A clinical trial conducted at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham has demonstrated that a new drug can help asthma patients reduce their medication intake. The study, named GSK 206785 NIMBLE, revealed that switching to depemokimab, administered twice a year, produced the same outcomes as the existing medicines mepolizumab or benralizumab, which are given every four or eight weeks.
What is depemokimab?
Depemokimab is an ultra-long-acting biologic medicine designed to treat severe, uncontrolled respiratory conditions driven by specific types of inflammation. The global trial screened approximately 2,650 participants to achieve around 1,700 participants.
Patient experience
Emma Wilson, a 34-year-old nurse from Leicester, has had asthma since the age of 15. At its worst, she was admitted to hospital most months, including stays in high dependency and intensive care. In 2022-23, she became one of the first patients at Heartlands Hospital to participate in the trial, as she was already on biologic medication (mepolizumab), along with inhalers, tablets, and nebulisers.
Emma said: "At that point I was considering changing biologic treatment but then the trial came up and I thought I'd give it a go – I didn't have anything to lose. My current role as a specialist nurse and previous role as a research nurse working with children means I have a good understanding of the benefits of research. GSK 206785 NIMBLE really interested me as it works on reducing the treatment burden of biologic medications. NIMBLE offered me the chance to take the medication twice a year, instead of every four weeks, which was really appealing."
During the double-blind trial, Emma underwent monthly ECGs, blood tests, and lung function tests. Neither participants nor researchers knew who received the drug or the placebo. She added: "Since completing the study, I found out I received the new treatment. This meant that I had this twice and my 4-weekly treatment was a placebo given to replace my pre-existing treatment. I was really well looked after by the research team both during and after the study, with a dedicated point of contact."
Ultimately, Emma decided the treatment was not for her in the long term, but she was delighted to participate. The trial gave her the opportunity to try a potential new medication before it was licensed, providing valuable information for future treatment decisions.
Research nurse's perspective
Sam Caddick, the Respiratory Research Nurse from Heartlands Hospital who recruited Emma, said: "On World Asthma Day (May 5), studies like NIMBLE GSK206785 highlight the vital role of clinical research in advancing asthma care and improving patient outcomes. The results of the study are a remarkable outcome as this will reduce patient and clinical burden. We sincerely thank all participants, including Emma, whose involvement is essential to driving meaningful progress."
