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FASENRA
(benralizumab) Injection, for Subcutaneous Use
Benralizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG1/κ-class) selective for interleukin-5 receptor alpha subunit (ILÂ5Rα). Benralizumab is produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells by recombinant DNA technology. Benralizumab has a molecular weight of approximately 150 kDa.
FASENRA (benralizumab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution for subcutaneous injection. Since FASENRA is a protein, a few translucent or white to off-white particles may be present in the solution. Each single-dose prefilled syringe delivers 1 mL containing 30 mg benralizumab, L-histidine (1.4 mg); L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate (2.3 mg); polysorbate 20 (0.06 mg); α,α-trehalose dihydrate (95 mg); and Water for Injection, USP. The single-dose prefilled syringe contains a 1 mL glass syringe with a staked 29 gauge ½ inch stainless steel needle.
FASENRA is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of patients with severe asthma aged 12 years and older, and with an eosinophilic phenotype [see Clinical Studies].
FASENRA is for subcutaneous use only.
The recommended dose of FASENRA is 30 mg administered once every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, and then once every 8 weeks thereafter by subcutaneous injection into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen.
FASENRA should be administered by a healthcare professional. In line with clinical practice, monitoring of patients after administration of biologic agents is recommended [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Prior to administration, warm FASENRA by leaving carton at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Administer FASENRA within 24 hours or discard into sharps container.
Refer to Figure 1 to identify the prefilled syringe components for use in the administration steps.
Figure 1
 |
Do not touch the needle guard activation clips to prevent premature activation of the needle safety guard.
1. Grasp the syringe body, not the plunger, to remove prefilled syringe from the tray. Check the expiration date on the syringe. Visually inspect FASENRA for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. FASENRA is clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow, and may contain a few translucent or white to off-white particles. Do not use FASENRA if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or if it contains large particles or foreign particulate matter. The syringe may contain a small air bubble; this is normal. Do not expel the air bubble prior to administration.
2. Do not remove needle cover until ready to inject. Hold the syringe body and remove the needle cover by pulling straight off. Do not hold the plunger or plunger head while removing the needle cover or the plunger may move. If the prefilled syringe is damaged or contaminated (for example, dropped without needle cover in place), discard and use a new prefilled syringe.
 |
3. Gently pinch the skin and insert the needle at the recommended injection site (i.e., upper arm, thigh, or abdomen).
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4. Inject all of the medication by pushing in the plunger all the way until the plunger head is completely between the needle guard activation clips. This is necessary to activate the needle guard.
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5. After injection, maintain pressure on the plunger head and remove the needle from the skin. Release pressure on the plunger head to allow the needle guard to cover the needle. Do not re-cap the prefilled syringe.
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6. Discard the used syringe into a sharps container.
Injection: 30 mg/mL solution of FASENRA in a single-dose prefilled syringe. FASENRA is a clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution and may contain a few translucent or white to off-white particles.
FASENRA (benralizumab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution for subcutaneous injection supplied as a single-dose prefilled syringe.
Carton contains one 30 mg/mL single-dose prefilled syringe: NDC 0310-1730-30
Store the prefilled syringe refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not shake.
Manufactured by AstraZeneca AB Södertälje, Sweden SE-15185 US License No. 2059. Distributed by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Wilmington, DE 19850.  Revised: n/a
The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections:
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.
Across Trials 1, 2, and 3, 1,808 patients received at least 1 dose of FASENRA [see Clinical Studies]. The data described below reflect exposure to FASENRA in 1,663 patients, including 1,556 exposed for at least 24 weeks and 1,387 exposed for at least 48 weeks. The safety exposure for FASENRA is derived from two phase 3 placebo-controlled studies (Trials 1 and 2) from 48 weeks duration [FASENRA every 4 weeks (n = 841), FASENRA every 4 weeks for 3 doses, then every 8 weeks (n = 822), and placebo (n = 847)]. While a dosing regimen of FASENRA every 4 weeks was included in clinical trials, FASENRA administered every 4 weeks for 3 doses, then every 8 weeks thereafter is the recommended dose [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. The population studied was 12 to 75 years of age, of which 64% were female and 79% were white.
Adverse reactions that occurred at greater than or equal to 3% incidence are shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Adverse Reactions
with FASENRA with Greater than or Equal to 3% Incidence in Patients with Asthma
(Trials 1 and 2)
| Adverse Reactions | FASENRA (N= 822) % |
Placebo (N=847) % |
| Headache | 8 | 6 |
| Pyrexia | 3 | 2 |
| Pharyngitis* | 5 | 3 |
| Hypersensitivity reactions** | 3 | 3 |
| * Pharyngitis was defined by
the following terms: 'Pharyngitis', 'Pharyngitis bacterial', 'Viral
pharyngitis', 'Pharyngitis streptococcal'. ** Hypersensitivity Reactions were defined by the following terms: 'Urticaria', 'Urticaria papular', and 'Rash' [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. |
||
Adverse reactions from Trial 3 with 28 weeks of treatment with FASENRA (n = 73) or placebo (n = 75) in which the incidence was more common in FASENRA than placebo include headache (8.2% compared to 5.3%, respectively) and pyrexia (2.7% compared to 1.3%, respectively) [see Clinical Studies]. The frequencies for the remaining adverse reactions with FASENRA were similar to placebo.
In Trials 1 and 2, injection site reactions (e.g., pain, erythema, pruritus, papule) occurred at a rate of 2.2% in patients treated with FASENRA compared with 1.9% in patients treated with placebo.
As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to benralizumab in the studies described below with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other products may be misleading.
Overall, treatment-emergent anti-drug antibody response developed in 13% of patients treated with FASENRA at the recommended dosing regimen during the 48 to 56 week treatment period. A total of 12% of patients treated with FASENRA developed neutralizing antibodies. Anti-benralizumab antibodies were associated with increased clearance of benralizumab and increased blood eosinophil levels in patients with high anti-drug antibody titers compared to antibody negative patients. No evidence of an association of anti-drug antibodies with efficacy or safety was observed.
The data reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were positive for antibodies to benralizumab in specific assays.
No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, rash) have occurred following administration of FASENRA. These reactions generally occur within hours of administration, but in some instances have a delayed onset (i.e., days). In the event of a hypersensitivity reaction, FASENRA should be discontinued [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
FASENRA should not be used to treat acute asthma symptoms or acute exacerbations. Do not use FASENRA to treat acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. Patients should seek medical advice if their asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens after initiation of treatment with FASENRA.
Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids abruptly upon initiation of therapy with FASENRA. Reductions in corticosteroid dose, if appropriate, should be gradual and performed under the direct supervision of a physician. Reduction in corticosteroid dose may be associated with systemic withdrawal symptoms and/or unmask conditions previously suppressed by systemic corticosteroid therapy.
Eosinophils may be involved in the immunological response to some helminth infections. Patients with known helminth infections were excluded from participation in clinical trials. It is unknown if FASENRA will influence a patient's response against helminth infections.
Treat patients with pre-existing helminth infections before initiating therapy with FASENRA. If patients become infected while receiving treatment with FASENRA and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, discontinue treatment with FASENRA until infection resolves.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Inform patients that hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, rash) have occurred after administration of FASENRA. These reactions generally occurred within hours of FASENRA administration, but in some instances had a delayed onset (i.e., days). Instruct patients to contact their healthcare professional if they experience symptoms of an allergic reaction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that FASENRA does not treat acute asthma symptoms or acute exacerbations. Inform patients to seek medical advice if their asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens after initiation of treatment with FASENRA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients to not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids except under the direct supervision of a physician. Inform patients that reduction in corticosteroid dose may be associated with systemic withdrawal symptoms and/or unmask conditions previously suppressed by systemic corticosteroid therapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of benralizumab. Published literature using animal models suggests that IL-5 and eosinophils are part of an early inflammatory reaction at the site of tumorigenesis and can promote tumor rejection. However, other reports indicate that eosinophil infiltration into tumors can promote tumor growth. Therefore, the malignancy risk in humans from an antibody that binds to IL-5Rα such as benralizumab is unknown.
Male and female fertility were unaffected based upon no adverse histopathological findings in the reproductive organs from cynomolgus monkeys treated with benralizumab for 9 months at IV doses up to 25 mg/kg or at SC doses of up to 30 mg/kg once every 2 weeks (approximately 400 and 270 times the MRHD on an AUC basis).
The data on pregnancy exposure from the clinical trials are insufficient to inform on drug-associated risk. Monoclonal antibodies such as benralizumab are transported across the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy; therefore, potential effects on a fetus are likely to be greater during the third trimester of pregnancy. In a prenatal and postnatal development study conducted in cynomolgus monkeys, there was no evidence of fetal harm with IV administration of benralizumab throughout pregnancy at doses that produced exposures up to approximately 310 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 30 mg SC [see Data].
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.
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.
Animal Data
In a prenatal and postnatal development study, pregnant cynomolgus monkeys received benralizumab from beginning on GD20 to GD22 (dependent on pregnancy determination), on GD35, once every 14 days thereafter throughout the gestation period and 1-month postpartum (maximum 14 doses) at doses that produced exposures up to approximately 310 times that achieved with the MRHD (on an AUC basis with maternal IV doses up to 30 mg/kg once every 2 weeks). Benralizumab did not elicit adverse effects on fetal or neonatal growth (including immune function) up to 6.5 months after birth. There was no evidence of treatment-related external, visceral, or skeletal malformations. Benralizumab was not teratogenic in cynomolgus monkeys. Benralizumab crossed the placenta in cynomolgus monkeys. Benralizumab concentrations were approximately equal in mothers and infants on postpartum day 7, but were lower in infants at later time points. Eosinophil counts were suppressed in infant monkeys with gradual recovery by 6 months postpartum; however, recovery of eosinophil counts was not observed for one infant monkey during this period.
There is no information regarding the presence of benralizumab in human or animal milk, and the effects of benralizumab on the breast fed infant and on milk production are not known. However, benralizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG1/κ-class), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) is present in human milk in small amounts. If benralizumab is transferred into human milk, the effects of local exposure in the gastrointestinal tract and potential limited systemic exposure in the infant to benralizumab are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for benralizumab and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from benralizumab or from the underlying maternal condition.
There were 108 adolescents aged 12 to 17 with asthma enrolled in the Phase 3 exacerbation trials (Trial 1: n=53, Trial 2: n=55). Of these, 46 received placebo, 40 received FASENRA every 4 weeks for 3 doses, followed by every 8 weeks thereafter, and 22 received FASENRA every 4 weeks. Patients were required to have a history of 2 or more asthma exacerbations requiring oral or systemic corticosteroid treatment in the past 12 months and reduced lung function at baseline (pre-bronchodilator FEV1<90%) despite regular treatment with medium or high dose ICS and LABA with or without OCS or other controller therapy. The pharmacokinetics of benralizumab in adolescents 12 to 17 years of age were consistent with adults based on population pharmacokinetic analysis and the reduction in blood eosinophil counts was similar to that observed in adults following the same FASENRA treatment. The adverse event profile in adolescents was generally similar to the overall population in the Phase 3 studies [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The safety and efficacy in patients younger than 12 years of age has not been established.
Of the total number of patients in clinical trials of benralizumab, 13% (n= 320) were 65 and over, while 0.4% (n=9) were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Doses up to 200 mg were administered subcutaneously in clinical trials to patients with eosinophilic disease without evidence of dose-related toxicities.
There is no specific treatment for an overdose with benralizumab. If overdose occurs, the patient should be treated supportively with appropriate monitoring as necessary.
FASENRA is contraindicated in patients who have known hypersensitivity to benralizumab or any of its excipients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Benralizumab is a humanized afucosylated, monoclonal antibody (IgG1, kappa) that directly binds to the alpha subunit of the human interleukin-5 receptor (IL-5Rα) with a dissociation constant of 11 pM. The IL-5 receptor is expressed on the surface of eosinophils and basophils. In an in vitro setting, the absence of fucose in the Fc domain of benralizumab facilitates binding (45.5 nM) to Fc?RIII receptors on immune effectors cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, leading to apoptosis of eosinophils and basophils through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).
Inflammation is an important component in the pathogenesis of asthma. Multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, cytokines) are involved in inflammation. Benralizumab, by binding to the IL-5Rα chain, reduces eosinophils through ADCC; however, the mechanism of benralizumab action in asthma has not been definitively established.
In the 52-week Phase 2 dose-ranging trial, asthma patients received 1 of 3 doses of benralizumab [2 mg (n=81), 20 mg (n=81), or 100 mg (n=222)] or placebo (n=222). All doses were administered every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, followed by every 8 weeks thereafter. Median blood eosinophil levels at baseline were 310, 280, 190 and 190 cells/μL in the 2, 20, and 100 mg benralizumab and placebo groups, respectively. Dose-dependent reductions in blood eosinophils were observed. At the time of the last dose (Week 40), median blood eosinophil counts were 100, 50, 40, 170 cells/μL in the 2, 20, and 100 mg benralizumab and placebo groups, respectively.
A reduction in blood eosinophil counts was observed 24 hours post dosing in a Phase 2 trial.
In Trials 1 and 2, following SC administration of benralizumab at the recommended dose blood eosinophils were reduced to a median absolute blood eosinophil count of 0 cells/μL [see Clinical Studies]. This magnitude of reduction was seen at the first observed time point, 4 weeks of treatment, and was maintained throughout the treatment period.
Treatment with benralizumab was also associated with reductions in blood basophils, which was consistently observed across all clinical studies. In the Phase 2 dose-ranging trial, blood basophil counts were measured by flow cytometry. Median blood basophil counts were 45, 52, 46, and 40 cells/μL in the 2 mg, 20 mg and 100 mg benralizumab and placebo groups, respectively. At 52 weeks (12 weeks after the last dose), median blood basophil counts were 42, 18, 17, and 46 cells/μL in the 2 mg, 20 mg and 100 mg benralizumab and placebo groups, respectively.
The pharmacokinetics of benralizumab was approximately dose-proportional in patients with asthma following subcutaneous administration over a dose range of 20 to 200 mg.
Following subcutaneous administration to patients with asthma, the absorption half-life was approximately 3.6 days. Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis, the estimated absolute bioavailability was approximately 58% and there was no clinically relevant difference in relative bioavailability in the administration to the abdomen, thigh, or arm.
Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis, central and peripheral volume of distribution of benralizumab was 3.2 L and 2.5 L, respectively, for a 70kg individual.
Benralizumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that is degraded by proteolytic enzymes widely distributed in the body and not restricted to hepatic tissue.
From population pharmacokinetic analysis, benralizumab exhibited linear pharmacokinetics and no evidence of target receptor-mediated clearance pathway. The estimated typical systemic clearance (CL) for benralizumab was 0.29 L/d for a subject weighing 70kg. Following subcutaneous administration, the elimination half-life was approximately 15 days.
Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis, age did not affect benralizumab clearance.
A population pharmacokinetics analysis indicated that there was no significant effect of gender and race on benralizumab clearance.
No formal clinical studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of renal impairment on benralizumab. Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis, benralizumab clearance was comparable in subjects with creatinine clearance values between 30 and 80 mL/min and patients with normal renal function. There are limited data available in subjects with creatinine clearance values less than 30 mL/min; however, benralizumab is not cleared renally.
No formal clinical studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of hepatic impairment on benralizumab. IgG monoclonal antibodies are not primarily cleared via hepatic pathway; change in hepatic function is not expected to influence benralizumab clearance. Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis, baseline hepatic function biomarkers (ALT, AST, and bilirubin) had no clinically relevant effect on benralizumab clearance.
No formal drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted.
Cytochrome P450 enzymes, efflux pumps and protein-binding mechanisms are not involved in the clearance of benralizumab. There is no evidence of IL-5Rα expression on hepatocytes and eosinophil depletion does not produce chronic systemic alterations of proinflammatory cytokines.
An effect of benralizumab on the pharmacokinetics of co-administered medications is not expected. Based on the population analysis, commonly co-administered medications had no effect on benralizumab clearance in patients with asthma.
The asthma development program for FASENRA included one 52-week dose ranging exacerbation trial (NCT01238861) three confirmatory trials, (Trial 1 [NCT01928771], Trial 2 [NCT01914757], Trial 3 [NCT02075255]) and one 12-week lung function trial (NCT02322775).
The Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 52-week dose-ranging trial, enrolled 609 asthmatic patients 18 years of age and older. Patients were treated with benralizumab 2 mg, 20 mg, or 100 mg or placebo administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 3 doses followed by every 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the annual exacerbation rate and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and ACQ-6 were key secondary endpoints. Patients were required to have a history of 2 or more asthma exacerbations (but no more than 6 exacerbations) requiring systemic corticosteroid treatment in the past 12 months, ACQ-6 score of 1.5 at least twice during screening, and reduced morning lung function at screening [pre-bronchodilator FEV1 below 90%] despite treatment with medium-or high-dose ICS plus LABA. Patients were stratified by eosinophilic status. The annual exacerbation rate reduction for patients receiving benralizumab 2 mg, 20 mg, and 100 mg were -12% (80% CI: -52, 18), 34% (80% CI: 6, 54), 29% (80% CI: 10, 44), respectively, compared to placebo (rate 0.56).
Results from this trial and exposure-response modelling of exacerbation rate reduction supported the evaluation of benralizumab 30 mg in the subsequent trials [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. FASENRA is not approved at 2 mg, 20 mg, or 100 mg doses, and should only be administered at the recommended dose of 30 mg [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Trial 1 and Trial 2, were randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, exacerbation trials in patients 12 years of age and older and 48 and 56 weeks in duration, respectively. The trials randomized a total of 2510 patients. Patients were required to have a history of 2 or more asthma exacerbations requiring oral or systemic corticosteroid treatment in the past 12 months, ACQ-6 score of 1.5 or more at screening, and reduced lung function at baseline [pre-bronchodilator FEV1 below 80% in adults, and below 90% in adolescents] despite regular treatment with high dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) (Trial 1) or with medium or high dose ICS (Trial 2) plus a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) with or without oral corticosteroids (OCS) and additional asthma controller medications. Patients were stratified by geography, age, and blood eosinophils count (≥300 cells/μL or <300 cells/μL). FASENRA administered once every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, and then every 4 or 8 weeks thereafter as add-on to background treatment was evaluated compared to placebo.
All subjects continued their background asthma therapy throughout the duration of the trials.
Trial 3 was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, OCS reduction trial in 220 asthma patients. Patients were required treatment with daily OCS (7.5 to 40 mg per day) in addition to regular use of high-dose ICS and LABA with or without additional controller(s). The trial included an 8-week run-in period during which the OCS was titrated to the minimum effective dose without losing asthma control. For the purposes of the OCS dose titration, asthma control was assessed by the investigator based on a patient's FEV1, peak expiratory flow, nighttime awakenings, short-acting bronchodilator rescue medication use or any other symptoms that would require an increase in OCS dose. Baseline median OCS dose was similar across all treatment groups. Patients were required to have blood eosinophil counts greater than or equal to 150 cells/μL and a history of at least one exacerbation in the past 12 months. The baseline median OCS dose was 10 mg (range: 8 to 40 mg) for all 3 treatment groups (placebo, FASENRA every 4 weeks, and FASENRA every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, and then once every 8 weeks).
While 2 dosing regimens were studied in Trials 1, 2, and 3, the recommended dosing regimen is 30 mg FASENRA administered every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, then every 8 weeks thereafter [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Table 2: Demographics and Baseline Characteristics of Asthma Trials
| Total Population | |||
| Trial 1 (N = 1204) |
Trial 2 (N = 1306) |
Trial 3 (N=220) |
|
| Mean age (yr) | 49 | 49 | 51 |
| Female (%) | 66 | 62 | 61 |
| White (%) | 73 | 84 | 93 |
| Duration of asthma, median (yr) | 15 | 16 | 12 |
| Never smoked (%) | 80 | 78 | 79 |
| Mean baseline FEV1 pre-bronchodilator (L) | 1.67 | 1.76 | 1.85 |
| Mean baseline % predicted FEV1 | 57 | 58 | 60 |
| Mean post-SABA FEV1/FVC (%) | 66 | 65 | 62 |
| Mean baseline eosinophil count (cells/^L) | 472 | 472 | 575 |
| Mean number of exacerbations in previous year | 3 | 3 | 3 |
The primary endpoint for Trials 1 and 2 was the rate of asthma exacerbations in patients with baseline blood eosinophil counts of greater than or equal to 300 cells/μL who were taking high-dose ICS and LABA. Asthma exacerbation was defined as a worsening of asthma requiring use of oral/systemic corticosteroids for at least 3 days, and/or emergency department visits requiring use of oral/systemic corticosteroids and/or hospitalization. For patients on maintenance oral corticosteroids, an asthma exacerbation requiring oral corticosteroids was defined as a temporary increase in stable oral/systemic corticosteroids for at least 3 days or a single depo-injectable dose of corticosteroids. In Trial 1, 35% of patients receiving FASENRA experienced an asthma exacerbation compared to 51% on placebo. In Trial 2, 40% of patients receiving FASENRA experienced an asthma exacerbation compared to 51% on placebo (Table 3).
Table 3: Rate of Exacerbations, Trial 1 and 2 (ITT
Population) a
| Trial | Treatment | Exacerbations per year | ||
| Rate | Difference | Rate Ratio (95% CI) | ||
| All exacerbations | ||||
| Trial 1 | FASENRA b (n=267) | 0.74 | -0.78 | 0.49 (0.37, 0.64) |
| Placebo (n=267) | 1.52 | -- | -- | |
| Trial 2 | FASENRA b (n=239) | 0.73 | -0.29 | 0.72 (0.54, 0.95) |
| Placebo (n=248) | 1.01 | -- | -- | |
| Exacerbations requiring hospitalization/emergency room visit | ||||
| Trial 1 | FASENRA b (n=267) | 0.09 | -0.16 | 0.37 (0.20, 0.67) |
| Placebo (n=267) | 0.25 | -- | -- | |
| Trial 2 | FASENRA b (n=239) | 0.12 | 0.02 | 1.23 (0.64, 2.35) |
| Placebo (n=248) | 0.10 | -- | -- | |
| Exacerbations requiring hospitalization | ||||
| Trial 1 | FASENRA b (n=267) | 0.07 | -0.07 | 0.48 (0.22, 1.03) |
| Placebo (n=267) | 0.14 | -- | -- | |
| Trial 2 | FASENRA b (n=239) | 0.07 | 0.02 | 1.48 (0.65, 3.37) |
| Placebo (n=248) | 0.05 | -- | -- | |
| a Baseline blood eosinophil counts of greater
than or equal to 300 cells/μL and taking high-dose ICS b FASENRA 30mg administered every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, and every 8 weeks thereafter |
||||
The time to first exacerbation was longer for the patients receiving FASENRA compared with placebo in Trial 1 (Figure 2). Similar findings were seen in Trial 2.
Figure 2: Kaplan-Meier
Cumulative Incidence Curves for Time to First Exacerbation, Trial 1
 |
Subgroup analyses from Trials 1 and 2 identified patients with a higher prior exacerbation history and baseline blood eosinophil count as potential predictors of improved treatment response. Reductions in exacerbation rates were observed irrespective of baseline peripheral eosinophil counts; however, patients with a baseline blood eosinophil count ≥ 300 cells/μL showed a numerically greater response than those with counts < 300 cells/μL. In both trials patients with a history of 3 or more exacerbations within the 12 months prior to FASENRA randomization showed a numerically greater exacerbation response than those with fewer prior exacerbations.
Trial 3 evaluated the effect of FASENRA on reducing the use of maintenance oral corticosteroids. The primary endpoint was percent reduction from baseline of the final OCS dose during Weeks 24 to 28, while maintaining asthma control (see definition of asthma control in trial description). Compared to placebo, patients receiving FASENRA achieved greater reductions in daily maintenance oral corticosteroid dose, while maintaining asthma control. The median percent reduction in daily OCS dose from baseline was 75% in patients receiving FASENRA (95% CI: 60, 88) compared to 25% in patients receiving placebo (95% CI: 0, 33). Reductions of 50% or higher in the OCS dose were observed in 48 (66%) patients receiving FASENRA compared to those receiving placebo 28 (37%). The proportion of patients with a mean final dose less than or equal to 5 mg at Weeks 24 to 28 was 59% for FASENRA and 33% for placebo (odds ratio 2.74, 95% CI: 1.41, 5.31). Only patients with an optimized baseline OCS dose of 12.5 mg or less were eligible to achieve a 100% reduction in OCS dose during the study. Of those patients, 52% (22 of 42) receiving FASENRA and 19% (8 of 42) on placebo achieved a 100% reduction in OCS dose. Exacerbations resulting in hospitalization and/or ER visit were also assessed as a secondary endpoint. In this 28-week trial, patients receiving FASENRA had 1 event while those on placebo had 14 events (annualized rate 0.02 and 0.32 respectively; rate ratio of 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.63).
Change from baseline in mean FEV1 was assessed in Trials 1, 2, and 3 as a secondary endpoint. Compared with placebo, FASENRA provided consistent improvements over time in the mean change from baseline in FEV1 (Figure 3 and Table 4).
Figure 3: Mean Change from Baseline in
Pre-Bronchodilator FEV1 (L), Trial 2
 |
Table 4: Change from Baseline in Mean
Pre-Bronchodilator FEV1 (L) at End of Triala
| Trial | Difference from Placebo in Mean Change from Pre-Bronchodilator Baseline FEV1 (L)(95% CI) |
| 1 | 0.159 (0.068, 0.249) |
| 2 | 0.116 (0.028, 0.204) |
| 3 | 0.112 (-0.033, 0.258) |
| a Week 48 in Trial 1, Week 56 in Trial 2, Week 28 in Trial 3. | |
Sub group analyses also showed greater improvements in FEV1 in patients with higher baseline blood eosinophil counts and more frequent prior exacerbation history.
The clinical development program for FASENRA also included a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled lung function trial conducted in 211 patients with mild to moderate asthma. Patients were treated with placebo or benralizumab 30 mg SC every 4 weeks for 3 doses. Lung function, as measured by the change from baseline in FEV1 at Week 12 was improved in the benralizumab treatment group compared to placebo.
The Asthma Control Questionnaire-6 (ACQ-6) and Standardized Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire for 12 Years and Older (AQLQ(S)+12) were assessed in Trials 1, 2 and 3. The responder rate for both measures was defined as improvement in score of 0.5 or more as threshold at the end of Trials 1, 2, and 3 (48, 56, and 28 weeks, respectively). In Trial 1, the ACQ-6 responder rate for FASENRA was 60% vs 50% placebo (odds ratio 1.55; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.19). In Trial 2, the ACQ-6 responder rate for the FASENRA was 63% vs 59% placebo (odds ratio 1.16; 95% CI: 0.80, 1.68). In Trial 1, the responder rate for AQLQ(S)+12 for FASENRA was 57% vs 49% placebo (odds ratio 1.42; 95% CI: 0.99, 2.02), and in Trial 2, 60% FASENRA vs 59% placebo (odds ratio of 1.03; 95% CI: 0.70,1.51). Similar results were seen in Trial 3.
FASENRA™
(fas-en-rah)
(benralizumab) Injection, for Subcutaneous Use
What is FASENRA?
FASENRA is a prescription medicine used with other asthma medicines for the maintenance treatment of asthma in people 12 years and older whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. FASENRA helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and may improve your breathing. Medicines such as FASENRA reduce blood eosinophils. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that may contribute to your asthma.
It is not known if FASENRA is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.
Do not receive FASENRA if you are allergic to benralizumab or any of the ingredients in FASENRA. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in FASENRA.
Before receiving FASENRA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not stop taking your other asthma medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
How will I receive FASENRA?
A healthcare provider will inject FASENRA under your skin (subcutaneously) one time every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, and then every 8 weeks.
What are the possible side effects of FASENRA?
FASENRA may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of FASENRA include headache and sore throat.
These are not all the possible side effects of FASENRA.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
General information about the safe and effective use of FASENRA.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not receive FASENRA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give FASENRA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about FASENRA that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in FASENRA?
Active ingredient: benralizumab
Inactive ingredients: L-histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, polysorbate 20, α,α-trehalose dihydrate, and Water for Injection
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
