Mepolizumab vs Benralizumab for Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with
Polyangiitis (EGPA): a European comparative study Short running title:
Mepolizumab versus Benralizumab for EGPA
Abstract
Background: Following the results of the MANDARA trial, this
real-life study aimed at comparing the effectiveness and safety profile
of mepolizumab versus benralizumab in a European EGPA cohort.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational comparative
study including EGPA patients, who received mepolizumab or benralizumab
at the asthma dose. Patients were matched 1:1 by sex, age, BVAS and oral
corticosteroid (OCS) dosage at the treatment initiation (T0). Complete
response (CR) and partial response (PR), disease activity, OCS,
pulmonary parameters, eosinophil count, relapses, and safety outcomes
were also compared at 3, 6 and 12 months. Results: Patients
treated with mepolizumab or benralizumab (n=88 each) were matched: 57%
were females, median age was 54 years (IQR 45-60), median OCS dose 10
(7.5-12.5) and 10 (7-13) mg/day, median BVAS 4 (2-7) and 3 (2-8),
respectively. 45.4% of patients in the mepolizumab group and 51.1% in
the benralizumab group achieved CR or PR at T3, with CR steadily
increasing during follow-up for both treatments. At T12, a higher CR
rate was found in the benralizumab group (48.1% vs 32.4%, p=0.005). No
differences in BVAS, OCS, and respiratory parameters were observed
between groups at the different timepoints. Throughout the follow-up,
both treatments reduced eosinophil count, although a deeper reduction
was found in the benralizumab group at all timepoints
(p<0.0001). Safety profile was comparable between patient
groups. Conclusion: Mepolizumab and benralizumab showed
comparable overall effectiveness and safety in EGPA. However,
benralizumab achieved a higher CR rate at T12, and a deeper peripheral
eosinophil reduction.