GSK depemokimab wins positive EU opinion for severe asthma, CRSwNP
GSK plc reported that Europe’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has issued a positive opinion recommending approval of depemokimab for two uses: severe asthma with type 2 inflammation and severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).
Sentiment and the balance of points
Rhea-AI Sentiment reads the wording of the document, how positive or negative its language is on a 1 to 5 scale. The balance of points shown with the takes weighs what the document actually discloses, so the two can disagree, for example when a trial that missed its main goal is described in upbeat language.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
GSK plc reported that Europe’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has issued a positive opinion recommending approval of depemokimab for two uses: severe asthma with type 2 inflammation and severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). If approved, depemokimab would be the first ultra-long-acting biologic for respiratory disease in the EU, given as just two doses a year. The opinion is based on four phase III trials showing a 54% reduction in clinically significant asthma exacerbations over 52 weeks and a 72% reduction in exacerbations requiring hospital or emergency department care, versus placebo plus standard treatment. In CRSwNP, depemokimab improved nasal polyp size and nasal obstruction scores. The European Commission decision is expected in Q1 2026, and depemokimab is not yet approved anywhere.
Positive
- CHMP positive opinion for depemokimab in severe asthma with type 2 inflammation and severe CRSwNP, supported by phase III data showing reduced exacerbations and symptom improvements.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Positive EU opinion for GSK’s depemokimab adds momentum to its respiratory pipeline.
The positive CHMP opinion for depemokimab in severe asthma with type 2 inflammation and severe CRSwNP marks an important late-stage milestone for GSK’s respiratory franchise. Depemokimab is designed as an ultra-long-acting interleukin-5 biologic dosed twice per year, which differentiates it within existing asthma and CRSwNP biologic options.
Phase III data underpinning the opinion are strong: pooled SWIFT results showed a 54% reduction in clinically significant asthma exacerbations over 52 weeks and a 72% reduction in exacerbations needing hospital or emergency visits versus placebo plus standard of care. ANCHOR trials in CRSwNP demonstrated statistically significant improvements in nasal polyp scores and nasal obstruction, and safety was comparable to placebo across studies.
The filing notes that depemokimab is currently not approved anywhere, so commercial contribution will depend on a final European Commission decision expected in Q1 2026 and on subsequent market uptake. Still, this opinion reinforces GSK’s strategy to build an industry-leading respiratory portfolio spanning vaccines, biologics and inhaled medicines and may broaden its future treatment options in severe asthma and CRSwNP.
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What did GSK (GSK) announce about depemokimab in Europe?
GSK announced that the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use issued a positive opinion recommending approval of depemokimab for severe asthma with type 2 inflammation and for severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).
For which indications could depemokimab be approved in the EU?
The CHMP recommends depemokimab as an add-on maintenance treatment for severe asthma with type 2 inflammation in adults and adolescents 12 and older, and as an add-on therapy with intranasal corticosteroids for adults with severe CRSwNP not adequately controlled by systemic corticosteroids and/or surgery.
How effective was depemokimab in GSK b4s phase III asthma trials?
In the pooled SWIFT phase III trials, depemokimab plus standard care reduced clinically significant asthma exacerbations by 54% over 52 weeks and cut exacerbations requiring hospitalisation or emergency department visits by 72% versus placebo plus standard care.
What benefits did depemokimab show in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)?
In the ANCHOR phase III trials, depemokimab produced significant improvements in nasal polyp score and nasal obstruction measures at around 52 weeks compared with placebo, when added to intranasal corticosteroid standard therapy.
What is unique about depemokimab b4s dosing regimen?
Depemokimab is described as an ultra-long-acting biologic combining high IL-5 binding affinity and an extended half-life, enabling a twice-yearly dosing schedule for severe asthma and CRSwNP.
When is a European Commission decision on depemokimab expected for GSK?
The document states that the European Commission decision on depemokimab b4s approval in the EU is expected in Q1 2026.
Is depemokimab already approved in any country?
No. The document specifies that depemokimab is currently not approved anywhere in the world.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.