Xolair Drug Information

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. Adverse Reactions from Clinical Studies in Adult and Adolescent Patients 12 Years of Age and Older with Asthma The data described below reflect XOLAIR exposure for 2076 adult and adolescent patients ages 12 and older, including 1687 patients exposed for six months and 555 exposed for one year or more, in either placebo-controlled or other controlled asthma studies. The mean age of patients receiving XOLAIR was 42 years, with 134 patients 65 years of age or older; 60% were women, and 85% Caucasian.

Patients received XOLAIR 150 mg to 375 mg every 2 or 4 weeks or, for patients assigned to control groups, standard therapy with or without a placebo. The adverse reactions most frequently resulting in clinical intervention (e.g., discontinuation of XOLAIR, or the need for concomitant medication to treat an adverse reaction) were injection site reaction (45%), viral infections (23%), upper respiratory tract infection (20%), sinusitis (16%), headache (15%), and pharyngitis (11%). These reactions were observed at similar rates in XOLAIR-treated patients and control patients. Table 7 shows adverse reactions from four placebo-controlled asthma trials that occurred ≥1% and more frequently in adult and adolescent patients 12 years of age and older receiving XOLAIR than in those receiving placebo.

Adverse reactions were classified using preferred terms from the International Medical Nomenclature (IMN) dictionary. Injection site reactions were recorded separately from the reporting of other adverse reactions. Table 7. Adverse Reactions ≥1% More Frequent in XOLAIR-Treated Adult or Adolescent Patients 12 years of Age and Older in Four Placebo-controlled Asthma Trials Adverse reaction XOLAIR n=738 Placebo n=717 Body as a whole Pain 7% 5% Fatigue 3% 2% Musculoskeletal system Arthralgia 8% 6% Fracture 2% 1% Leg pain 4% 2% Arm pain 2% 1% Nervous system Dizziness 3% 2% Skin and appendages Pruritus 2% 1% Dermatitis 2% 1% Special senses Earache 2% 1% There were no differences in the incidence of adverse reactions based on age (among patients under 65), gender or race.

Anaphylaxis Case Control Study A retrospective case-control study investigated risk factors for anaphylaxis to XOLAIR among patients treated with XOLAIR for asthma. Cases with an adjudicated history of anaphylaxis to XOLAIR were compared to controls with no such history. The study found that a self-reported history of anaphylaxis to foods, medications or other causes was more common among patients with XOLAIR anaphylaxis (57% of 30 cases) compared to controls (23% of 88 controls). Because this is a case-control study, the study cannot provide the incidence of anaphylaxis among XOLAIR users.

From other sources, anaphylaxis to XOLAIR was observed in 0.1% of patients in clinical trials and at least 0.2% of patients based upon postmarketing reports. Approximately 60% to 70% of cases were reported to occur within the first three doses of XOLAIR, with additional cases occurring sporadically beyond the third dose. The time to onset for anaphylaxis was reported to occur within 2 hours for the majority of cases (approximately 75%) . Injection Site Reactions In adults and adolescents, injection site reactions of any severity occurred at a rate of 45% in XOLAIR-treated patients compared with 43% in placebo-treated patients.

The types of injection site reactions included: bruising, redness, warmth, burning, stinging, itching, hive formation, pain, indurations, mass, and inflammation. Severe injection site reactions occurred more frequently in XOLAIR-treated patients compared with patients in the placebo group (12% versus 9%). The majority of injection site reactions occurred within 1 hour post injection, lasted less than 8 days, and generally decreased in frequency at subsequent dosing visits. Adverse Reactions from Clinical Studies in Pediatric Patients 6 to <12 Years of Age with Asthma The data described below reflect XOLAIR exposure for 926 patients 6 to <12 years of age, including 583 patients exposed for six months and 292 exposed for one year or more, in either placebo-controlled or other controlled asthma studies.

The mean age of pediatric patients receiving XOLAIR was 8.8 years; 69% were male, and 64% were Caucasian. Pediatric patients received XOLAIR 75 mg to 375 mg every 2 or 4 weeks or, for patients assigned to control groups, standard therapy with or without a placebo. No cases of malignancy were reported in patients treated with XOLAIR in these trials.

The most common adverse reactions occurring at ≥3% in the pediatric patients receiving XOLAIR and more frequently than in patients treated with placebo were nasopharyngitis, headache, pyrexia, upper abdominal pain, pharyngitis streptococcal, otitis media, viral gastroenteritis, arthropod bite, and epistaxis. The adverse reactions most frequently resulting in clinical intervention (e.g., discontinuation of XOLAIR, or the need for concomitant medication to treat an adverse event) were bronchitis (0.2%), headache (0.2%) and urticaria (0.2%). These reactions were observed at similar rates in XOLAIR-treated patients and control patients. Adverse Reactions from Clinical Studies in Adult Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps The data described below reflect XOLAIR exposure for 135 patients ≥ 18 years of age, exposed for six months in two placebo-controlled studies.

The mean age of patients receiving XOLAIR was 49.7 years; 64% were male, and 94% were Caucasian. Patients received XOLAIR or placebo SC every 2 or 4 weeks, with dosage and frequency according to Table 3. All patients received background nasal mometasone therapy throughout the study. Table 8 lists the adverse reactions occurring in ≥3% of XOLAIR-treated patients and more frequently than in patients treated with placebo in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) Trials 1 and 2; results were pooled.

Table 8. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥3% of XOLAIR-Treated Patients and More Frequently than in Patients Treated with Placebo in CRSwNP Trials 1 and 2 Adverse reaction XOLAIR n=135 Placebo n=130 CRSwNP = Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps. Gastrointestinal disorder Upper abdominal pain 4 (3.0%) 1 (0.8%) General disorders and administration site conditions Injection site reactions Injection site reactions terms: 'injection site reaction', 'injection related reaction' and 'injection site pain'. All injection site reactions were mild to moderate severity and none resulted in study discontinuation. 7 (5.2%) 2 (1.5%) Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disorders Arthralgia 4 (3.0%) 2 (1.5%) Nervous system disorders Headache 11 (8.1%) 7 (5.4%) Dizziness 4 (3.0%) 1 (0.8%) Adverse Reactions from a Clinical Study in Patients with IgE-Mediated Food Allergy The safety of XOLAIR in patients with IgE-mediated allergic reactions (Type I), including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to one or more foods, was based on data from the Food Allergy (FA) Trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 168 patients (165 pediatric patients and 3 adults) who were allergic to peanut and at least two other foods . Patients received a dosage of XOLAIR or placebo subcutaneously every 2 or 4 weeks for 16 to 20 weeks according to the recommended dosage based on IgE level (IU/mL), measured before the start of treatment, and by body weight (kg) provided in Table 4 . Safety data provided in Table 9 are from the primary analysis population of pediatric patients aged 1 year to 17 years. Safety data obtained from adults (n=3) in this trial was limited.

Table 9 lists the adverse reactions occurring in ≥3% of XOLAIR-treated pediatric patients and more frequently than in patients treated with placebo in the FA trial. There were no discontinuations due to adverse reactions. Table 9. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥3% of XOLAIR-Treated Pediatric Patients 1 Year of Age and Older and More Frequently than in Patients Treated with Placebo in FA Trial Adverse Reaction XOLAIR n=110 Placebo n=55 General disorders and administration site conditions Injection site reactions Injection site reactions terms: 'injection site reaction','injection site urticaria','injection site discomfort','injection site erythema','injection site pain' and 'injection site rash'. All injection site reactions were mild to moderate severity and none resulted in study discontinuation. 17 (15.5%) 6 (10.9%) Pyrexia 7 (6.4%) 2 (3.6%) Adverse Reactions from Clinical Studies in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria The safety of XOLAIR for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) was assessed in three placebo-controlled, multiple-dose clinical trials of 12 weeks' (CSU Trial 2) and 24 weeks' duration (CSU Trials 1 and 3). In CSU Trials 1 and 2, patients received XOLAIR 75 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg or placebo every 4 weeks in addition to their baseline level of H1 antihistamine therapy throughout the treatment period.

In CSU Trial 3 patients were randomized to XOLAIR 300 mg or placebo every 4 weeks in addition to their baseline level of H1 antihistamine therapy. The data described below reflect XOLAIR exposure for 733 patients enrolled and receiving at least one dose of XOLAIR in the three clinical trials, including 684 patients exposed for 12 weeks and 427 exposed for 24 weeks. The mean age of patients receiving XOLAIR 300 mg was 43 years, 75% were women, and 89% were white.

The demographic profiles for patients receiving XOLAIR 150 mg and 75 mg were similar. Table 10 shows adverse reactions that occurred in ≥2% of patients receiving XOLAIR (150 or 300 mg) and more frequently than those receiving placebo. Adverse reactions are pooled from CSU Trial 2 and the first 12 weeks of CSU Trials 1 and 3. Table 10. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% in XOLAIR-Treated Patients and More Frequently than in Patients Treated with Placebo (Day 1 to Week 12) in CSU Trials Adverse Reactions by MedDRA System Organ Class and Preferred Term CSU Trials 1, 2 and 3 Pooled 150mg (n=175) 300mg (n=412) Placebo (n=242) Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea 2 (1.1%) 11 (2.7%) 6 (2.5%) Infections and infestations Nasopharyngitis 16 (9.1%) 27 (6.6%) 17 (7.0%) Sinusitis 2 (1.1%) 20 (4.9%) 5 (2.1%) Upper respiratory tract infection 2 (1.1%) 14 (3.4%) 5 (2.1%) Viral upper respiratory tract infection 4 (2.3%) 2 (0.5%) (0.0%) Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Arthralgia 5 (2.9%) 12 (2.9%) 1 (0.4%) Nervous system disorders Headache 21 (12.0%) 25 (6.1%) 7 (2.9%) Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders Cough 2 (1.1%) 9 (2.2%) 3 (1.2%) Additional reactions reported during the 24-week treatment period in CSU Trials 1 and 3 included: toothache, fungal infection, urinary tract infection, myalgia, pain in extremity, musculoskeletal pain, peripheral edema, pyrexia, migraine, sinus headache, anxiety, oropharyngeal pain, asthma, urticaria, and alopecia.

Injection Site Reactions in Patients with CSU Injection site reactions of any severity occurred during the studies in more XOLAIR-treated patients compared with 2 placebo-treated patients (0.8%). The types of injection site reactions included: swelling, erythema, pain, bruising, itching, bleeding, and urticaria. None of the events resulted in study discontinuation or treatment interruption. Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events from Clinical Studies in Patients with Asthma A 5-year observational cohort study was conducted in patients ≥12 years of age with moderate to severe persistent asthma and a positive skin test reaction to a perennial aeroallergen to evaluate the long-term safety of XOLAIR, including the risk of malignancy . A total of 5007 XOLAIR-treated and 2829 non–XOLAIR-treated patients enrolled in the study.

Similar percentages of patients in both cohorts were current (5%) or former smokers (29%). Patients had a mean age of 45 years and were followed for a mean of 3.7 years. More XOLAIR-treated patients were diagnosed with severe asthma (50%) compared to the non–XOLAIR-treated patients (23%) and 44% of patients prematurely discontinued the study. Additionally, 88% of patients in the XOLAIR-treated cohort had been previously exposed to XOLAIR for a mean of 8 months.

A higher incidence rate (per 1000 patient-years) of overall cardiovascular and cerebrovascular serious adverse events (SAEs) was observed in XOLAIR-treated patients compared to non–XOLAIR-treated patients. Increases in rates were observed for transient ischemic attack (0.7 versus 0.1), myocardial infarction (2.1 versus 0.8), pulmonary hypertension (0.5 versus 0), pulmonary embolism/venous thrombosis (3.2 versus 1.5), and unstable angina (2.2 versus 1.4), while the rates observed for ischemic stroke and cardiovascular death were similar among both study cohorts. The results suggest a potential increased risk of serious cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients treated with XOLAIR. However, the observational study design, the inclusion of patients previously exposed to XOLAIR (88%), baseline imbalances in cardiovascular risk factors between the treatment groups, an inability to adjust for unmeasured risk factors, and the high study discontinuation rate limit the ability to quantify the magnitude of the risk.

A pooled analysis of 25 randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials of 8 to 52 weeks in duration was conducted to further evaluate the imbalance in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular SAEs noted in the above observational cohort study. A total of 3342 XOLAIR-treated patients and 2895 placebo-treated patients were included in the pooled analysis. The patients had a mean age of 38 years, and were followed for a mean duration of 6.8 months.

No notable imbalances were observed in the rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular SAEs listed above. However, the results of the pooled analysis were based on a low number of events, slightly younger patients, and shorter duration of follow-up than the observational cohort study; therefore, the results are insufficient to confirm or reject the findings noted in the observational cohort study. Adverse Reactions from Clinical Study in Healthy Adults Injection Site Reactions in Healthy Adults In an open label trial in healthy adults, in which the 300 mg/2 mL autoinjector was compared to the 300 mg/2 mL prefilled syringe, injection site reactions (e.g., induration, pain, erythema, hemorrhage, swelling, discomfort, bruising, hypoesthesia, edema, pruritus) were observed in 24% (16/66) of subjects treated with the autoinjector compared with 14% (9/64) of subjects treated with the prefilled syringe.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of XOLAIR. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Anaphylaxis: Based on spontaneous reports and an estimated exposure of about 57,300 patients from June 2003 through December 2006, the frequency of anaphylaxis attributed to XOLAIR use was estimated to be at least 0.2% of patients. Diagnostic criteria of anaphylaxis were skin or mucosal tissue involvement, and, either airway compromise, and/or reduced blood pressure with or without associated symptoms, and a temporal relationship to XOLAIR administration with no other identifiable cause.

Signs and symptoms in these reported cases included bronchospasm, hypotension, syncope, urticaria, angioedema of the throat or tongue, dyspnea, cough, chest tightness, and/or cutaneous angioedema. Pulmonary involvement was reported in 89% of the cases. Hypotension or syncope was reported in 14% of cases.

Fifteen percent of the reported cases resulted in hospitalization. A previous history of anaphylaxis unrelated to XOLAIR was reported in 24% of the cases. Of the reported cases of anaphylaxis attributed to XOLAIR, 39% occurred with the first dose, 19% occurred with the second dose, 10% occurred with the third dose, and the rest after subsequent doses.

One case occurred after 39 doses (after 19 months of continuous therapy, anaphylaxis occurred when treatment was restarted following a 3-month gap). The time to onset of anaphylaxis in these cases was up to 30 minutes in 35%, greater than 30 and up to 60 minutes in 16%, greater than 60 and up to 90 minutes in 2%, greater than 90 and up to 120 minutes in 6%, greater than 2 hours and up to 6 hours in 5%, greater than 6 hours and up to 12 hours in 14%, greater than 12 hours and up to 24 hours in 8%, and greater than 24 hours and up to 4 days in 5%. In 9% of cases the times to onset were unknown. Twenty-three patients who experienced anaphylaxis were rechallenged with XOLAIR and 18 patients had a recurrence of similar symptoms of anaphylaxis. In addition, anaphylaxis occurred upon rechallenge with XOLAIR in 4 patients who previously experienced urticaria only.

Eosinophilic Conditions : Eosinophilic conditions have been reported . Fever, Arthralgia, and Rash : A constellation of signs and symptoms including arthritis/arthralgia, rash (urticaria or other forms), fever and lymphadenopathy similar to serum sickness have been reported in post-approval use of XOLAIR . Hematologic : Severe thrombocytopenia has been reported. Skin : Hair loss has been reported.

No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with XOLAIR. In patients with asthma, CRSwNP, and IgE-mediated food allergy the concomitant use of XOLAIR and allergen immunotherapy has not been evaluated. In patients with CSU, the use of XOLAIR in combination with immunosuppressive therapies has not been studied. No formal drug interaction studies have been performed.

Pregnancy Risk Summary A registry study of XOLAIR exposure during pregnancy showed no increase in the rate of major birth defects or miscarriage. There was an increased rate of low birth weight among registry infants compared to infants in the other cohorts, despite average gestational age at birth; however, women taking XOLAIR during pregnancy also had more severe asthma, which makes it difficult to determine whether the low birth weight is due to the drug or the disease severity . There are risks associated with poorly or moderately controlled asthma in pregnancy . Human IgG antibodies are known to cross the placental barrier; therefore, XOLAIR may be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. In animal reproduction studies, no evidence of fetal harm was observed in Cynomolgus monkeys with subcutaneous doses of omalizumab up to approximately 5 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) is unknown.

All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the US general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk In women with poorly or moderately controlled asthma, evidence demonstrates that there is an increased risk of preeclampsia in the mother and prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in the neonate.

The level of asthma control should be closely monitored in pregnant women and treatment adjusted as necessary to maintain optimal control. Data Human Data A prospective cohort pregnancy exposure registry study conducted in the US from 2006 to 2018, included 250 pregnant women with asthma treated with XOLAIR. Of these, 246 patients were exposed to XOLAIR in the first trimester of pregnancy, and the median exposure duration was 8.7 months. The registry findings for applicable mother and infant subgroups were compared to age-adjusted frequencies in a disease-matched external cohort of 1,153 pregnant women with asthma (without exposure to XOLAIR) identified from healthcare databases of residents in the Canadian province of Quebec, and referred to as the Quebec External Comparator Cohort ("comparator cohort"). Among applicable registry infants, the prevalence of major congenital anomalies (8.1%) was similar to that for infants in the comparator cohort (8.9%). Among applicable registry pregnancies, 99.1% led to live births, similar to 99.3% for the comparator cohort.

There was an increased rate of low birth weight among registry infants (13.7%) as compared to the comparator cohort (9.8%); however, women taking XOLAIR during pregnancy also had more severe asthma, which makes it difficult to determine whether the low birth weight is due to the drug or the disease severity. The registry study cannot definitively establish the absence of any risk because of methodological limitations, including the observational nature of the registry, small sample size, and potential differences between the registry population and the comparator cohort. Animal Data Reproductive studies have been performed in Cynomolgus monkeys.

There was no evidence of maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity, or teratogenicity when omalizumab was administered throughout the period of organogenesis at doses that produced exposures approximately 5 times the MRHD (on a mg/kg basis with maternal subcutaneous doses up to 75 mg/kg/week). Omalizumab did not elicit adverse effects on fetal or neonatal growth when administered throughout late gestation, delivery, and nursing.

Pediatric Use Asthma Safety and effectiveness of XOLAIR for moderate to severe persistent asthma who had a positive skin test or in vitro reactivity to a perennial aeroallergen and whose symptoms are inadequately controlled with inhaled corticosteroids, have been established in pediatric patients aged 6 years and older. Use of XOLAIR for this indication is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies. XOLAIR was evaluated in 2 trials in 926 (XOLAIR 624; placebo 302) pediatric patients 6 to <12 years of age with moderate to severe persistent asthma who had a positive skin test or in vitro reactivity to a perennial aeroallergen.

One trial was a pivotal trial of similar design and conduct to that of adult and adolescent Asthma Trials 1 and 2. The other trial was primarily a safety study and included evaluation of efficacy as a secondary outcome. In the pivotal trial, XOLAIR-treated patients had a statistically significant reduction in the rate of exacerbations (exacerbation was defined as worsening of asthma that required treatment with systemic corticosteroids or a doubling of the baseline ICS dose) . Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients with asthma below 6 years of age have not been established. Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) below 18 years of age have not been established.

IgE-Mediated Food Allergy The safety and effectiveness of XOLAIR for the reduction of allergic reactions (Type I), including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to one or more foods have been established in pediatric patients aged 1 year and older with IgE-mediated food allergy. Use of XOLAIR for this indication is supported by evidence from an adequate and well-controlled study that included a total of 165 pediatric patients; 61 patients aged 1 year to less than 6 years of age and 104 patients aged 6 to less than 18 years of age. A significantly greater percentage of XOLAIR-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients was able to consume a single dose of food (peanut, cashew, milk, egg) without dose- limiting symptoms.

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients with IgE-mediated food allergy below 1 year of age have not been established. Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria The safety and effectiveness of XOLAIR for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) who remain symptomatic despite H1 antihistamine treatment have been established in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. Use of XOLAIR in this population is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies.

Adolescent patients with CSU were evaluated in 39 patients 12 to 17 years of age (XOLAIR 29, placebo 10) included in three randomized, placebo-controlled CSU trials. A numerical decrease in weekly itch score was observed, and adverse reactions were similar to those reported in patients 18 years and older. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients with CSU below 12 years of age have not been established.

is contraindicated in patients with severe hypersensitivity reaction to XOLAIR or any ingredient of XOLAIR . Severe hypersensitivity reaction to XOLAIR or any ingredient of XOLAIR