Fasenra (benralizumab)
Monoclonal Antibody, Human Interleukin 5 Antagonist Subcutaneous Syringe (Ml)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Benralizumab, a recombinant DNA-derived afucosylated humanized monoclonal antibody specific for the alpha chain of the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor (IL-5Ralpha), is an antiinflammatory agent. The drug is an IgG1 kappa immunoglobulin.
Benralizumab, a recombinant DNA-derived afucosylated humanized monoclonal antibody specific for the alpha chain of the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor (IL-5Ralpha), is an antiinflammatory agent. The drug is an IgG1 kappa immunoglobulin. Inflammation, an important factor in the pathogenesis of asthma and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), involves the activity of several endogenous inflammatory cells (e.g., eosinophils) and inflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines).
Although the precise mechanism of action of benralizumab in the treatment of asthma and EGPA has not been fully elucidated, the drug has demonstrated binding with high affinity to the D1 domain of IL-5Ralpha expressed on the surface of eosinophils and basophils. IL-5 plays an important role in the growth, differentiation, recruitment, activation, and survival of eosinophils. Binding of benralizumab to IL-5Ralpha results in the inhibition of activation of IL-5R and subsequent signal transduction.
Benralizumab induces direct, rapid, and nearly complete depletion of eosinophils and basophils in the circulation, bone marrow, and target tissues through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), an apoptotic process involving natural killer cells. The afucosylation of benralizumab is responsible for its 1000-fold enhancement of ADCC. In patients with asthma and EGPA, subcutaneous administration of benralizumab resulted in dose-dependent decreases in blood eosinophil counts.
Reductions in blood eosinophil counts have been observed 24 hours after an IV dose, with effects lasting at least 8-12 weeks. Treatment with benralizumab also was associated with reductions in blood basophil counts across all clinical studies in asthma; however, it is unknown if the effect of benralizumab on basophils in addition to eosinophils will provide additional clinical benefits.
Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, the estimated absolute bioavailability of benralizumab following subcutaneous administration is approximately 59%. Following subcutaneous injection in patients with asthma, the drug is slowly absorbed with an absorption half-life of approximately 3.5 days. There were no clinically important differences in the relative bioavailability of the drug administered in the abdomen, thigh, or arm.
The pharmacokinetics of benralizumab are approximately dose proportional when administered subcutaneously over a dosage range of 20-200 mg or IV over a dosage range of 0.03-3 mg/kg. Benralizumab is degraded by proteolytic enzymes that are widely distributed throughout the body and not restricted to hepatic tissue. In a population pharmacokinetic analysis, benralizumab exhibited linear pharmacokinetics, and there is no evidence that clearance of the drug occurs renally or through a target receptor-mediated pathway.
The elimination half-life in patients with asthma is approximately 15 days. Pharmacokinetic data in patients with EGPA are generally consistent with those observed in patients with asthma although a reduced clearance is predicted in the EGPA patient population.
USES: Benralizumab is used along with other medications to control and prevent symptoms (such as wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. Controlling symptoms of asthma helps you maintain your normal activities and decreases time lost from work or school. Benralizumab is also used to treat certain immune system disorders (eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis - EGPA, hypereosinophilic syndrome).
This medication works by decreasing a certain type of white blood cell (eosinophils). This effect helps reduce swelling (inflammation) of the airways and other parts of the body. 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. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.
Generic name: benralizumab
Pronunciation: (BEN-ra-LIZ-ue-mab)
Drug class: Monoclonal Antibody, Human Interleukin 5 Antagonist
Therapeutic class: Respiratory Therapy Agents
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Fasenra
Indications
The following indications are listed for Fasenra:
- Eosinophilic Asthma
- Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis
- Hypereosinophilic Syndrome
Also known as: Allergic Granulomatosis Angiitis, Asthma With Eosinophilic Phenotype, Asthmatic Pulmonary Eosinophilia, Churg Strauss Syndrome.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Benralizumab is administered by subcutaneous injection.
Prior to use, benralizumab injection should be stored at 2-8degreesC in the original carton, protected from light, and should not be frozen or shaken. Do not expose to heat. Prior to administration, benralizumab prefilled syringes and autoinjectors should be allowed to warm at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If not used within 14 days when stored at room temperature, the prefilled syringe or autoinjector should be discarded.
Benralizumab injection is commercially available in prefilled syringes and as a single-dose autoinjector. Benralizumab injection is a clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution that may contain a few translucent or white to off-white particles. Prior to administration, benralizumab solution should be inspected visually for particulate matter or discoloration and should not be used if the solution is cloudy, discolored, or if large particles or foreign particulate matter are present. Benralizumab prefilled syringes and autoinjectors are intended for single use only; the drug contains no preservatives. The entire amount of solution (1 mL) contained within the prefilled syringe or autoinjector, providing 30 mg of benralizumab, should be injected.
Benralizumab prefilled syringe should be administered by a clinician. The autoinjector pen may be administered by the patient or caregiver after proper training is provided and the healthcare provider determines it is appropriate. However, in pediatric patients 6-11 years of age weighing >=35 kg, the autoinjector pen should only be administered by a caregiver or healthcare provider.
Subcutaneous injections should be made into the thigh or abdomen. A healthcare provider or caregiver may also administer benralizumab into the upper arm.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Fasenra 30 Mg/Ml Syringe | Maintenance | Inject 1 milliliter (30 mg) by subcutaneous route every 8 weeks in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. |
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted to date with benralizumab.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
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.
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
*History of hypersensitivity to benralizumab or any ingredient in the formulation.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
- Parasitic infection
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
The most common adverse effects reported in >=5% of patients receiving benralizumab include headache and pharyngitis.
Less Frequent
- Hypersensitivity drug reaction
Rare or Very Rare
- Adrenocortical insufficiency
- Anaphylaxis
- Angioedema
- Appendicitis
- Atrial fibrillation
- Cholecystitis
- Endometrial polyps
- Exostosis
- Leukopenia
- Lymphadenopathy
- Ocular hemorrhage
- Ovarian cyst
More Frequent
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache disorder
- Pharyngitis
Less Frequent
- Fever
- Injection site sequelae
- Skin rash
- Urticaria
Rare or Very Rare
- Abdominal distension
- Allergic dermatitis
- Arthralgia
- Arthritis
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Conjunctival hemorrhage
- Cough
- Dysmenorrhea
- Gingivitis
- Hematuria
- Myalgia
- Nasal turbinate hypertrophy
- Nervousness
- Neuralgia
- Panic disorder
- Pelvic pain
- Respiratory tract congestion
- Sensation of cold
- Sinusitis
- Sleep disorder
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and efficacy of benralizumab in pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age for add-on maintenance treatment of severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype have not been established.
Phase 3 clinical studies included 108 adolescent patients 12-17 years of age (mean age: 14 years) with severe asthma and an eosinophilic phenotype who received benralizumab. The adverse effect profile in adolescents generally was similar to that seen in the overall population. Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, pharmacokinetics of benralizumab in adolescents were similar to those in adults; reduction in blood eosinophil concentrations also was similar.
Data supporting the use of benralizumab in pediatric patients 6-11 years of age with severe asthma and an eosinophilic phenotype include evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials in adults and adolescents with additional pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety data from the open-label, 48-week, TATE trial. In TATE, benralizumab demonstrated a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile in pediatric patients 6-11 years of age that was consistent with that seen in prior clinical trials. In addition, the safety and tolerability of benralizumab was consistent with the known profile of the drug, with no new safety signals observed.
Safety and efficacy of benralizumab in pediatric patients younger than 18 years of age with EGPA have not been established.
Data on pregnancy exposure to benralizumab during clinical trials are insufficient to inform on drug-associated risk. Monoclonal antibodies, such as benralizumab, are transported across the placenta during the third trimester, and potential effects on the fetus are more likely to occur during this time. However, there was no evidence of fetal harm in monkeys following IV administration of benralizumab on gestation day 20 or 22, gestation day 35, and every 14 days thereafter during gestation and for up to 1 month postpartum at dosages producing exposures up to approximately 310 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dosage.
It is not known whether benralizumab is distributed into human milk. The effects of benralizumab on nursing infants or on milk production also are unknown. Since IgG is distributed into milk in humans, it is expected that benralizumab will be present in human milk. The benefits of breast-feeding and the woman's clinical need for benralizumab should be considered along with any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from the drug or from the underlying maternal condition.
The manufacturer makes no specific dosage recommendations for geriatric patients.
In clinical trials of benralizumab in patients with asthma, 13% of patients were 65 years of age or older and 0.4% were 75 years of age or older. Although no overall differences in safety or efficacy have been observed between geriatric patients and younger adults in controlled studies or in other clinical experience, the possibility of increased sensitivity to benralizumab in some geriatric patients cannot be ruled out.
In clinical trials of benralizumab in patients with EGPA, 19% of patients were 65 years of age and older. Clinical studies did not include a sufficient number of patients >=65 years of age to determine whether response to therapy is different from younger patients.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Eosinophilic asthma | ||
| J82.83 | ICD10CM | Eosinophilic asthma |
| Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis | ||
| M30.1 | ICD10CM | Polyarteritis with lung involvement [churg-strauss] |
| Hypereosinophilic syndrome | ||
| D72.11 | ICD10CM | Hypereosinophilic syndrome [HEs] |
| D72.110 | ICD10CM | Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome [IHEs] |
| D72.111 | ICD10CM | Lymphocytic variant hypereosinophilic syndrome [LHEs] |
| D72.118 | ICD10CM | Other hypereosinophilic syndrome |
| D72.119 | ICD10CM | Hypereosinophilic syndrome [HEs], unspecified |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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