Kanuma Drug Information

Generic name: SEBELIPASE ALFA

Hydrolytic Lysosomal Cholesteryl Ester-specific Enzyme [EPC] Hydrolytic Lysosomal Triacylglycerol-specific Enzyme [EPC]

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Uses of Kanuma

KANUMA ® is indicated for the treatment of patients with a diagnosis of Lysosomal Acid Lipase (LAL) deficiency.

Dosage & Administration of Kanuma

Recommendations Prior to KANUMA Treatment Administration of KANUMA should be supervised by a healthcare provider knowledgeable in the management of hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis. Initiate KANUMA in a healthcare setting with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures, including access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment.

Recommended Dosage Infants with Rapidly Progressive LAL Deficiency Presenting within the First 6 Months of Life: The recommended starting dosage is 1 mg/kg administered as an intravenous infusion once weekly. For patients with a suboptimal clinical response, increase the dosage to 3 mg/kg once weekly. A suboptimal clinical response is defined as any of the following: poor growth, deteriorating biochemical markers, or persistent or worsening organomegaly.

Pediatric and Adult Patients with LAL Deficiency: The recommended dosage is 1 mg/kg administered as an intravenous infusion once every other week. A suboptimal clinical response is defined as any of the following: poor growth, deteriorating biochemical markers, and/or parameters of lipid metabolism.

Preparation Instructions KANUMA is for intravenous infusion only. Prepare KANUMA using the following steps. Determine the number of vials needed based on the patient's weight and the recommended dose of 1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, or 5 mg/kg using the following calculations (a-b): Total dose (mg) = Patient's weight (kg) × Recommended dose (mg/kg) Total number of vials = Total dose (mg) divided by 20 mg/vial Round to the next whole vial and remove the required number of vials from the refrigerator to allow them to reach room temperature.

Volume (mL) of calculated total dose = Total dose (mg) divided by the 2 mg/mL concentration Volume (mL) of 0.9% Sodium Chloride for dilution = Total infusion volume (mL) for patient's weight (see Table 1 ) - Volume (mL) of calculated total dose Table 1: Total Infusion Volumes The infusion volume should be based on the prescribed dose and should be prepared to a final KANUMA concentration of 0.1 mg/mL to 1.5 mg/mL. Mix gently by inversion. Do not shake the vials or the prepared infusion.

The solution should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. The solution should be a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly colored solution. Thin, translucent particles or fibers may be present in the vials or diluted solution.

Do not use if the solution is cloudy or if other particulate matter is observed. Vials are for single-use only. Discard any unused product.

Do not freeze.

Administration Instructions Administer the diluted solution as an intravenous infusion using a low-protein binding infusion set with an in-line, low-protein binding 0.2 micron filter. Infuse over at least 2 hours. Consider further prolonging the infusion time for patients receiving dosages greater than 1 mg/kg or those who have experienced hypersensitivity reactions.

A 1-hour infusion may be considered for those patients receiving the 1 mg/kg dose who tolerate the infusion.

Storage of Diluted Solution

KANUMA contains no preservatives; therefore, product should be used immediately after dilution. If immediate use is not possible, the diluted product may be stored up to 24 hours in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze or shake.

Protect from light.

Side Effects of Kanuma

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 clinical practice. In clinical trials, a total of 106 patients received treatment with KANUMA. Table 2: Adverse Reactions in ≥30% of Infants with Rapidly Progressive LAL Deficiency Presenting within the First 6 Months of Life Receiving KANUMA 3 Other less common adverse reactions reported in patients with rapidly progressive disease presenting within the first 6 months of life who received KANUMA included hypotonia, decreased oxygen saturation, retching, sneezing, and tachycardia.

For infant patients within Study 1 and Study 3 (n = 19), the following additional adverse reactions were reported in ≥ 30% of infants who received KANUMA since the time of marketing authorization, including patients who received an escalated dose to 5 mg/kg qw: hypersensitivity, respiratory distress, and tachycardia. Table 3 summarizes the most common adverse reactions that occurred in ≥8% of pediatric and adult patients with LAL deficiency receiving KANUMA in Study 2. Table 3: Adverse Reactions in ≥8% of Pediatric and Adult Patients with LAL Deficiency Receiving KANUMA 3 2 Other less common adverse reactions reported in pediatric and adult patients who received KANUMA included anxiety and chest discomfort.

For pediatric and adult patients (n = 106), the following additional adverse reactions were reported in ≥ 8% of pediatric and adult patients who received KANUMA since the time of marketing authorization, including patients who received an escalated dose to 3 mg/kg qw: hypersensitivity, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dizziness. Hyperlipidemia Increases in circulating LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) and triglycerides above pre-treatment values were observed in patients, respectively, at 2 and 4 weeks following initiation of KANUMA. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay and 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 sebelipase alfa products may be misleading. Approximately 8% (9/106) of pediatric and adult patients with LAL deficiency developed antibodies to sebelipase alfa (anti-drug antibodies or ADA) following treatment with KANUMA across all clinical studies. Among the 9 patients who developed ADA, 2 patients were positive for neutralizing antibodies (NAb).

Approximately 53% (10/19) of infants with rapidly progressive LAL deficiency developed ADA following treatment with KANUMA across all clinical studies. All of the 4 ADA-positive patients were determined to be positive for neutralizing antibodies that inhibit in vitro enzyme activity and/or cellular uptake of the enzyme. Three of the 4 ADA-positive patients had ADA titers monitored from the initiation of treatment and developed measurable ADA titers within the first 2 months of exposure.

Persistent ADA was observed in all 4 patients. Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in all 4 of the ADA-positive patients, whereas they occurred in only 1 of the 3 ADA-negative patients. None of the patients discontinued treatment.

In 1 patient, decreased growth velocity in a setting of neutralizing antibodies to KANUMA was observed. Study 2: Pediatric and Adult Patients with LAL Deficiency Five of 35 (14%) KANUMA-treated pediatric and adult patients who completed the 20-week double-blind period of study treatment developed ADA. All patients were receiving 1 mg/kg once every other week.

All 5 ADA-positive patients first developed measurable ADA titers within the first 3 months of exposure. Two of the 5 ADA-positive patients had a measurable ADA titer at only one time point. In the 3 patients with measurable ADA titers at multiple time points, ADA titers decreased to undetectable levels during continued treatment.

Two patients developed in vitro neutralizing antibodies during the open-label extension phase after 20 weeks and 52 weeks of treatment with KANUMA, respectively. There is no clear association between the development of ADA and decreased efficacy in pediatric and adult patients treated with KANUMA.

Table 2: Adverse Reactions in ≥30% of Infants with Rapidly Progressive LAL Deficiency Presenting within the First 6 Months of Life Receiving KANUMA
Adverse ReactionsKANUMA N=9
n (%)
Diarrhea6 (67)
Vomiting6 (67)
Fever5 (56)
Rhinitis5 (56)
Anemia4 (44)
Cough3 (33)
Nasopharyngitis3 (33)
Urticaria3 (33)
Table 3: Adverse Reactions in ≥8% of Pediatric and Adult Patients with LAL Deficiency Receiving KANUMA
Adverse ReactionsKANUMA N = 36Placebo N = 30
n (%)n (%)
Headache10 (28)6 (20)
Fever9 (25)7 (23)
Oropharyngeal pain6 (17)1 (3)
Nasopharyngitis4 (11)3 (10)
Asthenia3 (8)1 (3)
Constipation3 (8)1 (3)
Nausea3 (8)2 (7)

Warnings & Cautions for Kanuma

Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis

Life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients treated with enzyme replacement therapies, including KANUMA. These reactions in KANUMA-treated patients were based on application of Sampson criteria to identify signs/symptoms consistent with anaphylaxis. In clinical trials, 3 (infants) of 106 (3%) patients treated with KANUMA experienced signs and symptoms consistent with anaphylaxis.

These patients experienced reactions during infusion with signs and symptoms including chest discomfort, conjunctival injection, dyspnea, generalized and itchy rash, hyperemia, swelling of eyelids, rhinorrhea, severe respiratory distress, tachycardia, tachypnea, and urticaria. Signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions, occurring in two or more patients, included abdominal pain, agitation, fever, chills, diarrhea, eczema, edema, hypertension, irritability, laryngeal edema, nausea, pallor, pruritus, rash, and vomiting. The majority of reactions occurred during or within 4 hours of the completion of the infusion.

Patients were not routinely pre-medicated prior to infusion of KANUMA in these clinical trials. Anaphylaxis has occurred during the early course of enzyme replacement therapy and after extended duration of therapy. Administration of KANUMA should be supervised by a healthcare provider knowledgeable in the management of hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis.

Initiate KANUMA in a healthcare setting with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures, including access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment. Observe patients closely during and after the infusion. The management of hypersensitivity reactions should be based on the severity of the reaction and may include temporarily interrupting the infusion, lowering the infusion rate, and/or treatment with antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or corticosteroids.

If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) occurs, discontinue KANUMA and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment, including use of epinephrine. If interrupted, the infusion may be resumed at a slower rate with increases as tolerated. Pre-treatment with antipyretics and/or antihistamines may prevent subsequent reactions in those cases where symptomatic treatment was required.

Inform patients of the symptoms of life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur. Consider the risks and benefits of re-administering KANUMA following a severe reaction. Monitor patients, with appropriate resuscitation measures available, if the decision is made to re-administer the product.

Hypersensitivity to Eggs or Egg Products KANUMA is produced in the egg whites of genetically engineered chickens. Patients with a known history of egg allergies were excluded from the clinical trials. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment with KANUMA in patients with known systemic hypersensitivity reactions to eggs or egg products.

Pregnancy Safety for Kanuma

Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data with KANUMA use in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Animal reproductive studies conducted with sebelipase alfa showed no evidence of embryolethality, fetotoxicity, teratogenicity, or abnormal early embryonic development at dosages up to 164 and 526 times the human dosage of 1 mg/kg every other week (based on AUC) in rats and rabbits, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is respectively. Animal Data Sebelipase alfa administered during the period of organogenesis to rats on gestation days and rabbits on gestation days at intravenous doses up to 60 and 50 mg/kg, respectively, (approximately 164 and 526 times the human AUC of 1387 ng.h/mL at 1 mg/kg dose administered once every other week, respectively) did not cause any adverse effects on embryofetal development. A pre- and post-natal development study in rats showed no evidence of adverse effects on pre- and postnatal development at intravenous doses (administered on gestation days and days postpartum) of sebelipase alfa up to 60 mg/kg/day (approximately 164 times the human AUC of 1387 ng.h/mL at 1 mg/kg dose administered once every other week).

Pediatric Use of Kanuma

Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of KANUMA have been established in pediatric patients aged 1 month and older. Clinical trials with KANUMA were conducted in 56 pediatric patients (range 1 month to <18 years old).

Clinical Studies of Kanuma

Infants with Rapidly Progressive LAL Deficiency

Presenting within the First 6 Months of Life A multicenter, open-label, single-arm clinical study of KANUMA was conducted in 9 infants with LAL deficiency who had growth failure or other evidence of rapidly progressive disease prior to 6 months of age. The age range at entry was 1 to 6 months. Patients received KANUMA at 0.35 mg/kg once weekly for the first 2 weeks and then 1 mg/kg once weekly.

The efficacy of KANUMA was assessed by comparing the survival of the 9 KANUMA-treated patients (followed in the open-label, single-arm trial) at 12 months of age to the survival in an untreated, historical cohort of 21 patients with a similar age at disease presentation and clinical characteristics. Continuation Treatment Across Study 1 and another study, Study 3, in infants with rapidly progressive LAL Deficiency, 9 patients received successive dose escalations up to 5 mg/kg once weekly due to suboptimal clinical response. Patients were randomized to receive KANUMA at a dosage of 1 mg/kg (n=36) or placebo (n=30) once every other week for 20 weeks in the double-blind period.

Sixty-two of the 66 (94%) patients had LDL-c of 130 mg/dL or greater at study entry. At the completion of the 20-week double-blind period of the trial, a statistically significant improvement in percent change from baseline in LDL-c was observed in the KANUMA-treated group as compared to the placebo group (mean difference and 95% C.I.: -22%,; p<0.0001). LDL-c of less than 130 mg/dL was achieved in C.I.: KANUMA-treated patients and in only C.I.: placebo-treated patients with baseline LDL-c of 130 mg/dL or greater.

A statistically significant improvement in percent change from baseline at 20 weeks was also observed in the KANUMA-treated group compared to the placebo group for other parameters related to LAL deficiency, including decreases in non-HDL-c (mean difference and 95% C.I.: -21%,; p<0.0001) and triglycerides (mean difference and 95% C.I.: -14%,; p=0.0375), and increases in HDL-c (mean difference and 95% C.I.: 20%,; p<0.0001). The effect of KANUMA on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been established. Patients treated with KANUMA had larger reductions from baseline in ALT values and liver fat content (measured by MRI), compared to patients treated with placebo.

The significance of these findings as they relate to progression of liver disease in LAL deficiency has not been established. Open Label Treatment Pediatric and adult patients who participated in the randomized, placebo-controlled trial were eligible to continue treatment in an open-label extension. Sixty-five of the 66 patients entered the open-label extension and were treated with KANUMA at a dosage of 1 mg/kg once every other week.

During the open-label extension, patients treated with KANUMA for up to 36 weeks demonstrated improvements in lipid parameters, including LDL-c and HDL-c levels, and ALT. Before being escalated to 3 mg/kg every other week, patients were on 1 mg/kg every other week for a median of 19 months (range 6 to 33 months), and most dose escalations were initiated in response to an increase in serum transaminase levels, an increase in serum lipids, or a decrease in WFA z-scores in children. Of the 23 patients whose KANUMA dose was escalated to 3 mg/kg every other week, 20 were children.

After the dose escalation, 14 of the 23 patients experienced normalization of one or more of the following biomarkers which had remained abnormally high on the lower KANUMA dose: serum transaminases, triglycerides, and/or LDL-c.

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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