Dose Ranging Efficacy And Safety With Mepolizumab in Severe Asthma

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and pharmacodynamics of three doses (75 mg, 250 mg and 750 mg) of mepolizumab intravenous (i.v.) administered every 4 weeks compared with placebo over a 52-week treatment period in subjects with severe uncontrolled refractory asthma. Efficacy will be measured by the frequency of asthma exacerbations. In addition lung function, rescue medication usage, daily symptoms, asthma control score, asthma quality of life score and withdrawals due to asthma exacerbations will be assessed. Safety will be assessed by adverse events, clinical laboratory evaluations, ECGs, immunogenicity and vital signs. Pharmacodynamics will be assessed by eosinophil levels in blood, serum IL-5 and eosinophil levels in induced sputum.