GlaxoSmithKline GSK announced that the European Medicines Agency’s (“EMA”) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (“CHMP”) has given a positive opinion recommending approval of its drug, Nucala (mepolizumab), for three additional eosinophil-driven diseases.While Nucala, an anti-IL5 biologic, is already approved for treating severe eosinophilic asthma in Europe, Glaxo is seeking approval of the drug for hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). If approved for these three indications, Nucala will be the only medicine in Europe approved for four eosinophil-driven diseases, which are inflammatory conditions associated with elevated levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.In the United States and some other countries, Nucala is already approved for the four eosinophil-driven diseases.So far this year, Glaxo’s shares have risen 5.8% compared with the industry’s 8.5% increase. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Nucala is a key drug in Glaxo’s portfolio of new respiratory drugs. The drug’s sales of £546 million in first half of 2021 registered around 29% growth at a constant exchange rate. Potential approval for additional indications in Europe can strengthen the drug’s eligible patient population and boost sales in the future. Nucala is presently being evaluated in late-stage studies for COPD.However, competitive pressure in the overall respiratory market has intensified with the launch of Regeneron REGN and Sanofi’s SNY blockbuster medicine, Dupixent, and AstraZeneca’s AZN Fasenra. Dupixent is approved in the United States and the EU for three type II inflammatory diseases, namely CRSwNP, severe asthma, and moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Fasenra is approved for severe eosinophilic asthma and is being studied for CRSwNP and COPD.Glaxo currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Breakout Biotech Stocks with Triple-Digit Profit Potential The biotech sector is projected to surge beyond $2.4 trillion by 2028 as scientists develop treatments for thousands of diseases. They’re also finding ways to edit the human genome to literally erase our vulnerability to these diseases. Zacks has just released Century of Biology: 7 Biotech Stocks to Buy Right Now to help investors profit from 7 stocks poised for outperformance. Recommendations from previous editions of this report have produced gains of +205%, +258% and +477%. The stocks in this report could perform even better.See these 7 breakthrough stocks now>>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN): Free Stock Analysis Report Sanofi (SNY): Free Stock Analysis Report AstraZeneca PLC (AZN): Free Stock Analysis Report GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research