N Engl J Med

Mepolizumab reduces COPD exacerbations in eosinophilic phenotype

May 6, 2025

Mepolizumab, when added to background triple inhaled therapy, effectively reduced the rate of moderate or severe exacerbations in COPD patients with an eosinophilic phenotype.

Study details: The phase 3, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled MATINEE trial (NCT04133909) evaluated the efficacy of mepolizumab in reducing exacerbations in patients with COPD and an eosinophilic phenotype. The study included 804 patients with a history of exacerbations and a blood eosinophil count ≥300 cells per microliter. Participants received either 100 mg of mepolizumab or placebo SC q4wks x 52-104 weeks.

Results: The annualized rate of moderate or severe exacerbations was significantly lower in the mepolizumab group compared with the placebo group (0.80 vs. 1.01 events per year; rate ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66 - 0.94; P=0.01). Additionally, the time to the first moderate or severe exacerbation was longer with mepolizumab (median 419 vs. 321 days; hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.64 - 0.93; P=0.009). There were no significant differences in health-related quality of life and symptoms between the groups. The incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups.

Source:

Sciurba FC, et al; MATINEE Study Investigators. (2025, May 1). N Engl J Med. Mepolizumab to Prevent Exacerbations of COPD with an Eosinophilic Phenotype. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40305712/