Overview
Exdensur is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an add-on maintenance treatment for severe asthma in adults and children aged 12 and older who have an eosinophilic phenotype (a type of asthma with high levels of eosinophils, a kind of white blood cell). Exdensur is also known by its drug name, depemokimab-ulaa.

Exdensur is a biologic drug classified as an interleukin (IL)-5 antagonist. It works by targeting and blocking IL-5, a protein that promotes the growth and survival of eosinophils, thereby reducing inflammation and symptoms in people with eosinophilic asthma.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Exdensur is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once every six months. The injection is administered by a healthcare provider in the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. The drug should be given exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Exdensur include upper respiratory tract infection, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), influenza (flu), arthralgia (joint pain), and pharyngitis (sore throat).

Rare but serious side effects may include hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction). Exdensur may also affect corticosteroid use; people should not suddenly stop using systemic or inhaled steroids when starting treatment. Additionally, people with helminth (parasitic) infections should be treated before starting Exdensur, and treatment should be paused if a new infection occurs and doesn’t respond to antiparasitic medications.

For more information about this treatment, visit:
Exdensur (Depemokimab-Ulaa) Injection, for Subcutaneous Use — GlaxoSmithKline