Reslizumab
Biologics for asthma
Biologics for asthma
An anti-IL-5 antibody given by intravenous infusion as add-on treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma; anaphylaxis is its boxed risk.
Quick facts
- Group
- Biologics for asthma
- Target
- Interleukin-5 (IL-5)
- Used for
- Severe eosinophilic asthma
- Key effects
- Allergic reactions during
- Monitor
- Blood eosinophil count · Exacerbations
- ATC
- R03DX08
No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.
Mechanism of action
The figure shows human IL-5, the cytokine reslizumab captures, bound to its receptor alpha chain (crystal structure); the antibody itself is not in the model.
Reslizumab is a humanised IgG4 monoclonal antibody that binds circulating interleukin-5 and stops it from reaching its receptor on eosinophils. Without IL-5, eosinophils mature less, are activated less and survive for a shorter time, so eosinophilic airway inflammation falls. It is the only anti-IL-5 antibody given intravenously.
- Reslizumab binds circulating IL-5
- IL-5 cannot reach its receptor on eosinophils
- Eosinophils mature less and die sooner
- Eosinophilic inflammation and flare-ups fall
Indications
- Severe eosinophilic asthma, as add-on maintenance Asthma →
Adverse effects
Common
- Allergic reactions during or soon after the infusion
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to reslizumab
- Not for an acute asthma attack
- A worm (helminth) infection is reported and treated first
Key interactions
- Oral corticosteroids
- Are reduced only gradually and under supervision
What is monitored
- Observation for anaphylaxis after each infusion
- Blood eosinophil count (selection)
- Exacerbations and oral corticosteroid use
Administration and safety
- Intravenous infusion given by a doctor or nurse in a healthcare setting
- The patient is observed for a period after each infusion, with treatment for anaphylaxis at hand
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Data in pregnancy are limited; antibodies cross the placenta, and use is decided with the specialist.
Nursing care
- Ask about allergies and worm infections before starting
- Monitor vital signs and breathing during and after the infusion
- Teach the signs of anaphylaxis: wheeze, hives, dizziness, swelling of the face, lips or tongue
- Remind that the rescue inhaler is still needed
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Intravenous infusion only
- Elimination
- Broken down like other antibodies (proteolysis)
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
How does the route of reslizumab differ from that of mepolizumab and benralizumab?
Reslizumab is given intravenously; the other two are subcutaneous.
What is the boxed warning of reslizumab?
Anaphylaxis during or shortly after the infusion.
What does reslizumab bind?
Circulating interleukin-5.
Connections
← Back to the class: Biologics for asthma
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Reslizumab Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); RCSB PDB - 3VA2: Crystal structure of human Interleukin-5 in complex with its alpha receptor (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2012); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.