Update on reslizumab for eosinophilic asthma

INTRODUCTION: Patients with severe eosinophilic asthma have an unmet need for novel and efficacious treatments. Reslizumab is one of the three monoclonal antibodies targeting the IL-5 pathway and has been found in Phase IIIb clinical trials to reduce asthma exacerbations, control asthma-related symptoms and improve pulmonary function in patients with eosinophilic asthma. AREAS COVERED: In this article, we discuss the results of asthma clinical trials using reslizumab, beginning with a discussion of the relationship between eosinophils, IL-5 and asthma. We conducted PubMed searches using the terms 'reslizumab', 'anti-IL-5', 'eosinophilic asthma', 'IL-5 asthma'. We also searched ClinicalTrials.gov for 'reslizumab', 'reslizumab asthma', 'SCH 55700', 'SCH 55700 asthma', 'Cinquil' and 'Cinquil asthma'. EXPERT OPINION: Reslizumab and other anti-IL-5 therapies have seen success in recent trials through more stringent study participant selection targeting eosinophilic inflammation. This selection can now be based on simple blood counts. These drugs have shown a very good safety profile, but long-term safety data are not yet available. Approval for these drugs is eagerly awaited by clinicians and patients alike.