NICE have approved the use of reslizumab (Cinqaero, Teva) for severe eosinophilic asthma. Reslizumab is a monoclonal antibody which inhibits interleukin‑5 resulting in eosinophil depletion.

The criteria for treatment are:

• a blood eosinophil count over 400 cells/microliter

and

• three or more exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids in the last 12 months

Treatment is to be reviewed at 12 months and only continued if there is an adequate response as defined by

• a clinically meaningful reduction in the number of severe exacerbations needing systemic corticosteroids

or

• a clinically significant reduction in continuous oral corticosteroid use while maintaining or improving asthma control

NICE Guidance TA479