Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko)

Asthma Therapy - Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Inhibitor, MAb Subcutaneous Pen Injector (Ml); Subcutaneous Syringe (Ml)

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Tezepelumab, a human immunoglobulin (IgG2) lamda monoclonal antibody, is a thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) blocker.

Tezepelumab is a thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) blocker; the drug is a human monoclonal antibody immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2) lambda that binds to human TSLP and blocks its interaction with the heterodimeric TSLP receptor. TSLP is a cytokine mainly derived from epithelial cells that occupies an upstream position in the asthma inflammatory cascade.

Airway and mucosal inflammation are important components in the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, group 2 innate lymphoid (ILC2) cells) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, cytokines) are involved in airway and mucosal inflammation. Blocking TSLP with tezepelumab reduces biomarkers and cytokines associated with inflammation including blood eosinophils, airway submucosal eosinophils, IgE, fraction of expired nitrous oxide (FeNO), IL-5, and IL-13.

However, the mechanism of tezepelumab action in asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps has not been definitively established.

The pharmacokinetics of tezepelumab-ekko are similar in patients with asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Following administration of a single subcutaneous dose of tezepelumab-ekko over a dose range from 2.1-420 mg, the pharmacokinetics of tezepelumab were found to be dose-proportional. When administered every 4 weeks, the drug achieves steady-state after 12 weeks.

The maximum serum concentration was reached in 3-10 days. Bioavailability is approximately 77% with no clinically relevant differences when administered to different injection sites. Administration every 4 weeks reduced blood eosinophil counts, FeNO, and concentrations of IL-5 and IL-13 from baseline with an onset of 2 weeks after initiation.

Tezepelumab is degraded by proteolytic enzymes that are widely distributed in the body, is not metabolized by hepatic enzymes, and is eliminated by intracellular catabolism. The elimination half-life is approximately 26 days.

Age (12 to 80 years), sex, and race did not demonstrate meaningful effects on tezepelumab pharmacokinetics. Although higher body weight was associated with lower exposure, no meaningful impact on efficacy or safety was observed.

USES: This medication is used with other medications to control and prevent symptoms of severe asthma (such as wheezing and shortness of breath). Controlling symptoms of asthma helps you maintain your normal activities and decreases time lost from work or school. Tezepelumab may also be used to reduce symptoms caused by nasal polyps and the long-term swelling of the sinuses and nasal passage (chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps).

Tezepelumab belongs to a class of medications known as monoclonal antibodies. It helps reduce swelling (inflammation) in the airways of the lungs to make breathing easier. It may also help reduce the size of nasal polyps and lessen symptoms such as stuffy nose and loss of smell.

This medication must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks or breathing problems. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.

Generic name: tezepelumab-ekko
Pronunciation: (TEZ-e-PEL-ue-mab)
Drug class: Asthma Therapy - Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Inhibitor, MAb
Therapeutic class: Respiratory Therapy Agents

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Tezspire:

  • Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyposis
  • Severe Persistent Asthma

Dosing

No dosing information is available for this tab.

Drug interactions

No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with tezepelumab.

Tezepelumab-ekko is not metabolized by hepatic enzymes.

Contraindications

*Known history of hypersensitivity to the drug or any ingredient in the formulation.

Adverse reactions

Adverse effects reported in >=3% of patients with severe asthma receiving tezepelumab in controlled clinical studies include pharyngitis, arthralgia, and back pain.

Adverse effects reported in >=3% of patients with CRSwNP receiving tezepelumab in controlled clinical studies include nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, epistaxis, pharyngitis, back pain, influenza, injection site reaction, and arthralgia.

Precautions

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ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis
J32ICD10CMChronic sinusitis
J32.8ICD10CMOther chronic sinusitis
J32.9ICD10CMChronic sinusitis, unspecified
J33ICD10CMNasal polyp
J33.0ICD10CMPolyp of nasal cavity
J33.1ICD10CMPolypoid sinus degeneration
J33.8ICD10CMOther polyp of sinus
J33.9ICD10CMNasal polyp, unspecified
Severe persistent asthma
J45.50ICD10CMSevere persistent asthma, uncomplicated
J45.51ICD10CMSevere persistent asthma with (acute) exacerbation

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data