Self-administered mepolizumab in the management of severe asthma: Usability and patient acceptance

Abstract

The increasing use of advanced biologic therapies for patients with severe asthma is transforming the standard of care, clinic workflow, and the clinic business model. Expanded patient access to at-home injection treatment possibilities with some biologics has the potential to improve patient adherence and outcomes. Simultaneously, transition to the home setting can address the escalating costs that limit access for certain patients and healthcare facilities. Such moves come with recognized risks. Garnering input from physicians and other healthcare specialists as well as scrutinizing best practice position statements are vital to implementing truly patient-safe and cost-effective strategies in medicine. Mepolizumab is the first anti-IL-5 inhibitor to receive FDA approval in late 2015. We focus on this injectable medication and discuss the specific indications and contraindications for transitioning patients to at-home injection with mepolizumab. In doing so, we review our recent real-world experiences in the University of California, Davis and Loma Linda University severe asthma clinics, which can provide the foundation for building a comprehensive clinic and home-based biologics asthma program. In addition, we offer insight into the barriers to implementing a successful program and strategies for overcoming them.