mepolizumab (Nucala)

following a full submission:

mepolizumab (Nucala®) is accepted for restricted use within NHS Scotland.

Indication under review: as an add-on treatment for severe refractory eosinophilic asthma in adult patients.

SMC restriction: patients who have eosinophils of at least 150 cells per microlitre (0.15 x 10⁹/L) at initiation of treatment and have had at least four asthma exacerbations in the preceding year or are receiving maintenance treatment with oral corticosteroids.

Mepolizumab, compared to placebo, decreased the incidence of asthma exacerbations and permitted reductions in doses of maintenance oral corticosteroid in adult patients with severe eosinophilic asthma.

This SMC advice takes account of the benefits of a Patient Access Scheme (PAS) that improves the cost-effectiveness of mepolizumab. This advice is contingent upon the continuing availability of the PAS in NHS Scotland or a list price that is equivalent or lower.