Imaavy Drug Information

Generic name: NIPOCALIMAB-AAHU

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Uses of Imaavy

is indicated for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody positive. IMAAVY is a neonatal Fc receptor blocker indicated for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody positive.

Dosage & Administration of Imaavy

Recommended Vaccination Evaluate the need to administer age-appropriate vaccines according to immunization

guidelines before initiation of IMAAVY. Because IMAAVY causes transient reduction in IgG levels, vaccination with live vaccines is not recommended during treatment with IMAAVY.

Recommended Dosage Dilute

IMAAVY prior to administration. Administer via intravenous infusion only . The recommended initial dosage of IMAAVY is 30 mg/kg administered once via intravenous infusion over at least 30 minutes. Two weeks after the initial dosage administer a maintenance dosage of 15 mg/kg via intravenous infusion over at least 15 minutes.

Continue the maintenance dosage every two weeks thereafter. If a scheduled infusion appointment is missed, the maintenance dosage of IMAAVY should be administered as soon as possible. Resume dosing every two weeks thereafter.

Preparation and

Administration Instructions Prior to administration, dilute IMAAVY single-dose vials with only 0.9% sodium chloride injection using the instructions below. For patients who weigh 40 kg or more, the total volume to be administered is 250 mL; for patients who are 12 years or older and weigh less than 40 kg, the total volume to be administered is 100 mL (see Preparation ). Preparation Prepare the solution for infusion using aseptic technique as follows: Calculate the dosage (mg), total drug volume (mL) of IMAAVY solution required, and the number of IMAAVY vials needed, based on the patient's current weight . Each single-dose vial of IMAAVY is at a concentration of 185 mg/mL. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Check that the solution in each vial is colorless to slightly brownish, clear to slightly opalescent, and free of visible particles.

Do not use if visible particles are present or if the solution is discolored (other than colorless to slightly brownish). Gently withdraw the calculated volume of IMAAVY from the vial(s). Discard any unused portion of the vials. Dilute total volume withdrawn of IMAAVY by adding to an infusion container containing 0.9% sodium chloride injection to a final volume of: 250 mL for patients who weigh 40 kg or more, or 100 mL for patients who weigh less than 40 kg. Only use infusion containers made of polyolefin, polypropylene, or polyvinylchloride.

Gently invert the infusion container at least 10 times to mix the solution. Do not shake. Verify that a uniform solution has been achieved by visual inspection.

Do not use if particulate matter or discoloration is present. Storage Conditions of the Diluted Solution Administer the diluted IMAAVY solution immediately after preparation. If the diluted IMAAVY solution is not used immediately: Protect from light.

Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) for no more than 24 hours. Do not freeze. After preparation or removal from the refrigerator, use or discard the IMAAVY diluted solution within 12 hours, including infusion time.

During these 12 hours, store under ambient light at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Administration If the diluted solution is refrigerated prior to administration, allow to warm to room temperature. Do not use external heat sources to warm IMAAVY. Administer the diluted solution by intravenous infusion only using an infusion set with an in-line or add-on, sterile, non-pyrogenic, low protein-binding filter made of polyethersulfone or polysulfone (pore size 0.2 micrometer or less). Administration sets must be made of either polybutadiene, polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, or polyvinylchloride. Do not infuse IMAAVY concomitantly in the same intravenous line with other agents.

Administer IMAAVY infusion intravenously over at least 30 minutes for the initial dose (30 mg/kg) and at least 15 minutes for subsequent doses (15 mg/kg). If an adverse reaction occurs during administration of IMAAVY, the infusion may be slowed or stopped at the discretion of the healthcare professional. Monitor the patient for 30 minutes after each infusion for signs or symptoms of an infusion-related or hypersensitivity reaction.

Side Effects of Imaavy

Clinical Trials Experience

Because 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. Adults In Study 1 and its extension study the safety of IMAAVY was evaluated in 186 patients with gMG who received at least one dose of IMAAVY. Of those patients, 168 patients were exposed to IMAAVY every 2 weeks for at least 6 months, and 140 patients were exposed for at least 12 months. In Study 1, 98 adult patients with gMG received IMAAVY 15 mg/kg every two weeks (after 30 mg/kg initial dose). Of these 98 patients, approximately 67% were female, 67% were White, 29% were Asian, and 10% were of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity.

The mean age at study entry was 53 years (range 20 to 81). Adverse reactions reported in at least 5% of patients treated with IMAAVY and more frequently than placebo, are summarized in Table 1. The most common adverse reactions (reported in at least 10% of patients treated with IMAAVY) were respiratory tract infection, peripheral edema, and muscle spasms. Table 1: Adverse Reactions (≥ 5%) of Patients Treated with IMAAVY and More Frequently than in Placebo in Study 1 Adverse Reaction IMAAVY N=98 % Placebo N=98 % Includes the following reported in patients treated with IMAAVY: Infection Respiratory tract infection COVID-19 (and other related terms), pneumonia, bronchitis, pneumonia bacteria 18 13 Urinary tract infection other related terms 6 3 Herpes zoster and Herpes simplex 6 2 Oral infection glossitis, oral candidiasis, pericoronitis, pulpitis dental, tooth abscess, tooth infection 5 3 Peripheral edema 12 2 Muscle spasm 12 3 Hypersensitivity reaction angioedema, dermatitis atopic, eczema, gingival swelling, rash (and other related terms), urticaria 8 7 Abdominal pain 8 3 Back pain 8 5 Pyrexia 7 1 Diarrhea 7 3 Cough 7 3 Anemia 6 4 Dizziness 5 1 Nausea 5 2 Hypertension 5 2 Insomnia 5 2 Infections In Study 1 and its extension study, infections that occurred in patients treated with IMAAVY (n=186) included upper respiratory tract infection (46%), respiratory tract infection (28%; including pneumonia, bronchitis, COVID-19), urinary tract infection (15%), herpes (8%; including herpes simplex, herpes zoster, herpes zoster oticus), influenza (8%), oral infection (8%; including candidiasis and dental infections), and skin infection (7%; including cellulitis). Two (1%) cases of infections (cellulitis and urinary tract infection) led to discontinuation of IMAAVY . Hypersensitivity Reactions In Study 1 and its extension study, out of 186 patients treated with IMAAVY, 30 (16%) patients experienced hypersensitivity reactions, which occurred within one hour to two weeks of administration. One patient experienced hypersensitivity reaction (urticaria) that required discontinuation of IMAAVY . Infusion-Related Reactions In Study 1 and its extension study, out of 186 patients treated with IMAAVY, 20 (11%) patients experienced infusion-related reactions, which occurred within one hour to 2 days of administration.

No patients experienced infusion-related reaction that required discontinuation of IMAAVY . Laboratory Findings Lipids In Study 1 (N=98), patients treated with IMAAVY had elevations from normal to high of fasting total cholesterol ( ≥ 240 mg/dL) and LDL cholesterol ( ≥ 160 mg/dL) (24% and 11% of patients, respectively). In Study 1, these changes from baseline peaked at Week 4, then decreased and plateaued by Week 24 to mean increases of 14 mg/dL and 7 mg/dL, respectively. Five percent of patients treated with IMAAVY had decreases from normal to low (<40 mg/dL of fasting HDL cholesterol). Pediatric Patients 12 Years of Age and Older In a 24-week, single arm study evaluating the safety of IMAAVY in 7 pediatric patients age 12 to 16 years with gMG who were AChR positive, adverse reactions were consistent with those observed in adult patients with gMG .

Warnings & Cautions for Imaavy

Infections

IMAAVY may increase the risk of infection . In Study 1 , 42 (43%) out of 98 patients treated with IMAAVY reported 71 events of infection. Across Study 1 (double blind period) and its extension study (open label-period), out of 186 patients treated with IMAAVY, 132 (71%) patients reported 360 events of infection. Serious infections were reported in 7% of patients treated with IMAAVY. Delay IMAAVY administration in patients with an active infection until the infection is resolved.

During treatment with IMAAVY, monitor for clinical signs and symptoms of infection. If serious infection occurs, administer appropriate treatment and consider withholding IMAAVY until the infection has resolved. Latent Viral Infections Patients treated with IMAAVY may be at an increased risk of activation of latent viral infections, such as herpes zoster . In the extension period of Study 1, there were 2 patients with serious adverse reactions related to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, and 1 of these patients had fatal complications.

Patients who screened positive for hepatitis were excluded from Study 1. Follow standard vaccination guidelines. Immunization The safety of immunization with live vaccines and the immune response to vaccination during treatment with IMAAVY are unknown. Because IMAAVY causes a reduction in IgG levels, vaccination with live vaccines is not recommended during treatment with IMAAVY. Evaluate the need to administer age-appropriate vaccines according to immunization guidelines before initiation of treatment with IMAAVY.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

In clinical trials, hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, anaphylaxis, rash, urticaria, and eczema were observed in patients treated with IMAAVY. In Study 1, hypersensitivity reactions were mild or moderate, occurred within one hour to 2 weeks of administration . One patient experienced a hypersensitivity reaction (urticaria) that led to treatment discontinuation. Management of hypersensitivity reactions depends on the type and severity of the reaction. Monitor the patient during treatment with IMAAVY and for 30 minutes after the administration is complete for clinical signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions . If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs during administration, discontinue IMAAVY infusion and institute appropriate supportive measures if needed.

IMAAVY is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity to nipocalimab or any of the excipients of IMAAVY .

Infusion-Related Reactions

In clinical trials, infusion-related reactions, including headache, influenza-like illness, rash, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, chills, and erythema were observed in patients treated with IMAAVY. In Study 1, infusion-related reactions were mild to moderate in severity and occurred within one hour to 2 days of administration . Monitor patients during treatment with IMAAVY and for 30 minutes after each infusion . If a severe infusion-related reaction occurs, discontinue IMAAVY infusion and initiate appropriate therapy. Consider the risks and benefits of readministering IMAAVY following a severe infusion-related reaction. If a mild to moderate infusion related reaction occurs, patients may be rechallenged with close clinical observation, slower infusion rates, and pre-medication.

Drug Interactions with Imaavy

Effect of

IMAAVY on Other Drugs Concomitant use of IMAAVY with medications that bind to the human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) (e.g., immunoglobulin products, monoclonal antibodies, or antibody derivates containing the human Fc domain of the IgG subclass) may lower systemic exposures and reduce effectiveness of such medications. Closely monitor for reduced effectiveness of medications that bind to the human neonatal Fc receptor. When concomitant long-term use of such medications is essential for patient care, consider discontinuing IMAAVY, and using alternative therapies .

Pregnancy Safety for Imaavy

Pregnancy Risk Summary There are limited data on the use of IMAAVY in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There was no evidence of direct adverse effects on fetal development following administration of nipocalimab-aahu to pregnant monkeys; however, adverse effects on the placenta were associated with fetal loss at both doses tested (see Data ). The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background rate of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. There is a pregnancy safety study for IMAAVY. If IMAAVY is administered during pregnancy, or if a patient becomes pregnant while receiving IMAAVY, healthcare providers should report IMAAVY exposure by contacting Janssen at 1-800-526-7736 or www.IMAAVY.com Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Monoclonal antibodies are increasingly transported across the placenta as pregnancy progresses, with the largest amount transferred during the third trimester. Because IMAAVY reduces maternal serum IgG concentration and impedes placental IgG transfer to the fetus, passive immunity in the infant may be reduced for 6 months or more; therefore: Monitor for the development of serious infection.

Effectiveness of vaccines may be reduced. Consider the risks and benefits prior to administering live vaccines to infants exposed to IMAAVY in utero. Animal Data Intravenous administration of nipocalimab-aahu (0, 100, or 300 mg/kg) to pregnant monkeys weekly from the end of organogenesis (gestation day 45) through parturition resulted in placental ischemia, associated with fetal loss and decreased levels of IgG in the offspring at both doses tested.

IgG levels in offspring returned to normal levels and no adverse effects on immune function were evident by 6 months after birth. The doses tested are 6 and 20 times the recommended human maintenance dose (15 mg/kg) on a mg/kg basis.

Pediatric Use of Imaavy

Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of IMAAVY for the treatment of gMG have been established in pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. Use of IMAAVY in pediatric patients for this indication is supported by evidence from an adequate and well-controlled trial in adults with additional pharmacokinetic and safety data in pediatric patients who are 12 years of age and older . Safety and effectiveness of IMAAVY for the treatment of gMG in pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Contraindications for Imaavy

is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reaction to nipocalimab or any of the excipients in IMAAVY. Reactions have included anaphylaxis and angioedema . IMAAVY is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reaction to nipocalimab or to any of the excipients in IMAAVY.

Clinical Studies of Imaavy

The efficacy of IMAAVY for the treatment of gMG in adults who are anti-AChR or anti-MuSK antibody positive was established in a 24-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Study 1; NCT04951622). Patients were treated with IMAAVY with the recommended dosage regimen . Study 1 enrolled patients with gMG who met the following criteria: Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) Clinical Classification Class II to IV Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) total score of at least 6 On stable dose of standard of care MG therapy prior to baseline that included acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, steroids or non-steroidal immunosuppressive therapies (NSISTs), either in combination or alone. In Study 1, a total of 196 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive IMAAVY (n=98) or placebo (n=98). Baseline characteristics were similar between treatment groups. For the primary efficacy analysis population (n=153), patients had a median age of 52 years at screening (range 20 to 81 years) and a median time since diagnosis of 6 years.

Sixty percent of patients were female; 63% were White; 32% were Asian; 1% were Black or African-American; and <1% were American Indian or Alaskan Native. At baseline, median MG-ADL total score was 9, and median Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) total score was 15. Eighty-eight percent (n=134) of patients were positive for AChR antibodies and 10% (n=16) were positive for MuSK antibodies. At baseline, in each group, 85% of patients received AChE inhibitors, 66% of patients received steroids, and 54% of patients received NSISTs at stable doses.

The efficacy of IMAAVY was measured using the MG-ADL scale, which assesses the impact of gMG on daily functions of 8 signs and symptoms that are typically affected in gMG. Each item is assessed on a 4-point scale, where a score of 0 represents normal function and a score of 3 represents loss of ability to perform that function. A total score ranges from 0 to 24, with the higher scores indicating more impairment. The primary efficacy endpoint was the comparison of the mean change from baseline to Weeks 22, 23, and 24 between treatment groups in the MG-ADL total score.

A statistically significant difference favoring IMAAVY was observed in MG-ADL total score change from baseline (p=0.002; see Table 2 and Figure 1 ). The efficacy of IMAAVY was also measured using the QMG total score, which is a 13-item categorial grading system that assesses muscle weakness. Each item is assessed on a 4 -point scale, where a score of 0 represents no weakness, and a score of 3 represents severe weakness. A total possible score ranges from 0 to 39, where higher scores indicate more severe impairment.

The secondary endpoint was the comparison of the mean change from baseline to Weeks 22 and 24 between treatment groups in the QMG total score. A statistically significant difference favoring IMAAVY was observed in the QMG total score change from baseline (p<0.001; see Table 2 ). The results are presented shown in Table 2. Table 2: Least Squares Mean Change from Baseline to Week 24 in MG-ADL and QMG Total Scores in Study 1 Efficacy Endpoints IMAAVY N = 77 LS Mean (SE) Placebo N = 76 LS Mean (SE) IMAAVY Change Relative to Placebo LS Mean Difference (95% CI) p-value Key: CI=confidence interval; MG-ADL = Myasthenia Gravis – Activities of Daily Living; QMG = Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis; LS mean = Least squares mean; SE = standard error Primary Endpoint MG-ADL Total Score Mean change from baseline over weeks 22, 23, and 24 -4.7 -3.3 -1.5 (-2.4, -0.5) 0.002 Secondary Endpoint QMG Total Score Mean change from baseline over weeks 22 and 24 -4.9 -2.1 -2.8 (-4.2, -1.4) <0.001 Figure 1 shows the mean change from baseline to Week 24 in MG-ADL total score in Study 1, and Figure 2 shows the mean change from baseline to Week 24 in QMG total score in Study 1. Figure 1: Least Squares Mean Change from Baseline in MG-ADL Total Score Over 24 Weeks in Study 1 LS = least squares, SE = standard error, MG-ADL = Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living Figure 2: Least Squares Mean Change from Baseline in QMG Total Score Over 24 Weeks in Study 1 LS = least squares, SE = standard error, QMG = Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis. Figure 1 Figure 2

Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.

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