Susvimo Drug Information
Generic name: RANIBIZUMAB
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitor [EPC]
Uses of Susvimo
Neovascular (wet) Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) is indicated for the treatment of patients with Neovascular (wet) Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) who have previously responded to at least two intravitreal injections of a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) inhibitor medication.
Dosage & Administration of Susvimo
General Information For Intravitreal
Use via SUSVIMO ocular implant. The SUSVIMO initial fill and ocular implant insertion and implant removal procedures must be performed under aseptic conditions by a physician experienced in vitreoretinal surgery. The SUSVIMO ocular implant must be surgically implanted in the eye or removed from the eye (if medically necessary) in an operating room using aseptic technique.
See SUSVIMO Instructions for Use and the standardized steps to optimize surgical outcomes. SUSVIMO refill-exchange procedures must be performed under aseptic conditions by a physician experienced in ophthalmic surgery. Do not administer SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) as a bolus intravitreal injection.
Do not substitute SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) with other ranibizumab products. Initial Fill: One SUSVIMO initial fill needle (34-gauge, with integrated 5 μm filter and blue cap) is included. A 5-micron sterile filter needle (19-gauge × 1½ inch), and a 1 mL Luer lock syringe are needed but not included.
Refill-Exchange: One SUSVIMO refill needle (34-gauge with integrated 5 μm filter and clear cap) is included.
Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) The recommended dose of SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) is 2 mg (0.02 mL of 100 mg/mL solution) continuously delivered via the SUSVIMO ocular implant with refills administered every 24 weeks (approximately 6 months).
Supplemental Treatment with Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injection Supplemental treatment with 0.5 mg (0.05 mL of 10 mg/mL) intravitreal ranibizumab injection may be administered in the affected eye while the SUSVIMO implant is in place and if clinically necessary.
Ocular Implant Initial Fill
The implant will be filled using aseptic technique with 0.02 mL of SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) prior to insertion of the implant into the patient's eye. Refer to the complete SUSVIMO Instructions for Use for the initial fill and implant procedure included in the insertion tool assembly carton for further details. Use aseptic technique to carry out the following preparation steps prior to insertion of the ocular implant into the patient's eye: 5
Ocular Implant Insertion
SUSVIMO ocular implant insertion is a surgical procedure that is performed in an operating room. The ocular implant is filled with SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) immediately prior to insertion. No more than 30 minutes should pass between the initial fill of the ocular implant and the insertion into the patient's eye.
After placing an infusion line in the eye, create at least a 6×6 mm peritomy of the conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule centered around the selected SUSVIMO implant location in the supero-temporal quadrant. Perform careful conjunctival incision, hemostasis of the underlying sclera, and generous undermining of Tenon's capsule. Using aseptic technique, fill the ocular implant.
Using an MVR blade, create a full thickness dissection of the sclera 4 mm from the limbus until the pars plana is fully visible, with final target scleral incision length of 3.5 mm. Using a 532 nm laser endoprobe, apply contiguous, overlapping laser spots starting at 300 mW 1000 ms along the full length of the exposed pars plana and repeat until complete ablation is achieved. Pass a 3.2 mm slit knife perpendicularly through the center of the scleral dissection to open the underlying pars plana.
Use the insertion tool to slowly insert the SUSVIMO implant into the sclero-pars plana incision perpendicular to the globe, ensuring that the long axis of the implant flange is properly aligned with the sclero-pars plana incision. Using the closed gripper tips of the insertion tool, seat the implant flush against the sclera. Clean any residual vitreous around the implant flange using a vitrector.
Suture both Tenon's capsule and conjunctiva, using scleral anchoring at the apex of the peritomy, ensuring complete coverage of the implant flange.
Remove any fibrous capsule or scar tissue that may have formed over the implant flange and septum using scalpel and forceps. With the explant tool oriented perpendicular to the globe, align the contoured tips with the long axis of the implant flange and grasp underneath the implant flange. Once the implant is secured in the explant tool, pull the implant from the eye in a perpendicular motion.
Clear any vitreous prolapse present within or around the scleral wound using a vitrector. Completely close the scleral incision with multiple non-absorbable sutures. Close the Tenon's capsule and conjunctiva to completely cover the scleral incision.
Refer to the complete Instructions for Use for the implant removal procedure included in the explant tool carton for further details.
This includes the use of a surgical mask, sterile gloves, and a lid speculum. Prior to and after the refill-exchange procedure, perform a dilated slit lamp exam and/or dilated indirect ophthalmoscopy to inspect the implant in the vitreous cavity through the pupil to identify if dislodgement of the implant septum has occurred. If the septum has dislodged, any further refill-exchange procedures should not be performed because normal device functioning cannot be assured.
Discontinue treatment with SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) following septum dislodgement and consider implant removal should the benefit of the removal procedure outweigh the risk.
Delayed or Missed Doses
For patients with AMD or DME, if a planned dose (refill-exchange) of SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible and the subsequent refill-exchange procedures should be performed 24 weeks (approximately 6 months) thereafter.
Dosage (Refill-Exchange) Modifications for Adverse Reactions Table 1 describes dosage modifications for specific adverse Reactions. No dosage reductions for SUSVIMO are recommended. Table 1: Dosage (Refill-Exchange) Modifications for and consider SUSVIMO implant removal.
| Step 1: Gather the supplies needed. One SUSVIMO ocular implant with insertion tool assembly (included) One SUSVIMO initial fill needle (34-gauge with integrated 5 μm filter) with blue cap (included) One SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) 100 mg/mL vial (included) One sterile 5-micron filter needle (19-gauge × 1½ inch) (not included) One sterile 1 mL Luer Lock syringe (not included) | ||
| Step 2: Transfer Dose from Vial to Syringe | ||
| Note: | Use the filter needle (not included) to withdraw SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) from the vial. | Figure 1 |
| Do not use the SUSVIMO initial fill needle for this step. Prepare SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) vial by removing the flip-off cap and disinfecting the rubber vial septum with alcohol. Attach a filter needle to the syringe by screwing it tightly onto the Luer lock (see Figure 1 ). Carefully remove the needle cap by pulling it straight off. Using aseptic technique, withdraw all of the contents of the SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) vial through the filter needle into the syringe. | ||
| Step 3: Remove Air from Syringe With the filter needle attached, hold the syringe with the needle pointing up. If there are any air bubbles, gently tap the syringe with your finger until the bubbles rise to the top (Figure 2). Slowly push the plunger rod just until all air is expelled from the syringe and needle. – It is important to preserve as much drug as possible in order to completely fill the implant. Remove and properly dispose of the filter needle after air is removed from syringe. | Figure2 | |
| Step 4: Attach SUSVIMO Initial Fill Needle Do not use the filter needle to fill the implant. Attach the SUSVIMO initial fill needle (included) firmly onto the syringe by screwing it tightly onto the Luer lock (see Figure 3 ). Ensure that the initial fill needle is attached to the syringe. Carefully remove the needle cap by pulling straight off. Do not wipe the needle at any time. | Figure 3 | |
| Step 5: Remove Any Remaining Air from Syringe With the initial fill needle attached, hold the syringe with the needle pointing up. If there are any air bubbles, gently tap the syringe with your finger until the bubbles rise to the top (see Figure 4 ). Slowly push the plunger rod just until all air is expelled from the syringe and needle, and a drop of drug solution is seen at the needle tip (see Figure 5 ). | Figure 4 Figure 5 | |
| Note: | It is important to preserve as much drug as possible in order to completely fill the implant. | |
| Step 6: Inspect the Syringe for Air Bubbles Inspect the syringe and the needle hub to ensure that no air bubbles are present (see Figure 6 ). If air bubbles are present, continue to remove air from the syringe and reinspect. | Figure 6 | |
| Note: | Use the syringe within 15 minutes of removing all air to avoid ranibizumab drying in the needle and impeding fluid flow. Do not use the initial fill needle if the needle is clogged. | |
| Step 7: Load Syringe into the Carrier Do not hold or push on the plunger rod of the syringe while inserting the needle into the implant septum. Retrieve insertion tool carrier with pre-positioned implant from the inner tray. Align the syringe Luer lock above the Luer lock slot in the carrier to protect the needle from being damaged. Lower the syringe into the carrier (see Figure 7 ). Push the syringe forward until it stops, taking care to avoid touching the plunger rod (see Figure 8 ) With the syringe loaded, (see Figure 9 ) the initial fill needle should now be penetrating the implant septum. | Figure 7: Align and lower the syringe into the carrier Figure 8: Push the syringe into the carrier Figure 9: Syringe with initial fill needle inserted through the implant septum | |
| Step 8: Fill Ocular Implant with SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) Under Microscope Under the microscope, slowly administer SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) into the ocular implant by slightly tilting the carrier upwards (see Figure 10 ). The ocular implant should be filled over approximately 5 to 10 seconds, to help avoid air entrapment in the implant reservoir. | Figure 10: Administer ranibizumab into the implant Figure 11: Dome of drug solution forms at tip of implant as viewed under magnification | |
| Note: | When filling the ocular implant, drug solution should only exit the ocular implant from the release control element. If drug solution is leaking from the implant at a different location, such as the side of the implant, do not use the ocular implant. If fluid is leaking from the septum at the needle insertion site, the needle may not be fully penetrating the implant septum. Fully push the syringe forward before continuing to fill the ocular implant. | |
| Continue filling the ocular implant until the implant is completely full of drug solution and all air has been expelled as evidenced by a dome of drug solution formed at the tip of the implant on the release control element (see Figure 11 ). | ||
| Step 9: Inspect the Filled Ocular Implant Under the Microscope Inspect the ocular implant under the microscope to ensure that the ocular implant is completely full of drug solution (see Figure 12 ). | Figure 12: Proper appearance of implant after initial filling with ranibizumab | |
| Note: | Minimize air bubbles within the implant reservoir as they may cause slower drug release. If an air bubble is present, it must be no larger than 1/3 of the widest diameter of the implant. If excess air is observed, do not use the ocular implant. | |
| Note: | No more than 30 minutes should pass between the initial fill of the implant and the insertion into the patient's eye to ensure that the release control element remains saturated with SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection). If SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) dries in the release control element, the implant may not release the drug properly into the vitreous after insertion. | |
| Step 10: Remove the Syringe and Guide Sleeve from the Carrier Remove the syringe and guide sleeve from the carrier by pulling back on the syringe (see Figure 13 ). The syringe will be locked into the guide sleeve. Properly dispose of the used syringe together with the needle and guide sleeve in a sharps disposal container or in accordance with local requirements. | Figure 13: Remove the syringe and guide sleeve from the insertion tool carrier | |
| Step 11: Slide the Insertion Tool Handle into the Carrier Slide the insertion tool handle into the guide channel of the carrier, ensuring that both components are facing upwards (see Figure 14 ). Push the handle forward as far as it will go into the gripper tips (see Figure 15 ). | Figure 14: Insert the handle into the insertion tool carrier Figure 15: Fully inserted handle | |
| Note: | Do not withdraw the handle and implant until the eye is ready for insertion. Contact between the implant and any surface or object – even within the sterile field – may result in the introduction of a foreign body into the vitreous. | |
| Step 1: Gather the supplies needed. One SUSVIMO Refill Needle (34-gauge with a 5 µm integrated filter) with clear cap (included) One SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) 100 mg/mL vial (included) One sterile 1 mL Luer Lock syringe (not included) One sterile 5-micron filter needle (19-gauge × 1½ inch) (not included) Additional materials required to perform the procedure but are not provided are: Anesthetic ophthalmic solutions Ophthalmic broad-spectrum microbicide solution Cotton tips and gauze Sterile powder free gloves Face masks Lid speculum Magnification such as visor or loupes Task lighting Indirect ophthalmoscope and lens Sterile drape (optional for refill-exchange procedure) | ||
| Step 2: Inspect Packaging and Components Prior to use in the clinic, inspect the packaging of the components for damage. Do not use if the sterility has been compromised or the contents have been dropped, damaged, or tampered with. Check the expiration date printed on the label. Remove the vial from the carton. Note: the outside of the vial is not sterile. Use aseptic technique to open packaging and remove the sterile refill needle from the tray. Inspect components and place onto sterile field (see Figure 16 ). | Figure 16 | |
| Step 3: Inspect SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) Visually inspect the contents of the SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) vial for particulate matter and discoloration. SUSVIMO should be colorless to slightly brownish Do not use if particulate, cloudiness, or discoloration are visible. | ||
| Step 4: Patient Preparation Dilate the pupil of the eye. Perform slit lamp examination and/or indirect ophthalmoscopy to inspect the implant and its components in the vitreous cavity through the dilated pupil. Position the patient on exam chair in the supine position at approximately 20° to 30° angle for optimal visualization of the implant. Apply a broad-spectrum microbicide to the periocular skin, eyelid, and ocular surface prior to the refill-exchange procedure. The use of a sterile drape is up to the physician's discretion. Perform the procedure under topical anesthesia. If needed, subconjunctival anesthesia may be administered in the nasal quadrant, away from the implant. | ||
| Step 5: Transfer Dose from Vial to Syringe | Figure 17 | |
| Note: | Use the filter needle to withdraw SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) from the vial. | |
| Do not use the SUSVIMO refill needle for this step. Prepare ranibizumab vial by removing the flip-off cap and disinfecting the rubber vial septum with alcohol. Attach a filter needle to the syringe by screwing it tightly onto the Luer lock (see Figure 17 ). Carefully remove the needle cap by pulling it straight off. Using aseptic technique, withdraw all of the contents of the SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) vial through the filter needle into the syringe. | ||
| Step 6: Remove Air from Syringe With the filter needle attached, hold the syringe with the needle pointing up. If there are any air bubbles, gently tap the syringe with your finger until the bubbles rise to the top (Figure 18). Slowly push the plunger rod just until the air is expelled from the syringe and needle. – It is important to preserve as much drug as possible in order to completely refill the implant Remove and properly dispose of the filter needle after air is removed from the syringe. | Figure 18 | |
| Step 7: Attach SUSVIMO Refill Needle Do not use the filter needle to fill the implant. Attach the SUSVIMO refill needle firmly onto the syringe by screwing it tightly onto the Luer lock (see Figure 19 ). Ensure that the refill needle is attached to the syringe. Carefully remove the needle cap, pulling straight off to avoid damage to the needle cannula. Do not wipe the needle at any time. | Figure 19 | |
| Step 8: Remove Any Remaining Air from Syringe and Adjust Drug Dose With the refill needle attached, hold the syringe with the needle pointing up. If there are any air bubbles, gently tap the syringe with your finger until the bubbles rise to the top (see Figure 20 ). Slowly push the plunger rod until all air is expelled from the syringe and needle and the uppermost edge of the black plunger tip is aligned with the 0.1 mL dose mark (see Figure 21 ). | Figure 20 Figure 21 | |
| Step 9: Inspect the Syringe for Air Bubbles | Figure 22 | |
| Note: | Ensure no air bubbles are present in the syringe and needle hub. Air injected into the implant could result in slower drug release. | |
| Inspect the syringe and the needle hub using magnification to ensure that no air bubbles are present (see Figure 22 ). | ||
| Note: | Use the syringe within 15 minutes of removing all air and adjusting the drug dose to avoid drug solution drying in the needle and impeding fluid flow. Do not use the refill needle or syringe if the needle is clogged. | |
| Step 10: Stabilize the globe and orient the refill needle | Figure 23 Figure 24 | |
| Note: | Perform the refill-exchange procedure using magnification (e.g., loupes, reading glasses, magnifiers) for visual assistance. | |
| After placing the lid speculum in the eye, stabilize the globe with a cotton-tipped applicator to minimize eye movement (see Figure 23 ). – Recommend standing on the contralateral side of the implanted eye, with the patient looking down and toward their nose to optimally expose the implant. Orient the refill needle perpendicular to the globe (see Figure 24 ). | ||
| Step 11: Insert the Refill Needle | Figure 25 Figure 26 | |
| Note: | Insert needle at the very center of the implant septum and perpendicular to the implant to ensure the needle inserts fully. Do not maneuver if there is resistance as it will bend the needle. | |
| Do not use a bent refill needle; replace if bent or if damage is suspected. Targeting the center of the implant septum, insert the refill needle perpendicularly through the conjunctiva and into the implant septum (see Figure 25 ). – If excessive resistance, withdraw the refill needle. Orient and insert again. – Do not twist when encountering conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule to gain access to the septum, as damage to the overlying tissue and to the septum of the device may result. Continue inserting the needle until the soft stop of the refill needle makes physical contact with the conjunctiva (see Figure 26 ) to provide a tactile cue that optimal contact has been made. | ||
| Step 12: Refill the SUSVIMO Implant Refill the implant slowly, by delivering the entire contents of the syringe into the implant, over approximately 5 to 10 seconds, to avoid pressure build-up in the implant reservoir. The soft stop of the refill needle must remain in contact with the conjunctiva throughout the procedure. As ranibizumab is administered into the implant, existing solution from the implant should immediately begin to fill the refill needle fluid collection chamber (see Figure 27 ). If fluid is not observed collecting in the refill needle fluid collection reservoir, stop injecting and ensure the refill needle is inserted into the center of the implant septum at a perpendicular angle and the soft stop is in contact with the conjunctiva. Administer all of the syringe contents in order to achieve the target replacement ranibizumab concentration in the implant reservoir. | Figure 27 | |
| Step 13: Withdraw the Syringe Withdraw the syringe perpendicular to the globe to avoid damaging the septum (see Figure 28 ). A cotton-tipped applicator may be used to provide counter traction to the conjunctiva during needle withdrawal. | Figure 28 | |
| Step 14: Dispose of the Used Components Do not recap the needle or detach it from the syringe. Dispose of the used syringe together with the refill needle in a sharps disposal container or in accordance with local requirements. | ||
| Step 15: Perform Indirect Ophthalmoscopy Perform dilated indirect ophthalmoscopy (and slit lamp exam as needed) to ensure continued proper position of the implant and its components (e.g., septum) in the vitreous cavity and to examine for complications. | ||
| Adverse Reactions | Dosage Modification |
|---|---|
| Intraocular inflammation ≥ 1 + cells or flare | Withhold dose (refill-exchange) |
| Sight threatening events (e.g., rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, unexplained vision loss, etc.) | Withhold dose (refill-exchange) |
| Local infections of either eye | Withhold dose (refill-exchange) |
| Infectious endophthalmitis | Withhold dose (refill-exchange) |
| Severe systemic infection | Withhold dose (refill-exchange) |
| Observed damage to the implant | Withhold dose (refill-exchange) and consider SUSVIMO implant removal [see Dosage and Administration (2.8, 2.9) ]. |
Side Effects of Susvimo
Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in one clinical trial of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of the same or another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data below ( Table 2 ) reflect exposure of 248 patients with AMD in the Archway study through Week 40, 320 patients with DME in the Pagoda study up to Week 64, and 105 patients with DR in the Pavillion study through Week 52 following the SUSVIMO initial fill and implant insertion, refill, and implant removal (if necessary) procedures. Septum dislodgement was reported in 0.4% of the AMD patient population.
In clinical trials of SUSVIMO in DME patients, patient population the most common (≥ 10%) adverse reactions up to Week 64 were conjunctival hemorrhage . In clinical trials of SUSVIMO in DR patients, the most common (≥ 10%) adverse reactions up to Week 52 were conjunctival hemorrhage In clinical trials of SUSVIMO, hyphema was reported in 0.4% of AMD patients, 1.9% of DME patients, and 1.9% of DR patients.
| Adverse Reactions | AMD Week 40 | DME Week 64 | DR Week 52 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSVIMO n = 248 | Intravitreal ranibizumab n = 167 | SUSVIMO n = 320 | Intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 mg n = 314 | SUSVIMO n = 105 | |
| Conjunctival hemorrhage | 72% | 6% | 62% | 18% | 73% |
| Conjunctival hyperemia | 26% | 2% | 15% | 0 | 11% |
| Iritis Iritis includes: iritis, anterior chamber flare, anterior chamber inflammation, and anterior chamber cell. | 23% | 0.6% | 14% | 2% | 12% |
| Eye pain | 10% | 5% | 13% | 6% | 9% |
| Conjunctival disorder Conjunctival disorder includes: conjunctival adhesion, conjunctival disorder, conjunctival edema, conjunctival erosion, conjunctival retraction, and subconjunctival fibrosis. | 9% | 0 | 10% | 0.3% | 14% |
| Vitreous floaters | 9% | 2% | 4% | 5% | 2% |
| Conjunctival bleb/ filtering bleb leak Conjunctival bleb/filtering bleb leak includes: conjunctival bleb, conjunctival filtering bleb leak, conjunctival cyst, subconjunctival cyst, and implant site cyst. | 8% | 0 | 8% | 0 | 2% |
| Foreign body sensation in eyes | 7% | 1% | 3% | 2% | 9% |
| Headache Headache includes: headache and procedural headache. | 6% | 2% | 6% | 4% | 9% |
| Hypotony of eye | 6% | 0 | 3% | 0 | 0 |
| Vitreous detachment | 6% | 5% | 8% | 5% | 9% |
| Vitreous hemorrhage | 5% | 2% | 10% | 2% | 6% |
| Cataract Cataract includes: cataract, cortical cataract, nuclear cataract, and subcapsular cataract. | 4% | 4% | 11% | 7% | 7% |
| Corneal disorder | 4% | 0 | 1% | 0 | 1% |
| Corneal abrasion Corneal abrasion includes: corneal abrasion and vital dye staining cornea present. | 4% | 0.6% | 4% | 1% | 4% |
| Corneal edema | 4% | 0 | 4% | 0.3% | 4% |
Warnings & Cautions for Susvimo
Endophthalmitis In the active comparator period of controlled clinical trials in AMD, the ranibizumab implant has been associated with a 3-fold higher rate of endophthalmitis than monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab (1.7% in the SUSVIMO arm vs 0.5% in the intravitreal arm). When including extension phases of clinical trials, 2% (11/555) of patients receiving the ranibizumab implant experienced an episode of endophthalmitis. Reports occurred between days 5 and 853, with a median of 173 days.
Many, but not all, of the cases of endophthalmitis reported a preceding or concurrent conjunctival retraction or erosion event. In the active comparator period of the controlled clinical trial in DME, 0% of patients in the SUSVIMO arm compared to 0.3% in the intravitreal arm experienced an episode of endophthalmitis. When including the extension phase of the clinical trial, 0.7% (4/556) of patients receiving the ranibizumab implant experienced an episode of endophthalmitis.
Reports occurred between days 625 and 1016, with a median of 824 days. In the period with an observational comparator arm of the clinical trial in DR, there were no patients (0/105) in the SUSVIMO arm who experienced an episode of endophthalmitis. When including the extension phase of the clinical trial 0.8% (1/128) patients receiving the ranibizumab implant experienced an episode of endophthalmitis, with the event reported on day 695.
Endophthalmitis should be treated promptly in an effort to reduce the risk of vision loss and maximize recovery. The SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) dose (refill-exchange) should be delayed until resolution of endophthalmitis. Patients should not have an active or suspected ocular or periocular infection or severe systemic infection at the time of any SUSVIMO implant or refill procedure.
Appropriate intraoperative handling followed by secure closure of the conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule, and early detection and surgical repair of conjunctival erosions or retractions and strict/controlled aseptic technique conditions throughout refill-exchange procedures may reduce the risk of endophthalmitis.
Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments have occurred in clinical trials of SUSVIMO and may result in vision loss. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments should be promptly treated with an intervention (e.g., pneumatic retinopexy, vitrectomy, or laser photocoagulation). SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) dose (refill-exchange) should be delayed in the presence of a retinal detachment or retinal break.
Careful evaluation of the retinal periphery is recommended to be performed, and any suspected areas of abnormal vitreo-retinal adhesion or retinal breaks should be treated before inserting the implant in the eye.
Implant Dislocation
In clinical trials, the device has dislocated/subluxated into the vitreous cavity or has extended outside the vitreous cavity into or beyond the subconjunctival space. Device dislocation requires urgent surgical intervention. Strict adherence to the scleral incision length and appropriate targeting of the pars plana during laser ablation may reduce the risk of implant dislocation.
Septum Dislodgement
In clinical trials, a type of implant damage where the septum has dislodged into the implant body has been reported. Perform a dilated slit lamp exam and/or dilated indirect ophthalmoscopy to inspect the implant in the vitreous cavity through the pupil prior to and after the refill-exchange procedure to identify if septum dislodgement has occurred. Discontinue treatment with SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) following septum dislodgement and consider implant removal should the benefit of the removal procedure outweigh the risk.
The benefits and risks of retaining, removing, or removing and replacing an implant with a dislodged septum are not well characterized. Appropriate handling and insertion of the refill needle into the septum (avoid twisting and/or rotation) is required to minimize the risk of septum dislodgement.
Vitreous Hemorrhage
Vitreous hemorrhages may result in temporary vision loss. Vitrectomy may be needed in the case of a non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage. In clinical trials of SUSVIMO including the extension phases in patients with AMD, vitreous hemorrhages were reported in 5.2% (23/443) of patients receiving SUSVIMO.
In the clinical trial of SUSVIMO including the extension phases in patients with DME, vitreous hemorrhages were reported in 10.1% (56/556) of patients receiving SUSVIMO. In the clinical trial of SUSVIMO including the extension phase in patients with DR, vitreous hemorrhages were reported in 9.4% (12/128) of patients receiving SUSVIMO. The majority of these hemorrhages occurred within the first post-operative month following surgical implantation and the majority of vitreous hemorrhages resolved spontaneously.
Patients on antithrombotic medication (e.g., oral anticoagulants, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be at increased risk of vitreous hemorrhage. Antithrombotic medications are recommended to be temporarily interrupted prior to the implant insertion procedure. The SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) dose (refill-exchange) should be delayed in the event of sight-threatening vitreous hemorrhage.
The use of pars plana laser ablation and scleral cauterization should be performed to reduce the risk of vitreous hemorrhage.
Conjunctival Erosion or Retraction
A conjunctival erosion is a full thickness degradation or breakdown of the conjunctiva in the area of the implant flange. A conjunctival retraction is a recession or opening of the limbal and/or radial peritomy. Conjunctival erosions or retractions have been associated with an increased risk of endophthalmitis, especially if the implant becomes exposed.
Surgical intervention (e.g., conjunctival/Tenon's capsule repair) is recommended to be performed in case of conjunctival erosion or retraction with or without exposure of the implant flange. In clinical trials of SUSVIMO including the extension phases in patients with AMD, 3.6% (16/443) of patients receiving SUSVIMO reported conjunctival erosion and 1.6% (7/443) of patients receiving SUSVIMO reported conjunctival retraction in the study eye. In the clinical trial of SUSVIMO including the extension phases of patients with DME, 2.2% (12/556) of patients receiving SUSVIMO reported conjunctival erosion and 1.3% (7/556) of patients receiving SUSVIMO reported conjunctival retraction in the study eye.
In the clinical trial of SUSVIMO including the extension phase in patients with DR, 2.3% (3/128) of patients receiving SUSVIMO reported conjunctival erosion and 1.6% (2/128) of patients receiving SUSVIMO reported conjunctival retraction in the study eye. Appropriate intraoperative handling of conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule to preserve tissue integrity and secure closure of peritomy while ensuring placement of sutures away from implant edge may reduce the risk of conjunctival erosion or retraction. The implant and the tissue overlying the implant flange should be monitored routinely following the implant insertion.
Conjunctival Bleb
A conjunctival bleb is an encapsulated elevation of the conjunctiva above the implant flange, which may be secondary to subconjunctival thickening or fluid. Conjunctival blebs may require surgical management to avoid further complications, especially if the implant septum is no longer identifiable due to the conjunctival bleb. In clinical trials of SUSVIMO including the extension phases in patients with AMD, 5.9% (26/443) of patients receiving SUSVIMO reported conjunctival bleb/conjunctival filtering bleb leak in the study eye.
In the clinical trial of SUSVIMO including the extension phases in patients with DME, 9% (50/556) of patients receiving SUSVIMO reported conjunctival bleb/conjunctival filtering bleb leak in the study eye. In the clinical trial of SUSVIMO including the extension phase in patients with DR, 3.9% (5/128) of patients receiving SUSVIMO reported conjunctival bleb/conjunctival filtering bleb leak in the study eye. Strict adherence to the scleral incision length, appropriate intraoperative handling of conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule to preserve tissue integrity and secure closure of peritomy, and proper seating of the refill needle during refill-exchange procedures may reduce the risk of conjunctival bleb.
Postoperative Decrease in Visual Acuity
Visual acuity was decreased by 4 letters on average in the first postoperative month and 2 letters on average in the second postoperative month following initial implantation of SUSVIMO in patients with AMD.
Postoperative Intraocular Inflammation
Postoperative intraocular inflammation has occurred following SUSVIMO implantation. The majority of cases occurred during the first week following implantation and resolved within the first month.
Air Bubbles Causing Improper Filling of the Implant
Minimize air bubbles within the implant reservoir as they may cause slower drug release. During the initial fill procedure, if an air bubble is present, it must be no larger than 1/3 of the widest diameter of the implant. If excess air is observed after initial fill, do not use the implant.
During the refill-exchange procedure, if excess air is present in the syringe and needle do not use the syringe and needle. If excess air bubbles are observed after the refill-exchange procedure, consider repeating the refill-exchange procedure.
Deflection or Movement of the Implant
Use caution when performing ophthalmic procedures (e.g., B-scan ophthalmic ultrasound, scleral depression, or gonioscopy) that may cause deflection or movement of the implant and subsequent injury.
Pregnancy Safety for Susvimo
Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) administration in pregnant women. Administration of ranibizumab to pregnant monkeys throughout the period of organogenesis resulted in a low incidence of skeletal abnormalities at intravitreal doses up to 41 times the human exposure (based on serum levels following the recommended clinical dose). No skeletal abnormalities were observed at serum trough levels similar to the human exposure after a single eye treatment at the recommended clinical dose ( see Data ).
Animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, and it is not known whether ranibizumab can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Based on the anti-VEGF mechanism of action for ranibizumab, treatment with SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) may pose a risk to human embryofetal development. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, and other adverse outcomes.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Data Animal Data An embryo-fetal developmental toxicity study was performed on pregnant cynomolgus monkeys. Skeletal abnormalities including incomplete and/or irregular ossification of bones in the skull, vertebral column, and hindlimbs and shortened supernumerary ribs were seen at a low incidence in fetuses from animals treated with 1 mg/eye of ranibizumab.
The 1 mg/eye dose resulted in trough serum ranibizumab levels up to 41 times higher than observed human C max levels of SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) after treatment of a single eye. No skeletal abnormalities were seen at the lower dose of 0.125 mg/eye, a dose which resulted in trough exposures similar to single eye treatment with SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) in humans. No effect on the weight or structure of the placenta, maternal toxicity, or embryotoxicity was observed.
Pediatric Use of Susvimo
Pediatric Use The safety and efficacy of SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) in pediatric patients have not been established.
Contraindications for Susvimo
Ocular or Periocular Infections
SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) is contraindicated in patients with ocular or periocular infections.
Active Intraocular Inflammation
SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) is contraindicated in patients with active intraocular inflammation.
Hypersensitivity
SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to ranibizumab products or any of the excipients in SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection).
Clinical Studies of Susvimo
Neovascular (wet) Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
The clinical efficacy and safety of SUSVIMO (ranibizumab injection) was assessed in a randomized, visual assessor-masked, active treatment-controlled study (Archway-NCT03677934) in patients with AMD. A total of 415 patients (248 in the SUSVIMO arm and 167 in the intravitreal ranibizumab arm) were enrolled and treated in this study. Patients were diagnosed with AMD within the 9 months prior to screening and received ≥ 3 doses of anti-VEGF intravitreal agents in the study eye within the last 6 months prior to screening.
Each patient was required to have demonstrated a response to an anti-VEGF intravitreal agent prior to randomization. For patients randomized to the SUSVIMO arm, supplemental treatment with 0.5 mg intravitreal ranibizumab injections was available at Weeks if needed. The primary efficacy endpoint of change from baseline in distance Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) score averaged over Week 36 and Week 40 demonstrated that SUSVIMO was equivalent to intravitreal ranibizumab injections administered every 4 weeks.
Detailed efficacy results are shown in Table 3 and Figure 29 below. Table 3 Visual Acuity outcomes at Week 40 in Archway (GR40548) Study Consistent results were observed across patient subgroup analyses for mean change from baseline in BCVA score (age, gender, number of prior anti-VEGF intravitreal injections, and baseline BCVA score). Figure 29
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)
The clinical efficacy and safety of SUSVIMO were assessed in a randomized, visual assessor-masked, active treatment-controlled study (Pagoda-NCT04108156) in patients with DME. Prior to study treatment, a median of 4 doses of intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 mg were administered in the study eye of patients in the SUSVIMO and intravitreal ranibizumab arms. Patient ages ranged from 29 to 89 years with a mean of 60.7 years.
A total of 21% of patients were previously treated for DME. At baseline, the overall mean visual acuity was 65.3 letters (range: 25 to 89 letters). Detailed efficacy results are shown in Table 4 and Figure 30 below.
Table 4 Key efficacy outcomes at Week 60 and Week 64 in the Pagoda (GR40550) Study Figure 30 Adjusted Mean change from Baseline in Best Corrected Visual Acuity in study eye through Week 64 in the Pagoda (GR40550) study Consistent results were observed across patient subgroup analyses for mean change from baseline in BCVA score (age, ethnicity, gender, baseline HbA1c score, focal/macular laser history, baseline BCVA score, prior intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment and DR severity). Figure 30
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)
The clinical efficacy and safety of SUSVIMO were assessed in a randomized, visual assessor and reading center-masked study (Pavilion-NCT04503551) in patients with moderately-severe to severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), without center-involved DME (CI-DME), and who had not received prior treatment in the study eye for DR. A total of 174 patients (106 in the SUSVIMO arm and 68 in the observational comparator arm) were enrolled in this study. Patients who had not received prior treatment in the study eye for DR were randomized in a 5:3 ratio to continuous delivery of SUSVIMO via the implant every 36 weeks or to clinical observation.
Prior to the implant procedure, two loading doses of intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 mg were administered in the study eye. The observational comparator arm did not receive loading doses of intravitreal ranibizumab. For patients who developed CI-DME or proliferative diabetic retinopathy/anterior segment neovascularization in either arm, supplemental treatment with intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab was available per investigator's clinical judgment at any non-refill-exchange study visit.
Patient ages ranged from 24 to 83 years with a mean of 53.9 years. At baseline, the overall mean visual acuity was 82.4 letters (range: 69 to 97 letters). The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with a ≥ 2-step improvement on the ETDRS-DRSS from baseline at Week 52 versus clinical observation.
SUSVIMO with two loading doses of intravitreal ranibizumab was superior to clinical observation at Week 52. Detailed results are shown in Table 5 and Figure 31 below. Table 5 Efficacy Outcomes through Week 52 in the Pavilion (GR41675) Study Figure 31 Adjusted Proportion of Patients with a ≥ 2-Step Improvement from Baseline on ETDRS-DRSS in Study Eye over Time through Week 52 in the Pavilion (GR41675) Study In the SUSVIMO arm, none of the patients assessed for supplemental treatment received any supplemental injections of intravitreal ranibizumab and 40% of patients in the observational comparator arm received 1 or more supplemental treatments through Week 52.
Consistent results were observed across patient subgroup analyses for ETDRS-DRSS score including age, race, ethnicity, baseline hemoglobin (HbA1c) and baseline ETDRS-DRSS score.
| Outcome Measure BCVA measured using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity chart at a starting distance of 4 meters. | SUSVIMO (100 mg/mL) n=248 | Intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 mg (10 mg/mL) n=167 | Difference (95% CI) All estimates are adjusted estimates based on a mixed-effect model with repeated measures. SUSVIMO arm - intravitreal ranibizumab arm. 95% is a rounding of 95.03% CI; The type 1 error was adjusted for interim safety monitoring. |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCVA = Best corrected visual acuity | |||
| Adjusted Mean change from baseline in BCVA score averaged over Weeks 36 and 40 | 0.2 | 0.5 | -0.3 (-1.7, 1.1) Equivalence margins were ±4.5 letters. |
| Outcome Measure BCVA measured using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity chart at a starting distance of 4 meters. | SUSVIMO 100 mg/mL n=381 | Intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 mg (10 mg/mL) n=253 | Difference (95% CI) All estimates are adjusted estimates based on a mixed-effect model with repeated measures. 95% is a rounding of 95.05% CI; The type 1 error was adjusted for interim safety monitoring. |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCVA = Best corrected visual acuity | |||
| Change in BCVA scores from baseline averaged over Week 60 and Week 64 Adjusted Mean | 9.6 | 9.4 | 0.2 (-1.2, 1.6) |
| Outcome Measure | SUSVIMO 100 mg/mL (n=106) | Clinical Observation (n=68) | Difference 95% CI All estimates are adjusted estimates based on the CMH method. 95% is a rounding of 95.04% CI; the type 1 error was adjusted for interim safety monitoring. p<0.01 compared with clinical observation. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETDRS-DRSS = Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scores CMH = Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test | |||
| Adjusted proportion of patients with ≥ 2-step improvement from baseline on the ETDRS-DRSS at Week 52 | 80% | 9% | 71% (61%, 81%) |
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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