(mepolizumab) is now listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for adults with uncontrolled COPD and raised blood eosinophils as an add-on to inhaler triple therapy. [1,2]
NUCALA (mepolizumab) has become the first biologic treatment to be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for adults living with uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).[1,2]
The PBS listing subsidises the cost of NUCALA for eligible adults with uncontrolled COPD and raised blood eosinophils (a type of white blood cell), who continue to experience flare-ups despite optimised inhaler triple therapy.[1,2]
In 2022, approximately 496,000 Australians aged 45 and over were estimated to be living with COPD, a progressive lung disease that can cause breathing difficulties, cough, chest discomfort and excess mucus.[2,3] These symptoms may affect daily activities and can lead to reduced physical activity, impaired sleep and increased anxiety and depression, and reduce quality of life.[7]
It is estimated from studies that 20-35% of people with COPD have a high number of eosinophils in the blood, which can increase the risk of flare-ups (exacerbations) of COPD symptoms.[4,5]
Mark Brooke, Chief Executive Officer of Lung Foundation Australia, commented: "Living with uncontrolled COPD can be incredibly challenging. Managing breathlessness, infections and repeated flare-ups can be a source of ongoing anxiety and make everyday life harder."
Dr Gregory King, Head of Respiratory Medicine at the Royal North Shore Hospital and Research Leader at The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, said the PBS listing of Nucala for uncontrolled COPD with raised eosinophils is welcome news for Australians living with the condition: "One of the challenges in COPD management is that many people with uncontrolled COPD continue to experience flare-ups despite inhaler triple therapy. Some people with COPD have raised eosinophils, which are associated with an increased risk of flare-ups. The PBS listing provides subsidised access to an additional treatment option for eligible patients who meet the PBS criteria."
COPD exacerbations can worsen breathing difficulties, increase progression of the disease and lead to hospitalisations.[8] In 2023-2024 there were 68,000 potentially preventable hospitalisations for COPD, highlighting the burden uncontrolled COPD can place on individuals, families and the wider healthcare system. [9,10]
NUCALA contains mepolizumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks a specific protein called interleukin-5 (IL-5). By blocking the action of IL-5, NUCALA reduces the number of eosinophils in the blood lung tissue and can reduce the flare-ups of COPD symptoms. [2]
Andrew Thomas, Vice President and General Manager, GSK Australia, said: "We are delighted that eligible Australians with uncontrolled COPD and raised eosinophils will now have access to Nucala on the PBS. GSK is committed to improving outcomes for people living with respiratory diseases."
Less serious side effects that can occur with Nucala include headache, injection-site reaction, fatigue, fever, eczema, back pain, pharyngitis, nasal congestion, lower respiratory tract infection, chest infection, upper abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and urinary tract infection.[2] Serious side effects include allergic or allergic-like events and shingles infection. In the COPD clinical trials, these serious side effects occurred in 1% of patients receiving Nucala.[2]
Patients should speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about the treatment or management of COPD.
