Benralizumab 30mg Injection — Anti-IL-5 Receptor Monoclonal Antibody for Severe Eosinophilic Asthma
Fasenra® (Benralizumab) — Anti-IL-5 Receptor Biologic for Severe Eosinophilic Asthma
Near-Complete Eosinophil Depletion Through Direct IL-5 Receptor Alpha Targeting
Fasenra® (Benralizumab) is a humanised afucosylated anti-interleukin-5 receptor alpha (anti-IL-5Rα) monoclonal antibody used as add-on maintenance treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma in adults. Unlike Nucala (Mepolizumab) which neutralises IL-5 itself, Fasenra targets the IL-5 receptor alpha on eosinophils and basophils — triggering antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) that directly depletes eosinophils to near-undetectable levels.
A.K. Pharma is a trusted medicine distributor in Delhi supplying genuine Fasenra (Benralizumab) to hospitals, respiratory medicine centres, allergy clinics, and pharmacies across India. Manufactured by AstraZeneca, Fasenra represents one of the most effective eosinophil-depleting therapies available — achieving near-complete eosinophil elimination with a convenient dosing schedule that transitions to every 8 weeks after initial monthly dosing.
What is Fasenra (Benralizumab)?
Fasenra contains Benralizumab — a humanised afucosylated IgG1 kappa monoclonal antibody that directly binds to the IL-5 receptor alpha (IL-5Rα) subunit expressed on eosinophils and basophils. The afucosylated Fc region of Benralizumab enhances binding to FcγRIII (CD16) receptors on NK cells and macrophages — dramatically amplifying ADCC activity against eosinophils.
This mechanism differs fundamentally from anti-IL-5 antibodies (Mepolizumab, Reslizumab) which neutralise the IL-5 cytokine itself. By directly targeting the receptor on eosinophils, Benralizumab eliminates eosinophils through immune-mediated cell killing — achieving near-complete eosinophil depletion (>90% reduction) rather than partial reduction.
Full prescribing information is available at the FDA label for Benralizumab.
Clinical Studies and Evidence
SIROCCO Trial (Benralizumab in Severe Eosinophilic Asthma) Published in The Lancet (2016), the SIROCCO trial demonstrated that Benralizumab 30mg every 8 weeks (after 3 initial monthly doses) significantly reduced annual asthma exacerbation rates by 51% in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma and blood eosinophil count ≥300 cells/µL — with significant improvements in FEV1 and asthma symptom scores.
CALIMA Trial (Benralizumab in Severe Eosinophilic Asthma) Published in The Lancet (2016), the CALIMA trial confirmed the SIROCCO results — demonstrating significant exacerbation reduction of 36% in patients with eosinophil count ≥300 cells/µL and significant improvements in lung function and quality of life.
ZONDA Trial (Benralizumab OCS-Sparing) Published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine (2017), the ZONDA trial demonstrated that Benralizumab significantly reduced oral corticosteroid dose by a median of 75% — with 52% of patients achieving complete OCS elimination — superior OCS sparing compared to historical comparators.
ANDHI Trial (Benralizumab in Patients with Inadequate Response) Published in the European Respiratory Journal (2020), the ANDHI trial confirmed Benralizumab’s efficacy in a broader real-world-like population — demonstrating significant exacerbation reduction and symptom improvement.
BORA Extension Study (Long-Term Safety) The BORA extension study demonstrated sustained efficacy and favourable safety profile of Benralizumab over 2 years of continuous treatment — supporting long-term use.
Available Strengths
Fasenra is available as:
The recommended dose is 30mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, then every 8 weeks thereafter. The every-8-week maintenance schedule is a key convenience advantage over monthly biologics.
Indications — What Fasenra is Used For
For detailed indication information refer to MedlinePlus Benralizumab and the GINA Severe Asthma Guidelines.
Key Benefits of Fasenra
Near-Complete Eosinophil Depletion Fasenra achieves >90% reduction in blood eosinophil counts — near-complete depletion — through direct eosinophil killing via ADCC. This is more complete than anti-IL-5 antibodies which achieve 80-90% reduction.
Convenient Every-8-Week Maintenance Dosing After 3 initial monthly doses, Fasenra transitions to every-8-week dosing — the least frequent injection schedule among approved asthma biologics. This significantly reduces treatment burden and improves patient adherence.
Superior OCS Sparing The ZONDA trial demonstrated 75% median OCS dose reduction and 52% complete OCS elimination — among the best OCS-sparing data of any asthma biologic — dramatically reducing long-term corticosteroid side effects.
Significant Exacerbation Reduction Up to 51% reduction in asthma exacerbations in patients with eosinophil count ≥300 cells/µL — reducing hospitalisations, emergency department visits, and oral corticosteroid courses.
Rapid Onset of Action Eosinophil depletion begins within 24 hours of first injection — with clinical benefits apparent within weeks of initiation.
Self-Administration Option The Fasenra Pen autoinjector enables trained patients to self-administer — reducing clinic visits and improving treatment convenience.
How Fasenra Works
Fasenra’s mechanism differs fundamentally from other anti-eosinophil biologics:
Step 1 — IL-5Rα Binding: Benralizumab binds with high affinity to the IL-5 receptor alpha (IL-5Rα) subunit on the surface of eosinophils and basophils — blocking IL-5 from activating these cells.
Step 2 — ADCC Activation: The afucosylated Fc region of Benralizumab enhances binding to FcγRIII (CD16) receptors on NK cells and macrophages — up to 10-fold stronger than fucosylated antibodies.
Step 3 — Direct Eosinophil Killing: NK cells and macrophages recognise Benralizumab-bound eosinophils and destroy them through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) — directly killing eosinophils in blood, bone marrow, and tissues.
Result: Near-complete depletion of eosinophils and basophils from circulation, bone marrow, and airway tissue — eliminating the eosinophilic inflammation driving severe asthma.
This is distinct from Mepolizumab and Reslizumab which prevent eosinophil maturation/activation by neutralising IL-5 — but do not directly kill existing eosinophils.
For a detailed mechanism overview refer to the European Respiratory Journal and GINA Severe Asthma Guidelines.
Fasenra vs Nucala — Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Fasenra (Benralizumab) | Nucala (Mepolizumab) |
|---|---|---|
| Target | IL-5 receptor alpha | IL-5 cytokine |
| Mechanism | Direct eosinophil depletion (ADCC) | IL-5 neutralisation |
| Eosinophil Reduction | >90% (near complete) | 80-90% |
| Maintenance Dosing | Every 8 weeks | Every 4 weeks |
| OCS Sparing | 75% median reduction | 50% median reduction |
| Exacerbation Reduction | Up to 51% | Up to 47% |
| EGPA Approval | No | Yes |
| HES Approval | No | Yes |
| Age Approved | ≥18 years | ≥12 years |
| Self-injection | Yes (Fasenra Pen) | Yes |
| Available at A.K. Pharma | Request Quote | Request Quote |
Dosage and Administration
Recommended Dosing Schedule:
Injection Sites:
Administration:
OCS Tapering:
Full dosing guidelines available at Drugs.com Benralizumab Dosage.
Who Should Use Fasenra
Fasenra is prescribed for:
Fasenra is prescribed by respiratory physicians, allergists, and immunologists. A.K. Pharma supplies Fasenra to hospitals, respiratory medicine centres, and pharmacies across Delhi and India.
Possible Side Effects
Common side effects include headache, pharyngitis, injection site reactions (pain, erythema, pruritus), and pyrexia.
Serious side effects include:
Full side effect information available at FDA Benralizumab Safety Information.
Precautions
Storage and Handling
As a responsible medicine distributor in Delhi, A.K. Pharma maintains full cold chain requirements during storage and supply of Fasenra ensuring product integrity for every unit supplied.
Manufacturer Information
Fasenra (Benralizumab) is manufactured by AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical company with major expertise in respiratory medicines. Benralizumab received FDA approval in November 2017 for severe eosinophilic asthma. A.K. Pharma supplies only genuine Fasenra sourced from authorized AstraZeneca distributors.
Related Lung and Allergy Medicines Available at A.K. Pharma
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Fasenra used for? Fasenra (Benralizumab) is used as add-on maintenance treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma in adults aged 18 years and older who are inadequately controlled on high-dose ICS plus additional controller medicines. More information available at MedlinePlus.
Q. What is the generic name of Fasenra? The generic name of Fasenra is Benralizumab. It is a humanised afucosylated anti-IL-5 receptor alpha monoclonal antibody.
Q. How is Fasenra different from Nucala? Fasenra targets the IL-5 receptor alpha on eosinophils — directly depleting them through ADCC — while Nucala neutralises IL-5 itself. Fasenra achieves near-complete eosinophil depletion (>90%) compared to 80-90% with Nucala, has every-8-week maintenance dosing vs monthly for Nucala, and demonstrates greater OCS sparing. Nucala has additional approvals for EGPA and HES.
Q. What eosinophil count is needed for Fasenra? Patients should have blood eosinophil count ≥150 cells/µL — greatest benefit is seen at ≥300 cells/µL where exacerbation reduction reaches 51%.
Q. How long does Fasenra take to work? Eosinophil depletion begins within 24 hours of first injection. Clinical benefits including reduced exacerbations and improved lung function are typically seen within 4-8 weeks of initiating treatment.
Q. Is Fasenra available in India? Fasenra can be supplied to hospitals, respiratory medicine centres, and pharmacies across India through licensed pharmaceutical distributors. Contact A.K. Pharma — medicine distributor in Delhi — for availability and pricing.
Q. What is the price of Fasenra in India? Fasenra price in India varies by pack size. Contact A.K. Pharma at 011 4172 6999 or WhatsApp +91 9810034827 for current pricing and bulk supply rates.
Q. How to order Fasenra from A.K. Pharma? You can request a quote directly from this page, call us at 011 4172 6999, or WhatsApp us at +91 9810034827 with your requirements and we will respond promptly.
Q. Does A.K. Pharma supply Fasenra in bulk? Yes. A.K. Pharma supplies Fasenra in bulk to hospitals, respiratory medicine centres, and pharmacies across Delhi and India. Contact us for bulk pricing and availability.
Why Order Fasenra from A.K. Pharma?
Contact A.K. Pharma for Fasenra Supply 📍 E-2/257A, 2nd Floor, Shastri Nagar, New Delhi 110052 📞 011 4172 6999 📱 WhatsApp: +91 9810034827 🌐 akpharma.in
