Abstract

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition frequently exacerbated by severe eosinophilic inflammation, resulting in recurrent episodes and diminished quality of life. Mepolizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting IL-5, has demonstrated efficacy in diminishing exacerbations and enhancing outcomes in these individuals. This meta-analysis assesses the efficacy and safety of Mepolizumab in the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma, consolidating evidence from randomized controlled trials to guide clinical practice. This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to Cochrane guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) comparing Mepolizumab to placebo in asthmatic patients aged 18 years and older were included. The primary outcomes comprised the reduction in asthma exacerbation rate (AER) and hospitalization owing to exacerbations, whereas the secondary outcomes evaluated adverse and serious adverse events. The meta-analysis encompassed five randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy and safety of Mepolizumab in asthma patients, with dosages varying from 75 to 750 mg administered every four weeks, participant numbers ranging from 61 to 362, and study durations spanning 20 to 52 weeks. Mepolizumab markedly diminished asthma exacerbations by 46% and hospitalizations resulting from exacerbations by 60%. No notable difference in adverse event risk was seen; however, serious adverse events decreased by 46%. This meta-analysis verifies that Mepolizumab significantly diminishes asthma exacerbations, hospitalizations, and major adverse events in individuals with severe asthma, without a notable rise in the total risk of adverse events. These findings underscore Mepolizumab's significance in enhancing asthma management. Consequently, additional research is necessary to corroborate these findings across various clinical environments.

Key words: Mepolizumab, asthma, RCT, meta-analysis, systematic review.