Products
Benralizumab was approved as a solution for injection in the United States in 2017 and in the EU and many countries in 2018 (Fasenra).
Structure and properties
Benralizumab is a humanized and afucosylated IgG1κ antibody with a molecular mass of 150 kDa. It is produced by biotechnological methods. Omission of the fucose in the CH2 region enhances ADCC (see below) and increases binding affinity.
Effects
Benralizumab (ATC R03DX10) has anti-inflammatory properties. The effects are due to binding to the alpha subunit of the human interleukin-5 receptor (IL-5Rα). This receptor is expressed on eosinophils and basophils. Binding leads to destruction of these cells by apoptosis (via Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity, ADCC). At the same time, the antibody also inhibits signal transduction through the receptor. Benralizumab has a long half-life of approximately 15 days.
Indications
For the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The drug is injected subcutaneously.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include headache, pharyngitis, fever, injection site reactions, and hypersensitivity reaction.
