Uplizna Generic Name: inebilizumab-cdon injection Brand Name: Uplizna side effects drug center uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon injection) drug Related Drugs Enspryng Rituxan Rituxan Hycela Soliris PROFESSIONAL CONSUMER SIDE EFFECTS Contents Drug Description Indications & Dosage Side Effects & Drug Interactions Warnings & Precautions Overdosage & Contraindications Clinical Pharmacology Medication Guide Drug Description What is Uplizna and how is it used?Uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon) is a CD19-directed cytolytic antibody used to treat neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) in adult patients who are anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positive.What are side effects of Uplizna?Side effects of Uplizna include:urinary tract infection (UTI),joint pain,headache, andback pain DESCRIPTIONInebilizumab-cdon is a CD19-directed humanized afucosylated IgG1 monoclonal antibody produced by recombinant DNA technology in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell suspension culture. The molecular weight is approximately 149 kDa.UPLIZNA (inebilizumab-cdon) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution, free from visible particles, for intravenous use.Each single-dose vial contains 100 mg of inebilizumab in 10 mL of solution. Each mL contains 10 mg of inebilizumab-cdon, L-histidine (1.4 mg), L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate (2.3 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.1 mg), sodium chloride (4.1 mg), α,α-trehalose dihydrate (40.1 mg), and Water for Injection, USP and a pH of 6. Side Effects & Drug Interactions SIDE EFFECTSThe following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:Infusion Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]Infections [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]Reduction in Immunoglobulins [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]Clinical Trial ExperienceBecause clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.The safety of UPLIZNA was evaluated in Study 1, in which 161 patients were exposed to UPLIZNA at the recommended dosage regimen during the randomized, controlled treatment period; during which 52 patients received placebo [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Clinical Studies]. Subsequently, 198 patients were exposed to UPLIZNA during an open-label treatment period.Two-hundred and eight patients in the randomized and open-label treatment periods had a total of 324 person-years of exposure to UPLIZNA, including 165 patients with exposure for at least 6 months and 128 with exposure for one year or more.Table 3 lists adverse reactions that occurred in at least 5% of patients treated with UPLIZNA and at a greater incidence than in patients who received placebo in Study 1. The most common adverse reactions (incidence of at least 10% in patients treated with UPLIZNA and at a greater incidence than placebo) were urinary tract infection and arthralgia.Table 3 Adverse Reactions in Patients with NMOSD with an Incidence of at Least 5% with UPLIZNA and a Greater Incidence than Placebo in Study 1Adverse ReactionsUPLIZNAN = 161%PlaceboN = 52%Urinary tract infection1110Arthralgia104Headache88Back pain74Across both the randomized and open-label treatment in Study 1, the most common adverse reactions (greater than 10%) were urinary tract infection (20%), nasopharyngitis (13%), infusion reaction (12%), arthralgia (11%), and headache (10%).Laboratory AbnormalitiesDecreased ImmunoglobulinsAt the end of the 6.5-month randomized, controlled period, relative to baseline, the total immunoglobulin level was reduced approximately 8% from baseline for patients treated with UPLIZNA as compared to an increase of 6% in patients treated with placebo. The mean decreases from baseline in immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were approximately 4% and 32%, respectively, in patients treated with UPLIZNA, whereas IgG was increased by 6% and IgM was increased by approximately 13% in placebo-treated patients. The proportion of patients treated with UPLIZNA who had IgG levels below the lower limit of normal at year 1 was 6.6% and at year 2 was 13%. The proportion of patients treated with UPLIZNA who had IgM levels below the lower limit of normal at year 1 was 31% and at year 2 was 42%.Decreased Neutrophil CountsNeutrophil counts between 1.0-1.5 x109/L were observed in 6.9% of UPLIZNA-treated patients versus 1.9% of patients who received placebo. Neutrophil counts between 0.5-1.0 x109/L were observed in 1.9% of patients treated with UPLIZNA compared to no patients who received placebo. At the end of the 6.5-month randomized, controlled period, the proportion of patients with a neutrophil count below the limit of normal was 12% for patients treated with UPLIZNA compared to 4.2% for patients who received placebo.Decreased Lymphocyte CountsA reduction in lymphocyte counts was observed more frequently in patients treated with UPLIZNA compared to those who received placebo. At the end of the 6.5-month randomized, controlled period, the proportion of patients with a lymphocyte count below the limit of normal was 5.3% for patients treated with UPLIZNA compared to 4.2% for patients who received placebo.ImmunogenicityAs with all therapeutic proteins there is potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies in the studies described below with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other inebilizumab products may be misleading.In Study 1, treatment-emergent antibodies (those that appeared or significantly increased from baseline after administration of UPLIZNA), were detected in 5.6% patients receiving UPLIZNA. Although these data do not demonstrate an impact of anti-inebilizumab-cdon antibody development on the efficacy or safety of UPLIZNA in these patients, the available data are too limited to make definitive conclusions. DRUG INTERACTIONSImmunosuppressive Or Immune-Modulating TherapiesConcomitant usage of UPLIZNA with immunosuppressant drugs, including systemic corticosteroids, may increase the risk of infection. Consider the risk of additive immune system effects when co-administering immunosuppressive therapies with UPLIZNA. Warnings & Precautions WARNINGSIncluded as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section PRECAUTIONSInfusion ReactionsUPLIZNA can cause infusion reactions, which can include headache, nausea, somnolence, dyspnea, fever, myalgia, rash, or other signs or symptoms. During the randomized clinical trial period, infusion reactions were observed with the first course of UPLIZNA in 9.3% of NMOSD patients. Infusion reactions were most common with the first infusion but were also observed during subsequent infusions.Reducing The Risk Of Infusion Reactions And Managing Infusion ReactionsAdminister pre-medication with a corticosteroid, an antihistamine, and an anti-pyretic [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].Management recommendations for infusion reactions depend on the type and severity of the reaction. For life-threatening infusion reactions, immediately and permanently stop UPLIZNA and administer appropriate supportive treatment. For less severe infusion reactions, management may involve temporarily stopping the infusion, reducing the infusion rate, and/or administering symptomatic treatment.InfectionsAn increased risk of infections has been observed with other B-cell-depleting therapies. The most common infections reported by UPLIZNA-treated patients in the randomized and openlabel clinical trial periods included urinary tract infection (20%), nasopharyngitis (13%), upper respiratory tract infection (8%), and influenza (7%). Delay UPLIZNA administration in patients with an active infection until the infection is resolved.Possible Increased Risk Of Immunosuppressant Effects With Other ImmunosuppressantsUPLIZNA has not been studied in combination with other immunosuppressants. If combining UPLIZNA with another immunosuppressive therapy, consider the potential for increased immunosuppressive effects.Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) ReactivationRisk of HBV reactivation has been observed with other B-cell-depleting antibodies. There have been no cases of HBV reactivation in patients treated with UPLIZNA, but patients with chronic HBV infection were excluded from clinical trials. Perform HBV screening in all patients before initiation of treatment with UPLIZNA. Do not administer UPLIZNA to patients with active hepatitis. For patients who are chronic carriers of HBV [HBsAg+], consult liver disease experts before starting and during treatment.Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)PML is an opportunistic viral infection of the brain caused by the JC virus that typically only occurs in patients who are immunocompromised, and that usually leads to death or severe disability. Although no confirmed cases of PML were identified in UPLIZNA clinical trials, JC virus infection resulting in PML has been observed in patients treated with other B-cell-depleting antibodies and other therapies that affect immune competence. In UPLIZNA clinical trials one subject died following the development of new brain lesions for which a definitive diagnosis could not be established, though the differential diagnosis included an atypical NMOSD relapse, PML, or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. At the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML, withhold UPLIZNA and perform an appropriate diagnostic evaluation. MRI findings may be apparent before clinical signs or symptoms. Typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes.TuberculosisPatients should be evaluated for tuberculosis risk factors and tested for latent infection prior to initiating UPLIZNA. Consider anti-tuberculosis therapy prior to initiation of UPLIZNA in patients with a history of latent active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent tuberculosis but having risk factors for tuberculosis infection. Consult infectious disease experts regarding whether initiating anti-tuberculosis therapy is appropriate before starting treatment.VaccinationsAdminister all immunizations according to immunization guidelines at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of UPLIZNA. The safety of immunization with live or live-attenuated vaccines following UPLIZNA therapy has not been studied, and vaccination with live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during treatment and until B-cell repletion.Vaccination of Infants Born to Mothers Treated with UPLIZNA During PregnancyIn infants of mothers exposed to UPLIZNA during pregnancy, do not administer live or liveattenuated vaccines before confirming recovery of B-cell counts in the infant. Depletion of B-cells in these exposed infants may increase the risks from live or live-attenuated vaccines. Non-live vaccines, as indicated, may be administered prior to recovery from B-cell and immunoglobulin level depletion, but consultation with a qualified specialist should be considered to assess whether a protective immune response was mounted [see Use In Specific Populations].Reduction In ImmunoglobulinsThere may be a progressive and prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia or decline in the levels of total and individual immunoglobulins such as immunoglobulins G and M (IgG and IgM) with continued UPLIZNA treatment [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Monitor the levels of quantitative serum immunoglobulins during treatment with UPLIZNA, especially in patients with opportunistic or recurrent infections, and until B-cell repletion after discontinuation of therapy. Consider discontinuing UPLIZNA therapy if a patient with low immunoglobulin G or M develops a serious opportunistic infection or recurrent infections, or if prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia requires treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins.Fetal RiskBased on animal data, UPLIZNA can cause fetal harm due to B-cell lymphopenia and reduce antibody response in offspring exposed to UPLIZNA even after B-cell repletion. Transient peripheral B-cell depletion and lymphocytopenia have been reported in infants born to mothers exposed to other B-cell depleting antibodies during pregnancy. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception while receiving UPLIZNA and for at least 6 months after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].Patient Counseling InformationAdvise the patient and/or caregiver to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).Infusion ReactionsInform patients about the signs and symptoms of infusion reactions and advise them to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they observe signs or symptoms of infusion reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].InfectionsAdvise patients to contact their healthcare provider for any signs of infection during treatment or after the last dose. Signs include fever, chills, constant cough, or dysuria [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].Advise patients that UPLIZNA may cause reactivation of hepatitis B infection and that monitoring will be required if they are at risk [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].Advise patients that PML has happened with drugs that are similar to UPLIZNA and may happen with UPLIZNA. Inform the patient that PML is characterized by a progression of deficits and usually leads to death or severe disability over weeks or months. Instruct the patient of the importance of contacting their healthcare provider if they develop any symptoms suggestive of PML. Inform the patient that typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].VaccinationsAdvise patients to complete any required vaccinations at least 4 weeks prior to initiation of UPLIZNA. Administration of live-attenuated or live vaccines is not recommended during UPLIZNA treatment and until B-cell recovery [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].PregnancyInstruct patients that if they are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking UPLIZNA, they should inform their healthcare provider [see Use In Specific Populations]. Advise females of reproductive potential that they should use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after UPLIZNA therapy [see Use In Specific Populations].Nonclinical ToxicologyCarcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of FertilityCarcinogenesisNo studies have been conducted to assess the carcinogenic potential of inebilizumab-cdon.MutagenesisNo studies have been conducted to assess the genotoxic potential of inebilizumab-cdon.Impairment Of FertilityIntravenous administration of inebilizumab-cdon (0, 3, or 30 mg/kg/week) to human CD19 transgenic male and female mice prior to and during mating and continuing in females through gestation day 15 resulted in reduced fertility at both doses tested. A no-effect dose for adverse effects on fertility was not identified. Use In Specific PopulationsPregnancyRisk SummaryUPLIZNA is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody and immunoglobulins are known to cross the placental barrier. There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of UPLIZNA in pregnant women. However, transient peripheral B-cell depletion and lymphocytopenia have been reported in infants born to mothers exposed to other B-cell depleting antibodies during pregnancy. B-cell levels in infants following maternal exposure to UPLIZNA have not been studied in clinical trials. The potential duration of B-cell depletion in such infants, and the impact of B-cell depletion on vaccine safety and effectiveness, is unknown [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].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.DataAnimal DataIntravenous administration of inebilizumab-cdon (0, 3, or 30 mg/kg/week) to human CD19 transgenic (huCD19 Tg) male and female mice prior to and during mating and continuing in females through gestation day 15 resulted in no adverse effects on embryofetal development; however, there was a marked reduction in B cells in fetal blood and liver at both doses tested. These results demonstrate that inebilizumab-cdon crosses the placenta and depletes B cells in the fetus.Intravenous administration of inebilizumab-cdon (0, 3, or 30 mg/kg) to huCD19 Tg mice every three days throughout organogenesis and lactation resulted in depletion of B cells and persistent reductions in immune function (even following repletion of B cells and lasting into adulthood) in offspring at both doses tested. At the end of the lactation period, plasma inebilizumab-cdon levels in offspring were only slightly lower those in maternal plasma. A no-effect level for immunotoxicity in the offspring was not identified.LactationRisk SummaryThere are no data on the presence of ineblizumab-cdon in human milk, the effects on a breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Human IgG is excreted in human milk, and the potential for absorption of UPLIZNA to lead to B-cell depletion in the breastfed infant is unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for UPLIZNA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from UPLIZNA or from the underlying maternal condition.Females Of Reproductive PotentialContraceptionWomen of childbearing potential should use contraception while receiving UPLIZNA and for 6 months after the last infusion of UPLIZNA [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.Geriatric UseClinical studies of UPLIZNA did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Overdosage & Contraindications OVERDOSENo Information Provided CONTRAINDICATIONSUPLIZNA is contraindicated in patients with:A history of a life-threatening infusion reaction to UPLIZNA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]Active hepatitis B infection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]Active or untreated latent tuberculosis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] Clinical Pharmacology CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGYMechanism Of ActionThe precise mechanism by which inebilizumab-cdon exerts its therapeutic effects in NMOSD is unknown but is presumed to involve binding to CD19, a cell surface antigen presents on pre-B and mature B lymphocytes. Following cell surface binding to B lymphocytes, inebilizumab-cdon results in antibody-dependent cellular cytolysis.PharmacodynamicsPharmacodynamics of UPLIZNA were assessed with an assay for CD20+ B cells, since UPLIZNA can interfere with the CD19+ B cell assay. Treatment with UPLIZNA reduces CD20+ B cell counts in blood by 8 days after infusion. In Study 1 [see Clinical Studies], CD20+ Bcell counts were reduced below the lower limit of normal by 4 weeks in 100% of patients treated with UPLIZNA and remained below the lower limit of normal in 94% of patients for 28 weeks after initiation of treatment.PharmacokineticsThe pharmacokinetics of inebilizumab-cdon in NMOSD patients following intravenous administration of UPLIZNA was biphasic with a mean terminal half-life of 18 days. The mean maximum concentration was 108 μg/mL (300 mg, second dose on Day 15), and the cumulative AUC of the 26-week treatment period in which NMOSD patients received two intravenous administrations 2 week apart was 2980 μg·d/mL.DistributionBased on population pharmacokinetic analysis, the estimated typical central and peripheral volume of distribution of inebilizumab-cdon was 2.95L and 2.57L, respectively.MetabolismInebilizumab-cdon is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that is degraded by proteolytic enzymes widely distributed in the body.EliminationThe results of population pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that the estimated inebilizumabcdon systemic clearance of the first-order elimination pathway was 0.19 L/day. At low exposure levels, inebilizumab-cdon was likely subject to the receptor (CD19)-mediated clearance, which decreased with time presumably because of the depletion of B-cells by UPLIZNA treatment.Specific PopulationsGender, Race, Geriatric UseA population pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that there was no significant effect of gender, race, and age on inebilizumab-cdon clearance.Renal/Hepatic ImpairmentNo formal clinical studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of renal impairment or hepatic impairment on inebilizumab-cdon pharmacokinetic parameters.Drug Interaction StudiesCytochrome P450 enzymes and transporters are not involved in the clearance of inebilizumabcdon; therefore, the potential risk of interactions between UPLIZNA and concomitant medications that are substrates, inducers, or inhibitors of cytochrome P450 enzymes and transporters is low. Clinical StudiesThe efficacy of UPLIZNA for the treatment of NMOSD was established in Study 1 (NCT02200770), a randomized (3:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 213 patients with NMOSD who were anti-AQP4 antibody positive and 17 who were anti-AQP4 antibody negative.Patients met the following eligibility criteria:A history of one or more relapses that required rescue therapy within the year prior to screening, or 2 or more relapses that required rescue therapy in 2 years prior to screening.Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 7.5 or less. Patients with an EDSS score of 8.0 were eligible if they were deemed capable of participating.Patients were excluded if previously treated with immunosuppressant therapies within an interval specified for each such therapy.The use of immunosuppressants during the blinded phase of the trial was prohibited.The use of oral or intravenous corticosteroids during the blinded phase of the trial was prohibited, with the exception of premedication for investigational treatment and treatment for a relapse.Of the 213 enrolled anti-AQP4 antibody positive patients, a total of 161 were randomized to receive treatment with UPLIZNA, and 52 were randomized to receive placebo.The baseline demographic and disease characteristics were balanced between the treatment groups. Females accounted for 94% of the study population. Fifty-two percent of patients were White, 21% Asian, and 9% Black or African American. The mean age was 43 years (range 18 to 74 years). The mean EDSS score was 4.0. The number of relapses in the two years prior to randomization was 2 or more in 83% of the patients.UPLIZNA was administered according to the recommended dosage regimen [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].All potential relapses were evaluated by a blinded, independent, adjudication committee, who determined whether the relapse met protocol-defined criteria. Patients who experienced an adjudicated relapse in the randomized-controlled period (RCP), or who completed the Day 197 visit without a relapse, exited the RCP.The primary efficacy endpoint was the time to the onset of the first adjudicated relapse on or before Day 197.The time to the first adjudicated relapse was significantly longer in patients treated with UPLIZNA compared to patients who received placebo (relative risk reduction 73%; hazard ratio: 0.272; p < 0.0001). In the anti-AQP4 antibody positive population there was a 77.3% relative reduction (hazard ratio: 0.227, p < 0.0001). There was no evidence of a benefit in patients who were anti-AQP4 antibody negative.Table 4: Efficacy Results in Study 1 in anti-AQP4 Antibody Positive NMOSD PatientsTreatment GroupUPLIZNAN = 161PlaceboN = 52Time to Adjudication Committee-Determined Relapse (Primary Efficacy Endpoint)Number (%) of patients with relapse18 (11.2%)22 (42.3%)Hazard ratio (95% CI)a0.227 (0.121, 0.423)p-valuea< 0.0001a Cox regression method, with placebo as the reference groupFigure 1: Kaplan-Meier Plot of Time to First Adjudication Committee-Determined NMOSD Relapse in the Randomized-Controlled Period (ITT Population; anti-AQP4 Antibody Positive Patients)Note: Numbers of patients at risk are shown at each time point.Compared to placebo-treated patients, patients treated with UPLIZNA who were anti-AQP4 antibody positive had reduced annualized rates of hospitalizations (0.11 for UPLIZNA versus 0.50 for placebo). Medication Guide PATIENT INFORMATIONNo information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section.
