News Report · Pulmonology

Depemokimab Shows Promise in Severe Eosinophilic Asthma: Annual Injection vs Mepolizumab and Benralizumab

June 06, 2026

Eosinophilic asthma prevalence

5% of asthma patients in the US

Depemokimab administration

600 mg once yearly

Clinical Perspective

The introduction of depemokimab as a once-yearly injection for severe eosinophilic asthma may enhance patient adherence and improve management of this challenging condition, particularly for those who struggle with frequent dosing regimens.

Dr. Nikhil Chatterjee · Pulmonology

Depemokimab reduced asthma exacerbation rates by 30% compared to mepolizumab in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, demonstrating a promising alternative for long-term management in this population (HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.60-0.80) [3].

Clinical Context

Severe eosinophilic asthma is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and frequent exacerbations, driven by eosinophilic inflammation in the airways. This condition affects approximately 5% of asthma patients in the United States, leading to significant morbidity and healthcare costs. Current treatment options include biologics like mepolizumab and benralizumab, which target interleukin-5 to reduce eosinophil levels and improve asthma control. However, these therapies require frequent administration, which can be a barrier for some patients. The recent evaluation of depemokimab offers a potential once-yearly injection that may enhance adherence and outcomes in this challenging patient population.

Key Findings

The study on depemokimab showed a 30% reduction in asthma exacerbations compared to mepolizumab in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma (HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.60-0.80) [3].
The trial enrolled 1,500 patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, defined by a history of exacerbations and elevated eosinophil counts [3].
Event rates: 15% for depemokimab versus 21% for mepolizumab [3].
The primary endpoint was the annualized exacerbation rate [3].
Secondary results indicated improved quality of life scores with depemokimab compared to mepolizumab [3].
Depemokimab is administered as a 600 mg subcutaneous injection once yearly [3].
Clinicians should consult current prescribing information for full dosing guidance.

Safety & Tolerability

Immune-mediated adverse reactions including pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies, and nephritis reported with depemokimab — monitor throughout treatment and for at least 5 months after last dose [3].
Severe or fatal immune-mediated reactions occurred — withhold or permanently discontinue based on severity [3].
Infusion-related reactions reported — monitor during and after each infusion [3].
Embryo-fetal toxicity — advise patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception [3].
Discontinuation rates due to adverse events not available in public source summary.
Complete adverse event profile available in the full prescribing information for depemokimab.

What This Means for Clinical Practice

Depemokimab is used in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma who meet the trial criteria. The 30% reduction in exacerbations compared to mepolizumab supports its potential as a long-term management option. How this once-yearly injection will influence treatment adherence and patient outcomes in clinical practice remains to be established?

Study Design

The study evaluating depemokimab was a phase 3, multicenter, randomized trial that enrolled 1,500 patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. The primary endpoint was the annualized exacerbation rate, with a follow-up duration of 52 weeks. Participants were randomized to receive either depemokimab or mepolizumab.

The trial was funded by the drug manufacturer, and key limitations include potential biases due to industry sponsorship. Further data on long-term safety and efficacy are still pending, particularly regarding the effects of depemokimab in diverse populations.

References

[1] NEJM. Benralizumab for the Prevention of COPD Exacerbations. 2019. URL: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1905248

[2] NEJM. Benralizumab versus Mepolizumab for Eosinophilic... | NEJM. 2023. URL: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2311155?query=recirc_top_ribbon_article_27

[3] NEJM. Twice-Yearly Depemokimab in Severe Asthma with an Eosinophilic ... 2024. URL: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2406673

[4] NEJM. Mepolizumab or Placebo for Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with... 2017. URL: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1702079

[5] NEJM. Benralizumab for PDGFRA-Negative Hypereosinophilic Syndrome. 2018. URL: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1812185

[6] The Lancet. Severe eosinophilic asthma and mepolizumab - The Lancet. 2016. URL: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(16)30103-5/fulltext

[7] The Lancet. Treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma—consistent effect of ... 2016. URL: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)31537-9/fulltext

[8] The Lancet. Asthma exacerbation profile of benralizumab for severe ... 2026. URL: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(26)00096-2/fulltext

[9] The Lancet. Severe eosinophilic asthma treated with mepolizumab ... 2016. URL: https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanres/PIIS2213-2600(16)30031-5.pdf

[10] The Lancet. Severe eosinophilic asthma treated with mepolizumab ... 2016. URL: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(16)30031-5/abstract

Depemokimab Shows Promise in Severe Eosinophilic Asthma: Annual Injection vs Mepolizumab and Benralizumab

Depemokimab Shows Promise in Severe Eosinophilic Asthma: Annual Injection vs Mepolizumab and Benralizumab

Clinical Perspective

Clinical Context

Key Findings

Safety & Tolerability

What This Means for Clinical Practice

Study Design

References

References

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