Benralizumab
FASENRA
What it isIL-5 receptor monoclonal antibody that depletes eosinophils; severe eosinophilic asthma and EGPA.
Why this oneIt causes near-complete depletion by antibody-dependent cytotoxicity rather than neutralizing IL-5; for asthma, every-eight-week maintenance dosing.
What limits itBenefit tracks eosinophil count. Hypersensitivity can end treatment; treat helminths first and never use it for acute bronchospasm.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Severe eosinophilic asthma (add-on maintenance) | Adults & pediatric ≥12 yr | 30 mg SC q4wk ×3 doses | then 30 mg SC q8wk | — |
| Severe eosinophilic asthma (add-on maintenance) | Pediatric 6–11 yr, <35 kg | 10 mg SC q4wk ×3 doses | then 10 mg SC q8wk | — |
| Severe eosinophilic asthma (add-on maintenance) | Pediatric 6–11 yr, ≥35 kg | 30 mg SC q4wk ×3 doses | then 30 mg SC q8wk | — |
| Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) | Adults | — | 30 mg SC q4wk | — |
| Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) | Adults & pediatric ≥12 yr | — | 30 mg SC q4wk | — |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Subcutaneous injection into thigh or abdomen (upper arm if given by HCP/caregiver)
- Not for relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus
- Do not discontinue systemic/inhaled corticosteroids abruptly; taper gradually if appropriate
- Treat pre-existing helminth infections before starting
Cautions
- Hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, rash)
- Do not stop corticosteroids abruptly
- Parasitic (helminth) infection — treat before initiating
Adverse reactions
- Headache
- Pharyngitis (asthma)
- Hypersensitivity reactions and influenza-like illness (HES)
Pregnancy Insufficient data; monoclonal antibody crosses placenta (3rd trimester).
Lactation No human milk data; IgG present in human milk in small amounts.
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Mechanism of action: Benralizumab ballicule
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