AstraZeneca's Fasenra Flunks Late-Stage Trial In Patients With Esophagus Inflammation

AstraZeneca Plc AZN has reported topline data from the MESSINA Phase 3 trial Fasenra (benralizumab) in Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) patients aged 12 years or older.
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is characterized by the abnormal presence of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the inner lining of the esophagus. Patients experience difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), pain, food getting stuck, and anxiety.
The data showed that Fasenra (benralizumab) did not meet one of the two dual-primary endpoints.
Fasenra demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in histological disease remission but not a change in dysphagia symptoms compared to the placebo.
The trial included 210 patients who received either Fasenra or a placebo at four-week intervals.
The safety and tolerability profile for Fasenra in the trial was consistent with the known profile of the medicine.
Fasenra is currently approved as an add-on maintenance treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma in the U.S., EU, Japan, and other countries and is approved for self-administration in the U.S., EU, and other countries.
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