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PALYNZIQ
(pegvaliase-pqpz) Injection, for Subcutaneous Use
WARNING
RISK OF ANAPHYLAXIS
Pegvaliase-pqpz is a phenylalanine-metabolizing enzyme that is composed of recombinant phenylalanine ammonia lyase (rAvPAL) conjugated to N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)-methoxypolyethylene glycol (PEG). rAvPAL is manufactured in Escherichia coli bacteria transformed with a plasmid containing the phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) gene derived from Anabaena variabilis. During the rAvPAL manufacturing process, fermentation is carried out in nutrient medium containing the antibiotic kanamycin. However, kanamycin is cleared in the manufacturing process and is not detectable in the final product. rAvPAL is a homotetrameric protein with a molecular weight of 62 kD per monomer. To produce pegvaliase-pqpz, an average of nine (9) 20 kD PEG molecules are covalently bound (or conjugated) to each monomer of rAvPAL. The total molecular weight of pegvaliase-pqpz (rAvPAL-PEG) is approximately 1000 kD.
Palynziq (pegvaliase-pqpz) injection, intended for subcutaneous injection, is a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale yellow, sterile, preservative-free solution and is formulated at pH 6.6 to 7.4.
Palynziq is provided in a single-dose prefilled syringe and is available in three dosage strengths: 2.5 mg/0.5 mL, 10 mg/0.5 mL, and 20 mg/mL. Palynziq contents for each dosage strength are summarized in Table 4.
Table 4: Contents of Palynziq
| Strength | Total Contents per Prefilled Syringe |
| Palynziq 2.5 mg/0.5 mL prefilled syringe | 2.5 mg pegvaliase-pqpz (expressed as the amount of rAvPAL conjugated to 7.25 mg of 20 kD PEG in 0.5 mL Water for Injection, USP and contains the following inactive ingredients: sodium chloride (for tonicity adjustment), trans-cinnamic acid (0.07 mg), and tromethamine and tromethamine hydrochloride (for pH adjustment). |
| Palynziq 10 mg/0.5 mL prefilled syringe | 10 mg pegvaliase-pqpz (expressed as the amount of rAvPAL conjugated to 29 mg of 20 kD PEG in 0.5 mL Water for Injection, USP and contains the following inactive ingredients: sodium chloride (for tonicity adjustment), trans-cinnamic acid (0.07 mg), and tromethamine and tromethamine hydrochloride (for pH adjustment). |
| Palynziq 20 mg/mL prefilled syringe | 20 mg pegvaliase-pqpz (expressed as the amount of rAvPAL conjugated to 58 mg of 20 kD PEG in 1 mL Water for Injection, USP and contains the following inactive ingredients: sodium chloride (for tonicity adjustment), trans-cinnamic acid (0.15 mg), and tromethamine and tromethamine hydrochloride (for pH adjustment). |
Palynziq is indicated to reduce blood phenylalanine concentrations in adult patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) who have uncontrolled blood phenylalanine concentrations greater than 600 micromol/L on existing management.
The recommended initial induction dosage for Palynziq is 2.5 mg subcutaneously once weekly for 4 weeks. Administer the initial dose under the supervision of a healthcare provider [see Administration Instructions].
Titrate the Palynziq dosage in a step-wise manner, based on tolerability, over at least 5 weeks, to achieve a dosage of 20 mg subcutaneously once daily according to Table 1.
Therapeutic response may not be achieved until the patient is titrated to an effective maintenance dosage of Palynziq. Use the lowest effective and tolerated dosage of Palynziq.
Assess patient tolerability, blood phenylalanine concentrations, and dietary protein and phenylalanine intake throughout treatment. Maintain the Palynziq dosage at 20 mg subcutaneously once daily for at least 24 weeks. Consider increasing the Palynziq dosage to a maximum of 40 mg subcutaneously once daily in patients who have been maintained continuously on 20 mg once daily for at least 24 weeks and who have not achieved either a 20% reduction in blood phenylalanine concentration from pre-treatment baseline or a blood phenylalanine concentration less than or equal to 600 micromol/L.
Discontinue Palynziq in patients who have not achieved a response (at least a 20% reduction in blood phenylalanine concentration from pre-treatment baseline or a blood phenylalanine concentration less than or equal to 600 micromol/L) after 16 weeks of continuous treatment with the maximum dosage of 40 mg once daily.
Table 1: Recommended Dosing Regimen
| Treatment | Palynziq Dosage | Duration* |
| Induction | 2.5 mg once weekly | 4 weeks |
| Titration | 2.5 mg twice weekly | 1 week |
| 10 mg once weekly | 1 week | |
| 10 mg twice weekly | 1 week | |
| 10 mg four times per week | 1 week | |
| 10 mg once daily | 1 week | |
| Maintenance | 20 mg once daily | 24 weeks |
| Maximum† | 40 mg once daily | 16 weeks‡ |
| * Additional time may be required prior to each dosage
escalation based on patient tolerability. † Individualize treatment to the lowest effective and tolerated dosage. Consider increasing to a maximum of 40 mg once daily in patients who have not achieved a response with 20 mg once daily continuous treatment for at least 24 weeks [see Clinical Studies] ‡ Discontinue Palynziq treatment in patients who have not achieved a response after 16 weeks of continuous treatment with the maximum dosage of 40 mg once daily. |
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During titration and maintenance of Palynziq treatment, patients may experience blood phenylalanine concentrations below 30 micromol/L. For blood phenylalanine concentrations below 30 micromol/L, the dosage of Palynziq may be reduced and/or dietary protein and phenylalanine intake may be modified to maintain blood phenylalanine concentrations within a clinically acceptable range and above 30 micromol/L [see Blood Phenylalanine Monitoring and Diet].
If the decision is made to readminister Palynziq after an anaphylaxis episode, administer the first dose following the anaphylaxis episode under the supervision of a healthcare provider equipped to manage anaphylaxis and closely observe the patient for at least 60 minutes following the dose. Subsequent dose titration should be based on patient tolerability and therapeutic response [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
If a dose is missed, instruct patients to take their next dose as scheduled and to not take two doses of Palynziq to make up for the missed dose.
After initiating treatment with Palynziq, obtain blood phenylalanine concentrations every 4 weeks until a maintenance dosage is established. After a maintenance dosage is established, periodic blood phenylalanine monitoring is recommended to assess blood phenylalanine control.
Monitor patients' dietary protein and phenylalanine intake throughout treatment with Palynziq and counsel them on how to adjust their dietary intake, as needed, based on blood phenylalanine concentrations.
For hypersensitivity reactions, consider premedication with an H1-receptor antagonist, H2-receptor antagonist, and/or antipyretic prior to Palynziq administration based upon individual patient tolerability [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Palynziq is a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale yellow solution available as follows:
Palynziq (pegvaliase-pqpz) injection is supplied as a preservative-free, sterile, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale yellow solution. All dosage strengths of Palynziq are provided in a 1 mL glass syringe with a 26 gauge, 0.5 inch needle.
Each carton contains 1 or 10 trays with single-dose prefilled syringe(s), Prescribing Information, Medication Guide, and Instructions for Use. The following packaging configurations are available.
Table 6: Palynziq Packaging Configurations
| Pegvaliase-pqpz 2.5 mg/0.5 mL | 1 syringe/carton | NDC 68135-058-90 |
| Pegvaliase-pqpz 10 mg/0.5 mL | 1 syringe/carton | NDC 68135-756-20 |
| Pegvaliase-pqpz 20 mg/mL | 1 syringe/carton 10 syringes/carton | NDC 68135-673-40 NDC 68135-673-45 |
Manufactured by: BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. Novato, CA 94949. Revised: May 2018
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed below and in other sections of labeling:
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 data described below reflect a total treatment exposure of 580 patient-years in 285 patients who received Palynziq in an induction/titration/maintenance regimen in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies]. Of the 285 patients, 229 patients were exposed to Palynziq for 24 weeks, 209 patients were exposed for 1 year, 137 patients were exposed for 2 years, and 85 patients were exposed for 3 years or longer. The patient population was evenly distributed between male and female patients, the mean age was 29 years (range: 16 to 56 years), and 98% of patients were White.
The most common adverse reactions (at least 20% of patients in either treatment phase) were injection site reactions, arthralgia, hypersensitivity reactions, headache, generalized skin reactions lasting at least 14 days, pruritus, nausea, abdominal pain, oropharyngeal pain, vomiting, cough, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Of the 285 patients exposed to Palynziq in an induction/titration/maintenance regimen in clinical trials, 31 (11%) patients discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions. The most common adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation were hypersensitivity reactions (6% of patients) including anaphylaxis (3% of patients) and angioedema (1% of patients), arthralgia (4% of patients), generalized skin reactions lasting at least 14 days (2% of patients), and injection site reactions (1% of patients).
The most common adverse reactions leading to dosage reduction were arthralgia (14% of patients), hypersensitivity reactions (9% of patients), injection site reactions (4% of patients), alopecia (3% of patients), and generalized skin reactions lasting at least 14 days (2% of patients).
The most common adverse reactions leading to temporary drug interruption were arthralgia (13% of patients), hypersensitivity reactions (13% of patients), anaphylaxis (4% of patients), and injection site reactions (4% of patients).
Table 2 lists adverse reactions reported in at least 15% of patients treated with Palynziq in an induction/titration/maintenance dosage regimen in clinical trials, and illustrates the adverse reaction rates over time by treatment phase. Table 3 lists laboratory abnormalities reported in at least 10% of patients treated with Palynziq in an induction/titration/maintenance dosage regimen in clinical trials.
For these analyses, the induction/titration phase was defined as the time prior to reaching a stable dose (completing an 8-week phase at the same dose level). Once a stable dosage was reached, patients were considered to be in the maintenance phase thereafter. Safety data for patients who reached the maintenance phase are included within either the induction/titration or maintenance phases depending on the onset date of the adverse reaction. Safety data for patients who did not reach the maintenance phase are included within the induction/titration phase. The maintenance phase includes data for patients who were previously on Palynziq and transitioned to placebo during the randomized withdrawal period of Study 302 [see Clinical Studies].
Rates of adverse reactions (adjusted for duration of exposure) generally decreased over time and for some stayed relatively stable. In the maintenance phase, the rate of adverse reactions (adjusted for duration of exposure) in patients who reached the maintenance phase was comparable across dosages evaluated. The types and rate of adverse reactions reported during the maintenance phase in patients who received 20 mg once daily and 40 mg once daily were similar.
Rates of laboratory abnormalities (adjusted for duration of exposure) stayed relatively stable over time, except for complement C4 below lower limit of normal (LLN) and hs-CRP above 0.287 mg/dL over a 6 month period (both decreased over time) and hypophenylalaninemia (blood phenylalanine concentration below 30 micromol/L) on a single measurement (increased over time). The types and rates of laboratory abnormalities (adjusted for duration of exposure) reported during the maintenance phase in patients receiving 20 mg once daily and 40 mg once daily were similar with the exception of hs-CRP above 0.287 mg/dL over a 6 month period (exposure-adjusted event rates 0.04 and 0.08 in patients on 20 mg once daily and 40 mg once daily, respectively).
Table 2: Adverse Reactions* Reported in at least 15%
of PKU Patients Treated with Palynziq in an Induction/Titration/Maintenance
Regimen in Clinical Trials - Incidence and Exposure-Adjusted Rates
| Treatment Phase Treatment Duration | Induction/Titration Phase (N = 285) 135 person-years Mean: 178 days Median: 116 days Range: 1 to 1607 days |
Maintenance Phase (N = 223) 444 person-years Mean: 739 days Median: 697 days Range: 5 to 1561 days |
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| Adverse Reaction | N (%)† | Episodes (Rate)† | N (%)† | Episodes (Rate)† |
| Injection site reactions‡ | 252 (88%) | 2964 (21.9) | 161 (72%) | 1754 (4) |
| Arthralgia§ | 210 (74%) | 1035 (7.6) | 137 (61%) | 661 (1.5) |
| Hypersensitivity reactions¶ | 152 (53%) | 633 (4.7) | 135 (61%) | 663 (1.5) |
| Headache# | 100 (35%) | 211 (1.6) | 111 (50%) | 778 (1.8) |
| Generalized skin reaction lasting at least 14 daysÞ | 61 (21%) | 95 (0.7) | 82 (37%) | 133 (0.3) |
| Pruritus | 58 (20%) | 100 (0.7) | 53 (24%) | 402 (0.9) |
| Nausea | 51 (18%) | 66 (0.5) | 57 (26%) | 106 (0.2) |
| Dizziness | 46 (16%) | 64 (0.5) | 38 (17%) | 72 (0.2) |
| Abdominal painβ | 39 (14%) | 53 (0.4) | 55 (25%) | 128 (0.3) |
| Oropharyngeal pain | 38 (13%) | 43 (0.3) | 51 (23%) | 70 (0.2) |
| Fatigue | 37 (13%) | 81 (0.6) | 48 (22%) | 86 (0.2) |
| Vomiting | 36 (13%) | 53 (0.4) | 58 (26%) | 100 (0.2) |
| Cough | 27 (9%) | 33 (0.2) | 50 (22%) | 65 (0.2) |
| Diarrhea | 25 (9%) | 31 (0.2) | 50 (22%) | 91 (0.2) |
| Anxiety | 14 (5%) | 23 (0.2) | 41 (18%) | 79 (0.2) |
| Alopecia | 13 (5%) | 14 (0.1) | 39 (17%) | 50 (0.1) |
| Nasal congestion | 12 (4%) | 15 (0.1) | 41 (18%) | 50 (0.1) |
| * ≥ 15% incidence in either treatment phase † N (%) = Number of patients with at least 1 Adverse Reaction (%); Rate = Exposure-Adjusted Rate of Adverse Reactions (Adverse Reactions/Person-Years) ‡ Includes Injection site: reaction, erythema, pruritus, pain, bruising, rash, swelling, urticaria, induration, hemorrhage, edema, mass, inflammation, nodule, discoloration, warmth, hematoma, irritation, vesicles, hypersensitivity, papule, discomfort, scar, paresthesia, hypertrophy, extravasation, and dryness § Includes arthralgia, pain in extremity, back pain, musculoskeletal pain, neck pain ¶ Includes rash, urticaria, anaphylaxis, rash generalized, hypersensitivity, rash erythematous, rash maculo-papular, rash pruritic, serum sickness, swelling face, dermatitis contact, swollen tongue, lip swelling, rash macular, pharyngeal edema, injection site hypersensitivity, eczema, drug eruption, dermatitis allergic, dermatitis, tongue edema, palatal edema, edema mouth, multiple allergies, lip edema, eye edema, exfoliative rash, drug hypersensitivity, dermatitis atopic, dermatitis acneiform, pruritus allergic, mouth swelling, implant site rash, gingival swelling, face edema, eyelid edema, eye swelling, dermatitis psoriasiform, dermatitis infected, conjunctivitis allergic, bronchospasm, angioedema, allergic sinusitis, allergic cough # Includes headache, migraine, sinus headache Þ Includes pruritus, rash, urticaria, dry skin, rash erythematous, erythema, cellulitis, rash macular, pruritus generalized, petechiae, dermatitis allergic, skin infection, skin induration, rash maculo-papular, rash generalized, pharyngeal edema, macule, granulomatous dermatitis, exfoliative rash, drug eruption, dermatitis atopic, dermatitis, xanthogranuloma, skin plaque, skin mass, skin lesion, skin hypopigmentation, skin hypertrophy, skin hyperpigmentation, skin exfoliation, septal panniculitis, scleroderma, scar, rash pruritic, rash papular, psoriatic arthropathy, pruritus allergic, papule, necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum, furuncle, eczema, ecchymosis, dermatitis psoriasiform, dermatitis infected, blister β Includes abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, abdominal discomfort |
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Table 3: Laboratory Abnormalities Reported in at least
10% of PKU Patients Treated with Palynziq in an Induction/Titration/Maintenance
Regimen in Clinical Trials - Incidence and Exposure-Adjusted Rates
| Treatment Phase Treatment Duration | Induction/Titration Phase (N = 285) 135 person-years Mean: 178 days Median: 116 days Range: 1 to 1607 days |
Maintenance Phase (N = 223) 444 person-years Mean: 739 days Median: 697 days Range: 5 to 1561 days |
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| Laboratory Measurement | N (%)* | Episodes (Rate)* | N (%)* | Episodes (Rate)* |
| Complement factor C3 below LLN | 195 (68%) | 446 (3.3) | 188 (84%) | 1719 (3.9) |
| C-reactive protein (CRP) above ULN | 182 (64%) | 358 (2.6) | 151 (68%) | 947 (2.1) |
| Complement factor C4 below LLN | 177 (62%) | 318 (2.4) | 108 (48%) | 604 (1.4) |
| Hypophenylalaninemia† on a single measurement | 53 (19%) | 204 (1.5) | 137(61%) | 1128 (2.5) |
| Blood creatine phosphokinase (CPK) above ULN | 50 (18%) | 87 (0.6) | 96 (43%) | 277 (0.6) |
| Hypophenylalaninemia† on 2 or more consecutive measurements | 45 (16%) | 60 (0.4) | 93 (42%) | 140 (0.3) |
| Hs-CRP above 0.287 mg/dL over a 6 month period | 34 (12%) | 34 (0.4) | 23 (10%) | 26 (0.06) |
| * N (%) = Number of patients with at least 1 laboratory
abnormality (%); Rate = Exposure-Adjusted Rate of Laboratory Abnormalities
(Laboratory Abnormalities/Person-Years) † Blood phenylalanine concentration below 30 micromol/L LLN - lower limit of normal ULN - upper limit of normal Hs - high sensitivity |
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Arthralgia
In clinical trials, 235 out of 285 (83%) patients experienced episodes consistent with arthralgia (includes back pain, musculoskeletal pain, pain in extremity, and neck pain). Arthralgia episodes were more frequent during the induction/titration phase (7.6 episodes/patient-year) and decreased over time (1.5 episodes/patient-year in the maintenance phase). Thirty-nine out of 285 (14%) patients had one episode of arthralgia, 32 (11%) patients had 2 episodes of arthralgia, 18 (6%) had 3 episodes of arthralgia, and 146 (51%) had 4 or more episodes of arthralgia. Arthralgia occurred as early as after the first dose of Palynziq and occurred at any time during treatment. The mean duration of arthralgia was 14 days (median: 3 days, range: 1 to 580 days), and 19% of arthralgia episodes had a duration of at least 14 days. Severe arthralgia (severe pain limiting self-care activities of daily living) was reported by 14 (5%) patients. In addition to arthralgia, other joint-related signs and symptoms reported were: joint swelling (22 patients; 8%), joint stiffness (22 patients; 8%), and musculoskeletal stiffness (19 patients; 7%). Arthralgia episodes were managed with medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, and acetaminophen), Palynziq dosage reduction (4% of episodes), Palynziq interruption (4% of episodes), or Palynziq withdrawal (0.6% of episodes). 97% of arthralgia episodes were reported as resolved at the time of last observation (up to 59 months of follow-up).
Injection Site Reactions
Injection site reactions were reported as early as after the first dose of Palynziq and occurred at any time during treatment. Injection site reactions were more frequent during the induction/titration phase (21.9 episodes/patient-years) and decreased over time (4 episodes/patient-years in the maintenance phase). The mean duration of injection site reaction was 8 days (median: 2 days, range: 1 to 970 days), and 7% of injection site reactions had a duration of at least 14 days. 99% of injection site reactions were reported as resolved at the time of last observation (up to 59 months of follow-up).
Three injection site reactions consistent with granulomatous skin lesions were reported (each reaction occurring in one patient): granulomatous dermatitis (occurred after 464 days of Palynziq treatment and lasted 16 days), xanthogranuloma (occurred after 378 days of Palynziq treatment and lasted 638 days) was treated with a topical antihistamine, corticosteroid, and Palynziq treatment was discontinued, and necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (occurred after 281 days of Palynziq treatment and lasted 281 days). Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum was treated with steroid injections and complicated by Pseudomonas infection. All three injection site reactions resolved.
One patient reported soft tissue infection (occurred after 196 days of Palynziq treatment and lasted 8 days) associated with mesenteric panniculitis treated with antibiotics, which resulted in treatment discontinuation.
Generalized Skin Reactions (Not Limited To The Injection Site) Lasting At Least 14 Days
In clinical trials, 125 out of 285 (44%) patients treated with Palynziq experienced generalized skin reactions (not limited to the injection site) lasting at least 14 days. Mean duration of these reactions was 58 days (median: 34 days; range: 14 to 638 days). Generalized skin reactions were more frequent during the induction/titration phase (0.7 episodes/patient-years), and decreased over time (0.3 episodes/patientyears in the maintenance phase).
The mean time from first dose of Palynziq to onset of skin reactions was 319 days (median: 169 days; range: 2 to 1237 days). 5% of these reactions persisted at least 180 days, and 85% of these reactions were reported as resolved at the time of last observation (up to 59 months of follow-up).
Angioedema
In clinical trials, 22 out of 285 (8%) patients experienced 45 episodes of angioedema (symptoms included: pharyngeal edema, swollen tongue, lip swelling, mouth swelling, eyelid edema and face edema) occurring independent of anaphylaxis. Angioedema (included under Hypersensitivity in Table 2) was more frequent during the induction/titration phase (0.15 episodes/patient-year) and decreased over time (0.06 episodes/patient-year in the maintenance phase). Three patients discontinued treatment. All episodes resolved. Angioedema can present as a symptom of anaphylaxis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Serum Sickness
In clinical trials, serum sickness was reported in 7 out of 285 (2%) patients. Serum sickness episodes were more frequent during the induction/titration phase (0.04 episodes/patient-year) and decreased over time (less than 0.01 episodes/patient-year during the maintenance phase). All serum sickness reactions resolved without sequelae (duration of serum sickness ranged from 1 to 8 days). Out of the 7 patients who experienced serum sickness, 5 patients continued treatment without a recurrence, and managed serum sickness with drug interruption, dosage reduction and/or concomitant medication. Two patients discontinued treatment.
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
Palynziq in the studies described below with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other products may be misleading.
All patients treated with Palynziq developed a sustained total anti-drug antibody (TAb) response with a majority of patients (91%; N = 235/258) developing that response by Week 4 of treatment. Mean TAb titers peaked 2 weeks after Palynziq initiation and remained elevated throughout treatment (greater than 1 year after treatment initiation). Anti-phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) IgM antibodies were detected in all patients with a majority of patients (98%; N = 265/270) becoming positive for anti-PAL IgM by 2 months after treatment initiation. Anti-PAL IgG antibodies were detected in almost all patients (N = 226/227) by 4 months after treatment initiation. Mean anti-PAL IgM and IgG titers peaked at approximately 3 and 6 months, respectively, after treatment initiation and remained elevated throughout treatment (greater than 1 year after treatment initiation). Drug-induced anti-PEG IgM and IgG antibodies were detected in the majority of patients (98%; N = 277/284 for IgM; and 278/284 for IgG) with mean titers for both peaking at 1 to 3 months after treatment initiation [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Neutralizing antibodies (NAb) capable of inhibiting PAL enzyme activity were detected on at least one measurement in the majority of patients (88%; N = 249/284) over time. Mean NAb titers peaked and reached a plateau at 16 to 20 weeks of treatment and then remained present throughout treatment (greater than 1 year after treatment initiation).
Twenty-five of 26 patients who had anaphylaxis were tested for anti-pegvaliase-pqpz IgE antibodies, which recognize the PEGylated protein product. Of the 25 patients tested for anti-pegvaliase-pqpz IgE antibodies, 24 patients tested negative. The one patient who tested positive for anti-pegvaliase-pqpz IgE antibodies on the screening test did not have sufficient sample to confirm IgE positivity. This patient tested negative for anti-pegvaliase-pqpz IgE at routine visits prior to and after the anaphylaxis episode (not at times of anaphylaxis). Sixty-eight of 285 patients in clinical trials were tested for both anti-PAL IgE antibodies, which recognize the recombinant PAL protein, and for anti-pegvaliase-pqpz IgE antibodies during routine study visits (not at times of anaphylaxis episodes) or during additional visits for hypersensitivity reactions. Of those 68 patients, 5 (7%) tested positive at least once for anti-PAL IgE antibodies but negative for anti-pegvaliase-pqpz IgE antibodies.
The highest frequency of hypersensitivity reactions (consistent with a Type III immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity mechanism) occurred within the first 6 months of Palynziq treatment when the mean circulating immune complex (CIC) concentrations were at their highest and mean complement C3 and C4 concentrations were at their lowest. Mean CIC concentrations decreased and complement levels increased over time as the exposure-adjusted rate of hypersensitivity reactions decreased. IgG and IgM CIC concentrations were above the upper limit of normal in 63% (N = 164/259) and 41% of patients (N = 106/259), respectively, at 12 weeks of Palynziq treatment. The incidence of CIC positivity decreased over time. 61% of patients (N = 110/180) had complement C3 concentrations less than lower limit of normal (LLN) at 6 months after treatment initiation and 38% of patients (N = 94/248) had complement C4 concentrations less than LLN at 3 months after treatment initiation. The incidence of low complement C3 and C4 concentrations decreased over time, but approximately 39% (N = 19/49) and 12% (N = 6/49) of patients had low C3 and C4 concentrations, respectively, at 36 months after treatment initiation.
Higher antibody responses for all antibody analytes, including NAb, were associated with lower mean trough pegvaliase-pqpz concentrations and with higher blood phenylalanine concentrations. Hypersensitivity reactions occurred more frequently in patients with higher antibody titers for some but not all antibody analytes. Patients with higher mean change in IgG CIC concentrations from pre-treatment baseline tended to have higher discontinuation rates than patients with lower mean change in IgG CIC concentrations. Mean antibody titers for anti-PAL IgG and IgM, TAb, and NAb remained relatively stable with long-term treatment.
In a single dose study of Palynziq in adult patients with PKU, two patients receiving concomitant injections of medroxyprogesterone acetate suspension (a formulation containing PEG 3350) experienced hypersensitivity reactions. One of the two patients experienced a hypersensitivity reaction on day 15 after a single Palynziq dosage of 0.67 mg within 15 minutes following medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension, and subsequently experienced anaphylaxis on day 89 within 30 minutes after the next dose of medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension. The other patient experienced a hypersensitivity reaction on day 40 after a single Palynziq dosage of 0.08 mg within 10 minutes following medroxyprogesterone acetate injectable suspension. Both patients had high anti-PEG IgG antibody titers at or around the time of the hypersensitivity reactions.
In Palynziq clinical trials, the majority of patients developed anti-PEG IgM and IgG antibodies after treatment with Palynziq [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The clinical effects of concomitant treatment with different PEGylated products is unknown. Monitor patients treated with Palynziq and concomitantly with other PEGylated products for hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
In clinical trials of Palynziq with induction/titration/maintenance dosing, 26 out of 285 (9%) patients experienced a total of 37 anaphylaxis episodes [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The exposure-adjusted rate of anaphylaxis was highest during the induction and titration phases (0.15 episodes/person-years; 5% of patients with at least one episode) and decreased in the maintenance phase (0.04 episodes/person-years; 6% of patients with at least one episode). Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis reported in clinical trials of Palynziq included syncope, hypotension, hypoxia, dyspnea, wheezing, chest discomfort/chest tightness, tachycardia, angioedema (swelling of face, lips, eyes, tongue), throat tightness, skin flushing, rash, urticaria, pruritus, and gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, nausea, diarrhea). In clinical trials of Palynziq, anaphylaxis generally occurred within 1 hour after injection (84%; 28/37 episodes); however, delayed episodes also occurred up to 48 hours after Palynziq administration. Most episodes of anaphylaxis occurred within the first year of dosing (78%, 29/37 episodes), but cases also occurred after one year of dosing and up to 834 days (2.3 years) into treatment. Management of anaphylaxis in Palynziq clinical trials included: administration of auto-injectable epinephrine (54%; 20/37 episodes), corticosteroids (54%; 20/37 episodes), antihistamines (51%; 19/37 episodes), and/or oxygen (5%; 2/37 episodes). Eighteen out of the 26 (69%) patients who experienced anaphylaxis were rechallenged with Palynziq and 5 out of the 18 patients who were rechallenged (28%) had recurrence of anaphylaxis. All anaphylaxis episodes resolved without sequelae.
Consider having an adult observer for patients who may need assistance in recognizing and managing anaphylaxis during Palynziq treatment. If an adult observer is needed, the observer should be present during and for at least 60 minutes after Palynziq administration, should be able to administer auto-injectable epinephrine, and to call for emergency medical support upon its use.
Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment with auto-injectable epinephrine. Prescribe auto-injectable epinephrine to all patients receiving Palynziq and instruct patients to carry auto-injectable epinephrine with them at all times during Palynziq treatment. Prior to the first dose, instruct the patient and observer (if applicable) on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, how to properly administer auto-injectable epinephrine, and to seek immediate medical care upon its use. Consider the risks associated with auto-injectable epinephrine use when prescribing Palynziq. Refer to the auto-injectable epinephrine prescribing information for complete information.
Consider the risks and benefits of readministering Palynziq following an episode of anaphylaxis. If the decision is made to readminister Palynziq, administer the first dose under the supervision of a healthcare provider equipped to manage anaphylaxis and closely observe the patient for at least 60 minutes following the dose. Subsequent Palynziq dose titration should be based on patient tolerability and therapeutic response [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Consider premedication with an H1-receptor antagonist, H2-receptor antagonist, and/or antipyretic prior to Palynziq administration based upon individual patient tolerability [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Palynziq is available only through a restricted program under a REMS [see Palynziq REMS Program].
Palynziq is available only through a restricted program under a REMS called the Palynziq REMS, because of the risk of anaphylaxis [see Anaphylaxis].
Notable requirements of the Palynziq REMS include the following:
Further information, including a list of qualified pharmacies, is available at www.PALYNZIQREMS.com or by telephone 1-855-758-REMS (1-855-758-7367).
Hypersensitivity reactions, other than anaphylaxis [see Anaphylaxis, ADVERSE REACTIONS], have been reported in 196 out of 285 (69%) patients treated with Palynziq. The exposure adjusted rate of other hypersensitivity reactions was highest during the induction and titration phases (4.5 episodes/person-year; 50% of patients with at least one adverse reaction) and decreased in the maintenance phase (1.5 episodes/person-year; 57% of patients with at least one adverse reaction).
Consider premedication with an H1-receptor antagonist, H2-receptor antagonist, and/or antipyretic prior to Palynziq administration based upon individual patient tolerability [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Management of hypersensitivity reactions should be based on the severity of the reaction, recurrence of the reaction, and the clinical judgement of the healthcare provider, and may include dosage adjustment, temporary drug interruption, or treatment with antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or corticosteroids.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use).
Palynziq is available only through a restricted program called the Palynziq REMS [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Inform the patient of the following notable requirements:
Palynziq is available only from certified pharmacies participating in the program. Therefore, provide patients with the telephone number and website for information on how to obtain the product.
Carcinogenicity and genotoxicity studies have not been performed with pegvaliase-pqpz. Based on its mechanism of action, pegvaliase-pqpz is not expected to be tumorigenic.
Pegvaliase-pqpz produced impaired fertility in female rats at 20 mg/kg/day subcutaneously (19.4 times the human steady-state AUC at the maximum recommended daily dose), as indicated by decreases in corpora lutea, implantations, and litter size. These effects were associated with toxicity (decreased body weight, ovarian weight, and food consumption). No effects on mating or fertility were observed in female rats with 8 mg/kg/day subcutaneously (4.2 times the human steady-state AUC at the maximum recommended daily dose) or in male rats with 20 mg/kg/day subcutaneously.
Risk Summary Based on findings in studies of pregnant animals without PKU treated with pegvaliase-pqpz, Palynziq may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Limited available data with pegvaliase-pqpz use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. There are risks to the fetus associated with poorly controlled phenylalanine concentrations in women with PKU during pregnancy including increased risk for miscarriage, major birth defects (including microcephaly, major cardiac malformations), intrauterine fetal growth retardation, and future intellectual disability with low IQ; therefore, phenylalanine concentrations should be closely monitored in women with PKU during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations and Data). Advise pregnant women of the potential risks to the fetus.
A reproduction study in pregnant rabbits treated with pegvaliase-pqpz demonstrated a high incidence of fetal malformations throughout the skeletal system, and in kidneys, lungs, and eyes. Embryo-fetal toxicity (increased resorptions and reduced fetal weight) was also observed. These effects occurred at 7.5 times the maximum recommended daily dose and were associated with strong signs of maternal toxicity, including marked reductions in weight gain and food consumption, and death. A reproduction study in pregnant rats treated with pegvaliase-pqpz demonstrated an increase in skeletal variations, with no malformations observed. The effects in rats occurred at 4.2 times the maximum recommended daily dose. In a pre-/post-natal development study in rats, pegvaliase-pqpz produced reduced survival of offspring during lactation, decreases in pup weight and litter size, and delayed sexual maturation of offspring when administered daily at 19.4 times the maximum recommended daily dose. The effects on rat embryo-fetal and post-natal development were associated with maternal toxicity.
All pregnancies have a background risk of major birth defects, pregnancy loss, or other adverse pregnancy 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. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in pregnant women with PKU who maintain blood phenylalanine concentrations greater than 600 micromol/L during pregnancy is greater than the corresponding background risk for pregnant women without PKU.
There is a pregnancy surveillance program for Palynziq. If Palynziq is administered during pregnancy, or if a patient becomes pregnant while receiving Palynziq or within one month following the last dose of Palynziq, healthcare providers should report Palynziq exposure by calling 1-866-906-6100.
Disease-Associated Maternal And/Or Embryo-Fetal Risk
Uncontrolled blood phenylalanine concentrations before and during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and fetal adverse effects. To reduce the risk of hyperphenylalaninemia-induced fetal adverse effects, blood phenylalanine concentrations should be maintained between 120 and 360 micromol/L during pregnancy and during the 3 months before conception [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Dose Adjustments During Pregnancy And The Postpartum Period
Phenylalanine concentrations below 30 micromol/L in pregnant women with PKU treated with Palynziq may be associated with adverse fetal outcomes. Monitor blood phenylalanine concentrations during pregnancy and adjust the dosage of Palynziq or modify dietary protein and phenylalanine intake to avoid blood phenylalanine concentrations below 30 micromol/L [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Data
Human Data
Uncontrolled Maternal PKU: Available data from the Maternal Phenylketonuria Collaborative Study on 468 pregnancies and 331 live births in pregnant women with PKU demonstrated that uncontrolled phenylalanine concentrations above 600 micromol/L are associated with an increased risk for miscarriage, major birth defects (including microcephaly, major cardiac malformations), intrauterine fetal growth retardation, and future intellectual disability with low IQ.
Limited data from case reports of Palynziq use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine a drug-associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes.
Animal Data
All developmental toxicity studies were conducted in animals (rats and rabbits) without PKU, in which treatment with pegvaliase-pqpz produced a dose-dependent reduction in maternal blood phenylalanine concentrations. At doses that produced maternal toxicity and/or effects on embryo-fetal development, the maternal plasma phenylalanine concentrations were markedly reduced compared to the control group. The contribution of maternal phenylalanine depletion to the incidence of embryo-fetal developmental effects was not evaluated.
Subcutaneous administration of 5 mg/kg/day pegvaliase-pqpz (7.5 times the maximum recommended daily dose based on bodyweight [mg/kg]) in pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis produced embryo-lethality (increased resorptions), marked reduction in fetal weight, and fetal malformations. The malformations included multiple external abnormalities of the head, body and limbs, multiple soft tissue malformations (reduced size or absence of kidneys, diaphragmatic hernia, corneal opacity, discoloration or reduced size of eyes, and reduced size of lungs) and multiple skeletal malformations of the craniofacial bones, vertebrae, sternebrae, ribs, pelvis, limbs, and digits. An increase in variations and delayed ossification was also observed in all skeletal regions. The adverse developmental effects were associated with maternal toxicity, as indicated by marked impairment of weight gain and food consumption. Deaths associated with weight loss and abortion occurred in 8% of the pregnant rabbits treated with 5 mg/kg/day pegvaliase-pqpz.
Subcutaneous administration of 2 mg/kg/day pegvaliase-pqpz (3 times the maximum recommended daily dose based on bodyweight [mg/kg]) in pregnant rabbits had no adverse effects on embryo-fetal development. Systemic exposure to pegvaliase-pqpz was detected in fetuses from rabbits treated with 2 or 5 mg/kg/day.
Pegvaliase-pqpz increased fetal alterations when administered daily in pregnant rats at doses of 8 mg/kg subcutaneously and higher (4.2 times the human steady-state area under the curve [AUC] at the maximum recommended daily dose) during a 28-day premating period, mating, and through the period of organogenesis. The fetal alterations were limited to skeletal variations such as cervical ribs, bifid centra of lumbar and thoracic vertebrae, and incomplete ossification of squamosal bones, frontal bones, lumbar vertebra arch, and ribs. Daily administration of 20 mg/kg subcutaneously (19.4 times the human steady-state AUC at the recommended maximum daily dose) to pregnant rats produced reductions in litter sizes and fetal weights, which was associated with maternal toxicity (decreased body weight, ovarian weight, and food consumption). The decrease in litter sizes at 20 mg/kg subcutaneously was secondary to reductions in corpora lutea and implantations. Systemic exposure to pegvaliase-pqpz was detected in fetuses from rats treated with 20 mg/kg of pegvaliase-pqpz (19.4 times the human steady-state AUC at the recommended maximum daily dose). Subcutaneous administration of 2 mg/kg/day pegvaliase-pqpz (less than the human steady state AUC at the maximum recommended daily dose) in pregnant rats had no adverse effects on embryo-fetal development.
Pegvaliase-pqpz decreased pup weight, litter size, and survival of offspring during lactation, and delayed sexual maturation of offspring when administered daily in rats at 20 mg/kg subcutaneously (19.4 times the human steady-state AUC at the recommended maximum daily dose), with dosing starting before mating and continuing through lactation. The effects in offspring were associated with maternal toxicity. No effects in offspring were observed at 8 mg/kg/day subcutaneously (4.2 times the human steady-state AUC at the recommended maximum daily dose). This study lacked a complete evaluation of physical and neurobehavioral development in offspring; however, no effects of pegvaliase-pqpz were noted in tests of learning and memory.
There are no data on the presence of pegvaliase-pqpz in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. A pre-/post-natal study in rats showed that pegvaliase-pqpz is present in rat milk and that administration of pegvaliase-pqpz during lactation decreased pup weight and survival [see Use In Specific Populations]. However, systemic absorption of pegvaliase-pqpz was not detected in the rat pups. Palynziq may cause low phenylalanine concentrations in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the clinical need for Palynziq treatment and any potential adverse effect on the breastfed infant from Palynziq or from the underlying condition (see Clinical Considerations).
Monitor blood phenylalanine concentrations in breastfeeding women treated with Palynziq.
The safety and effectiveness of Palynziq in pediatric patients have not been established.
Clinical studies of Palynziq did not include patients aged 65 years and older.
No Information provided
None.
Pegvaliase-pqpz is a PEGylated phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzyme that converts phenylalanine to ammonia and trans-cinnamic acid. It substitutes for the deficient phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) enzyme activity in patients with PKU and reduces blood phenylalanine concentrations.
Palynziq treatment of adult patients with PKU resulted in the reduction of blood phenylalanine concentrations from pre-treatment baseline [see Clinical Studies]. The reduction of blood phenylalanine concentrations diminished with decreased pegvaliase-pqpz plasma concentrations.
The pharmacokinetics of pegvaliase-pqpz exhibit high inter-patient and intra-patient variability due to the heterogeneity of the immune response in adult patients with PKU. Higher antibody titers correlated with higher apparent clearance of pegvaliase-pqpz. In the first eight weeks of induction and titration treatment, plasma pegvaliase-pqpz concentrations were low to not measurable. At steady state during maintenance treatment with Palynziq 20 mg and 40 mg subcutaneously once daily, the mean ± SD (range) plasma trough pegvaliase-pqpz concentrations were: 11.2 ± 9.0 (0.21 to 29.6) mg/L and 10.4 ± 12.7 (0.18 to 43.1) mg/L, respectively. The following pharmacokinetic parameters were observed in adult patients with PKU treated with Palynziq at maintenance dosages of 20 mg once daily and 40 mg once daily.
The median Tmax was approximately 8 hours. The mean ± SD (range) peak concentration (Cmax) at steady state was: 14.0 ± 16.3 (0.26 to 68.5) mg/L and 16.7 ± 19.5 (0.24 to 63.8) mg/L, respectively.
The mean ± SD (range) apparent volume of distribution was 26.4 ± 64.8 (1.8 to 241) L and 22.2 ± 19.7 (3.1 to 49.5) L, respectively.
The mean ± SD (range) apparent clearance at steady state was 0.39 ± 0.87 (0.018 to 3.66) L/h and 1.25 ± 2.46 L/h (0.034 to 8.88), respectively. The mean ± SD (range) half-life was 47 ± 42 (14 to 132) hours and 60 ± 45 (14 to 127) hours, respectively.
Metabolism
The metabolism of phenylalanine ammonia lyase is expected to occur via catabolic pathways and be degraded into small peptides and amino acids.
Excretion
The route of elimination of pegvaliase-pqpz has not been studied in humans.
In rats without PKU treated with pegvaliase-pqpz, dose-dependent vacuolation in multiple organs and tissues was observed in the 4- and 26-week repeat dose toxicity studies at doses of 8 mg/kg subcutaneously or greater administered twice weekly (less than the human steady state AUC at the maximum recommended daily dose). Vacuolation occurred in renal tubule cells and in histiocytic cells of the liver, spleen, testes, adrenal cortex, mesenteric lymph node, and mandibular lymph node. Vacuolation in histiocytes of the affected organs and tissues persisted after cessation of treatment. The vacuolation observed in these studies was not associated with organ-related toxicities as determined by clinical chemistry/urinalysis and histopathological examination. The clinical significance of these findings and functional consequences are unknown.
In the 39-week repeat dose toxicity study in monkeys, pegvaliase-pqpz 3 mg/kg subcutaneously twice weekly (3 times the human steady state AUC at the maximum recommended daily dose) produced systemic arteritis involving small arteries and arterioles in a wide range of organs and tissues (kidney, urinary bladder, pancreas, gallbladder, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, rectum, lung, heart, sciatic nerve, lacrimal gland, mandibular lymph node, epididymis, seminal vesicle, ovary, uterus, cervix, and vagina) and in subcutaneous injection sites. Arteritis was likely due to the immune-mediated response (e.g., immune complex deposition in blood vessels) associated with chronic administration of a foreign protein to the animals. The incidence and severity of systemic arteritis was dose-dependent. The vascular inflammation observed in this study was not associated with organ related toxicities as determined by clinical pathology parameters (hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis) and histopathological examination.
Studies of longer duration in rats and monkeys treated with pegvaliase-pqpz have not been conducted.
Study 165-301 (referred to as Study 301, NCT01819727) was an open-label randomized, multi-center study of adults with PKU to assess safety and tolerability of self-administered Palynziq in an induction/titration/maintenance regimen with a target maintenance dose of 20 mg subcutaneously once daily or 40 mg subcutaneously once daily. At Palynziq treatment initiation, 253 patients demonstrated inadequate blood phenylalanine control (blood phenylalanine concentration greater than 600 micromol/L) on existing management, and 8 patients had blood phenylalanine concentrations less than or equal to 600 micromol/L. Existing management options included prior or current restriction of dietary phenylalanine and protein intake, and/or prior treatment with sapropterin dihydrochloride. Patients previously treated with sapropterin dihydrochloride were required to discontinue use at least 14 days prior to the first dose.
The 261 enrolled patients were aged 16 to 55 years (mean: 29 years) and had a baseline mean (range) blood phenylalanine of 1,233 (285, 2330) micromol/L. One hundred forty nine out of 261 (57%) patients were taking medical food at baseline and 41 out of 261 patients (16%) were on a protein-restricted diet at baseline (defined as receiving greater than 75% of total protein intake from medical food). Patients were randomized (1:1) to one of two target maintenance dosage arms: 20 mg once daily or 40 mg once daily. Patients were titrated to reach their randomized target dosage of 20 mg once daily or 40 mg once daily. The duration of titration varied among patients and was based on patient tolerability. Of the 261 enrolled patients, 195 (75%) patients reached their randomized maintenance dosage (103 in the 20 mg once daily arm, 92 in the 40 mg once daily arm). Among the patients who reached their randomized maintenance dosage, patients in the 20 mg once daily randomized arm reached their maintenance dosage at a median time of 10 weeks (range: 9 to 29 weeks) and patients in the 40 mg once daily arm reached their maintenance dosage at a median time of 11 weeks (range: 10 to 33 weeks).
Of the 261 patients who enrolled in Study 301, 54 (21%) patients discontinued treatment during Study 301, 4 patients completed Study 301 and did not continue to Study 165-302 (referred to as Study 302, NCT01889862), 152 patients continued to the eligibility period of Study 302, and 51 patients continued directly from Study 301 into the long-term treatment period of Study 302.
A total of 164 adult patients with PKU who were previously-treated with Palynziq (152 patients from Study 301 and 12 patients from other Palynziq trials) enrolled in Study 302 and continued treatment with Palynziq in Study 302 for up to 13 weeks to assess eligibility for randomized withdrawal period.
Randomized Withdrawal Period
Following this period of up to 13 weeks of additional Palynziq treatment in Study 302, eligibility for entry into the efficacy assessment period (randomized withdrawal period) was determined by whether a patient achieved at least a 20% reduction in blood phenylalanine concentration from pre-treatment baseline (when in previous studies). Eighty-six out of 164 patients (52%) met this response target and continued into the randomized withdrawal period. In the double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal period, patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to either continue their maintenance Palynziq dosage or to receive matching placebo for a total of 8 weeks. The treatment difference in least squares (LS) mean change in blood phenylalanine concentration from the Study 302 randomized withdrawal baseline to randomized withdrawal Week 8 for each randomized study arm is shown in Table 5. Mean blood phenylalanine concentrations at pre-treatment baseline (Study 301 or other Palynziq trials) are also shown in Table 5. At Study 302 randomized withdrawal Week 8, Palynziq-treated patients (20 mg once daily or 40 mg once daily) maintained their blood phenylalanine concentrations as compared to their randomized withdrawal baseline, whereas patients randomized to matching placebo (20 mg once daily or 40 mg once daily) returned to their pretreatment baseline blood phenylalanine concentrations (Figure 1).
Table 5: Primary Endpoint: LS Mean Change in Blood
Phenylalanine Concentration from Randomized Withdrawal Baseline to Week 8 in
Adult Patients with PKU – Efficacy Assessment in Study 302
| Randomized Study Arm | Blood Phenylalanine Concentration (micromol/L) Mean (SD) |
LS Mean Change from Study 302 Randomized Withdrawal Baseline to Week 8 (95% CI) |
Treatment Difference in LS Mean Change (95% CI) P-value* |
||
| Pre-treatment Baseline | Study 302 Randomized Withdrawal Baseline | Study 302 Randomized Withdrawal Week 8 | |||
| Palynziq 20 mg once daily | 1450.2 (310.5) n = 29 |
596.8 (582.8) n = 29 |
553.0 (582.4) n = 26† |
-23.3 (-156.2, 109.7) |
-973.0 (-1204.2, -741.9) p < 0.0001 |
| Placebo 20 mg once daily | 1459.1 (354.7) n = 14 |
563.9 (504.6) n = 14 |
1509.0 (372.6) n = 13† |
949.8 (760.4, 1139.1) |
|
| Palynziq 40 mg once daily | 1185.8 (344.0) n = 29 |
410.9 (440.0) n = 29 |
566.3 (567.5) n = 23† |
76.3 (-60.2, 212.8) |
-588.5 (-830.1, -346.9) p < 0.0001 |
| Placebo 40 mg once daily | 1108.9 (266.8) n = 14 |
508.2 (363.7) n = 14 |
1164.4 (343.3) n = 10† |
664.8 (465.5, 864.1) |
|
| * Based on the mixed model repeated measures (MMRM) method, with treatment arm, visit, and treatment arm-by-visit interaction as factors adjusting for baseline blood phenylalanine concentration. † Patients who did not complete phenylalanine assessment within the window for Week 8 (Day 43 to 56) were excluded. |
|||||
Figure 1: Observed Mean (SE) Blood Phenylalanine
Concentrations Over Time in Adult Patients with PKU in Study 302
 |
Of 118 patients from Study 301 with a pre-treatment baseline blood phenylalanine concentration greater than 600 micromol/L who were randomized to and received at least one dose of 20 mg once daily Palynziq, 108 patients, 98 patients, and 51 patients were treated for at least 24 weeks, 48 weeks, and 96 weeks, respectively.
Of the 118 patients, 53 patients reached their first response (at least a 20% reduction in blood phenylalanine concentration from pre-treatment baseline or a blood phenylalanine concentration less than or equal to 600 micromol/L) by 4 weeks of treatment with 20 mg once daily and 28 patients reached their first response between Weeks 4 and 24 with 20 mg once daily. Of the 118 patients, 25 patients escalated their dosage from 20 mg once daily to 40 mg once daily before reaching a first response; of those 25 patients, 8 patients reached their first response by 4 weeks of treatment with 40 mg once daily and 6 patients reached their first response between Weeks 4 and 16 with 40 mg once daily.
Palynziq™
(Pal-lin-zeek)
(pegvaliase-pqpz) injection
What is the most important information I should know about Palynziq?
Palynziq can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) that may be life-threatening and can happen any timeduring treatment with Palynziq. Severe allergic reactions are a serious but common side effect of Palynziq.
Stop injecting Palynziq and get emergency medical care right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a severe allergic reaction during treatment with Palynziq:
Palynziq is only available through a restricted program called the Palynziq Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program. Before you can receive Palynziq, you must:
Talk to your healthcare provider for more information about the Palynziq REMS and how to enroll.
What is Palynziq?
Palynziq is a prescription medicine used to lower blood levels of phenylalanine in adults with PKU (phenylketonuria) who have uncontrolled blood phenylalanine levels above 600 micromol/L (10 mg/dL) on their current treatment.
It is not known if Palynziq is safe and effective in children.
Before injecting Palynziq, 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 or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
How should I take Palynziq?
What are the possible side effects of Palynziq?
Palynziq may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of Palynziq include:
These are not all the possible side effects of Palynziq. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store Palynziq?
Keep Palynziq and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General Information about the safe and effective use of Palynziq.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use Palynziq for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Palynziq to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Palynziq that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in Palynziq?
Active ingredients: pegvaliase-pqpz
Inactive ingredients: sodium chloride, trans-cinnamic acid, tromethamine, and tromethamine hydrochloride
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Instructions for Use
Palynziq
(Pal-lin-zeek)
(pegvaliase-pqpz) injection prefilled syringe
Read this Instructions for Use before you start using the Palynziq prefilled syringe and each time you get a new prescription. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.
Follow these instructions carefully while you are using Palynziq. If your healthcare provider decides that you (or your caregiver) can give the injections of Palynziq at home, your healthcare provider will show you (or your caregiver) how to inject Palynziq the right way. Your healthcare provider should watch you (or your caregiver) give the first Palynziq injection and monitor you for signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Do not inject Palynziq until your healthcare provider shows you (or your caregiver) how to inject Palynziq the right way and has watched you (or your caregiver) give your injection.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you (or your caregiver) have any questions about how to inject Palynziq the right way.
Do not share your prefilled syringes with anyone else. You may give an infection to them or get an infection from them.
Store your Palynziq prefilled syringe(s) in its original carton in the refrigerator. See “Storage of Palynziq” at the end of this Instructions for Use.
Supplies you will need for each injection of Palynziq (See Figure A):
Figure A
 |
Important things to know about using your Palynziq prefilled syringe:
Figure B below shows what the prefilled syringe looks like before use.
Figure B
 |
Select the correct Palynziq prefilled syringe(s) for your dose. You may need more than 1 prefilled syringe for your prescribed dose. Your healthcare provider will tell you which syringe(s) to use. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
When you receive your Palynziq prefilled syringe(s), check that the name “Palynziq” appears on the carton(s).
Figure C
 |
Set up your injection
Step 1: Gather your supplies for the injection(s) (See Figure A) and place them on a clean flat surface.
Figure D
 |
Take out the number of cartons needed for your prescribed dose from the refrigerator.
Check the expiration date on the carton(s) (See Figure D).
Step 2: Open the carton(s) and take out the sealed tray(s) that you need for your prescribed dose (See Figure E). You may need more than 1 prefilled syringe for your prescribed dose.
Figure E
 |
Place the sealed tray(s) on a clean, flat surface out of reach of children and pets.
Put the carton with any remaining trays back in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Let the sealed tray(s) sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Injecting Palynziq when cold can make the injection feel uncomfortable.
 |
Step 4: Peel off the cover from the tray (See Figure F).
Figure F
 |
Step 5: Hold the middle of the prefilled syringe body and remove the prefilled syringe from the tray (See Figure G).
Figure G
 |
Step 6: Check the prefilled syringe label to make sure you have the correct strength for your prescribed dose.
 |
Step 7: Look at the liquid through the viewing window (See Figure H).
Figure H
 |
The liquid should look clear and colorless to pale yellow. Throw away the prefilled syringe if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it and use a new prefilled syringe for your injection. See “Dispose of the used prefilled syringes” at the end of this Instructions for Use. Call BioMarin at 1-866-906-6100 or your healthcare provider for help with Palynziq.
Choose and prepare injection site
Step 8: Choose your injection site.
The recommended injection sites are:
If a caregiver is giving the injection, the top of the buttocks and the back of the upper arms may also be used (See Figure I).
Figure I
 |
Figure J
 |
Step 9: Wash your hands well with soap and water before injecting Palynziq (See Figure K).
Figure K
 |
Step 10: Clean the chosen site with an alcohol pad. Let the skin air dry for at least 10 seconds before injecting Palynziq (See Figure L).
Figure L
 |
Inject Palynziq
Step 11: Hold the body of the prefilled syringe with one hand with the needle facing away from you (See Figure M).
Figure M
 |
Step 12: Pull the needle cap straight off the needle (See Figure N).
Figure N
 |
You may see a drop of liquid on the tip of the needle. This is normal. Do not wipe it away. Throw the needle cap away in a puncture resistant or sharps disposal container.
Step 13: Hold the body of the prefilled syringe in 1 hand between your thumb and index finger. Use your other hand to pinch up the skin around the injection site. Hold the skin firmly (See Figure O).
Figure O
 |
Step 14: Use a quick motion to fully insert the needle into the pinched skin at a 45 to 90 degree angle (See Figure P).
Figure P
 |
Release the pinch of skin. Use that hand to hold the bottom of the prefilled syringe steady. Place the thumb of your other hand on the plunger head and place your index and middle fingers under the finger grips (See Figure P).
Step 15: Use your thumb to push in the plunger slowly and steadily as far as it will go to inject all the medicine (See Figure Q). More pressure on the plunger may be needed to inject all the medicine for the 10 mg and 20 mg strength prefilled syringes.
Figure Q
 |
Step 16: Slowly move your thumb up to release the plunger. The needle will automatically be covered by the prefilled syringe body (See Figure R).
Figure R
 |
Treat injection site
Step 17: Treat injection site (if needed).
If you see drops of blood at the injection site, press a cotton ball or gauze over the injection site and hold for about 10 seconds. You may cover the injection site with a small adhesive bandage if needed.
If more than 1 prefilled syringe is needed for your prescribed dose:
Step 18: If your healthcare provider tells you to use more than one prefilled syringe for your prescribed dose, repeat Steps 4 to 17 listed above for each prefilled syringe that you use.
 |
Dispose of the used prefilled syringes
Step 19: Put your used prefilled syringes in a puncture resistant container, such as an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container immediately after use (See Figure S).
Figure S
 |
Do not throw away (dispose of) prefilled syringes in your household trash.
If you do not have an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:
When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be state or local laws about how you should throw away used needles and syringes. For more information about safe sharps disposal and for specific information about sharps disposal in the state that you live in, go to the FDA's website at: http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal
Do not dispose of your used sharps disposal container in your household trash unless your community guidelines permit this. Do not recycle your used sharps disposal container.
Note: Keep sharps disposal container out of the reach of children and pets.
Storage of Palynziq
Figure T
 |
Keep Palynziq and all medicines out of the reach of children.
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
