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AQNEURSA (levacetylleucine) for oral suspension contains the drug substance levacetylleucine, a modified amino acid. Levacetylleucine is slightly soluble in aqueous solutions. The chemical name is 2-acetamido-4-methylpentanoic acid. The empirical formula is C8H15NO3 and the molecular weight is 173.21. The chemical structure is:
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Each packet of AQNEURSA granules contains 1 gram levacetylleucine and the inactive ingredients hypromellose, isomalt and strawberry flavor.
AQNEURSA™ is indicated for the treatment of neurological manifestations of Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) in adults and pediatric patients weighing ≥15 kg.
For females of reproductive potential, verify that the patient is not pregnant [see Use In Specific Populations].
The recommended dosage of AQNEURSA is based on the patient’s actual body weight (kg) to be administered orally up to three times daily. See Table 1.
AQNEURSA can be taken with or without food [see Clinical Studies].
For 2 gram levacetylleucine doses, prepare two AQNEURSA packets individually [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Table 1: Recommended Dosage of Levacetylleucine Based on Body Weight (kg)
| Patient’s Body Weight | Morning Dose | Afternoon Dose | Evening Dose |
| 15 kg to less than 25 kg | 1 gram | No Dose | 1 gram |
| 25 kg to less than 35 kg | 1 gram | 1 gram | 1 gram |
| 35 kg or more | 2 gram | 1 gram | 1 gram |
One AQNEURSA packet contains 1 gram levacetylleucine.
If a dose of AQNEURSA is missed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
For oral administration, administer AQNEURSA as follows:
For patients who have a G-tube (French size 18 or larger) in place, administer AQNEURSA as follows:
For oral suspension: 1 gram levacetylleucine as white to off-white strawberry flavored granules in a unit-dose packet.
AQNEURSA (levacetylleucine) for oral suspension is supplied as white to off-white granules in a unit-dose multi-layer aluminum/polyethylene packet. Each packet contains 1.7 gram white to off-white granules, equivalent to 1 gram levacetylleucine.
NDC 83853-101-01: Carton containing 28 unit-dose packets
Store AQNEURSA at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursion permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Distributed by: IntraBio Inc., Austin TX 78701. Revised: Sep 2024
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.
The safety of AQNEURSA was evaluated in Trial 1, which included a total of 60 patients with Niemann-Pick disease Type C (NPC), in a placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover trial [see Clinical Studies].
The mean (SD) treatment duration of AQNEURSA was 86.2 (4.7) days (69 min, 97 max); the mean (SD) treatment duration on placebo was 87.3 (4.8) days (78 min, 113 max).
Table 2 summarizes adverse reactions that occurred in patients who were treated with AQNEURSA in Treatment Period I of Trial 1.
Table 2: Adverse Reactions that Occurred in Adult and Pediatric Patients with NPC at an Incidence of ≥5% in Treatment Period I of Trial 1
| Adverse Reaction | AQNEURSA N=30 n (%) |
Placebo N=30 n (%) |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 5 (17) | 1 (3) |
| Abdominal pain | 2 (7) | 0 (0) |
| Dysphagia | 2 (7) | 0 (0) |
| Vomiting | 2 (7) | 0 (0) |
One patient experienced an exacerbation of rosacea during Trial 1 that responded to treatment. AQNEURSA was not discontinued.
Thrombocytopenia with platelets < 100 10^3 cells/μL was observed in four patients during Treatment Period 1, all of whom were receiving miglustat for 42 days or longer at the time of enrollment. In two of these patients, the thrombocytopenia was present at baseline. In the other two patients, the thrombocytopenia developed during the trial.
Avoid concomitant use of AQNEURSA with N-acetyl-DL-leucine and N-acetyl-D-leucine. The D-enantiomer, N-acetyl-D-leucine, competes with levacetylleucine for monocarboxylate transporter uptake, which may reduce the levacetylleucine efficacy.
Monitor more frequently for P-gp substrate related adverse reactions when used concomitantly with AQNEURSA.
Levacetylleucine inhibits P-gp [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. However, the clinical significance of this finding has not been fully characterized.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Based on findings from animal reproduction studies, AQNEURSA may cause embryo-fetal harm when administered during pregnancy. Administration of levacetylleucine to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis caused an increase in embryo-fetal death (post implantation loss/resorption) and skeletal malformations at a dose that was approximately 1.4-fold and 6-fold, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 4 g/day of levacetylleucine (based on body surface area).
The decision to continue or discontinue AQNEURSA treatment during pregnancy should consider the female’s need for AQNEURSA, the potential drug-related risks to the fetus, and the potential adverse outcomes from untreated maternal disease.
For females of reproductive potential, verify that the patient is not pregnant prior to initiating treatment with AQNEURSA. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with AQNEURSA and for 7 days after the last dose if AQNEURSA is discontinued [see Use In Specific Populations].
Advise the patient and/or caregiver to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Instructions for Use).
AQNEURSA may cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise a pregnant female of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise a female of reproductive potential and caregiver to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations]. Advise a female of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 days after the last dose if AQNEURSA is discontinued [see Use In Specific Populations].
Animal studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of levacetylleucine have not been conducted.
Levacetylleucine was not mutagenic or clastogenic in a battery of in vitro and in vivo assays including bacterial reverse mutation (Ames), chromosomal aberration (in human lymphocytes) and mouse micronucleus assays.
Animal studies to evaluate effects of levacetylleucine on fertility have not been conducted.
Based on findings from animal reproduction studies, AQNEURSA may cause embryo-fetal harm when administered during pregnancy. In animal reproduction studies, an increase in embryo-fetal death (post implantation loss/resorption), decrease in fetal body weight, and increase in external and skeletal malformations were observed in rats and rabbits when levacetylleucine was administered in pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis. These effects were observed in rats and rabbits at the doses that were approximately 1.4-fold and 6-fold, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) in patients taking 4 grams of AQNEURSA per day (see Data).
There are no available data on AQNEURSA use in pregnant females to evaluate a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Advise a pregnant female of the potential risk to the fetus. The decision to continue or discontinue AQNEURSA treatment during pregnancy should consider the female’s need for AQNEURSA, the potential drugrelated risks to the fetus, and the potential adverse outcomes from untreated maternal disease.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, miscarriage, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Animal Data
In a dose-range finding rat embryo-fetal development study, doses of up to 1000 mg/kg/day oral levacetylleucine were administered daily to pregnant females during organogenesis (Gestation Day [GD] 6 through GD 17). Increases in the mean number of resorptions, mean post-implantation losses and skeletal malformations (thoracic arch of the vertebra-fused thoracic arch, misaligned thoracic arch, hemicentric thoracic centrum, and misaligned thoracic centrum; vertebral column-scoliosis, and ribs-absent costal cartilage and short rib) were observed at a dose of 600 mg/kg/day, which is 1.4-fold the 4 g/day MRHD of levacetylleucine based on body surface area.
In a dose-range finding rabbit embryo-fetal development study, doses of up to 2500 mg/kg/day oral levacetylleucine were administered daily to pregnant females during organogenesis (GD 7 through GD 19). Increased embryo-fetal death (post-implantation loss/resorption), decreased fetal body weight, and increase in external (open or partially open eyes, hyperflexion of limbs) and skeletal malformations (misshapen maxillae and premaxillae, and small interparietal bones) were observed at the dose of 1250 mg/kg/day, which is 6-fold the MRHD of levacetylleucine based on body surface area.
There are no data on the presence of levacetylleucine or its metabolites in either human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for AQNEURSA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from levacetylleucine or from the underlying maternal condition.
AQNEURSA may cause embryo-fetal harm when administered to a pregnant female [see Use In Specific Populations].
For a female of reproductive potential, verify that the patient is not pregnant prior to initiating treatment with AQNEURSA.
Females
Advise a female of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 days after the last dose if AQNEURSA is discontinued.
The safety and effectiveness of AQNEURSA for the treatment of NPC have been established in 23 pediatric patients weighing ≥15 kg in Trial 1. Use of AQNEURSA for this indication is supported by evidence from one adequate and well-controlled study in adults and pediatric patients weighing ≥15 kg with additional pharmacokinetic data from 40 adults and 17 pediatric patients who participated in two open-label studies [see Clinical Studies and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. The safety and effectiveness of AQNEURSA have not been established in pediatric patients weighing <15 kg.
NPC is largely a disease of pediatric and young adult patients. Clinical studies of AQNEURSA did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients.
No Information provided
None.
The distinct molecular target for levacetylleucine in the treatment of NPC is unknown.
Clinical pharmacodynamic studies have not been conducted for levacetylleucine. A relationship was not observed between increasing levacetylleucine exposure and clinical efficacy. The time course of pharmacodynamic response is unknown.
Levacetylleucine pharmacokinetic parameters at steady state are presented as mean (SD) unless otherwise specified. Levacetylleucine maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve from time 0 to 24 hours (AUC0-24hrs) were 8.3 (3.3) μg/mL and 33.2 (12.5) h*μg/mL.
No levacetylleucine accumulation occurs after repeated administration.
Levacetylleucine time to Cmax (Tmax) is 1 hour (ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 hours).
Distribution
Levacetylleucine apparent (oral) volume of distribution (Vss/F) is 253 (125) L.
Levacetylleucine estimated half-life is around 1 hour and the apparent (oral) clearance is 139 (59) L/h.
Metabolism
Levacetylleucine is metabolized into acetate and L-leucine by ubiquitously expressed enzymes, which are used endogenously in catabolic and metabolic pathways. Cytochrome P450 enzymes are not involved in the metabolism of levacetylleucine.
No clinically significant differences in pharmacokinetics of levacetylleucine were observed based on age (range 5 to 67 years), gender (female 45.5%, male 54.5%), or race/ethnicity (White 91%, Asian 4%, Other or not specified 5%). The effect of renal impairment, hepatic impairment, or pregnancy on levacetylleucine pharmacokinetics is unknown.
The volume of distribution and clearance of levacetylleucine increases with increasing body weight (20.5 kg to 98.4 kg), but these effects on pharmacokinetics are minimized by the recommended weight-based dosing.
In Vitro Studies
Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes: Levacetylleucine does not inhibit CYP 1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, or 3A4 and does not induce CYP 1A2, 2B6, and or 3A4.
Levacetylleucine is a substrate of organic anion transporter (OAT)1 and OAT3, but not organic cation transporter (OCT)2, breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), or P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Levacetylleucine inhibits P-gp, BCRP, bile salt export pump (BSEP), OAT1 and OAT3, but does not inhibit organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP)1B1 and OATP1B3.
The safety and efficacy of AQNEURSA for the treatment of NPC were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period crossover study (NCT05163288) that evaluated the efficacy of AQNEURSA in 60 patients. To be eligible for the study, patients had to be aged 4 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of NPC.
Patients were required to have at least mild disease-related neurological symptoms. Patients were assessed over a 2-week baseline period. Patients were then randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of the two treatment sequences:
AQNEURSA and placebo were administered orally with or without food for 12 weeks in each period.
Patients aged ≥13 years received 4 gram per day (as 2 gram morning dose, 1 gram afternoon dose, and 1 gram evening dose). The AQNEURSA dosage in pediatric patients under 13 years was based on patient’s body weight [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. The approved dosage regimen is based on body weight and not age. Fifty-nine patients (98%) completed the study and received both placebo and AQNEURSA. One patient withdrew based on healthcare provider decision during AQNEURSA treatment.
Of the 60 randomized patients (37 adults and 23 pediatric patients), 27 were female and 33 were male. The median age at treatment initiation was 25 years (range: 5 to 67 years). 90% of the patients were White, 3% Asian, and 7% Other. The majority of the patients (n=51, 85%) received miglustat treatment prior to randomization and during the trial.
The primary efficacy outcome was assessed using a modified version of the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), referred to as the functional SARA (fSARA). The SARA is a clinical assessment tool that assesses gait, stability, speech, and upper and lower limb coordination across 8 individual domains.
The fSARA consists only of gait, sitting, stance, and speech disturbance domains of the original SARA with modifications to the scoring responses. Each domain was rescored from 0 to 4, where 0 is the best neurological status and 4 the worst, with a total score ranging from 0 to 16. The fSARA score was assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks (the end of Period I), 18 weeks, and 24 weeks (the end of Period II). The estimated mean fSARA total score was 5.1 when patients were treated with AQNEURSA and 5.6 when patients were treated with placebo. The estimated treatment difference for the fSARA total score was -0.4 (95% CI: -0.7, -0.2) (Table 3).
Table 3: Summary of fSARA Efficacy Results
| Variable | fSARA Total Score | |
| Treatment Sequence 1: AQNEURSA - Placebo | Treatment Sequence 2: Placebo - AQNEURSA | |
| Baseline | N=30 | N=30 |
| Mean (SD) | 5.2 (3.0) | 6.3 (3.3) |
| Period I | N=29 | N=30 |
| Mean (SD) | 4.5 (2.6) | 6.0 (3.4) |
| Period II | N=28* | N=30 |
| Mean (SD) | 5.1 (2.8) | 5.6 (3.1) |
| Estimated Mean fSARA Score (SE) by Treatment | ||
| AQNEURSA | 5.1 (0.1) | |
| Placebo | 5.6 (0.1) | |
| Treatment Difference (95% CI) | -0.4 (-0.7, -0.2)** | |
| CI = confidence interval; SD = standard deviation; SE = standard error. * Two patients did not have an assessment at the end of Period II (week 24). ** Two-sided p-value <0.001 |
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Patients who received AQNEURSA in Period I followed by placebo in Period II (Treatment Sequence 1) showed a greater improvement in the fSARA score in Period I with a mean change from baseline of -0.5 (SD 1.2), compared to Period II with a mean change from baseline of 0 (1.5). Similarly, patients who received placebo in Period I followed by AQNEURSA in Period II (Treatment Sequence 2) experienced greater improvement in the fSARA score while receiving AQNEURSA in Period II with a mean change of -0.7 (0.9), compared to a mean change of -0.3 (0.9) in Period I.
Figure 1: Mean (+/- standard error) plot of the fSARA total score by time and treatment sequence
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Results on the fSARA were supported by consistent results demonstrated on the original SARA.
AQNEURSA
[ak nur' sah]
(levacetylleucine) for oral suspension
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
This Instructions for Use contains information on how to prepare and take or give AQNEURSA oral suspension. Read this Instructions for Use before you prepare and take or give the first dose of AQNEURSA oral suspension and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This Instructions for Use does not take the place of talking to your or your child’s healthcare provider about your or your child’s medical condition or treatment.
Important Information You Need to Know Before Taking or Giving AQNEURSA Oral Suspension
Supplies Needed to Prepare and Take or Give AQNEURSA Oral Suspension
Gather the following supplies on a clean flat surface:
Preparing AQNEURSA Oral Suspension
Step 1: Wash and dry your hands.
Step 2: Open and empty the entire contents of 1 AQNEURSA packet into a container with 40 mL of:
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Step 3: Stir to form the suspension.
Note:
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Taking AQNEURSA Oral Suspension by Mouth
Step 4: Swallow AQNEURSA oral suspension right away (within 30 minutes).
Throw away (dispose of) unused AQNEURSA oral suspension if not taken within 30 minutes.
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Step 5: If your prescribed dose requires 2 AQNEURSA packets, repeat Steps 1 through 4.
Giving AQNEURSA Oral Suspension Through a Gastrostomy Tube (G-tube)
Note: Only use 40 mL of water for preparing AQNEURSA oral suspension when given through G-tube.
Step 6: Draw up the prepared AQNEURSA oral suspension into a catheter tip syringe.
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Step 7: Inject the AQNEURSA oral suspension through the G-tube right away.
Throw away (dispose of) unused AQNEURSA oral suspension if not given right away.
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Step 8: Refill the syringe with an additional 20 mL water.
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Step 9:Flush the G-tube with water, until no remaining AQNEURSA oral suspension is seen in the syringe or G-tube.
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Step 10: If your prescribed dose requires 2 AQNEURSA packets, follow Steps 1 through 3 to prepare the AQNEURSA oral suspension, then repeat Steps 6 through 9.
Storing AQNEURSA
Disposing of Expired AQNEURSA Packets or Unused AQNEURSA Oral Suspension
Throw away (dispose of) expired AQNEURSA packets or unused AQNEURSA oral suspension following the steps below:
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
