Nucala approval for COPD in China expands precision therapy access with lower eosinophil cutoff

UK pharma major GSK’s (LSE: GSK) Nucala (mepolizumab) has recently received approval in China as add-on maintenance treatment for adults with inadequately controlled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), expanding the shift in treatment access by allowing use at a lower blood eosinophil threshold.

The decision broadens eligibility for biologic therapy, strengthens competition in China’s emerging precision COPD market, says intelligence and productivity platform GlobalData.

The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved Nucala for patients with blood eosinophil counts (BEC) of 150 cells/µL or higher, a lower threshold that expands treatment eligibility and positions it competitively in the evolving precision COPD market, through broader patient access and convenient monthly administration.