMC No. SMC2155 The Scottish Medicines Consortium has advised (June 2019) that benralizumab (Fasenra ®) is accepted for restricted use within NHS Scotland as an add-on maintenance treatment in adults with severe eosinophilic asthma inadequately controlled despite high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting beta-agonists. It is restricted to patients with blood eosinophils 150 cells/microlitre, and either 4 prior asthma exacerbations needing systemic corticosteroids in the previous 12 months or treatment with continuous oral corticosteroids over the previous 6 months. This advice is contingent upon the continuing availability of the patient access scheme in NHS Scotland or a list price that is equivalent or lower.
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▶Common or very common Fever. headache. hypersensitivity (may be delayed). increased risk of infection. skin reactions ▶Frequency not known Anaphylactic reaction
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Manufacturer advises avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk—limited data available.
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Manufacturer advises avoid—no information available.
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Manufacturer advises to take the syringe out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before administration, and to avoid injecting into areas of the skin that are tender, bruised, erythematous, or hardened—consult product literature for further information. l HANDLING AND STORAGE Manufacturer advises store in a refrigerator (2–8°C) and protect from light.
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Solution for injection ▶Fasenra (AstraZeneca UK Ltd) A Benralizumab 30 mg per 1 ml Fasenra 30mg/1ml solution for injection pre-filled syringes | 1 pre-filled disposable injection P £1,955.00
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Manufacturer advises patients and their carers should be instructed to seek medical advice if their asthma remains uncontrolled or if symptoms worsen after initiation of treatment.
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Initially 30 mg every 4 weeks for the first
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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