“What is exciting is that the first-ever large randomized trial for Churg-Strauss syndrome is underway,” investigating the role of mepolizumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets an interleukin 5, in the treatment of CSS/EGPA, she said. Past studies have offered promise for this medication in the treatment of refractory/relapsing CSS/EGPA, but the effect may not be durable after the medication is stopped, based on evidence from a single investigation, Dr. Chung noted. “If successful, mepolizumab would be the first identified targeted therapy for CSS/EGPA, which represents a major advancement in the treatment of this disease.”
Larry Beresford is an Oakland, Calif.-based freelance medical journalist.
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References
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