Soliris (eculizumab)
Complement Inhibitors Intravenous Vial (Ml)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Eculizumab, a recombinant humanized IgG2/4 kappa monoclonal antibody, is a terminal complement inhibitor that binds specifically to the complement protein C5.
Eculizumab is a recombinant humanized immunoglobulin G2/4 kappa (IgG2/4 kappa) monoclonal antibody. The drug binds specifically and with high affinity to the complement protein C5, preventing activation of terminal complement components. Eculizumab prevents the cleavage of complement protein C5 into C5a and C5b, thereby blocking subsequent formation of the C5b-C9 terminal complement complex (also referred to as the membrane attack complex).
Patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) have a somatic hematopoietic stem cell mutation that results in deficient synthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI), a glycolipid that links many proteins to the cell surface. Blood cells derived from this abnormal clone (known as PNH cells) have partial or complete (type II or III cells, respectively) deficiency of GPI-linked proteins, including the GPI-linked complement inhibitor CD-59. CD-59 inhibits formation of the C5b-C9 terminal complement complex; deficiency of CD-59 on PNH erythrocytes is thought to result in increased susceptibility of these cells to complement-mediated hemolysis.
In patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), an acquired or inherited defect in regulation of the alternative complement pathway results in uncontrolled terminal complement activation; chronic, uncontrolled activation of the complement system leads to platelet activation, endothelial cell damage, thrombotic microangiopathy, and damage to multiple organ systems (e.g., CNS, kidneys, heart, GI tract). Eculizumab blocks formation of terminal complement, thereby inhibiting terminal complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis in patients with PNH and complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy in patients with aHUS.
The precise mechanism by which eculizumab exerts its therapeutic effect in generalized myasthenia gravis patients is unknown, but is presumed to involve reduction of terminal complement complex C5b-9 deposition at the neuromuscular junction. The precise mechanism by which eculizumab exerts its therapeutic effect in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is unknown, but is thought to involve inhibition of aquaporin-4-antibody induced terminal complement C5b-9 deposition.
Eculizumab plasma concentrations >=35 mcg/mL are required to block complement. Following administration of a single dose, complement activity is inhibited for up to 2 weeks. Reduction of hemolysis (as determined by reduction in LDH concentrations) was maintained at least 52 weeks in open-label study.
The metabolic fate of immunoglobulins such as eculizumab is not well characterized but is likely to involve catabolism in various tissues via diffuse cellular processes. Minimal excretion of eculizumab is expected in urine due to its large molecular size. Small quantities of immunoglobulin have been found in bile.
Eculizumab exhibits linear pharmacokinetics over the dose range of 600 to 1200 mg. Following initiation of eculizumab therapy, steady-state concentrations are achieved in 4 weeks with an accumulation ratio of approximately 2-fold. The half-life of the drug is approximately 270 to 414 hours.
Plasma exchange or infusion increases clearance by approximately 250-fold and reduces half-life to 1.26 hours. The pharmacokinetics of eculizumab are not affected by age, sex, or race.
USES: This medication is used to treat a certain blood disorder (paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria). This disorder can cause a decrease in red blood cells (anemia). This medication helps to block the decrease in red blood cells and can improve the symptoms of anemia (such as tiredness, shortness of breath) and decrease the need for blood transfusions.
This medication may also be used to treat a certain immune system disorder (atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome). It helps to prevent blood clots caused by this disorder. Eculizumab is also used to treat a certain muscle condition (generalized Myasthenia Gravis).
It may help to improve symptoms of this condition (such as difficulty swallowing, trouble breathing). Eculizumab is also used to treat a certain nervous system disorder that affects the spinal cord and eye nerve (neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder). It may help to reduce the number of hospital stays due to the disease.
This monograph is about the following eculizumab products: eculizumab, eculizumab-aagh, eculizumab-aeeb.
Generic name: eculizumab
Pronunciation: (e-kue-LIZ-oo-mab)
Drug class: Complement Inhibitors
Therapeutic class: Hematological Agents
Reference product & biosimilars
Today’s intelligence on Soliris
Indications
The following indications are listed for Soliris:
- Anti-Acetylcholine Receptor (Achr) Antibody Positive Generalized Myasthenia Gravis
- Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder With Anti-Aquaporin-4 (Aqp4) Antibodies
- Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria
Also known as: Achr-Ab(+) Generalized Myasthenia Gravis, Anti-Aquaporin-4 (Aqp4) Antibody Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder, Anti-Aquaporin-4 Positive Devic's Disease, Diarrhea-Negative Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, Erb-Goldflam Disease, Goldflam's Disease, Goldflam-Erb Disease.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Soliris 300 Mg/30 Ml Vial | Maintenance | Infuse 1,200 mg over 35 minute(s) by intravenous route every 2 weeks. |
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted to date with eculizumab.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
C5 Complement Inhibitors/Crovalimab
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Crovalimab is a complement C5 inhibitor which binds to epitopes on C5. Other complement C5 inhibitors such as eculizumab and ravulizumab bind to different epitopes on C5. Use of multiple complement inhibitors may lead to formation of drug-target-drug complexes (DTDCs) which may increase the risk of serious type III hypersensitivity reactions.(1)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of multiple complement inhibitors may lead to formation of drug-target-drug complexes (DTDCs) which may increase the risk of serious type III hypersensitivity reactions. Type III hypersensitivity reactions can present as vasculitis, serum sickness, lymphadenopathy with arthralgias, rheumatoid arthritis, or glomerulonephritis.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of crovalimab states caution is advised when switching patients between other complement C5 inhibitors such as eculizumab or ravulizumab. The formation of drug-target-drug complexes (DTDCs) can occur when switching therapies. DTDCs are expected to be cleared within approximately 8 weeks (with eculizumab) or longer (with ravulizumab). Consider the risks and benefits of the timing of switching therapies with the risk of type III hypersensitivity reactions.(1) Monitor patients closely for signs of type III hypersensitivity reactions.(1) If patients develop a hypersensitivity reaction, for mild or moderate Type III hypersensitivity reactions, administer symptomatic treatment, such as topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or analgesics. For severe reactions, initiate and taper oral or systemic corticosteroids therapy as clinically indicated.(1)
DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with crovalimab have not been performed. Use of multiple complement inhibitors may lead to formation of drug-target-drug complexes (DTDCs) which may increase the risk of serious type III hypersensitivity reactions.(1) In clinical trials, type III hypersensitivity reactions were reported in 19% of patients who switched from eculizumab or ravulizumab to crovalimab. Also, type III hypersensitivity reactions were documented in 25% of patients who switched from crovalimab to either eculizumab or ravulizumab.(1)
Igg Antibodies And Derivatives/Efgartigimod-Alfa
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Efgartigimod-alfa binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medicines that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of efgartigimod-alfa states that efgartigimod-alfa should not be combined with long-term use of FcRn-binding medications. If the medication is essential for the patient, efgartigimod-alfa should be discontinued.(3)
DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with efgartigimod-alfa have not been performed. Efgartigimod-alfa may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3)
Igg Antibodies And Derivatives/Nipocalimab-Aahu
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Nipocalimab-aahu binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medicines that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of nipocalimab-aahu states that nipocalimab-aahu should not be combined with long-term use of FcRn-binding medications. If the medication is essential for the patient, nipocalimab-aahu should be discontinued.(3)
DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with nipocalimab-aahu have not been performed. Nipocalimab-aahu may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3)
Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
Eculizumab/Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapies
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concomitant use of eculizumab products in patients on intravenous immunoglobulin treatment (IVIg) can reduce eculizumab concentrations.(1-2)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of eculizumab may be decreased.(1-2)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: For patients with generalized myasthenia gravis, the manufacturer of eculizumab states a supplemental dose of eculizumab is required with concomitant use of IVIg treatment. Acute IVIg rescue treatment: No supplemental eculizumab dose needed. IVIg treatment equal to or more frequent than every 4 weeks: -If the most recent eculizumab dose was 900 mg or more, administer a supplemental eculizumab dose of 600 mg at the same scheduled eculizumab dose. -If the most recent eculizumab dose was 600 mg or less, administer a supplemental eculizumab dose of 300 mg at the same scheduled eculizumab dose. IVIg treatment less frequently than every 4 weeks: -If the most recent eculizumab dose was 900 mg or more, administer a supplemental eculizumab dose of 600 mg at the next scheduled eculizumab dose after the last IVIg cycle. -If the most recent eculizumab dose was 600 mg or less, administer a supplemental eculizumab dose of 300 mg at the next scheduled eculizumab dose after the last IVIg cycle.
DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with eculizumab have not been performed. IVIg treatment may decrease concentrations of eculizumab.(1)
Igg Antibodies And Derivatives/Rozanolixizumab-Noli
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Rozanolixizumab-noli binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medications that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of rozanolixizumab-noli states that concurrent use with medications that bind to the human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) should be closely monitored for reduced effectiveness of these medications. If long-term use of such medications is essential for the patient, consider discontinuing rozanolixizumab-noli and use alternative therapies.(3)
DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with rozanolixizumab-noli have not been performed. Rozanolixizumab-noli may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3)
Contraindications
*Patients with unresolved serious Neisseria meningitidis infection.
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Meningococcemia
- Infection
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
Adverse effects reported in at least 10% of patients and at a higher incidence than placebo in the PNH clinical studies include headache, nasopharyngitis, back pain, and nausea.
Adverse effects reported in at least 20% of patients (total incidence from 2 studies) in the single-arm prospective aHUS studies include headache, diarrhea, hypertension, upper respiratory infection, abdominal pain, vomiting, nasopharyngitis, anemia, cough, peripheral edema, nausea, urinary tract infections, and pyrexia. h
The most frequently reported adverse effect in at least 10% of patients with generalized myasthenia gravis is musculoskeletal pain.
The most frequently reported adverse effects in at least 10% of patients with NMOSD include upper respiratory infection, nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, back pain, dizziness, influenza, arthralgia, pharyngitis, and contusion.
More Frequent
- Anemia
- Hypertension
Less Frequent
- Aspergillosis
- Cataracts
- Herpes simplex infection
- Hypersensitivity drug reaction
- Hypotension
- Infection
- Leukopenia
- Lymphopenia
- Viral infection
Rare or Very Rare
- Anaphylaxis
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cholestatic hepatitis
- Drug-induced hepatitis
- Goiter
- Gonococcal meningitis
- Hearing loss
- Meningitis
- Meningococcemia
- Septic shock
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Thrombocytopenic disorder
More Frequent
- Acute abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache disorder
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Myalgia
- Nausea
- Pharyngitis
- Sinusitis
- Upper respiratory infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Vomiting
Less Frequent
- Alopecia
- Anorexia
- Arthralgia
- Bronchitis
- Bruising
- Cellulitis
- Cystitis
- Dizziness
- Dry skin
- Dysgeusia
- Dyspnea
- General weakness
- Hematoma
- Hordeolum
- Influenza
- Migraine
- Muscle spasm
- Ocular discharge
- Pain
- Pain in oropharynx
- Pruritus of skin
- Rhinitis
- Skin photosensitivity
- Skin rash
- Stomatitis
- Tachycardia
- Vertigo
Rare or Very Rare
- Abdominal distension
- Abnormal hepatic function tests
- Blurred vision
- Conjunctivitis
- Depression
- Dysuria
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Gingival pain
- Nasal congestion
- Palpitations
- Paresthesia
- Peripheral edema
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and efficacy of eculizumab for the treatment of PNH, myasthenia gravis, or NMOSD have not been established in pediatric patients.
A total of 47 pediatric patients 2 months to 17 years of age were included in the principal efficacy studies of eculizumab for the treatment of aHUS. Safety and efficacy of the drug in these pediatric patients were similar to those in adults.
Pediatric patients receiving eculizumab should receive appropriate vaccinations for the prevention of Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections.
Limited data in pregnant women receiving eculizumab have not identified any concerns of adverse developmental outcomes.
There are disease-associated risks to the mother and fetus. Untreated PNH in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal outcomes (e.g., worsening cytopenias, thrombotic events, infections, bleeding, miscarriages, increased maternal mortality) and adverse fetal outcomes (e.g., fetal death, premature delivery). Similarly, untreated aHUS in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal outcomes (e.g., preeclampsia, preterm delivery) and adverse fetal/neonatal outcomes (e.g., intrauterine growth restriction, fetal death, low birth weight).
In animal reproduction studies, increased rates of developmental abnormalities and increased rate of dead and moribund offspring were observed.
Detectable levels of eculizumab have not been found in human milk; however, maternal IgG is known to be present in human milk. There is insufficient information to inform the effect of eculizumab on the breast-fed infant. There are no data on the effects of eculizumab on milk production. Consider the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding along with the mother's clinical need for eculizumab and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from the drug or underlying maternal condition.
There is insufficient experience in patients 65 years of age or older to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently than younger patients.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-acetylcholine receptor (Achr) antibody positive generalized myasthenia gravis | ||
| G70.0 | ICD10CM | Myasthenia gravis |
| G70.00 | ICD10CM | Myasthenia gravis without (acute) exacerbation |
| G70.01 | ICD10CM | Myasthenia gravis with (acute) exacerbation |
| Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome | ||
| D59.3 | ICD10CM | Hemolytic-uremic syndrome |
| Myasthenia gravis | ||
| G70.0 | ICD10CM | Myasthenia gravis |
| G70.00 | ICD10CM | Myasthenia gravis without (acute) exacerbation |
| G70.01 | ICD10CM | Myasthenia gravis with (acute) exacerbation |
| Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with anti-aquaporin-4 (AQp4) antibodies | ||
| G36.0 | ICD10CM | Neuromyelitis optica [devic] |
| Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria | ||
| D59.5 | ICD10CM | Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria [marchiafava-micheli] |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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