Flebogamma

GRIFOLS USA, LLC

HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATIONThese highlights do not include all the information needed to use FLEBOGAMMA 5% DIF safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for FLEBOGAMMA 5% DIF.FLEBOGAMMA 5% DIF [Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)], For intravenous administration, 5% Liquid PreparationInitial U.S. Approval: 2006 RECENT MAJOR CHANGES Boxed Warning; Warnings and Precautions, Thrombosis [5.4] 09/2013 BOXED WARNING WARNING: THROMBOSIS, RENAL DYSFUNCTION, and ACUTE RENAL FAILURE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Thrombosis may occur with immune globulin products, including FLEBOGAMMA 5% DIF. Risk factors may include: advanced age, prolonged immobilization, hypercoagulable conditions, history of venous or arterial thrombosis, use of estrogens, indwelling vascular catheters, hyperviscosity, and cardiovascular risk factors. For patients at risk of thrombosis administer FLEBOGAMMA 5% DIF at the minimum dose and infusion rate practicable. Ensure adequate hydration in patients before administration. Monitor for signs and symptoms of thrombosis and assess blood viscosity in patients at risk of hyperviscosity. Renal dysfunction, acute renal failure, osmotic nephrosis and death may occur with the administration of human immune globulin intravenous (IGIV) products, particularly those products that contain sucrose. FLEBOGAMMA 5% DIF does not contain sucrose. For patients at risk of renal dysfunction or failure, administer FLEBOGAMMA 5% DIF at the minimum infusion rate practicable. [5.2] INDICATIONS AND USAGEFlebogamma 5% DIF is an Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), indicated for treatment of Primary (inherited) Immunodeficiency (PI). [1] DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For Intravenous Use Only Indication Dose Initial Infusion Rate Maintenance Dose Rate (if tolerated) PI 300-600 mg/kgevery 3-4 weeks 0.01 mL/kg /minute(0.5 mg/kg/min) Increase to 0.10 mL/kg/minute(5 mg/kg/min) For patients at risk of renal dysfunction or thrombosis, administer Flebogamma 5% DIF at the minimum infusion rate practicable. [5.2, 5.4] Ensure that patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency are not volume-depleted and discontinue Flebogamma 5% DIF if renal function deteriorates. [5.2] DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHSLiquid preparation containing 5% IgG (50 mg/mL). [3] CONTRAINDICATIONS History of anaphylactic or severe systemic reactions to human immunoglobulin. [4] IgA deficient patients with antibodies against IgA and a history of hypersensitivity. [4] WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS IgA deficient patients with antibodies to IgA are at greater risk of developing severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions. [5.1] Monitor renal function, including blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and urine output in patients at risk of developing acute renal failure. [5.2] Hyperproteinemia, increased serum viscosity and hyponatremia may occur in patients receiving Flebogamma 5% DIF therapy. [5.3] Thrombosis may occur. Monitor patients with known risk factors for thrombosis and consider baseline assessment of blood viscosity for those at risk of hyperviscosity. [5.4] Aseptic Meningitis Syndrome (AMS) may occur in patients receiving Flebogamma 5% DIF therapy, especially with high doses or rapid infusion. [5.5] Hemolytic anemia can develop subsequent to Flebogamma 5% DIF treatment. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hemolysis and hemolytic anemia. [5.6] Monitor patients for pulmonary adverse reactions (transfusion-related acute lung injury, TRALI). [5.7] Patients receiving Flebogamma 5% DIF for the first time or being restarted on the product after a treatment hiatus of more than 8 weeks may be at a higher risk for development of fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. [5.8] Flebogamma 5% DIF is made from human plasma and may contain infectious agents, e.g. viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent. [5.9] Passive transfer of antibodies may confound serologic testing. [5.11] Side EffectsThe most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥ 5% of clinical trial subjects) were: headache, pyrexia/fever, pain, infusion site reactions, diarrhea, rigors or chills, urticaria and infusion site inflammation. [6] To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Grifols Biologicals at 1- 888-GRIFOLS (1-888-474-3657) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . DRUG INTERACTIONSPassive transfer of antibodies may transiently interfere with the immune response to live virus vaccines, such as measles, mumps, and rubella. [7] USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: No human or animal data. Use only if clearly needed. [8.1] Geriatric: In patients over age 65 or in any patient at risk of developing renal insufficiency, do not exceed the recommended dose, and infuse Flebogamma 5% DIF at the minimum infusion rate practicable and less than 0.06 mL/kg/min (3 mg/kg/minute). [8.5]

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*

• WARNING: THROMBOSIS, RENAL DYSFUNCTION, and ACUTE RENAL FAILURE
• 1 FLEBOGAMMA INDICATIONS AND USAGE
• 2 FLEBOGAMMA DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
  • 2.1 Dosage
  • 2.2 Preparation and Handling
  • 2.3 Administration
• 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
• 4 FLEBOGAMMA CONTRAINDICATIONS
• 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
  • 5.1 Hypersensitivity
  • 5.2 Renal Dysfunction/Failure
  • 5.3 Hyperproteinemia, Increased Serum Viscosity, and Hyponatremia
  • 5.4 Thrombosis
  • 5.5 Aseptic Meningitis Syndrome (AMS)
  • 5.6 Hemolysis
  • 5.7 Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)
  • 5.8 Infusion Reactions
  • 5.9 Transmissible Infectious Agents
  • 5.10 Monitoring: Laboratory Tests
  • 5.11 Interference with Laboratory Tests
• 6 FLEBOGAMMA ADVERSE REACTIONS
  • 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
  • 6.2 Post-marketing Experience
• 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
• 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
  • 8.1 Pregnancy
  • 8.3 Nursing Mothers
  • 8.4 Pediatric Use
  • 8.5 Geriatric Use
• 10 OVERDOSAGE
• 11 FLEBOGAMMA DESCRIPTION
• 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
  • 12.1 Mechanism of Action
  • 12.3 Pharmacokinetics
• 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
  • 13.1 Carcinogenity, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
  • 13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
• 14 CLINICAL STUDIES
• 15 REFERENCES
• 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
• 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

Flebogamma^® 5% DIF
Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)
5% Liquid Preparation

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Flebogamma 5% DIF is an Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) 5% preparation that is indicated for the treatment of Primary Immunodeficiency (PI) including the humoral immune defect in common variable immunodeficiency, x-linked agammaglobulinemia, severe combined immunodeficiency, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

For Intravenous Use Only

2.1 Dosage

Treatment of Primary Immunodeficiency (PI)

As there are significant differences in the half-life of IgG among patients with PI, the frequency and amount of immunoglobulin therapy may vary from patient to patient. Dosing should be adjusted according to the clinical response.

The dosage may be adjusted over time to achieve the desired trough IgG levels and clinical responses. No randomized controlled trial data are available to determine an optimum target trough serum IgG level.

2.2 Preparation and Handling

• Inspect Flebogamma 5% DIF visually for particulate matter and color prior to administration. Do not use the vial if particles are detected. Do not use if turbid.
• Several vials of Flebogamma 5% DIF may be pooled into an empty sterile solution container by using aseptic technique, if large doses are to be administered.
• Dilution with intravenous fluids is not recommended. Injection of other medications into intravenous tubing being used for Flebogamma 5% DIF is not recommended.
• Infuse Flebogamma 5% DIF through a separate intravenous line. Do not add any medications or intravenous fluids to the Flebogamma 5% DIF infusion container. Do not mix IGIV products of different formulations or from different manufacturers.
• Discard unused contents and administration devices after use.
• Any vial that has been entered should be used promptly
• Discard partially used vials. Do not save for future use because the solution contains no preservative.
• Do not use solution that has been frozen.

2.3 Administration

The recommended initial infusion rate of Flebogamma 5% DIF is 0.01 mL/kg body weight/minute (0.5 mg/kg/minute). If the infusion is well-tolerated, during the first 30 minutes, the rate may be gradually increased to a maximum of 0.10 mL/kg/minute (5 mg/kg/minute).

Monitor patient vital signs throughout the infusion. Slow or stop infusion if adverse reactions occur. If symptoms subside promptly, the infusion may be resumed at a lower rate that is comfortable for the patient.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Flebogamma 5% DIF is a liquid preparation containing 5% IgG (50 mg/mL).

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Flebogamma 5% DIF is contraindicated in patients who have had a history of anaphylactic or severe systemic hypersensitivity reactions to the administration of human immune globulin.
• Flebogamma 5% DIF is contraindicated in IgA deficient patients with antibodies to IgA and a history of hypersensitivity (see Warnings and Precautions [5.1]).

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Hypersensitivity

Severe hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylactic reactions with a fall in blood pressure may occur, even in patients who had tolerated previous treatment with IGIV (see Contraindications [4]). If hypersensitivity reaction develops, discontinue Flebogamma 5% DIF infusion immediately and institute appropriate treatment.

Flebogamma 5% DIF contains trace amounts of IgA (less than 50 μg/mL) (see Description [11]). Patients with antibodies to IgA have a greater risk of developing potentially severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions. Flebogamma 5% DIF is contraindicated in patients with antibodies against IgA and a history of hypersensitivity reaction. (See Contraindications [4])

5.2 Renal Dysfunction/Failure

Acute renal dysfunction/failure, acute tubular necrosis, proximal tubular nephropathy, osmotic nephrosis and death have been reported in patients receiving IGIV, particularly those products containing sucrose (2). Flebogamma 5% DIF does not contain sucrose.

Ensure that patients are not volume-depleted before administering Flebogamma 5% DIF. For patients judged to be at risk for developing renal dysfunction, including patients with any degree of pre-existing renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, age greater than 65, volume depletion, sepsis, paraproteinemia, or patients receiving known nephrotoxic drugs, administer Flebogamma 5% DIF at the minimum rate of infusion practicable (3). (See Boxed Warning) (See Dosing and Administration [2.3])

Periodic monitoring of renal function and urine output is particularly important in patients judged to be at increased risk of developing acute renal failure (1). Assess renal function, including measurement of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine, before the initial infusion of Flebogamma 5% DIF and at appropriate intervals thereafter. If renal function deteriorates, consider discontinuation of the product.

5.3 Hyperproteinemia, Increased Serum Viscosity, and Hyponatremia

Hyperproteinemia, increased serum viscosity and hyponatremia may occur in patients receiving Flebogamma 5% DIF therapy. It is clinically critical to distinguish true hyponatremia from a pseudohyponatremia that is temporally or causally related to hyperproteinemia with concomitant decreased calculated serum osmolarity or elevated osmolar gap because treatment aimed at decreasing serum free water in patients with pseudohyponatremia may lead to volume depletion, a further increase in serum viscosity and a higher risk of thrombosis.

5.4 Thrombosis

Thrombosis may occur following treatment with immune globulin products, including FLEBOGAMMA 5% DIF. Risk factors may include: advanced age, prolonged immobilization, hypercoagulable conditions, history of venous or arterial thrombosis, use of estrogens, indwelling central vascular catheters, hyperviscosity, and cardiovascular risk factors. Thrombosis may occur in the absence of known risk factors.

Consider baseline assessment of blood viscosity in patients at risk for hyperviscosity, including those with cryoglobulins, fasting chylomicronemia/markedly high triacylglycerols (triglycerides), or monoclonal gammopathies. (see Warnings and Precautions [5.10]) For patients at risk of thrombosis, administer FLEBOGAMMA 5% DIF at the minimum dose and infusion rate practicable. Ensure adequate hydration in patients before administration. Monitor for signs and symptoms of thrombosis and assess blood viscosity in patients at risk for hyperviscosity (see Boxed Warning, Dosage and Administration [2.3] and Patient Counseling Information [17]).

5.5 Aseptic Meningitis Syndrome (AMS)

AMS has been reported to occur following IGIV treatment. Discontinuation of IGIV treatment has resulted in remission of AMS within several days without sequelae (7-10). The symptoms of AMS usually begin within several hours to 2 days following IGIV treatment.

AMS is characterized by the following signs and symptoms: severe headache, nuchal rigidity, drowsiness, fever, photophobia, painful eye movements, nausea and vomiting (See Patient Counseling Information [17]). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies frequently reveal pleocytosis up to several thousand cells per cubic millimeter, predominantly from the granulocytic series, and with elevated protein levels up to several hundred mg/dL, but negative culture results. Conduct a thorough neurological examination to patients exhibiting such signs and symptoms, including CSF studies, to rule out other causes of meningitis.

AMS may occur more frequently following high-dose (e.g. > 1.0 g/kg body weight) and/or rapid-infusion of IGIV.

5.6 Hemolysis

Hemolytic anemia can develop subsequent to IGIV therapy, including Flebogamma 5% DIF. Flebogamma 5% DIF contains blood group antibodies which may act as hemolysins and induce in vivo coating of red blood cells (RBCs) with immunoglobulin, causing a positive direct antiglobulin reaction and hemolysis (11-13). Acute intravascular hemolysis has been reported, and delayed hemolytic anemia can develop subsequent to IGIV therapy due to enhanced RBC sequestration (14).

Monitor patients for clinical signs and symptoms of hemolysis. If signs and/or symptoms of hemolysis are present after Flebogamma 5% DIF infusion, perform appropriate confirmatory laboratory testing. (See Patient Counseling Information [17])

5.7 Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema has been reported in patients following IGIV treatment (15). TRALI is characterized by severe respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, hypoxemia, normal left ventricular function and fever. Symptoms typically appear within 1 to 6 hours after transfusion.

Monitor patients for pulmonary adverse reactions (see Patient Counseling Information [17]). If TRALI is suspected, perform appropriate tests for the presence of antineutrophil antibodies and anti-HLA antibodies in both the product and patient serum. TRALI may be managed by using oxygen therapy with adequate ventilatory support.

5.8 Infusion Reactions

Individuals receiving Flebogamma 5% DIF for the first time or being restarted on the product after a treatment hiatus of more than 8 weeks, may be at a higher risk for the development of fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Careful monitoring of recipients and adherence to recommendations regarding dosage and administration may reduce the risk of these types of events (see Dosage and Administration [2.3]).

5.9 Transmissible Infectious Agents

Because Flebogamma 5% DIF is made from human plasma, it may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, e.g. viruses, and theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent. This also applies to unknown or emerging viruses and other pathogens. No cases of transmission of viral diseases or CJD have been associated with the use of Flebogamma 5% DIF. All infections suspected by a physician possibly to have been transmitted by this product should be reported by the physician or other healthcare provider to Grifols Biologicals at 1-888-474-3657.

Before prescribing or administering Flebogamma 5% DIF, the physician should discuss the risks and benefits of its use with the patient (see Patient Counseling Information [17]).

5.10 Monitoring: Laboratory Tests

• Periodic monitoring of renal function and urine output is particularly important in patients judged to be at increased risk of developing acute renal failure. Assess renal function, including measurement of BUN and serum creatinine, before the initial infusion of Flebogamma 5% DIF and at appropriate intervals thereafter.
• Consider baseline assessment of blood viscosity in patients at risk for hyperviscosity, including those with cryoglobulins, fasting chylomicronemia/markedly high triacylglycerols (triglycerides), or monoclonal gammopathies because of the potentially increased risk of thrombosis.
• If signs and/or symptoms of hemolysis are present after an infusion of Flebogamma 5% DIF, perform appropriate laboratory testing for confirmation.
• If TRALI is suspected, perform appropriate tests for the presence of anti-neutrophil antibodies and anti-HLA antibodies in both the product and patient's serum.

5.11 Interference with Laboratory Tests

After infusion of IgG, the transitory rise of the various passively transferred antibodies in the patient's blood may yield positive serological testing results, with the potential for misleading interpretation. Passive transmission of antibodies to erythrocyte antigens (e.g. A, B, and D) may cause a positive direct or indirect antiglobulin (Coombs') test.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions (reported in ≥ 5% of clinical trial subjects) were: headache, pyrexia/fever, pain, infusion site reactions, diarrhea, rigors or chills, urticaria and infusion site inflammation.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Grifols Biologicals at 1- 888-GRIFOLS (1-888-474-3657) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

Adverse reactions were reported in a study of 46 individuals with PI receiving infusions every 3 to 4 weeks of 300 to 600 mg/kg body weight. Thirty-one subjects (67.4%) had at least an adverse reaction at some time during the study that was considered product-related. None of the 46 subjects who participated in this study discontinued the study prematurely due to an adverse drug reaction.

Adverse reactions that occurred with an incidence of ≥ 5% on a per subject basis are summarized in Table 1.

The most common other adverse drug reactions reported in fewer than 5% of the subjects included hypertension, sinusitis, nausea/vomiting, positive Coombs test, arthralgia, myalgia, dizziness, bronchitis and hypotension.

The total number of adverse reactions reported whose onset were within 72 hours after the end of an infusion of Flebogamma 5% DIF was 107. There were a total of 709 infusions, resulting in a rate of 0.15 temporally associated adverse reactions per infusion (the upper bound of the 1-sided 95% confidence interval = 0.18). There were 70 infusions (9.7%, 1-sided 95% upper bound CI = 12.4%) associated with 1 or more adverse reaction that began within 72 hours after the completion of an infusion.

In 58 infusions the patients reported mild adverse reactions; 25 infusions were recorded with moderate adverse reactions and in 1 infusion the patient reported a severe adverse reaction. The percentages of infusions with a mild, moderate or severe adverse reaction were 8.2% (upper bound 95% CI=10.5%), 3.5 % (upper bound 95% CI=5.2%) and 0.1% (upper bound 95% CI=0.8%), respectively.

Three subjects (6.5%) experienced a treatment-emergent rise in AST (> 3x the upper-limit of normal), and 1 subject (2.2%) experienced a treatment-emergent rise in ALT (> 3x the upper-limit of normal). None of these abnormal lab values were long-lasting (i.e. they occurred at 1 or 2 infusions), and none of these subjects had a concomitant treatment-emergent rise in total bilirubin.

6.2 Post-marketing Experience

Because adverse reactions are reported voluntarily post-approval from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to product exposure.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during the post-approval use of IGIV products (16-17), including Flebogamma 5% DIF.

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

Passive transfer of antibodies may transiently impair the immune response to live attenuated virus vaccines, such as measles, mumps and rubella. Inform the immunizing physician of recent therapy with Flebogamma 5% DIF so that appropriate measures can be taken (see Patient Counseling Information [17]).

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been performed with Flebogamma 5% DIF. It is also not known whether Flebogamma 5% DIF can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Immunoglobulins cross the placenta from maternal circulation increasingly after 30 weeks of gestation. Flebogamma 5% DIF should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

8.3 Nursing Mothers

Use of Flebogamma 5% DIF has not been evaluated in nursing mothers.

8.4 Pediatric Use

Clinical studies of Flebogamma 5% DIF for the treatment of PI did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 16 and younger to determine whether they respond differently from adults. Efficacy and safety in pediatric patients have not been established (see Clinical Studies [14]).

8.5 Geriatric Use

Limited information is available for the geriatric use of Flebogamma 5% DIF. Clinical studies of Flebogamma 5% DIF did not include sufficient numbers of subjects over the age of 65 to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Use caution when administering Flebogamma 5% DIF to patients age 65 and over who are judged to be at increased risk for developing thrombosis or renal insufficiency. Do not exceed recommended dose, and administer Flebogamma 5% DIF at the minimum infusion rate practicable and less than 0.06 mL/kg/min (3 mg/kg/minute). (See Boxed Warning, Warning and Precautions [5.2, 5.4]; Dosage and Administration [2.3]).

10 OVERDOSAGE

Overdose may lead to fluid overload and hyperviscosity. Patients at particular risk of complications of fluid overload and hyperviscosity include elderly patients and patients with cardiac or renal impairment.

11 DESCRIPTION

Flebogamma 5% DIF is a ready to use, sterile, clear or slightly opalescent and colorless to pale yellow, liquid preparation of purified immunoglobulin (IgG) obtained from human plasma pools. The purification process includes cold ethanol fractionation, polyethylene glycol precipitation, ion exchange chromatography, low pH treatment, pasteurization, solvent detergent treatment and Planova nanofiltration using 20 nanometer (nm) filters.

Flebogamma 5% DIF is a purified (≥ 97% IgG), unmodified, human IgG. The distribution of the four IgG subclasses is approximately 66.6% IgG₁, 28.5% IgG₂, 2.7% IgG₃, and 2.2% IgG₄. Flebogamma 5% DIF contains trace amounts of IgA (typically < 50 μg/mL) and trace amounts of sodium and IgM.

Flebogamma 5% DIF contains 5 g human normal immunoglobulin and 5 g D-sorbitol (as stabilizer) in 100 mL of water for injection, and ≤ 3 mg/mL polyethylene glycol. There is no preservative in the formulation. The pH of the solution ranges from 5 to 6 and the osmolality from 240 to 370 mOsm/L, which is within the normal physiological range.

Screening against potentially infectious agents begins with the donor selection process and continues throughout plasma collections and plasma preparation. Each individual plasma donation used in the manufacture of Flebogamma 5% DIF is collected only at FDA approved blood establishments and is tested by FDA licensed serological test for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), for antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1/HIV-2) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in accordance with U.S. regulatory requirements. As an additional safety measure, mini-pools of plasma are tested for the presence of HBV, HIV-1 and HCV by FDA licensed Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) and found to be negative. In addition, plasma is tested by in-process NAT testing for Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and parvovirus B19 (B19) on mini-pools and the viral load limit for B19 in the manufacturing pool is set not to exceed 10⁴ IU/mL. NAT testing for the presence of HCV and HIV in the manufacturing plasma pool is also performed and found to be negative.

To further improve the margin of safety, three dedicated, independent and effective virus inactivation/removal steps have been integrated into the manufacturing and formulation processes, namely pasteurization at 60 ºC, 10 hours, solvent-detergent treatment for 6 hours and nanofiltration down to 20 nm Planova filters.

In vitro virus spiking studies have been used to validate the capability of the manufacturing process to inactivate and remove viruses. To establish the minimum applicable virus clearance capacity of the manufacturing process, these virus clearance studies were performed on 7 steps of the production process (pasteurization, solvent-detergent treatment, nanofiltration, Fraction I precipitation, Fraction II+III precipitation, 4% PEG precipitation and pH treatment for 4 hours at 37 ºC).

The viral reduction data (in log₁₀) from these experiments are summarized in Table 2.

Additionally, the manufacturing process was investigated for its capacity to decrease infectivity of an experimental agent of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE), considered as a model for the vCJD and CJD agents.

Several individual production steps in the Flebogamma 5% DIF manufacturing process have been shown to decrease TSE infectivity of an experimental model agent. TSE reduction steps include: 4% Polyethylene glycol precipitation [≥ 6.19 log₁₀] and Planova nanofiltration using a 20 nanometer filter [≥ 5.45 log₁₀]. These studies provide reasonable assurance that low levels of CJD/vCJD agent infectivity, if present in the starting material, would be removed.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), Flebogamma 5% DIF is a replacement therapy for PI. It supplies a broad spectrum of opsonizing and neutralizing IgG antibodies against a wide variety of bacterial and viral agents. Flebogamma 5% DIF also contains a spectrum of antibodies capable of reacting with cells such as erythrocytes. The role of these antibodies and the mechanisms of action of IgG in Flebogamma 5% DIF have not been fully elucidated.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

In the clinical study assessing safety and efficacy in PI, Flebogamma 5% DIF was administered as an IV infusion (300 to 600 mg/kg) to subjects every 3 (n = 8) or 4 (n = 12) weeks for 12 months. The pharmacokinetics of total IgG was determined after the 7th infusion for the 3-week dosing interval and after the 5th infusion for the 4-week dosing interval (Table 3).

There were 3 adolescent (≤ 16 years of age) subjects who underwent pharmacokinetic testing, all of whom were on the 3-week infusion schedule. There were no clinically relevant differences among the adults and adolescents that were tested.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenity, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

No animal studies were conducted to evaluate the carcinogenic or mutagenic effect of Flebogamma 5% DIF or its effects on fertility.

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Acute toxicity studies were performed in mice and rats at doses up to 2.5 g/kg body weight with infusion rates 6 to 37 times higher than the maximum rates recommended for humans. The most common clinical observations in mice studies were piloerection, ptosis, ataxia and increase in respiration all lasting 90 minutes or less. No relevant adverse effects could be confirmed affecting respiratory, circulatory, renal, autonomic and central nervous systems, somatomotor activity, and behavior of the treated mice and rats.

Five out of the 25 rats treated with the highest dose at approximately 8 times the maximum infusion rate recommended for humans, showed a transient “reddish urine” sign which was not confirmed as a relevant toxicity causing phenomenon after renal macro and microscopic analysis. This phenomenon was ascribed to hemolysis when serum was analyzed, suggesting a possible relation to cross reactivity of rodent red cells with human antibodies. No “reddish urine” was detected in any mouse, a much smaller animal where the rate of infusion was comparatively much higher than in rats. The macroscopic inspection of all treated mice did not show any renal alteration.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

A multicenter, open-label, historically controlled study was conducted in the United States to assess the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of Flebogamma 5% DIF in adult and pediatric subjects with PI. A total of 46 subjects aged 15-75 years (63% male, 37% female) were enrolled, and were treated with Flebogamma 5% DIF at a dose of 300-600 mg/kg per infusion every 3 or 4 weeks for 12-months.

Since the subjects in the clinical study were assigned to 2 different treatment intervals (3-week vs. 4-week infusion schedules), the dosage had to be adjusted to ensure that the subjects received approximately the same dosage on an annualized basis. Therefore, subjects in the 3-week schedule received 75% of the monthly (4-week) dosage per infusion. This resulted in a mean annualized dosage of 451 mg/kg/month for subjects in the 3-week schedule (n=13, range 288-588 mg/kg/month) and 448 mg/kg/month for subjects in the 4-week schedule (n=33, range 298-591 mg/kg/month).

During the study period, the annual rate of acute serious bacterial infection, defined as bacterial pneumonia, bacteremia or sepsis, osteomyelitis/septic arthritis, visceral abscesses and bacterial meningitis per subject per year, was 0.021 (with an upper 1-sided 98% confidence interval of 0.001 to 0.112). One subject had one episode of bacterial pneumonia and there were no other episodes of serious bacterial infections reported (Table 4).

The number of days of work/school missed, hospitalizations and days of each hospitalization, the number of visits to physicians or emergency rooms, other infections documented by positive radiographic findings and fever, and days on therapeutic and prophylactic oral/parenteral antibiotic use were also evaluated. These variables were annualized by using the subject-years exposure data of those subjects experiencing the events, but not the entire study cohort. With regard to the number of other validated infections, the mean rate was less than 2 days/subject/year (the calculation used all subjects, including those who had no infections, see Table 5).

15 REFERENCES

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• Winward DB, Brophy MT. Acute renal failure after administration of intravenous immunoglobulin: review of the literature and case report. Pharmacotherapy 1995; 15:765-72.
• Tan E, Hajinazarian M, Bay W, et al. Acute renal failure resulting from intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Arch Neurol 1993; 50:137-9.
• Dalakas MC. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin and serum viscosity: risk of precipitating thromboembolic events. Neurology 1994; 44:223-6.
• Woodruff RK, Grigg AP, Firkin FC, et al. Fatal thrombotic events during treatment of autoimmune thrombocytopenia with intravenous immunoglobulin in elderly patients. Lancet 1986; ii: 217-8.
• Wolberg AS, Kon RH, Monroe DM, et al. Coagulation factor XI is a contaminant in intravenous immunoglobulin preparations. Am J Hematol 2000; 65:30-4.
• Sekul EA, Cupler EJ, Dalakas MC. Aseptic meningitis associated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy: frequency and risk factors. Ann Intern Med 1994; 121:259-62.
• Kato E, Shindo S, Eto Y, et al. Administration of immune globulin associated with aseptic meningitis. JAMA 1988; 259:3269-71.
• Casteels-Van Daele M, Wijndaele L, Hanninck K, et al. Intravenous immune globulin and acute aseptic meningitis. N Engl J Med 1990; 323:614-5.
• Scribner CL, Kapit RM, Phillips ET, et al. Aseptic meningitis and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Ann Intern Med 1994; 121:305-6.
• Copelan EA, Strohm PL, Kennedy MS, et al. Hemolysis following intravenous immune globulin therapy. Transfusion 1986; 26:410-2.
• Thomas MJ, Misbah SA, Chapel HM, et al. Hemolysis after high-dose intravenous Ig. Blood 1993; 15:3789.
• Reinhart WH, Berchtold PE. Effect of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy on blood rheology. Lancet 1992; 339:662-4.
• Kessary-Shoham H, Levy Y, Shoenfeld Y, et al. In vivo administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG can lead to enhanced erythrocyte sequestration. J Autoimmune 1999; 13:129-35.
• Rizk A, Gorson KC, Kenney L, et al. Transfusion-related acute lung injury after the infusion of IVIG. Transfusion 2001; 41:264-8.
• Pierce LR, Jain N. Risks associated with the use of intravenous immunoglobulin. Transfus Med Rev 2003; 17:241-51.
• Orbach H, Katz U, Sherer Y, Shoenfeld Y. Intravenous immunoglobulin: adverse effects and safe administration. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol, 2005; 29:173-184.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

Flebogamma 5% DIF is supplied in single-use, individually laser etched vials containing the labeled amount of functionally active IgG. The following presentations of Flebogamma 5% DIF are available:

Each vial has an integral suspension band and a label with two peel-off strips showing the product name and lot number.

Flebogamma 5% DIF may be stored at room temperature at 2 to 25 ºC (36 to 77 ºF) for 24 months, as indicated by the expiration date printed on the outer carton and container label. Discard after expiration date. Do not freeze.

Keep Flebogamma 5% DIF in its original carton to protect it from light.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Instruct patients to immediately report the following signs and symptoms to their physician:

• Decreased urine output, sudden weight gain, fluid retention/edema, and/or shortness of breath (see Renal Failure [5.2])
• Symptoms of thrombosis which may include: pain and/or swelling of an arm or leg with warmth over the affected area, discoloration of an arm or leg, unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort that worsens on deep breathing, unexplained rapid pulse, numbness or weakness on one side of the body (see Thrombosis [5.4])
• Severe headache, neck stiffness, drowsiness, fever, sensitivity to light, painful eye movements, nausea, and vomiting (see Aseptic Meningitis Syndrome [5.5])
• Fatigue, increased heart rate, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and dark-colored urine (see Hemolysis [5.6])
• Trouble breathing, chest pain, blue lips or extremities, fever (see TRALI [5.7])

Inform patients that Flebogamma 5% DIF is made from human plasma and may contain infectious agents that can cause disease (e.g. viruses and, theoretically, the vCJD agent). The risk of Flebogamma 5% DIF transmitting an infectious agent has been reduced by screening plasma donors for prior exposure, testing the donated plasma, and inactivating and/or removing certain viruses during manufacturing (see Warnings and Precautions [5.8]). Instruct patients to report any symptoms that concern them might be caused by infections.

Inform patients that Flebogamma 5% DIF may interfere with their immune response to live viral vaccines such as measles, mumps and rubella. Inform patients to notify their health care professional of this potential interaction when they are receiving vaccinations (see Drug Interactions [7]).

Manufactured by:
INSTITUTO GRIFOLS, S.A.
BARCELONA – SPAIN
U.S. License No. 1181

3037706

Principal Display Panel - Vial Label

NDC 61953-0004-6

Immune Globulin
Intravenous (Human)
Flebogamma^® 5% DIF

0.5 g in 10 mL
Rx only.

5%
Store at 2 - 25 °C (36 - 77 °F).
Manufactured by Instituto Grifols, S.A.
Barcelona - SPAIN
U.S. License No. 1181