通用中文 | 美泊利单抗注射剂 | 通用外文 | Mepolizumab |
品牌中文 | 品牌外文 | Nucala | |
其他名称 | 美泊利珠单抗 | ||
公司 | 葛兰素史克(GSK) | 产地 | 美国(USA) |
含量 | 100mg | 包装 | 1瓶/盒 |
剂型给药 | 注射针剂 皮下 | 储存 | 2度-8度(冰箱冷藏,禁止冷冻) |
适用范围 | 严重哮喘 |
通用中文 | 美泊利单抗注射剂 |
通用外文 | Mepolizumab |
品牌中文 | |
品牌外文 | Nucala |
其他名称 | 美泊利珠单抗 |
公司 | 葛兰素史克(GSK) |
产地 | 美国(USA) |
含量 | 100mg |
包装 | 1瓶/盒 |
剂型给药 | 注射针剂 皮下 |
储存 | 2度-8度(冰箱冷藏,禁止冷冻) |
适用范围 | 严重哮喘 |
Nucala(美泊利单抗[mepolizumab])使用说明书2015年第一版
批准日期:2015年11月4日;公司:GlaxoSmithKline plc
FDA的药品评价和研究中心中肺,过敏,和风湿病产品部主任说:“这个批准提供有严重哮喘患者当当前治疗不能维持他们的哮喘适当控制时一个另外治疗,”。
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/125526Orig1s000Lbl.pdf
处方资料重点
这些重点不包括安全和有效使用NUCALA®所需所有资料。请参阅NUCALA完整处方资料。
注射用NUCALA(美泊利单抗[mepolizumab]),为皮下使用
美国初次批准:2015
适应证和用途
NUCALA是一种白介素-5拮抗剂单克隆抗体(IgG1 kappa)适用为有严重哮喘年龄12岁和以上,和有一个嗜酸性表型患者的添加维持治疗。(1)
使用限制:
⑴ 不为其他嗜酸性情况的治疗。(1)
⑵ 不为急性支气管痉挛或哮喘状态的缓解。(1)
剂量和给药方法
100 mg皮下给药每四周1次。(2)
对冰冻干燥粉重建,和注射的制备和给药的指导见完整处方资料。
剂型和规格
注射用:为重建100 mg冰冻干燥粉在单剂量小瓶中。(3)
禁忌证
对制剂中美泊利单抗或赋形剂超敏性史。(4)
警告和注意事项
⑴NUCALA的给药后曽发生超敏性反应(如,血管水肿,支气管痉挛,高血压,荨麻疹,皮疹)。在超敏性反应的事件中终止NUCALA。(5.1)
⑶ 不要使用治疗急性支气管痉挛或哮喘状态。(5.2)
⑶接受NUCALA患者中曽发生带状疱疹感染。用NUCALA开始治疗前如医疗上适当考虑水痘疫苗接种。(5.3)
⑷在用NUCALA开始治疗时不要突然终止全身或吸入皮质激素。如适当逐渐减低皮质激素。(5.4)
⑸用NUCALA治疗前治疗有预先存在蠕虫感染的患者。如当接受用NUCALA治疗患者成为被感染时和对抗蠕虫治疗没有反应,终止NUCALA直至寄生虫感染解决。(5.5)
不良反应
最常见不良反应(发生率大于或等于5%)包括头痛,注射部位反应,背痛,和疲乏。(6.1)
报告怀疑不良反应,联系GlaxoSmithKline电话1-888-825-5249或FDA电话1-800-FDA-1088或www.fda.gov/medwatch。
完整处方资料
1 适应证和用途
NUCALA®是适用为年龄12岁和以上有严重哮喘,和有一个嗜酸性表型患者的添加维持治疗.[见临床研究(14).]
使用限制
●NUCALA不适用为其他嗜酸性情况的治疗。
●NUCALA不适用为急性支气管痉挛或哮喘状态的缓解。
2 剂量和给药方法
2.1 推荐剂量
NUCALA是只为皮下使用。
NUCALA推荐剂量是100 mg每四周1次通过皮下注射至上臂,腿,或腹部给药。
2.2 制备和给药
NUCALA应被重建和由卫生保健专业人员给药。在线有临床实践,建议生物制剂给药后监视患者[见警告和注意事项(5.1)]。
重建指导
⒈用1.2 mL注射用无菌水,USP在小瓶中重建NUCALA,最好用一个2-或3-mL注射器和一个21-G号针头。重建溶液将含浓度100 mg/mL美泊利单抗,不要与其他药物混合。
⒉指导注射用无菌水的水流垂直至冻干饼中心。圆周运动轻轻旋转小瓶共10秒每次间隔15-秒直至粉溶解。
注释:在操作期间不要摇晃重建溶液因这可能导致产品起泡沫或沉淀。重建典型地在加入注射用无菌水后5分钟内完成,但它可能花费另外时间。
3. 如使用一种机械重建装置(旋转器[swirler])重建NUCALA,在450 rpm旋转共不长于10分钟。. 另一方法,在1,000 rpm旋转共不长于5分钟是可接受的。
4. 用前视力观察重建溶液颗粒物质和清澈。溶液应清澈至乳白色和无色至浅黄色或浅棕色,基本上无颗粒。但是,期望小气泡和可接受。如溶液有颗粒或如溶液呈云雾状或乳状,遗弃溶液。
5. 如重建溶液不立即使用:
● 贮存在低于30°C(86°F),
● 不要冻结,和
● 如重建8小时内不使用遗弃。
给药
⒈为皮下给药,最好使用聚丙烯1-mL注射器配有一次性21-至27-G号 × 0.5-寸(13-mm)针头。
⒉给药前立即,取出1 mL重建NUCALA,操作期间不要摇晃重建溶液因这可能产生泡沫或沉淀。
⒊皮下给予1-mL注射(等同100 mg美泊利单抗)至上臂,腿,或腹部
3 剂型和规格
注射用:100 mg冰冻干燥粉为重建在一个单剂量小瓶。
4 禁忌证
NUCALA不应给予至对制剂中美泊利单抗或赋形剂有超敏性史患者。
5 警告和注意事项
5.1 超敏性反应
给予NUCALA后曽发生超敏性反应(如,血管水肿,支气管痉挛,高血压,荨麻疹,皮疹)。这些反应一般地发生在给药的几小时内,但在有些情况可能有延迟发病(即,几天)。在超敏性反应事件中,NUCALA应被终止[见禁忌证(4)]。
5.2 急性哮喘症状或疾病恶化
NUCALA不应被使用治疗急性哮喘症状或急性加重。不要使用NUCALA治疗急性支气管痉挛或哮喘状态。如用NUCALA治疗开始后他们的哮喘仍未控制或恶化患者应寻求医学咨询。
5.3 机遇性感染:带状疱疹
在对照临床试验,用NUCALA治疗受试者发生2例严重的带状疱疹不良反应,与之比较安慰剂没有[见不良反应(6.1)]。如医疗上适当用NUCALA开始治疗前考虑水痘疫苗接种。
5.4 皮质激素剂量的减低
用NUCALA治疗开始时不要突然地终止全身或吸入皮质激素。皮质激素剂量中减低,如适当,应逐渐和在医生监督下进行。皮质激素剂量中减低可能伴随全身性撤药症状和/或揭露被以前全身皮质激素治疗抑制的情况。
5.5 寄生虫(蠕虫)感染
在对有些蠕虫感染免疫学反应中可能涉及到嗜酸性。在临床试验中排除有已知寄生虫感染患者参加。不知道NUCALA是否将影响患者对寄生虫感染的反应。用NUCALA开始治疗前治疗有预先存在蠕虫感染的患者。如当接受用NUCALA治疗患者成为被感染和对抗-蠕虫治疗不反应,终止治疗用NUCALA直至感染解决。.
6 不良反应
在其他节更详细描述以下不良反应:
●超敏性反应[见警告和注意事项(5.1)]
●机遇性感染:带状疱疹[见警告和注意事项(5.3)]
6.1 临床试验经验
因为临床试验是在广泛不同情况下进行的,临床试验观察到不良反应率不能与另一种药临床试验发生率直接比较而且可能不反映实践中观察到的发生率。
总共1,327例有哮喘受试者在3项随机化,安慰剂-对照,多中心试验的24至52周时间(试验1,2,和3)被评价。这些中,1,192例在纳入前尽管常规使用高剂量吸入皮质激素加一个另外的控制器在纳入这年前有2或更多加重史(试验1和2),和135例受试者需要每天口服皮质激素除了常规使用高剂量吸入 皮质激素加一个另外控制器维持哮喘控制(试验3)。所有受试者有嗜酸性气道炎症的标志[见临床研究(14)]。被纳入受试者中,59%为女性,85%为白种人,和受试者年龄范围从12至82岁。美泊利单抗被皮下或静脉给予每四周1次;263例受试者接受NUCALA(美泊利单抗100 mg皮下[SC])共至少24周。严重的不良事件发生在多于1例受试者和用NUCALA治疗受试者(n = 263)包括1次事件在一个比安慰剂(n = 257)更大的百分比,带状疱疹(分别2例受试者相比0例受试者)。接受NUCALA约2%受试者由于不良事件从临床试验撤出与之比较接受安慰剂为3%受试者。
在表1中显示在2项验证性疗效和安全性试验(试验2和3)用NUCALA治疗在头24周中不良反应的发生率。
52-周试验
来自试验1用美泊利单抗75 mg静脉(IV)(n = 153)或安慰剂(n = 155)治疗52周不良反应和有大于或等于3%发生率和比安慰剂更常见和表1中未显示为:腹痛,过敏性鼻炎,乏力,支气管炎,膀胱炎,眩晕,呼吸困难,耳感染,胃肠道炎,下呼吸道感染,肌肉骨骼痛,鼻塞,鼻咽炎,恶心,咽炎,发热,皮疹,牙痛,病毒感染,病毒呼吸道感染,和呕吐。此外,在用美泊利单抗75 mg IV治疗受试者发生3例带状疱疹,与之比较安慰剂有2例受试者。
全身性反应,包括超敏性反应
在上述试验1,2,和3,在安慰剂组经受全身性(过敏和非-过敏)反应受试者百分率为7%和接受NUCALA组为10%。在安慰剂组报道全身过敏/超敏性反应2%受试者和接受NUCALA组为1%受试者。在接受NUCALA组报道的全身性过敏/超敏性反应最常见表现包括皮疹,瘙痒,头痛,和肌痛。接受NUCALA组报道全身性非-过敏反应2%受试者和安慰剂组3%受试者。接受NUCALA组报道的最常报道表现的全身性非-过敏反应包括皮疹,脸红,和肌痛。在接受NUCALA(5/7)多数受试者在给药天经受全身性反应。
注射部位反应
用NUCALA治疗受试者8%发生注射部位反应(如,疼痛,红斑,肿胀,痒,烧灼感) ,与之比较用安慰剂治疗受试者为3%。
长期安全性
在正在进行开放延伸研究中998例受试者曽接受NUCALA,在期间曽报道另外带状疱疹病例。总体不良事件图形与上述哮喘试验描述相似。
6.2 免疫原性
总体而言,用NUCALA治疗受试者15/260(6%)发生抗-美泊利单抗抗体。报道频数可能低估与真实频数由于存在高药物浓度中较低分析灵敏度。在1例接受美泊利单抗受试者中检测到中和抗体。抗-美泊利单抗抗体略微增加(约20%)美泊利单抗的清除率。抗-美泊利单抗抗体滴度嗜酸性水平中变化间没有相关的证据。不知道存在抗-美泊利单抗抗体的临床相关性。
数据反映在特异性分析中对患者美泊利单抗抗体测试结果阳性患者的百分率。在一项分析中观察到抗体阳性的发生率是高度依赖于几种因素,包括分析灵敏度和特异性,分析方法学,样品处置,采样时间,同时药物,和所患疾病。
7 药物相互作用
未曽用NUCALA进行正式药物相互作用试验。
8 特殊人群中使用
8.1 妊娠
妊娠暴露注册
有一个妊娠暴露注册监视妇女暴露于NUCALA期间妊娠的妊娠结局。卫生保健提供者可纳入患者或鼓励患者她们通过电话1-877-311-8972或访问www.mothertobaby.org/asthma纳入。
风险总结
来自临床试验对妊娠暴露数据是不够充分不能告知对药物相关风险。单克隆抗体,例如美泊利单抗,当妊娠进展以线性方式跨越胎盘;因此,在第二和第三个妊娠三个月期间可能更大地潜在影响胎儿。在食蟹猴中进行一项围产期发育研究,用美泊利单抗在IV给药妊娠始终在剂量产生暴露至在100 mg SC人最大推荐剂量(MRHD)时暴露约30倍时没有胎儿危害的证据[见数据]。
在美国一般人群,主要出生缺陷和临床上认可妊娠中流产的估算背景风险分别是2%至4%和15%至20%。
临床考虑
疾病-关联母体和/或胚胎-胎儿风险:在有很差地或中度地控制哮喘妇女中,证据显示在母亲中先兆子痫和在新生儿中早熟,低出生体重,和小对妊娠龄风险增加。在妊娠妇女中应严密监视哮喘控制的控制水平和必要时调整治疗维持最适控制。
数据
动物数据:在一项围产期发育研究,从妊娠20至140天食蟹猴接受美泊利单抗剂量产生暴露至用MRHD(在一个AUC基础上用母体IV剂量至100 mg/kg每四周1次)实现达到的约30倍。美泊利单抗不引发对胎儿或生长不良影响(包括免疫功能)至出生后9个月。未进行对内部或骨骼畸形检查。在食蟹猴中美泊利单抗跨越胎盘。在婴儿美泊利单抗的浓度比母体较高是约2.4倍直至产后178天。美泊利单抗在乳汁中的水平是低于或等于0.5%的母体血清浓度。
在一项生育力,早期胚胎,和胚胎-胎儿发育研究,妊娠CD-1小鼠接受一个类似的抗体,它抑制鼠类IL-5的活性,在妊娠始终一个IV剂量50 mg/kg每周1次。这个类似抗体在小鼠中无致畸性。曽报道IL-5–缺乏小鼠胚胎-胎儿发育相对于野生型小鼠一般不受影响。
8.2 哺乳
风险总结
关于在人乳汁美泊利单抗的存在,对哺乳喂养婴儿的影响,或乳汁产生影响没有信息。但是,美泊利单抗是一种人源化单克隆抗体(IgG1 kappa),和免疫球蛋白G(IgG)在人乳汁中存在小量。 妊娠期间给药后食蟹猴产后乳汁中存在美泊利单抗[见特殊人群中使用(8.1)]。哺乳喂养的发育和健康获益应与母亲的对NUCALA临床需求和哺乳喂养婴儿来自美泊利单抗或来自母体所患情况任何潜在不良影响一起考虑。
8.4 儿童使用
尚未确定在儿童患者小于12岁中安全性和疗效。在3期研究中被纳入总共28例年龄12至17岁有 哮喘青少年。这些中,25例被纳入32-周加重试验(试验2)和有均数年龄14.8岁。受试者在以前年尽管常规使用高剂量吸入皮质激素加一种另外的控制器有或无口服皮质激素和有血嗜酸性大于或等于150细胞/µL在筛选时或大于或等于300细胞/µL纳入前12个月内有2或以上加重史[见临床研究(14).]。美泊利单抗有有利趋向加重率有减低受试者。接受美泊利单抗19例青少年中,9例接受NUCALA和这些受试者中均数表观去除率为低于成年35%。在青少年中不良事件图形是一般地与在3期研究中总体人群相似[见不良反应(6.1)]。
8.5 老年人使用
NUCALA临床试验没有包括足够数量接受NUCALA(n = 38)年龄65岁和以上的受试者以确定她们反应是否不同于较年轻受试者。其他报道的临床经验没有确定老年和年轻患者间反应中差别。一般说来,对一位老年患者剂量选择应谨慎,通常开始在给药范围的低端,反映肝,肾,或心功能和同时疾病或其他药物治疗频数较大。根据可得到的数据,在老年患者无需调整NUCALA剂量,但不能除外在有些老年个体更大灵敏度。
10 药物过量
在一项临床试验有嗜酸性疾病曽静脉地给予至受试者单剂量至1,500 mg无剂量相关毒性。
对用美泊利单抗过量没有特异性治疗。如发生过量,应支持地治疗患者当需要时适当监视。
11 一般描述
美泊利单抗[Mepolizumab]是一个人源化IL-5拮抗剂单克隆抗体。美泊利单抗是通过重组DNA技术在中国仓鼠卵巢细胞中生产。美泊利单抗有分子量接近149 kDa。
NUCALA是以一种无菌,白色至灰白色,无防腐剂,冰冻干燥粉为重建后皮下注射供应。用1.2 mL注射用无菌水,USP重建[见剂量和给药方法(2.1)],结果浓度为100 mg/mL和输送1 mL。每个单剂量小瓶输送美泊利单抗100 mg,聚山梨醇80(0.67 mg),磷酸氢二钠七水合物(7.14 mg),和蔗糖(160 mg),有一个pH为7.0。
12 临床药理学
12.1 作用机制
美泊利单抗是一个白介素-5拮抗剂(IgG1 kappa)。IL-5是负责嗜酸性的生长和分化,招募,激活,和生存的主要细胞因子. 美泊利单抗结合至IL-5有一个解离常数100 pM,抑制IL-5的生物活性通过阻断其与表达在嗜酸性细胞表面的IL-5受体复合物α链的结合。哮喘的发病机理中炎症是一个重要组分。在炎症中涉及多种细胞类型(如,肥大细胞,嗜酸性,嗜中性,巨噬细胞,淋巴细胞)和介质(如,组织胺,花生酸类,白三烯类,细胞因子)。美泊利单抗,通过抑制IL-5信号,减低嗜酸性的产生和生存;但是,尚未确定性地确定美泊利单抗在哮喘中作用。
12.2 药效动力学
在有哮喘和血嗜酸性水平大于200细胞/µL受试者中皮下或静脉重复给予美泊利单抗剂量后在评价药效动力学反应(血嗜酸性减低)。接受剂量之一剂量美泊利单抗治疗受试者(给予每28天总共3 剂):12.5 mg SC,125 mg SC,250 mg SC,或75 mg IV。66/70例随机化受试者完成试验。与基线水平比较,血嗜酸性以剂量-依赖方式减低。至第3天所有在治疗组观察到血嗜酸性水平中减低。在第84天(末次剂量后4周),在12.5-mg SC,75-mg IV,125-mg SC,和250-mg SC治疗组血嗜酸性观察的几何均数从基线分别减低为64%,78%,84%,和90%。在第84天模型预测的SC剂量提供血嗜酸性最大减低的50%和90%被估计分别将是11和99 mg。这些结果,与来自剂量范围加重试验(试验1) 临床疗效数据一起支持美泊利单抗75 mg IV和100 mg SC在验证性试验的评价[见临床研究(14)]。美泊利单抗100 mg每4周共32周(试验2) SC给予后,血嗜酸性减低至几何均数计数40细胞/µL,它相当于用安慰剂比较84%几何均数减低。治疗的4周内减低的大小和治疗期间始终维持。
12.3 药代动力学
在有哮喘受试者中皮下给药后,跨越剂量范围12.5至250 mg美泊利单抗表现出接近剂量-正比例药代动力学.
吸收
有哮喘受试者的上臂100-mg SC给药后,美泊利单抗的生物利用度被估算是约80%。
每四周1次重复SC给药后,在稳态时积蓄是接近2-倍。
分布
对一例70-kg个体美泊利单抗在有哮喘患者的群体中央室分布容积被估算是3.6 L。
代谢
美泊利单抗是一种人源化IgG1单克隆抗体被机体内广泛分布和不限在肝组织的蛋白水解酶降解。
消除
美泊利单抗的SC给药后,均数末端半衰期(t1/2)范围从16至22天。在有哮喘患者中估算的美泊利单抗群体表观全身清除率对70-kg个体将是0.28 L/day。
特殊人群
种族和性别:一线群体药代动力学分析表明种族和性别对美泊利单抗清除率无现在影响。
年龄:一项受试者范围年龄从12至82岁群体药代动力学分析表明年龄对美泊利单抗清除率无显著影响。
肾受损:未进行临床试验研究肾受损对美泊利单抗药代动力学的影响。根据群体药代动力学 分析,受试者有肌酐清除率值50和80 mL/min和与正常肾功能患者间美泊利单抗清除率是有可比性。有肌酐清除率值低于50 mL/min受试者可得到的数据有限;但是,美泊利单抗不是肾清除。
肝受损:未进行临床试验研究肝受损对美泊利单抗药代动力学的影响。因为美泊利单抗被广泛分布,不限于肝组织的蛋白水解酶降解,肝功能中变化是可能每月对美泊利单抗消除有任何影响。
药物-药物相互作用:未曾用NUCALA进行正式的药物相互作用研究。在3期研究的群体药代动力学分析,没有常见的共同给药小分子药物对美泊利单抗暴露影响的证据。
13 非临床毒理学
13.1 癌发生,突变发生,生育力受损
未曾进行长期动物研究评价美泊利单抗的致癌性潜能。发表的文献利用动物模型提示IL-5和嗜酸性是肿瘤发生部位早期炎症反应的一部分和可促进肿瘤排斥。但是,其他报告表明嗜酸性浸润至肿瘤可能促进肿瘤生长。因此,不知道一个对IL-5抗体例如美泊利单抗在人中恶性化的风险。
雄性和雌性生育力是不受影响根据来自食蟹猴用美泊利单抗治疗共6个月在IV 剂量至100 mg/kg每四周1次(在AUC基础上约MRHD的70倍)在生殖器官中无不良组织病理学发现。在雄性和雌性CD-1小鼠中用一种类似抗体处理,它在一个IV剂量50 mg/kg每周1次抑制鼠类IL-5的活性。 交配和生殖行为不受影响。
14 临床研究
对NUCALA哮喘开发计划包括3项双盲,随机化,安慰剂-对照试验:1项剂量-范围和加重试验(试验1)和2验证性试验(试验2和3)。在所有3项试验美泊利单抗被给予每4周作为添加至背景治疗。试验时间始终所有受试者继续他们的背景哮喘治疗。
剂量范围和加重试验
试验1是一项52-周剂量范围和加重-减轻试验在有哮喘受试者with a history of 2或更多加重在以前年尽管常规使用高剂量吸入皮质激素加一个另外的控制器有或无口服皮质激素。在本试验中被纳入受试者被要求在以前12个月有至少有以下4个预先指定标准之一:血嗜酸性计数大于或等于300细胞/µL,痰嗜酸性计数大于或等于3%,呼出气一氧化氮浓度大于或等于50 ppb,或在常规维持吸入皮质激素/口服皮质激素减低低于或等于25%后哮喘控制的恶化。评价三个IV 剂量美泊利单抗(75,250,和750 mg)给予每四周1次与安慰剂.结果从本试验比较和药效动力学研究支持美泊利单抗75 mg IV和在随后试验100 mg SC的评价[见临床药理学(12.2)]。NUCALA是不适用为IV使用和只应通过SC途径给予。
验证性试验
在2项验证性试验(试验2和3)总共研究711例有哮喘受试者。在这些2项试验受试者被要求在筛选时有血嗜酸性大于或等于150细胞/µL(给药的6周内)或纳入12个月内血嗜酸性大于或等于300细胞/µL。筛选血嗜酸性大于或等于150细胞/µL标准是从试验1数据的探索性分析得出 。试验2是一项32-周安慰剂-和阳性-对照试验在以前年尽管常规使用高剂量吸入 皮质激素加一个另外的控制器有或无口服皮质激素有哮喘受试者有2或更多加重史。受试者接受美泊利单抗 75 mg IV(n = 191),NUCALA(n = 194),或安慰剂(n = 191)每四周1次共32周。
试验3是一项24-周口服皮质激素-减低试验在有哮喘受试者要求每天口服皮质激素除了常规使用高剂量吸入皮质激素加一个另外的控制器维持哮喘控制。在试验3中受试者是不要求在以前年有加重病史。受试者接受NUCALA(n = 69)或安慰剂(n = 66)每四周1次共24周。在2个治疗组基线均数口服皮质激素使用相似:在安慰剂组13.2 mg和在接受NUCALA组12.4 mg。
在表2中提供这些3项试验的人口统计指标和基线特征。
加重
对试验1和2主要终点是加重的频数被定义为哮喘的恶化要求口服/全身皮质激素的使用和/或住院和/或急诊就诊。对用维持口服皮质激素受试者,一个加重要求口服皮质激素是被定义为口服/全身皮质激素的使用至少加倍现有的剂量共至少3天。与安慰剂比较,接受NUCALA或美泊利单抗75 mg IV受试者经受显著地较少加重。此外,与安慰剂比较,有较少加重要求住院和/或急诊就诊和加重要求只有住院-患者用NUCALA(表3)。
在试验2中与安慰剂比较,对接受NUCALA和美泊利单抗75 mg IV各组至首次加重时间较长(图1)。
图1. 对至首次加重时间Kaplan-Meier累计发生率曲线(试验2)
试验1数据被开拓以确定能够分辨很可能从用NUCALA治疗获益受试者的标准。开拓性分析提示基线血嗜酸性计数150细胞/µL或更大是一个潜在治疗获益的预测指标。试验2数据的开拓性分析也提示基线血嗜酸性计数(从给药开始6周内得到)150细胞/µL或更大是疗效的潜在预测指标和随着增加血嗜酸性计数显示更大加重获益的趋势。在试验2中,被纳入受试者仅凭在过去12个月历史性血嗜酸性计数300细胞/µL或更大的基础上,但用NUCALA治疗后有一个基线血嗜酸性计数低于150细胞/µL患者与安慰剂比较有事实上无加重获益。
在试验1和2评估哮喘控制问卷5(ACQ-5),和在试验2中评估St. Georges呼吸问卷(SGRQ)。在试验1中,ACQ-5反应者率(被定义为在评分0.5或更大变化为阈值)对75-mg IV美泊利单抗臂为47%与对安慰剂50%比较与成败优势比[odds ratio]1.1(95% CI:0.7,1.7)。在试验2中,对NUCALA治疗臂ACQ-5反应者率为57%与对安慰剂45%比较成败优势比1.8(95% CI:1.2,2.8)。在试验2中,SGRQ反应者率(被定义为评分4或以上变化为阈值)对NUCALA治疗臂为71%与对安慰剂55%比较与成败优势比2.1(95% CI:1.3,3.2)。
口服皮质激素减低
试验3评价NUCALA对减低维持口服皮质激素的使用的影响。主要终点周20至24期间,同时维持哮喘控制与基线剂量比较口服皮质激素剂量减低的百分率。受试者按照他们试验期间口服皮质激素使用中变化被分类如下:减低90%至100%,减低75%至<90%,减低50%至<75%,减低>0%至 <50%,和无改善(即,无变化或任何增加或缺乏哮喘控制或治疗撤去)。与安慰剂比较,接受NUCALA受试者每天的维持口服皮质激素 剂量实现较大减低,同时维持哮喘控制。接受NUCALA组16例(23%)受试者相比在安慰剂组7例(11%)有在他们的口服皮质激素剂量一个90%至100%减低。接受NUCALA组中25例(36%)受试者相比安慰剂组 37(56%)被分类为对口服皮质激素剂量没有改进。此外,用NUCALA治疗受试者54%实现每天泼尼松剂量至少减低50%与之比较用安慰剂治疗受试者有33% (差别的95% CI:4%,37%)。在试验3中29例受试者有一个平均基线和筛选血嗜酸性计数低于150细胞/µL的亚组也进行一个开拓性分析,接受NUCALA组5例(29%)受试者相比安慰剂组0(0%)他们的剂量有一个90%至100%减低。接受NUCALA组4例(24%)相比安慰剂组8例(67%)受试者被分类为对口服皮质激素剂量无改进。在试验3中也评估ACQ和SGRQ和显示与试验2中相似结果。
肺功能
表4中展示在所有3项试验均数1秒内用力呼吸量(FEV1)被测量从基线变化。与安慰剂比较,NUCALA没有提供FEV1中从基线均数变化的一致恒定的改善。
在一项12-周,安慰剂-对照试验纳入有哮喘患者用一个中等剂量的吸入皮质激素有症状和肺功能损伤的证据还研究美泊利单抗对肺功能的影响。纳入是不依赖于加重史或一个预先指定的嗜酸性计数。在周12时在美泊利单抗 治疗组比安慰剂组FEV1中从基线变化数字上较低。
16 如何供应/贮存和处置
NUCALA以无菌,无防腐剂,冰冻干燥粉为重建和皮下注射给予在1个单次剂量玻璃小瓶纸箱和翻转密封中供应。小瓶塞子不是用天然橡胶乳胶制造。NUCALA可得到为:
100-mg单剂量小瓶(NDC 0173-0881-01).
贮存在25°C(77°F)以下。不要冻结。贮存在原始包装避光保护。
17 患者咨询资料
忠告患者阅读FDA-批准的患者说明书(患者资料)。
超敏性反应
告知患者NUCALA给予后曽发生超敏性反应(如,血管水肿,支气管痉挛,高血压,荨麻疹,皮疹)。指导患者如这类反应发生时联系他们的医生。
不为急性症状或疾病恶化
告知患者NUCALA不治疗急性哮喘症状或急性加重。告知患者如他们的 哮喘仍未控制或用NUCALA开始治疗后恶化寻求医学咨询.
机遇性感染:带状疱疹
告知患者接受NUCALA患者曽发生带状疱疹感染和其医药上适当,告知患者开始用NUCALA治疗前应考虑水痘疫苗接种。
皮质激素剂量的减低
告知患者不要终止全身或吸入皮质激素除了在医生的直接监督下。告知患者皮质激素剂量中减低可能伴随全身撤药症状和/或 露被以前全身皮质激素治疗抑制的情况。
Nucala
Generic Name: mepolizumab
Dosage Form: injection, powder, for solution
Indications and Usage for NucalaMaintenance Treatment of Severe Asthma
Nucala is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of patients with severe asthma aged 12 years and older, and with an eosinophilic phenotype [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Limitation of Use
Nucala is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus.
1.2 Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Nucala is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).
Nucala Dosage and Administration
Nucala is for subcutaneous (SC) use only.
Severe Asthma
The recommended dosage of Nucala is 100 mg administered once every 4 weeks by SC injection into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen.
2.2 Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
The recommended dosage of Nucala is 300 mg administered once every 4 weeks by SC injection as 3 separate 100-mg injections into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. It is recommended that the individual 100-mg injections be administered at least 5 cm (approximately 2 inches) apart if more than 1 injection is administered at the same site.
Preparation of the 300-mg dose for treatment of EGPA requires the reconstitution of 3 separate 100-mg vials as described below [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Preparation and Administration
Nucala should be reconstituted and administered by a healthcare professional. In line with clinical practice, monitoring of patients after administration of biologic agents is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Reconstitution Instructions
1.
Reconstitute Nucala in the vial with 1.2 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP, preferably using a 2- or 3-mL syringe and a 21-gauge needle. The reconstituted solution will contain a concentration of 100 mg/mL mepolizumab. Do not mix with other medications.
2.
Direct the stream of Sterile Water for Injection vertically onto the center of the lyophilized cake. Gently swirl the vial for 10 seconds with a circular motion at 15-second intervals until the powder is dissolved.
Note: Do not shake the reconstituted solution during the procedure as this may lead to product foaming or precipitation. Reconstitution is typically complete within 5 minutes after the Sterile Water for Injection has been added, but it may take additional time.
3.
If a mechanical reconstitution device (swirler) is used to reconstitute Nucala, swirl at 450 rpm for no longer than 10 minutes. Alternatively, swirling at 1,000 rpm for no longer than 5 minutes is acceptable.
4.
Visually inspect the reconstituted solution for particulate matter and clarity before use. The solution should be clear to opalescent and colorless to pale yellow or pale brown, essentially particle free. Small air bubbles, however, are expected and acceptable. If particulate matter remains in the solution or if the solution appears cloudy or milky, the solution must not be administered.
5.
If the reconstituted solution is not used immediately:
•
store below 30°C (86°F),
•
do not freeze, and
•
discard if not used within 8 hours of reconstitution.
Administration
1.
For SC administration, preferably using a 1-mL polypropylene syringe fitted with a disposable 21- to 27-gauge x 0.5-inch (13-mm) needle.
2.
Just before administration, remove 1 mL of reconstituted Nucala. Do not shake the reconstituted solution during the procedure as this could lead to product foaming or precipitation.
3.
Administer the 1-mL injection (equivalent to 100 mg of mepolizumab) subcutaneously into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
For injection: 100 mg of lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution.
Contraindications
Nucala should not be administered to patients with a history of hypersensitivity to mepolizumab or excipients in the formulation.
Warnings and PrecautionsHypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, bronchospasm, hypotension, urticaria, rash) have occurred following administration of Nucala. These reactions generally occur within hours of administration, but in some instances can have a delayed onset (i.e., days). In the event of a hypersensitivity reaction, Nucala should be discontinued [see Contraindications (4)].
Acute Asthma Symptoms or Deteriorating Disease
Nucala should not be used to treat acute asthma symptoms or acute exacerbations. Do not use Nucala to treat acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. Patients should seek medical advice if their asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens after initiation of treatment with Nucala.
Opportunistic Infections: Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster has occurred in subjects receiving Nucala 100 mg in controlled clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Consider vaccination if medically appropriate.
Reduction of Corticosteroid Dosage
Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) abruptly upon initiation of therapy with Nucala. Reductions in corticosteroid dosage, if appropriate, should be gradual and performed under the direct supervision of a physician. Reduction in corticosteroid dosage may be associated with systemic withdrawal symptoms and/or unmask conditions previously suppressed by systemic corticosteroid therapy.
Parasitic (Helminth) Infection
Eosinophils may be involved in the immunological response to some helminth infections. Patients with known parasitic infections were excluded from participation in clinical trials. It is unknown if Nucala will influence a patient’s response against parasitic infections. Treat patients with pre-existing helminth infections before initiating therapy with Nucala. If patients become infected while receiving treatment with Nucala and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, discontinue treatment with Nucala until infection resolves.
Adverse Reactions
The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections:
•
Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
•
Opportunistic infections: herpes zoster [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Clinical Trials Experience in Severe Asthma
A total of 1,327 subjects with asthma were evaluated in 3 randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials of 24 to 52 weeks’ duration (Trials 1, 2, and 3). Of these, 1,192 had a history of 2 or more exacerbations in the year prior to enrollment despite regular use of high-dose ICS plus additional controller(s) (Trials 1 and 2), and 135 subjects required daily oral corticosteroids (OCS) in addition to regular use of high-dose ICS plus additional controller(s) to maintain asthma control (Trial 3). All subjects had markers of eosinophilic airway inflammation [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. Of the subjects enrolled, 59% were female, 85% were white, and ages ranged from 12 to 82 years. Mepolizumab was administered subcutaneously or intravenously once every 4 weeks; 263 subjects received Nucala (mepolizumab 100 mg SC) for at least 24 weeks. Serious adverse events that occurred in more than 1 subject and in a greater percentage of subjects receiving Nucala 100 mg (n = 263) than placebo (n = 257) included 1 event, herpes zoster (2 subjects vs. 0 subjects, respectively). Approximately 2% of subjects receiving Nucala 100 mg withdrew from clinical trials due to adverse events compared with 3% of subjects receiving placebo.
The incidence of adverse reactions in the first 24 weeks of treatment in the 2 confirmatory efficacy and safety trials (Trials 2 and 3) with Nucala 100 mg is shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Adverse Reactions with Nucala with ≥3% Incidence and More Common than Placebo in Subjects with Asthma (Trials 2 and 3)
Adverse Reaction |
Nucala (Mepolizumab 100 mg Subcutaneous) (n = 263) % |
Placebo (n = 257) % |
Headache |
19 |
18 |
Injection site reaction |
8 |
3 |
Back pain |
5 |
4 |
Fatigue |
5 |
4 |
Influenza |
3 |
2 |
Urinary tract infection |
3 |
2 |
Abdominal pain upper |
3 |
2 |
Pruritus |
3 |
2 |
Eczema |
3 |
<1 |
Muscle spasms |
3 |
<1 |
52-Week Trial
Adverse reactions from Trial 1 with 52 weeks of treatment with mepolizumab 75 mg intravenous (IV) (n = 153) or placebo (n = 155) and with ≥3% incidence and more common than placebo and not shown in Table 1 were: abdominal pain, allergic rhinitis, asthenia, bronchitis, cystitis, dizziness, dyspnea, ear infection, gastroenteritis, lower respiratory tract infection, musculoskeletal pain, nasal congestion, nasopharyngitis, nausea, pharyngitis, pyrexia, rash, toothache, viral infection, viral respiratory tract infection, and vomiting. In addition, 3 cases of herpes zoster occurred in subjects receiving mepolizumab 75 mg IV compared with 2 subjects in the placebo group.
Systemic Reactions, including Hypersensitivity Reactions
In Trials 1, 2, and 3 described above, the percentage of subjects who experienced systemic (allergic and non-allergic) reactions was 5% in the placebo group and 3% in the group receiving Nucala 100 mg. Systemic allergic/hypersensitivity reactions were reported by 2% of subjects in the placebo group and 1% of subjects in the group receiving Nucala 100 mg. The most commonly reported manifestations of systemic allergic/hypersensitivity reactions reported in the group receiving Nucala 100 mg included rash, pruritus, headache, and myalgia. Systemic non-allergic reactions were reported by 2% of subjects in the group receiving Nucala 100 mg and 3% of subjects in the placebo group. The most commonly reported manifestations of systemic non-allergic reactions reported in the group receiving Nucala 100 mg included rash, flushing, and myalgia. A majority of the systemic reactions in subjects receiving Nucala 100 mg (5/7) were experienced on the day of dosing.
Injection Site Reactions
Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, erythema, swelling, itching, burning sensation) occurred at a rate of 8% in subjects receiving Nucala 100 mg compared with 3% in subjects receiving placebo.
Long-term Safety
Nine hundred ninety-eight subjects received Nucala 100 mg in ongoing open-label extension studies, during which additional cases of herpes zoster were reported. The overall adverse event profile has been similar to the asthma trials described above.
Clinical Trials Experience in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
A total of 136 subjects with EGPA were evaluated in 1 randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter, 52-week treatment trial. Subjects received 300 mg of Nucala or placebo subcutaneously once every 4 weeks. Subjects enrolled had a diagnosis of EGPA for at least 6 months prior to enrollment with a history of relapsing or refractory disease and were on a stable dosage of oral prednisolone or prednisone of greater than or equal to 7.5 mg/day (but not greater than 50 mg/day) for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. Of the subjects enrolled, 59% were female, 92% were white, and ages ranged from 20 to 71 years. No additional adverse reactions were identified to those reported in the severe asthma trials.
Systemic Reactions, including Hypersensitivity Reactions
In the 52-week trial, the percentage of subjects who experienced systemic (allergic and nonallergic) reactions was 1% in the placebo group and 6% in the group receiving 300 mg of Nucala. Systemic allergic/hypersensitivity reactions were reported by 1% of subjects in the placebo group and 4% of subjects in the group receiving 300 mg of Nucala. The manifestations of systemic allergic/hypersensitivity reactions reported in the group receiving 300 mg of Nucala included rash, pruritus, flushing, fatigue, hypertension, warm sensation in trunk and neck, cold extremities, dyspnea, and stridor. Systemic non-allergic reactions were reported by 1 (1%) subject in the group receiving 300 mg of Nucala and no subjects in the placebo group. The reported manifestation of systemic non-allergic reactions reported in the group receiving 300 mg of Nucala was angioedema. Half of the systemic reactions in subjects receiving 300 mg of Nucala (2/4) were experienced on the day of dosing.
Injection Site Reactions
Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, erythema, swelling) occurred at a rate of 15% in subjects receiving Nucala compared with 13% in subjects receiving placebo.
Immunogenicity
In subjects with asthma receiving Nucala 100 mg, 15/260 (6%) developed anti-mepolizumab antibodies. Neutralizing antibodies were detected in 1 subject with asthma receiving Nucala 100 mg. Anti-mepolizumab antibodies slightly increased (approximately 20%) the clearance of mepolizumab. There was no evidence of a correlation between anti-mepolizumab antibody titers and change in eosinophil level. The clinical relevance of the presence of anti-mepolizumab antibodies is not known.
In subjects with EGPA receiving 300 mg of Nucala, 1/68 (<2%) had detectable anti-mepolizumab antibodies. No neutralizing antibodies were detected in any subjects with EGPA.
The reported frequency of anti-mepolizumab antibodies may underestimate the actual frequency due to lower assay sensitivity in the presence of high drug concentration. The data reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were positive for antibodies to mepolizumab in specific assays. The observed incidence of antibody positivity in an assay is highly dependent on several factors, including assay sensitivity and specificity, assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease.
Postmarketing Experience
In addition to adverse reactions reported from clinical trials, the following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of Nucala. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to either their seriousness, frequency of reporting, or causal connection to Nucala or a combination of these factors.
Immune System Disorders
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Drug Interactions
Formal drug interaction trials have not been performed with Nucala.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONSPregnancy
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women with asthma exposed to Nucala during pregnancy. Healthcare providers can enroll patients or encourage patients to enroll themselves by calling 1-877-311-8972 or visiting www.mothertobaby.org/asthma.
Risk Summary
The data on pregnancy exposure are insufficient to inform on drug-associated risk. Monoclonal antibodies, such as mepolizumab, are transported across the placenta in a linear fashion as pregnancy progresses; therefore, potential effects on a fetus are likely to be greater during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. In a prenatal and postnatal development study conducted in cynomolgus monkeys, there was no evidence of fetal harm with IV administration of mepolizumab throughout pregnancy at doses that produced exposures up to approximately 9 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 300 mg SC (see Data).
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryofetal Risk: In women with poorly or moderately controlled asthma, evidence demonstrates that there is an increased risk of preeclampsia in the mother and prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in the neonate. The level of asthma control should be closely monitored in pregnant women and treatment adjusted as necessary to maintain optimal control.
Data
Animal Data: In a prenatal and postnatal development study, pregnant cynomolgus monkeys received mepolizumab from gestation Days 20 to 140 at doses that produced exposures up to approximately 9 times that achieved with the MRHD (on an AUC basis with maternal IV doses up to 100 mg/kg once every 4 weeks). Mepolizumab did not elicit adverse effects on fetal or neonatal growth (including immune function) up to 9 months after birth. Examinations for internal or skeletal malformations were not performed. Mepolizumab crossed the placenta in cynomolgus monkeys. Concentrations of mepolizumab were approximately 2.4 times higher in infants than in mothers up to Day 178 postpartum. Levels of mepolizumab in milk were ≤0.5% of maternal serum concentration.
In a fertility, early embryonic, and embryofetal development study, pregnant CD-1 mice received an analogous antibody, which inhibits the activity of murine interleukin-5 (IL-5), at an IV dose of 50 mg/kg once per week throughout gestation. The analogous antibody was not teratogenic in mice. Embryofetal development of IL-5–deficient mice has been reported to be generally unaffected relative to wild-type mice.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There is no information regarding the presence of mepolizumab in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. However, mepolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG1 kappa), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) is present in human milk in small amounts. Mepolizumab was present in the milk of cynomolgus monkeys postpartum following dosing during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Nucala and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from mepolizumab or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
The safety and efficacy in pediatric patients younger than 12 years with asthma have not been established. A total of 28 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with asthma were enrolled in the Phase 3 asthma studies. Of these, 25 were enrolled in the 32-week exacerbation trial (Trial 2) and had a mean age of 14.8 years. Subjects had a history of 2 or more exacerbations in the previous year despite regular use of high-dose ICS plus additional controller(s) with or without OCS and had blood eosinophils of ≥150 cells/mcL at screening or ≥300 cells/mcL within 12 months prior to enrollment. [See Clinical Studies (14.1).] Subjects had a reduction in the rate of exacerbations that trended in favor of mepolizumab. Of the 19 adolescents who received mepolizumab, 9 received Nucala 100 mg and the mean apparent clearance in these subjects was 35% less than that of adults. The adverse event profile in adolescents was generally similar to the overall population in the Phase 3 studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
The safety and efficacy in pediatric patients other than those with asthma have not been established.
Geriatric Use
Clinical trials of Nucala did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and older that received Nucala (n = 46) to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Based on available data, no adjustment of the dosage of Nucala in geriatric patients is necessary, but greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Overdosage
Single doses of up to 1,500 mg have been administered intravenously to subjects in a clinical trial with eosinophilic disease without evidence of dose-related toxicities.
There is no specific treatment for an overdose with mepolizumab. If overdose occurs, the patient should be treated supportively with appropriate monitoring as necessary.
Nucala Description
Mepolizumab is a humanized IL-5 antagonist monoclonal antibody. Mepolizumab is produced by recombinant DNA technology in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Mepolizumab has a molecular weight of approximately 149 kDa.
Nucala is supplied as a sterile, white to off-white, preservative-free, lyophilized powder for SC injection after reconstitution. Upon reconstitution with 1.2 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)], the resulting concentration is 100 mg/mL and delivers 1 mL. Each single-dose vial delivers mepolizumab 100 mg, polysorbate 80 (0.67 mg), sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate (7.14 mg), and sucrose (160 mg), with a pH of 7.0.
Nucala - Clinical PharmacologyMechanism of Action
Mepolizumab is an IL-5 antagonist (IgG1 kappa). IL-5 is the major cytokine responsible for the growth and differentiation, recruitment, activation, and survival of eosinophils. Mepolizumab binds to IL-5 with a dissociation constant of 100 pM, inhibiting the bioactivity of IL-5 by blocking its binding to the alpha chain of the IL-5 receptor complex expressed on the eosinophil cell surface. Inflammation is an important component in the pathogenesis of asthma and EGPA. Multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, cytokines) are involved in inflammation. Mepolizumab, by inhibiting IL-5 signaling, reduces the production and survival of eosinophils; however, the mechanism of mepolizumab action in asthma and EGPA has not been definitively established.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic response (blood eosinophil reduction) following repeat doses of mepolizumab administered subcutaneously or intravenously was evaluated in subjects with asthma and blood eosinophil levels >200 cells/mcL. Subjects received 1 of 4 mepolizumab treatments (administered every 28 days for a total of 3 doses): 12.5 mg SC, 125 mg SC, 250 mg SC, or 75 mg IV. Sixty-six of the 70 randomized subjects completed the trial. Compared with baseline levels, blood eosinophils decreased in a dose-dependent manner. A reduction in blood eosinophil levels was observed in all treatment groups by Day 3. On Day 84 (4 weeks post-last dose), the observed geometric mean reduction from baseline in blood eosinophils was 64%, 78%, 84%, and 90% in the 12.5-mg SC, 75-mg IV, 125-mg SC, and 250-mg SC treatment groups, respectively. The model-predicted SC doses providing 50% and 90% of maximal reduction of blood eosinophils at Day 84 were estimated to be 11 and 99 mg, respectively. These results, along with the clinical efficacy data from the dose-ranging exacerbation trial in subjects with asthma (Trial 1) supported the evaluation of mepolizumab 75 mg IV and 100 mg SC in the confirmatory asthma trials [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. Following SC administration of mepolizumab 100 mg every 4 weeks for 32 weeks in subjects with asthma (Trial 2), blood eosinophils were reduced to a geometric mean count of 40 cells/mcL, which corresponds to a geometric mean reduction of 84% compared with placebo. This magnitude of reduction was observed within 4 weeks of treatment and was maintained throughout the treatment period.
Following SC administration of mepolizumab 300 mg every 4 weeks for 52 weeks in subjects with EGPA, blood eosinophils were reduced to a geometric mean count of 38 cells/mcL. There was a geometric mean reduction of 83% compared with placebo and this magnitude of reduction was observed within 4 weeks of treatment [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Pharmacokinetics
Following SC dosing in subjects with asthma, mepolizumab exhibited approximately doseproportional pharmacokinetics over a dose range of 12.5 to 250 mg. The pharmacokinetic properties of mepolizumab observed in subjects with EGPA were similar to the pharmacokinetic properties observed in subjects with severe asthma.
Systemic exposure following administration of mepolizumab 300 mg subcutaneously in subjects with EGPA was approximately 3 times that of mepolizumab 100 mg administered subcutaneously in subjects with severe asthma (Trial 2).
Absorption
Following 100-mg SC administration in the upper arm of subjects with asthma, the bioavailability of mepolizumab was estimated to be approximately 80%.
Following repeat SC administration once every 4 weeks, there was approximately a 2-fold accumulation at steady state.
Distribution
The population central volume of distribution of mepolizumab in patients with asthma is estimated to be 3.6 L for a 70kg individual.
Metabolism
Mepolizumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that is degraded by proteolytic enzymes widely distributed in the body and not restricted to hepatic tissue.
Elimination
Following SC administration of mepolizumab, the mean terminal half-life (t1/2) ranged from 16 to 22 days. The population apparent systemic clearance of mepolizumab in patients with asthma is estimated to be 0.28 L/day for a 70-kg individual.
Specific Populations
Racial Groups and Male and Female Patients: Population pharmacokinetics analyses indicated there was no significant effect of race and gender on mepolizumab clearance.
Age: Population pharmacokinetics analyses indicated there was no significant effect of age on mepolizumab clearance.
Patients with Renal Impairment: No clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of mepolizumab. Based on population pharmacokinetic analyses, mepolizumab clearance was comparable between subjects with creatinine clearance values between 50 and 80 mL/min and patients with normal renal function. There are limited data available in subjects with creatinine clearance values <50 mL/min; however, mepolizumab is not cleared renally.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment: No clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of mepolizumab. Since mepolizumab is degraded by widely distributed proteolytic enzymes, not restricted to hepatic tissue, changes in hepatic function are unlikely to have any effect on the elimination of mepolizumab.
Drug Interaction Studies
No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with Nucala. In population pharmacokinetics analyses of Phase 3 studies, there was no evidence of an effect of commonly coadministered small molecule drugs on mepolizumab exposure.
Nonclinical ToxicologyCarcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of mepolizumab. Published literature using animal models suggests that IL-5 and eosinophils are part of an early inflammatory reaction at the site of tumorigenesis and can promote tumor rejection. However, other reports indicate that eosinophil infiltration into tumors can promote tumor growth. Therefore, the malignancy risk in humans from an antibody to IL-5 such as mepolizumab is unknown.
Male and female fertility were unaffected based upon no adverse histopathological findings in the reproductive organs from cynomolgus monkeys receiving mepolizumab for 6 months at IV dosages up to 100 mg/kg once every 4 weeks (approximately 20 times the MRHD of 300 mg on an AUC basis). Mating and reproductive performance were unaffected in male and female CD-1 mice receiving an analogous antibody, which inhibits the activity of murine IL-5, at an IV dosage of 50 mg/kg once per week.
Clinical StudiesSevere Asthma
The asthma development program for Nucala included 3 double-blind, randomized, placebocontrolled trials: 1 dose-ranging and exacerbation trial (Trial 1, NCT #01000506) and 2 confirmatory trials (Trial 2, NCT #01691521 and Trial 3, NCT #01691508). Mepolizumab was administered every 4 weeks in all 3 trials as add-on to background treatment. All subjects continued their background asthma therapy throughout the duration of the trials.
Dose-Ranging and Exacerbation Trial
Trial 1 was a 52-week dose-ranging and exacerbation-reduction trial in subjects with asthma with a history of 2 or more exacerbations in the previous year despite regular use of high-dose ICS plus additional controller(s) with or without OCS. Subjects enrolled in this trial were required to have at least 1 of the following 4 pre-specified criteria in the previous 12 months: blood eosinophil count ≥300 cells/mcL, sputum eosinophil count ≥3%, exhaled nitric oxide concentration ≥50 ppb, or deterioration of asthma control after ≤25% reduction in regular maintenance ICS/OCS. Three IV dosages of mepolizumab (75, 250, and 750 mg) administered once every 4 weeks were evaluated compared with placebo. Results from this trial and the pharmacodynamic study supported the evaluation of mepolizumab 75 mg IV and 100 mg SC in the subsequent trials [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. Nucala is not indicated for IV use and should only be administered by the SC route.
Confirmatory Trials
A total of 711 subjects with asthma were studied in the 2 confirmatory trials (Trials 2 and 3). In these 2 trials subjects were required to have blood eosinophils of ≥150 cells/mcL at screening (within 6 weeks of dosing) or blood eosinophils of ≥300 cells/mcL within 12 months of enrollment. The screening blood eosinophils of ≥150 cells/mcL criterion was derived from exploratory analyses of data from Trial 1. Trial 2 was a 32-week placebo- and active-controlled trial in subjects with asthma with a history of 2 or more exacerbations in the previous year despite regular use of high-dose ICS plus additional controller(s) with or without OCS. Subjects received mepolizumab 75 mg IV (n = 191), Nucala 100 mg (n = 194), or placebo (n = 191) once every 4 weeks for 32 weeks.
Trial 3 was a 24-week OCS-reduction trial in subjects with asthma who required daily OCS in addition to regular use of high-dose ICS plus additional controller(s) to maintain asthma control. Subjects in Trial 3 were not required to have a history of exacerbations in the previous year. Subjects received Nucala 100 mg (n = 69) or placebo (n = 66) once every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. The baseline mean OCS use was similar in the 2 treatment groups: 13.2 mg in the placebo group and 12.4 mg in the group receiving Nucala 100 mg.
The demographics and baseline characteristics of these 3 trials are provided in Table 2.
Table 2. Demographics and Baseline Characteristics of Asthma Trials
|
Trial 1 (N = 616) |
Trial 2 (N = 576) |
Trial 3 (N = 135) |
Mean age (y) |
49 |
50 |
50 |
Female, n (%) |
387 (63) |
328 (57) |
74 (55) |
White, n (%) |
554 (90) |
450 (78) |
128 (95) |
Duration of asthma, mean (y) |
19 |
20 |
19 |
Never smoked, n (%) |
483 (78) |
417 (72) |
82 (61) |
Baseline FEV1, L |
1.88 |
1.82 |
1.95 |
Baseline % predicted FEV1 |
60 |
61 |
59 |
Baseline % reversibility |
25 |
27 |
26 |
Baseline post-SABA FEV1/FVC |
0.67 |
0.66 |
0.66 |
Geometric mean eosinophil count at baseline, cells/mcL |
250 |
290 |
240 |
Mean number of exacerbations in previous year |
3.6 |
3.6 |
3.1 |
FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in 1 second, SABA = short-acting beta2-agonist, FVC = forced vital capacity.
Exacerbations
The primary endpoint for Trials 1 and 2 was the frequency of exacerbations defined as worsening of asthma requiring use of oral/systemic corticosteroids and/or hospitalization and/or emergency department visits. For subjects on maintenance OCS, an exacerbation requiring OCS was defined as the use of oral/systemic corticosteroids at least double the existing dose for at least 3 days. Compared with placebo, subjects receiving Nucala 100 mg or mepolizumab 75 mg IV experienced significantly fewer exacerbations. Additionally, compared with placebo, there were fewer exacerbations requiring hospitalization and/or emergency department visits and exacerbations requiring only in-patient hospitalization with Nucala 100 mg (Table 3).
Table 3. Rate of Exacerbations in Asthma Trials 1 and 2 (Intent-to-Treat Population)
Trial |
Treatment |
Exacerbations per Year |
||
Rate |
Difference |
Rate Ratio (95% CI) |
||
All exacerbations |
||||
Trial 1 |
Placebo (n = 155) |
2.40 |
|
|
Mepolizumab 75 mg IV (n = 153) |
1.24 |
1.16 |
0.52 (0.39, 0.69) |
|
Trial 2 |
Placebo (n = 191) |
1.74 |
|
|
Mepolizumab 75 mg IV (n = 191) |
0.93 |
0.81 |
0.53 (0.40, 0.72) |
|
Nucala 100 mg SC (n = 194) |
0.83 |
0.91 |
0.47 (0.35, 0.64) |
|
Exacerbations requiring hospitalization/emergency room visit |
||||
Trial 1 |
Placebo (n = 155) |
0.43 |
|
|
Mepolizumab 75 mg IV (n = 153) |
0.17 |
0.26 |
0.40 (0.19, 0.81) |
|
Trial 2 |
Placebo (n = 191) |
0.20 |
|
|
Mepolizumab 75 mg IV (n = 191) |
0.14 |
0.06 |
0.68 (0.33, 1.41) |
|
Nucala 100 mg SC (n = 194) |
0.08 |
0.12 |
0.39 (0.18, 0.83) |
|
Exacerbations requiring hospitalization |
||||
Trial 1 |
Placebo (n = 155) |
0.18 |
|
|
Mepolizumab 75 mg IV (n = 153) |
0.11 |
0.07 |
0.61 (0.28, 1.33) |
|
Trial 2 |
Placebo (n = 191) |
0.10 |
|
|
Mepolizumab 75 mg IV (n = 191) |
0.06 |
0.04 |
0.61 (0.23, 1.66) |
|
Nucala 100 mg SC (n = 194) |
0.03 |
0.07 |
0.31 (0.11, 0.91) |
IV = intravenous, SC = subcutaneous.
The time to first exacerbation was longer for the groups receiving Nucala 100 mg and mepolizumab 75 mg IV compared with placebo in Trial 2 (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier Cumulative Incidence Curve for Time to First Exacerbation (Asthma Trial 2)
Trial 1 data were explored to determine criteria that could identify subjects likely to benefit from treatment with Nucala. The exploratory analysis suggested that baseline blood eosinophil count of ≥150 cells/mcL was a potential predictor of treatment benefit. Exploratory analysis of Trial 2 data also suggested that baseline blood eosinophil count (obtained within 6 weeks of initiation of dosing) of ≥150 cells/mcL was a potential predictor of efficacy and showed a trend of greater exacerbation benefit with increasing blood eosinophil count. In Trial 2, subjects enrolled solely on the basis of the historical blood eosinophil count of ≥300 cells/mcL in the previous 12 months, but who had a baseline blood eosinophil count <150 cells/mcL, had virtually no exacerbation benefit following treatment with Nucala 100 mg compared with placebo.
The Asthma Control Questionnaire-5 (ACQ-5) was assessed in Trials 1 and 2, and the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was assessed in Trial 2. In Trial 1, the ACQ-5 responder rate (defined as a decrease in score of 0.5 or more as threshold) for the 75-mg IV mepolizumab arm was 47% compared with 50% for placebo with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.1 (95% CI: 0.7, 1.7). In Trial 2, the ACQ-5 responder rate for the treatment arm for Nucala 100 mg was 57% compared with 45% for placebo with an OR of 1.8 (95% CI: 1.2, 2.8). In Trial 2, the SGRQ responder rate (defined as a decrease in score of 4 or more as threshold) for the treatment arm for Nucala 100 mg was 71% compared with 55% for placebo with an OR of 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3, 3.2).
Oral Corticosteroid Reduction
Trial 3 evaluated the effect of Nucala 100 mg on reducing the use of maintenance OCS. The primary endpoint was the percent reduction of OCS dose during Weeks 20 to 24 compared with baseline dose, while maintaining asthma control. Subjects were classified according to their change in OCS use during the trial with the following categories: 90% to 100% decrease, 75% to <90% decrease, 50% to <75% decrease, >0% to <50% decrease, and no improvement (i.e., no change or any increase or lack of asthma control or withdrawal of treatment). Compared with placebo, subjects receiving Nucala 100 mg achieved greater reductions in daily maintenance OCS dose, while maintaining asthma control. Sixteen (23%) subjects in the group receiving Nucala 100 mg versus 7 (11%) in the placebo group had a 90% to 100% reduction in their OCS dose. Twenty-five (36%) subjects in the group receiving Nucala 100 mg versus 37 (56%) in the placebo group were classified as having no improvement for OCS dose. Additionally, 54% of subjects receiving Nucala 100 mg achieved at least a 50% reduction in the daily prednisone dose compared with 33% of subjects receiving placebo (95% CI for difference: 4%, 37%). An exploratory analysis was also performed on the subgroup of 29 subjects in Trial 3 who had an average baseline and screening blood eosinophil count <150 cells/mcL. Five (29%) subjects in the group receiving Nucala 100 mg versus 0 (0%) in the placebo group had a 90% to 100% reduction in their dose. Four (24%) subjects in the group receiving Nucala 100 mg versus 8 (67%) in the placebo group were classified as having no improvement for OCS dose. The ACQ and SGRQ were also assessed in Trial 3 and showed results similar to those in Trial 2.
Lung Function
Change from baseline in mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was measured in all 3 trials and is presented in Table 4. Compared with placebo, Nucala 100 mg did not provide consistent improvements in mean change from baseline in FEV1.
Table 4. Change from Baseline in FEV1 (mL) in Asthma Trials
Trial |
Difference from Placebo in Mean Change from |
||
Week 12 |
Week 24 |
Weeks 32/52 |
|
1a |
10 (-87, 108) |
5 (-98, 108) |
61 (-39, 161)b |
2c |
52 (-30, 134) |
76 (-6, 159) |
98 (11, 184)d |
3c |
56 (-91, 203) |
114 (-42, 271) |
NA |
a Dose = 75 mg intravenous.
b Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) at Week 52.
c Dose = 100 mg subcutaneous.
d FEV1 at Week 32.
The effect of mepolizumab on lung function was also studied in a 12-week, placebo-controlled trial enrolling patients with asthma on a moderate dose of ICS with evidence of symptoms and lung function impairment. Enrollment was not dependent on a history of exacerbations or a pre-specified eosinophil count. Change from baseline in FEV1 at Week 12 was numerically lower in the mepolizumab treatment groups than the placebo group.
Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
A total of 136 subjects with EGPA were evaluated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter, 52-week trial (NCT #02020889). Subjects received 300 mg of Nucala or placebo administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks while continuing their stable OCS therapy. Starting at Week 4, OCS was tapered during the treatment period at the discretion of the investigator. The co-primary endpoints were the total accrued duration of remission over the 52week treatment period, defined as Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) = 0 (no active vasculitis) plus prednisolone or prednisone dose less than or equal to 4 mg/day, and the proportion of subjects in remission at both Week 36 and Week 48 of treatment. The BVAS is a clinician-completed tool to assess clinically active vasculitis that would likely require treatment, after exclusion of other causes.
The demographics and baseline characteristics of subjects in this trial are provided in Table 5.
Table 5. Demographics and Baseline Characteristics in EGPA
|
N = 136 |
Mean age (y) |
48.5 |
Female, n (%) |
80 (59) |
White, n (%) |
125 (92) |
Duration (y) of EGPA, mean (SD) |
5.5 (4.63) |
History of >1 confirmed relapse in past 2 years, n (%) |
100 (74) |
Refractory disease, n (%) |
74 (54) |
Recurrence of EGPA symptoms, n (%) |
68 (50) |
Failed induction treatment, n (%) |
6 (4) |
Baseline oral corticosteroida daily dose (mg), median (range) |
12 (7.5-50) |
Receiving immunosuppressive therapyb, n (%) |
72 (53) |
a Prednisone or prednisolone equivalent.
b e.g., Azathioprine, methotrexate, mycophenolic acid.
EGPA = eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, SD = standard deviation.
Remission
Subjects receiving 300 mg of Nucala achieved a significantly greater accrued time in remission compared with placebo. A significantly higher proportion of subjects receiving 300 mg of Nucala achieved remission at both Week 36 and Week 48 compared with placebo (Table 6). Results of the components of remission are also shown in Table 6. In addition, significantly more subjects receiving 300 mg of Nucala achieved remission within the first 24 weeks and remained in remission for the remainder of the 52-week study treatment period compared with placebo (19% for 300 mg of Nucala versus 1% for placebo; OR 19.7; 95% CI: 2.3, 167.9).
Table 6. Remission and Components of Remission in EGPA
|
Remission (OCS ≤4 mg/day + BVAS = 0) |
OCS ≤4 mg/day |
BVAS = 0 |
|||
Placebo n = 68 |
Nucala 300 mg n = 68 |
Placebo n = 68 |
Nucala 300 mg n = 68 |
Placebo n = 68 |
Nucala 300 mg n = 68 |
|
Accrued duration over 52 weeks, n (%) |
||||||
0 |
55 (81) |
32 (47) |
46 (68) |
27 (40) |
6 (9) |
3 (4) |
>0 to <12 weeks |
8 (12) |
8 (12) |
12 (18) |
5 (7) |
15 (22) |
13 (19) |
12 to <24 weeks |
3 (4) |
9 (13) |
6 (9) |
12 (18) |
11 (16) |
5 (7) |
24 to <36 weeks |
0 |
10 (15) |
2 (3) |
10 (15) |
17 (25) |
2 (3) |
≥36 weeks |
2 (3) |
9 (13) |
2 (3) |
14 (21) |
19 (28) |
45 (66) |
Odds ratio (mepolizumab/placebo)a (95% CI) |
|
5.9 (2.7, 13.0) |
|
5.1 (2.5, 10.4) |
|
3.7 (1.8, 7.6) |
Proportion of subjects at both Weeks 36 and 48 |
||||||
Subjects, n (%) |
2 (3) |
22 (32) |
7 (10) |
28 (41) |
23 (34) |
34 (50) |
Odds ratio (mepolizumab/placebo)a (95% CI) |
|
16.7 (3.6, 77.6) |
|
6.6 (2.6, 17.1) |
|
1.9 (0.9, 4.2) |
a An odds ratio >1 favors mepolizumab.
EGPA = eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, OCS = oral corticosteroid, BVAS = Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score.
Additionally, a statistically significant benefit for these endpoints was demonstrated using remission defined as BVAS = 0 plus prednisolone/prednisone ≤7.5 mg/day.
Relapse
The time to first relapse (defined as worsening related to vasculitis, asthma, or sino-nasal symptoms requiring an increase in dose of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive therapy or hospitalization) was significantly longer for subjects receiving 300 mg of Nucala compared with placebo with a hazard ratio of 0.32 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.5) (Figure 2). Additionally, subjects receiving 300 mg of Nucala had a reduction in rate of relapse compared with subjects receiving placebo (rate ratio 0.50; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.70 for 300 mg of Nucala compared with placebo). The incidence and number of relapse types (vasculitis, asthma, sinonasal) were numerically lower with mepolizumab compared with placebo.
Figure 2. Kaplan-Meier Plot of Time to First Relapse in EGPA
Corticosteroid Reduction
Subjects receiving 300 mg of Nucala had a significantly greater reduction in average daily OCS dose compared with subjects receiving placebo during Weeks 48 to 52 (Table 7).
Table 7. Average Daily Oral Corticosteroid Dose during Weeks 48 to 52 in EGPA
|
Number (%) of Subjects |
|
Placebo n = 68 |
Nucala 300 mg n = 68 |
|
0 |
2 (3) |
12 (18) |
>0 to ≤4.0 mg |
3 (4) |
18 (26) |
>4.0 to ≤7.5 mg |
18 (26) |
10 (15) |
>7.5 mg |
45 (66) |
28 (41) |
Comparison: mepolizumab/placeboa |
|
|
Odds ratiob |
--- |
0.20 |
95% CI |
--- |
0.09, 0.41 |
a Analyzed using a proportional odds model with covariates of treatment group, baseline oral corticosteroid daily dose, baseline Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score, and region.
b An odds ratio <1 favors mepolizumab.
Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6)
The ACQ-6, a 6-item questionnaire completed by the subject, was developed to measure the adequacy of asthma control and change in asthma control. The on-treatment ACQ-6 responder rate during Weeks 48 to 52 (defined as a decrease in score of 0.5 or more compared with baseline) was 22% for 300 mg of Nucala and 16% for placebo (OR 1.56; 95% CI: 0.63, 3.88 for 300 mg of Nucala compared with placebo).
How Supplied/Storage and Handling
Nucala is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free, lyophilized powder for reconstitution and subcutaneous injection in cartons of 1 single-dose glass vial and a flip-off seal. The vial stopper is not made with natural rubber latex. Nucala is available as:
100-mg single-dose vial (NDC 0173-0881-01).
Store below 25°C (77°F). Do not freeze. Store in the original package to protect from light.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Inform patients that hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, bronchospasm, hypotension, urticaria, rash) have occurred after administration of Nucala. Instruct patients to contact their physicians if such reactions occur.
Not for Acute Symptoms or Deteriorating Disease
Inform patients that Nucala does not treat acute asthma symptoms or acute exacerbations. Inform patients to seek medical advice if their asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens after initiation of treatment with Nucala.
Opportunistic Infections: Herpes Zoster
Inform patients that herpes zoster infections have occurred in patients receiving Nucala and where medically appropriate, inform patients that vaccination should be considered.
Reduction of Corticosteroid Dosage
Inform patients to not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids except under the direct supervision of a physician. Inform patients that reduction in corticosteroid dose may be associated with systemic withdrawal symptoms and/or unmask conditions previously suppressed by systemic corticosteroid therapy.
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
Inform women there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women with asthma exposed to Nucala during pregnancy and that they can enroll in the Pregnancy Exposure Registry by calling 1-877-311-8972 or by visiting www.mothertobaby.org/asthma [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.
Manufactured by
GlaxoSmithKline LLC
Philadelphia, PA 19112
U.S. License Number 1727
Distributed by
GlaxoSmithKline
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
©2017 GSK group of companies or its licensor.
NCL:3PI
Patient Information Nucala [new-ka′ la] (mepolizumab) for injection, for subcutaneous use |
What is Nucala? • Nucala is a prescription medicine used with other medicines: o for the maintenance treatment of asthma in people aged 12 years and older whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. Nucala helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations). o for the treatment of adults with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Nucala helps reduce symptoms and flares, and it may allow your healthcare provider to reduce your oral corticosteroid medicine. • Medicines such as Nucala reduce blood eosinophils. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cells that may contribute to your disease. • Nucala is not used to treat sudden breathing problems that occur with asthma. It is not known if Nucala is safe and effective in children with severe asthma under 12 years of age. It is not known if Nucala is safe and effective in children and adolescents with EGPA under 18 years of age. |
Do not use Nucala if you are allergic to mepolizumab or any of the ingredients in Nucala. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in Nucala. |
Before receiving Nucala, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: • have a parasitic (helminth) infection. • are taking oral or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop taking your corticosteroid medicines unless instructed by your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine to come back. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Nucala may harm your unborn baby: o Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women with asthma who receive Nucala while pregnant. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. You can talk to your healthcare provider about how to take part in this registry or you can get more information and register by calling 1-877-311-8972 or go to www.mothertobaby.org/asthma. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will use Nucala and breastfeed. You should not do both without talking with your healthcare provider first. • Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. • Do not stop taking your other medicines unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider. |
How will I receive Nucala? • A healthcare provider will inject Nucala under your skin (subcutaneously) every 4 weeks. • Your healthcare provider will prescribe the dose that is right for you depending on what you are being treated for. |
What are the possible side effects of Nucala? Nucala can cause serious side effects, including: • allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, including anaphylaxis. Serious allergic reactions can happen after you get your Nucala injection. Allergic reactions can sometimes happen hours or days after you get a dose of Nucala. Tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: ο swelling of your face, mouth, and tongue ο breathing problems ο fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure) ο rash ο hives • herpes zoster infections. Herpes zoster infections that can cause shingles have happened in people who received Nucala. The most common side effects of Nucala include: headache, injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, itching, or a burning feeling at the injection site), back pain, and weakness (fatigue). These are not all the possible side effects of Nucala. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. |
General information about the safe and effective use of Nucala. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information Leaflet. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Nucala that is written for health professionals. |
What are the ingredients in Nucala? Active Ingredient: mepolizumab. Inactive Ingredients: polysorbate 80, sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, and sucrose. For more information about Nucala, call 1-888-825-5249 or visit our website at www.Nucala.com. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies. Manufactured by: GlaxoSmithKline LLC, Philadelphia, PA 19112, U.S. License No. 1727 Distributed by: GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 ©2017 GSK group of companies or its licensor. NCL:3PIL |
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Revised: December 2017
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 0173-0881-01
Nucala®
(mepolizumab)
for Injection
100 mg/vial
Rx Only
For subcutaneous injection after reconstitution.
Single-use vial. Discard unused portion.
Contents: Each vial delivers mepolizumab 100 mg, polysorbate 80 (0.67 mg), sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate (7.14 mg), and sucrose (160 mg). After reconstitution with 1.2 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP, the reconstituted solution concentration is 100 mg/mL and delivers 1 mL.
No preservative.
No U.S. standard of potency.
1 vial
Do not accept if plastic overseal is missing or not securely fitted.
©2015 the GSK group of companies
10000000138268 Rev. 11/15
Nucala mepolizumab injection, powder, for solution |
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Labeler - GlaxoSmithKline LLC (167380711) |
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Revised: 12/2017
GlaxoSmithKline LLC