From Drug Innovation to Ecosystem Collaboration: GSK Partners with Stakeholders to Establish a Standardized EOS-Driven Diagnostic and Therapeutic Paradigm

Source: Global Times

On November 7, the media communication event "Eosinophilic Patients United for Better Health, Continuous Progress" was held at the GSK booth during the China International Import Expo. The event brought together experts in respiratory and ENT fields, representatives from the West China Medical Technology Transfer Center, and corporate representatives. Through expert discussions and patient experience sharing, it systematically showcased unmet needs in eosinophil (EOS)-related respiratory diseases, advancements in biologic treatments, and practical outcomes of standardized EOS diagnosis and treatment pathways.

Yu Huiming, Vice President of GSK and General Manager of China, stated in her opening remarks: "The CIIE is an important platform for GSK to showcase innovation and commitment. 'E患共健, 持续超·跃' not only echoes our corporate mission but also reflects our determination to continue advancing in the respiratory field. GSK has a complete product pipeline covering vaccines, inhaled medications, and biologics, and we are continuously introducing new products and expanding into new indications. Together with all parties, we aim to enhance disease awareness and treatment standards, helping patients achieve healthier breathing."

Large patient base and heavy burden of chronic respiratory diseases have become significant public health challenges. Research shows that elevated EOS levels are an important risk factor for various chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), potentially leading to increased risk of acute exacerbations, decline in lung function, and greater healthcare burden.

Professor Zhou Jianping, Deputy Chief Physician of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine at Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, pointed out: "Severe eosinophilic asthma accounts for up to 83.8% of severe asthma cases. Even with standardized use of medium- to high-dose inhaled treatments, these patients still face the risk of acute exacerbations, significantly impacting their quality of life."

Professor Gu Yurong, Deputy Chief of the Department of Rhinology at the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital affiliated with Fudan University, added: "It is estimated that about 107 million people in China suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis, of which approximately one-third have chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Patients with the EOS subtype experience more severe symptoms and higher recurrence rates. Poorly controlled upper airway problems can exacerbate lower airway conditions such as asthma. These patients often need to visit multiple departments and have an urgent need for integrated treatment plans."

With a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying EOS-related diseases, the medical community is advancing precision treatment by focusing on inflammatory subtyping. Biologics, which target specific inflammatory pathways, offer new options for patients who respond poorly to conventional treatments.

Yu Jin Yi, Vice President of GSK and Head of China Respiratory Business, introduced: "Nucala® (Mepolizumab), a targeted human anti-interleukin-5 (IL-5) monoclonal antibody biologic developed by GSK, has been continuously renewing its 'CIIE identity' year after year. In 2022 and 2024, it was successively approved in China for the indications of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and severe eosinophilic asthma. This year, after Nucala® launched the indication for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, its innovative value has benefited an even broader patient population."