Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the non-inferiority of low-dose benralizumab relative to high-dose benralizumab as a treatment option for uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma through a meta-analysis of efficacy and safety in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). PubMed, the Cochrane Library Database, and Scopus were searched to identify relevant articles. Outcome measures were a change in the Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6) score and the exacerbation rate. In addition, the meta-analysis assessed the incidence of adverse events, injection site reactions, and pyrexia or influenza-like illness. Two RCTs with two doses of benralizumab (20 and 100mg) and a placebo for the treatment of uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma met the criteria and were included in the present study. Non-inferiority of low-dose (20mg) versus high-dose (100mg) benralizumab was shown for the change in ACQ-6 score, exacerbation rate, and the incidence of adverse events, injection site reactions, and pyrexia or influenza-like illness. Although not significant, the incidence of pyrexia or influenza-like illness was lower in patients treated with low-dose benralizumab. These results suggest that low-dose (20mg) benralizumab is effective for symptom control and reduction of exacerbation rate in uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma, with lower treatment costs.
