Clinical Pharmacology for Enflonsia
Mechanism Of Action
ENFLONSIA is a monoclonal antibody with anti-RSV activity [see Microbiology].
Pharmacodynamics
RSV serum neutralizing antibody titer correlates with clesrovimab-cfor serum concentration. Following IM administration of clesrovimab-cfor in infants, the RSV neutralizing antibody titers in serum were estimated to be approximately 7 times higher than baseline at 4 hours after clesrovimab-cfor dosing and maximum titers were reached by day 7, for a typical infant weighing 5 kg.
Exposure-Response Relationship
In the Phase 2b/3 trial evaluating the recommended dose of clesrovimab-cfor (a single dose of 105 mg) in healthy preterm and full-term infants (Trial 004), no significant relationship was observed between AUC (from day 1 to day 150) and clinical outcomes (e.g., RSV-associated Medically Attended Lower Respiratory Infection (MALRI)).
Duration Of Protection
Based on clinical trial data, the duration of protection demonstrated by a single dose of ENFLONSIA extends through 5 months [see Clinical Studies].
Pharmacokinetics
The PK of clesrovimab-cfor is approximately dose-proportional following a single IM administration of doses ranging from 20 mg to 210 mg in infants. Following IM administration of the 105 mg recommended dose, the geometric mean (% geometric CV) area under the time concentration curve from day 1 to day 150 (AUC0-150) is 6,470 mcg×d/mL (22.6%), peak concentration (Cmax) is 120 mcg/mL (25.4%), and the concentration at day 150 (C150) is 10.3 mcg/mL (36.6%). In the first RSV season, the clesrovimab-cfor serum exposures were similar in neonates and infants in Trial 004, in preterm neonates and infants born at less than or equal to 35 weeks GA (including less than 29 weeks GA) in Trial 007, and in neonates and infants with CLD or CHD in Trial 007.
Absorption
The median time to maximum concentration is 6.5 days (5.9, 7.4 which are the 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles, respectively).
Distribution
The estimated apparent volume of distribution for clesrovimab-cfor is 830 mL, for a typical infant weighing 5 kg.
Elimination
The clesrovimab-cfor terminal half-life is approximately 44.0 days and the estimated apparent clearance is 19.7 mL/day for a typical infant weighing 5 kg.
Metabolism
Clesrovimab-cfor is degraded into small peptides by catabolic pathways.
Specific Populations
No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of clesrovimab-cfor were observed based on race or vulnerability to severe RSV disease (i.e., CLD, CHD, or GA <29 weeks). An effect of renal or hepatic impairment on clesrovimab-cfor pharmacokinetics is not expected.
Drug Interaction Studies
Since clesrovimab-cfor is eliminated by catabolism, no metabolic drug-drug interactions are expected. However, no formal drug interaction studies have been performed with ENFLONSIA.
Clinical Studies
Vaccines
In clinical trials, when ENFLONSIA was given concomitantly with routine childhood vaccines, the safety profile of the co-administered regimen was generally comparable to the safety profile when ENFLONSIA and childhood vaccines were administered alone.
Microbiology
Mechanism Of Action
Clesrovimab-cfor is a recombinant human immunoglobulin G1 kappa (IgG1κ) neutralizing monoclonal antibody with a YTE triple amino acid substitution (M252Y/S254T/T256E) in the Fc region which increases binding to the neonatal Fc receptor leading to an extended serum half-life. Passive immunity is provided by clesrovimab-cfor, which targets the extracellular domain of the RSV fusion (F) protein to prevent fusion of the viral and cellular membranes and viral entry.
Clesrovimab-cfor binds to a conserved epitope on antigenic site IV on the F protein and binds to RSV A pre-fusion F glycoprotein and post-fusion F glycoprotein with equilibrium dissociation constant values (KD) of 71 pM and 480 pM, respectively.
Antiviral Activity
A neutralization assay in Hep-2 cells was used to determine clesrovimab-cfor potency against RSV A and RSV B isolates. Clesrovimab-cfor neutralized 47 RSV clinical isolates collected from North America locations between 1987 and 2016, with median EC50 values for RSV A isolates of 25 pM (3.71 ng/mL) (n=24; range of 1.2 to 74 pM [0.18 to 11.11 ng/mL]), and for RSV B isolates of 30 pM (4.48 ng/mL) (n=23; range of 4 to 198 pM [0.59 to 29.65 ng/mL]).
Clesrovimab-cfor also neutralized 12 contemporary isolates isolated from Texas, US, between 2016 and 2021, with a median EC50 value for RSV A isolates of 121 pM (18.02 ng/mL) (n=6; range of 59 to 186 pM [8.79 to 27.74 ng/mL]), and for RSV B isolates of 130 pM (19.41 ng/mL) (n=6; range of 95 to 153 pM [14.22 to 22.92 ng/mL]). The relatively high EC50 values for contemporary isolates compared with historical isolates is thought to be related to assay differences because the values for the control viruses also increased.
Antiviral Resistance
In Cell Culture
Clesrovimab-resistant RSV variants were identified after serial passage in cell culture of RSV A or RSV B in the presence of clesrovimab-cfor. Four variants were generated after 6 passages with RSV A, and one variant after 9 passages of RSV B. These variants each had reduced susceptibility to clesrovimab-cfor of >3,800-fold (RSV A) or >360-fold (RSV B) when assessed in cell culture, and harbored the following clesrovimab-cfor binding site substitutions: G446E, S443P+K445N, S443P+G446E, or S443P for the four RSV A variants, respectively, and S443P substitution for the RSV B variant.
In Surveillance Trials
In sequences reported in the GenBank® database (accessed April 15, 2024), the RSV binding epitope for clesrovimab-cfor was highly conserved (99.8%), with 13 polymorphisms identified at contact residues. Of these polymorphisms, the most common (I432T, 0.04% of sequences) conferred 4-fold (RSV A) or 1.6-fold (RSV B) reductions in susceptibility to clesrovimab-cfor in a cell culture neutralization assay. One polymorphism seen in 3 RSV A sequences, G446E, is a resistance-associated substitution selected in cell culture.
In a global surveillance study conducted between 2019 and 2023 in 8 countries across Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the clesrovimab-cfor binding site was highly conserved (>99%) in 300 RSV A and 255 RSV B sequences in clinical samples collected from individuals of various ages (<1 year to >60 years of age).
In Clinical Trials
In Trial 004, more substitutions in the clesrovimab-cfor binding site (amino acid positions 426 to 447) were observed at ≥3% variant allele frequency (VAF) in RSV infections of clesrovimab-cfor-treated participants (15/156 [9.6%]) compared with placebo participants (2/150 [1.3%]) from Day 1 through 180 post-dose. The majority of the binding site substitutions affected residue G446 (RSV A: G446E, G446R or G446W; and RSV B: G446E or G446R), and were seen at >50% VAF in at least one participant each. G446E, G446R, and G446W substitutions are resistance-associated, with G446E and G446W conferring >2,941-fold (RSV A) or >1,299-fold (RSV B) loss of susceptibility to clesrovimab-cfor, and G446R conferring >1,563-fold (RSV A) loss of susceptibility to clesrovimab-cfor (RSV B not assessed). Other binding site substitutions seen in clesrovimab-cfor-treated participants at <10% VAF were RSV B: F435S, S443L, G446V, and V447I (no cell culture neutralization data available).
In Trial 007, RSV infections with binding site substitutions at >50% VAF included RSV A (G446W) and RSV B (G446E and G446R), in clesrovimab-cfor-treated participants.
For Trials 004 and 007, there was no clear association of binding site substitutions seen in RSV infections and RSV-associated Medically Attended Lower Respiratory Infection (MALRI) or hospitalization. However, for substitutions seen at high VAF% from Days 1 to 150 post-dose, one participant in Trial 004 with RSV A G446W substitution had RSV-associated hospitalization, and one participant in Trial 007 with RSV B G446R substitution had RSV-associated severe MALRI and hospitalization.
Cross-resistance
No cross-resistance was seen for RSV variants harboring palivizumab or nirsevimab resistance-associated substitutions in cell culture neutralization assays. Clesrovimab-cfor did not lose activity against RSV A or RSV B clinical isolates with palivizumab resistance-associated substitution N262Y, or recombinant RSV B with nirsevimab resistance-associated substitutions N208S, I64T+K68E, or I64T+K68E+I206M+Q209R, which were observed in clinical trials of nirsevimab. Not all nirsevimab resistance-associated substitutions have been assessed for cross-resistance with clesrovimab-cfor. Both nirsevimab and palivizumab neutralized RSV A and B variants harboring clesrovimab-cfor resistance-associated substitutions G446E or G446W in cell culture.
Immunogenicity
The observed incidence of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Differences in assay methods preclude meaningful comparisons of the incidence of ADA in the studies described below with the incidence of ADA in other studies.
In Trial 004 and Trial 007, after receiving the approved recommended dose in RSV season 1, 6% (120/2112) and 5% (13/291) of participants were ADA-positive on Day 150, respectively; and 12% (124/1033) and 13% (34/261) of participants were ADA-positive through Day 240, respectively.
The impact of ADA on efficacy is unknown due to the low rates of MALRI and ADA. There was no identified impact of ADA on pharmacokinetics, RSV serum neutralizing activity or safety of ENFLONSIA during RSV season 1.
Clinical Studies
Description Of Clinical Trials
The efficacy and safety of ENFLONSIA were evaluated in preterm and full-term infants in the trials summarized in Table 2.
Table 2: Trials Conducted with ENFLONSIA for the Prevention of Medically Attended RSV Lower Respiratory Tract Disease
| Trial |
Study Population |
Study Arms* |
Trial 004
(NCT04767373) |
Infants born at ≥29 weeks GA from birth up to 1 year entering their first RSV season. |
ENFLONSIA (N=2,411)
Placebo (N=1,203)† |
Trial 007
(NCT04938830) |
Infants born at ≤35 weeks GA, or infants with CLD of prematurity or hemodynamically significant CHD from birth up to 1 year entering their first RSV season. |
ENFLONSIA (N=446)
Palivizumab (N=450) |
*Participants randomized and treated
†1 participant was randomized to placebo but received ENFLONSIA
GA=gestational age; CLD=chronic lung disease; CHD=hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease |
Prevention Of RSV-Associated Disease In Neonates And Infants (≥29 Weeks GA) Entering Their First RSV Season (Trial 004)
Trial 004 was a Phase 2b/3, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled, multi-site trial conducted in 22 countries from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to evaluate the efficacy of ENFLONSIA in early and moderate preterm infants (≥29 to <35 weeks GA) and late preterm and full-term infants (≥35 weeks GA). The trial assessed the efficacy of ENFLONSIA in the prevention of RSV-associated disease across a spectrum of severity. Participants were randomized 2:1 to receive a single 105 mg dose of ENFLONSIA or saline placebo by IM injection.
Among participants who received ENFLONSIA or saline placebo, the median age of infants was 3.1 months (range: 0 to 12 months); 80% were less than 6 months; 16% were greater than or equal to 6 to less than 9 months, 4% were greater than or equal to 9 months of age, and 51% were male. Of these participants, 18% were GA greater than or equal to 29 weeks and less than 35 weeks, and 82% were GA greater than or equal to 35 weeks. The racial distribution was as follows: 45% were White; 27% were Asian; 14% were Black or African American; 12% were Multi-racial and 2% were American Indian or Alaska Native; 28% were of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity.
The primary endpoint was the incidence of RSV-associated Medically Attended Lower Respiratory Infection (MALRI) characterized as cough or difficulty breathing and requiring ≥1 indicator of LRI (wheezing, rales/crackles) or severity (chest wall in-drawing/retractions, hypoxemia, tachypnea, dehydration due to respiratory symptoms) through 150 days after dosing. Medically Attended (MA) includes all healthcare provider visits in settings such as outpatient clinic, clinical study site, emergency department, urgent care center, and/or hospital. The statistical criterion for success required the lower bound of the 95% CI of efficacy to be greater than 25%. RSV-associated hospitalization through 150 days after dosing was evaluated as a key secondary endpoint. The statistical criterion for success required the lower bound of the 95% CI of efficacy to be greater than 0%. Both efficacy endpoints required an RSV-positive RT-PCR nasopharyngeal (NP) sample.
Table 3 displays efficacy results for the primary and key secondary RSV-associated disease endpoints in preterm and full-term infants from days 1 through 150 post-dose.
Table 3: Incidence of RSV-Associated Disease in Infants Born at ≥29 Weeks GA Days 1 Through 150 Post-Dose (Trial 004)
| RSV-Associated Endpoint |
ENFLONSIA
(n=2,411) |
Placebo
(n=1,203) |
Efficacy* (95% CI)† |
| Number of cases |
Incidence Rate over 5 months |
Number of cases |
Incidence Rate over 5 months |
| MALRI (requiring ≥1 indicator of LRI or severity) |
60 |
0.026 |
74 |
0.065 |
60.5%
(44.2, 72.0)‡ |
| Hospitalization |
9 |
0.004 |
28 |
0.024 |
84.3%
(66.7, 92.6)‡ |
n=Number of participants eligible for inclusion in the full analysis set population.
*Efficacy for MALRI (requiring ≥1 indicator of LRI or severity) and hospitalization based on relative risk reduction against placebo adjusted for hemisphere at randomization, gestational age group and age group at randomization.
†Estimate and 95% CI of efficacy were estimated from the modified Poisson regression with robust variance method.
‡(p<0.001) |
Prevention Of RSV-Associated Disease In Infants Born At ≤35 Weeks Gestational Age And Infants With CLD Of Prematurity Or Hemodynamically Significant CHD Entering Their First RSV Season (Trial 007)
Trial 007 is a Phase 3, randomized, partially-blind, palivizumab-controlled, multi-site trial conducted in 27 countries from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres to evaluate the efficacy of ENFLONSIA in early (<29 weeks GA) or moderate preterm infants (≥29 to ≤35 weeks GA), and infants with chronic lung disease of prematurity or congenital heart disease of any GA, who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease. Participants were randomized to receive ENFLONSIA or palivizumab by IM injection. Participants randomized to ENFLONSIA received a single 105 mg dose on Day 1 followed by a dose of placebo one month later; 15 mg/kg palivizumab was administered on Day 1 and every month thereafter for a total of 3 to 5 doses.
Among participants who received ENFLONSIA or palivizumab, the median age of infants was 2.5 months (range: 0 to 12 months); 89% were less than 6 months; 9% were greater than or equal to 6 to less than 9 months, 2% were greater than or equal to 9 months of age; and 50% were male. Of these participants, 28% had CLD, 11% had CHD, 6% were GA less than 29 weeks with neither CLD nor CHD and 55% were GA greater than or equal to 29 weeks with neither CLD nor CHD. The racial distribution was as follows: 52% were White; 18% were Asian; 15% were Black or African American; 12% were Multi-racial, and 1% were American Indian or Alaska Native; 32% were of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity.
The efficacy of ENFLONSIA in infants at increased risk for severe RSV disease, including preterm infants and infants with chronic lung disease of prematurity or congenital heart disease was established by extrapolation of efficacy of ENFLONSIA from Trial 004 to Trial 007 based on similar pharmacokinetic exposure [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ]. The incidence rate of RSV-associated MALRI (requiring ≥1 indicator of LRI or severity) through 150 days after dosing was generally comparable between ENFLONSIA (incidence rate=3.6%, 95% CI: 2.0, 6.0) and palivizumab (incidence rate=2.9%, 95% CI: 1.5, 5.2). The incidence rate of RSV-associated hospitalization through 150 days after dosing was generally comparable between ENFLONSIA (incidence rate=1.3%, 95% CI: 0.4, 2.9) and palivizumab (incidence rate=1.5%, 95% CI: 0.5, 3.2).