Principal Investigator: Dr Jane McDowell

Name of the Study: MEPOBIO – 3TR ABC

Why is this Study important?

Asthma is a lung disease associated with inflammation (swelling) of the airways, it affects over 350 million people in the world. Approximately 5-10% of people with asthma have severe disease.

This study is a multi-centre observational study of patients with severe asthma following initiation of treatment with Mepolizumab as part of their standard of care.

What is the Research question/aim?:

Mepolizumab is a highly effective and well-tolerated medication that helps people with severe eosinophilic asthma avoid asthma attacks. When given intravenously or subcutaneously, mepolizumab dramatically decreased asthma flare-ups and was linked to improvements in indices of asthma control.

The success of biologics in asthma has led to the renewed interest in what is asthma remission and how can it be achieved. The mechanisms underlying asthma remission and the potential biomarkers beyond blood eosinophils and FeNO of associated with asthma remission following treatment with mepolizumab is unknown.

What the Study involves:

A 36 month multi-centre observational study of patients with severe asthma following initiation of treatment with mepolizumab (anti-IL5) as part of their standard of care.

Subjects will be extensively characterized at baseline; reviewed throughout the year with formal clinical and biological assessment at 4, 16, 24, 52 weeks, 2 years and 3 years. Asthma remission will be defined for each domain: asthma control, lung function, and exacerbations as a composite measure and independently. Biomarkers and multi-omic analysis will be undertaken in the biosamples to determine biological pathways and bio-signatures associated with asthma remission.

Who can take part in the Study?

Adults with severe Asthma who meet the eligibility criteria.

Contact Information:

Respiratory Research Office

Ground Floor, Tower Block

Belfast City Hospital

51 Lisburn Road

Belfast, BT9 7AB