N Engl J Med

Is benralizumab effective for treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis?

June 28, 2024

In this phase 3 MESSINA trial involving patients 12 to 65 years of age with eosinophilic esophagitis, more patients had a significant histologic response (≤6 eosinophils per high-power field) in the benralizumab group than in the placebo group. However, treatment with benralizumab didn't result in fewer or less severe dysphagia symptoms than placebo.

• 211 patients underwent randomization: 104 were assigned to receive benralizumab, and 107 were assigned to receive placebo.
• At week 24, more patients had a histologic response with benralizumab vs. placebo (87.4% vs. 6.5%).
• However, the change from baseline in the Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) score didn't differ significantly between groups.
• There was no substantial between-group difference in the change from baseline in the Eosinophilic Esophagitis Endoscopic Reference Score, which reflects endoscopic abnormalities.

Source:

Rothenberg ME, et al; MESSINA Trial Investigators. (2024, June 27). N Engl J Med. Eosinophil Depletion with Benralizumab for Eosinophilic Esophagitis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38924732/