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💊 NUCALA

Generic: MEPOLIZUMAB
SUBCUTANEOUS FDA Label
Quick reference
RouteSUBCUTANEOUS
ManufacturerGlaxoSmithKline LLC
SourceFDA Label
✅ Indications & Usage ›

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE NUCALA is an interleukin-5 (IL-5) antagonist monoclonal antibody (IgG1 kappa) indicated for: • Add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with severe asthma and with an eosinophilic phenotype. ( 1.1 ) • Add-on maintenance treatment of adult patients aged 18 years and older with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). ( 1.2 ) • Add-on maintenance treatment of adult patients with inadequately controlled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and an eosinophilic phenotype. ( 1.3 ) • The treatment of adult patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). ( 1.4 ) • The treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) for greater than or equal to 6 months without an identifiable non-hematologic secondary cause. ( 1.5 ) Limitations of use: Not for relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. ( 1.1 , 1.3 )

1.1 Maintenance Treatment of Severe Asthma NUCALA is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with severe asthma and with an eosinophilic phenotype [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 ), Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . Limitations of Use NUCALA is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .

1.2 Maintenance Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps NUCALA is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in adult patients aged 18 years and older with inadequate response to nasal corticosteroids.

1.3 Maintenance Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease NUCALA is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of adult patients with inadequately controlled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and an eosinophilic phenotype. Limitations of Use NUCALA is not indicated for the relief of acute broncho... [See full FDA label]

💉 Dosage & Administration ›

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Severe asthma in patients aged 12 years and older: 100 mg administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks. ( 2.1 ) • Severe asthma in patients aged 6 to 11 years: 40 mg administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks. ( 2.1 ) • CRSwNP: 100 mg administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks. ( 2.1 ) • COPD: 100 mg administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks. ( 2.1 ) • EGPA: 300 mg administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks. ( 2.1 ) • HES: 300 mg administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks. ( 2.1 )

2.1 Recommended Dosage NUCALA is for subcutaneous use only, and should be injected into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 , 2.3 )]. Table 1. Recommended Dosage of NUCALA a 300 mg dose is administered as 3 separate 100 mg dose injections administered at least 5 cm (approximately 2 inches) apart. Indication Adults Pediatric Patients Severe asthma 100 mg every 4 weeks • 12 to 17 years of age: 100 mg every 4 weeks • 6 to 11 years of age: 40 mg every 4 weeks Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps 100 mg every 4 weeks Not applicable Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 100 mg every 4 weeks Not applicable Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis 300 mg a every 4 weeks Not applicable Hypereosinophilic syndrome 300 mg a every 4 weeks 12 to 17 years of age: 300 mg a every 4 weeks

2.2 Preparation and Administration of NUCALA for Injection Vial NUCALA for injection should be reconstituted and administered by a healthcare professional. In line with clinical practice, monitoring of patients after administration of biologic agents is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Reconstitution Instructions 1. Reconstitute NUCALA for injection in the vial with 1.2 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP, preferably using a 2- or 3-mL syringe and a 21-gauge needle. The reconstituted solution will contain a concentration of 100 mg/mL mepolizumab. Do not mix with other medications. 2. Direct... [See full FDA label]

🚫 Contraindications ›

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS NUCALA is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to mepolizumab or excipients in the formulation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Description ( 11 )] . History of hypersensitivity to mepolizumab or excipients in the formulation. ( 4 )

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions ›

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, bronchospasm, hypotension, urticaria, rash) have occurred after administration of NUCALA. Discontinue NUCALA in the event of a hypersensitivity reaction. ( 5.1 ) • Herpes zoster infections have occurred in patients receiving NUCALA. Consider vaccination if medically appropriate. ( 5.3 ) • Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids abruptly upon initiation of therapy with NUCALA. Decrease corticosteroids gradually, if appropriate. ( 5.4 ) • Treat patients with pre-existing helminth infections before therapy with NUCALA. If patients become infected while receiving treatment with NUCALA and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, discontinue NUCALA until parasitic infection resolves. ( 5.5 )

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, bronchospasm, hypotension, urticaria, rash) have occurred following administration of NUCALA. These reactions generally occur within hours of administration, but in some instances can have a delayed onset (i.e., days). In the event of a hypersensitivity reaction, NUCALA should be discontinued [see Contraindications ( 4 )] .

5.2 Acute Symptoms of Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Acute Deteriorating Disease NUCALA should not be used to treat acute symptoms or acute exacerbations of asthma or COPD. Do not use NUCALA to treat acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. Patients should seek medical advice if their asthma or COPD remains uncontrolled or worsens after initiation of treatment with NUCALA.

5.3 Opportunistic Infections: Herpes Zoster Herpes zoster has occurred in subjects receiving NUCALA 100 mg in controlled clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Consider vaccination if medically appropriate.

5.4 Reduction of Corticosteroid Dosage Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) abruptly upon initiation of therapy with NUCALA. Reductions ... [See full FDA label]

🔴 Adverse Reactions ›

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections: • Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Opportunistic infections: herpes zoster [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%): • Asthma: Headache, injection site reaction, back pain, and fatigue. ( 6.1 ) • CRSwNP: Oropharyngeal pain and arthralgia. ( 6.1 ) • COPD: Back pain, diarrhea, and cough. ( 6.1 ) • EGPA and HES: Most common adverse reactions are similar to asthma. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact GlaxoSmithKline at 1-888-825-5249 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 with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions in Adult and Adolescent Patients Aged 12 Years and Older with Severe Asthma A total of 1,327 patients with severe asthma were evaluated in 3 randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials of 24 to 52 weeks’ duration (Severe Asthma Trials DREAM, MENSA, and SIRIUS). Of these, 1,192 had a history of 2 or more exacerbations in the year prior to enrollment despite regular use of high-dose ICS plus additional controller(s) (Severe Asthma Trials DREAM and MENSA), and 135 patients required daily oral corticosteroids (OCS) in addition to regular use of high-dose ICS plus additional controller(s) to maintain asthma control (Severe Asthma Trial SIRIUS). All patients had markers of eosinophilic airway inflammation [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . Of the patients enrolled, 59% were female, 85% were White, and ages ranged from 12 to 82 years. Mepolizumab was administered subcutaneously or intravenously once every 4 weeks; 263 patients received NUCALA (mepolizumab 100 mg subcutan... [See full FDA label]

💊 Drug Interactions ›

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Formal drug interaction trials have not been performed with NUCALA.

🤰 Pregnancy ›

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The data on pregnancy exposure are insufficient to inform on drug-associated risk. Monoclonal antibodies, such as mepolizumab, are transported across the placenta in a linear fashion as pregnancy progresses; therefore, potential effects on a fetus are likely to be greater during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. In a prenatal and postnatal development study conducted in cynomolgus monkeys, there was no evidence of fetal harm with intravenous administration of mepolizumab throughout pregnancy at doses that produced exposures up to approximately 9 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 300 mg subcutaneous (see Data) . 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. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryofetal Risk: In women with poorly or moderately controlled asthma, evidence demonstrates that there is an increased risk of preeclampsia in the mother and prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in the neonate. The level of asthma control should be closely monitored in pregnant women and treatment adjusted as necessary to maintain optimal control. Data Animal Data: In a prenatal and postnatal development study, pregnant cynomolgus monkeys received mepolizumab from gestation Days 20 to 140 at doses that produced exposures up to approximately 9 times that achieved with the MRHD (on an AUC basis with maternal intravenous doses up to 100 mg/kg once every 4 weeks). Mepolizumab did not elicit adverse effects on fetal or neonatal growth (including immune function) up to 9 months after birth. Examinations for internal or skeletal malformations were not performed. Mepolizumab crossed the placenta in cynomolgus monkeys. Concentrations of mepolizumab were approximately 2.4 times higher in infants than in mothers up to Day 178 postpartum. Le... [See full FDA label]

👶 Pediatric Use ›

8.4 Pediatric Use Severe Asthma The safety and effectiveness of NUCALA for severe asthma, and with an eosinophilic phenotype, have been established in pediatric patients aged 6 years and older. Use of NUCALA in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials in adults and adolescents. A total of 28 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with severe asthma were enrolled in the Phase 3 asthma trials. Of these, 25 were enrolled in the 32-week exacerbation trial (MENSA) and had a mean age of 14.8 years. Patients had a history of 2 or more exacerbations in the previous year despite regular use of medium- or high-dose ICS plus additional controller(s) with or without OCS and had blood eosinophils of ≥150 cells/mcL at screening or ≥300 cells/mcL within 12 months prior to enrollment. [See Clinical Studies ( 14.1 ).] Patients had a reduction in the rate of exacerbations that trended in favor of NUCALA. Of the 19 adolescents who received NUCALA, 9 received 100 mg and the mean apparent clearance in these patients was 35% less than that of adults. The safety profile observed in adolescents was generally similar to that of the overall population in the Phase 3 studies [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Use of NUCALA in pediatric patients aged 6 to 11 years with severe asthma, and with an eosinophilic phenotype, is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials in adults and adolescents with additional pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety data in children aged 6 to 11 years. A single open-label clinical trial was conducted in 36 children aged 6 to 11 years (mean age: 8.6 years, 31% female) with severe asthma. Enrollment criteria were the same as for adolescents in the 32-week exacerbation trial (MENSA). Based upon the pharmacokinetic data from this trial, a subcutaneous dose of 40 mg every 4 weeks was determined to have similar exposure to adults and adolescents administered a subcutaneous dose of 100 mg [ see ... [See full FDA label]

👴 Geriatric Use ›

8.5 Geriatric Use Of the total number of patients treated with NUCALA (n = 4106) for severe asthma, HES, EGPA, CRSwNP, and COPD, 1073 (26%) were 65 years of age and older and 241 (6%) were 75 years of age and older [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . No overall differences in safety and effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

🔬 Mechanism of Action ›

12.1 Mechanism of Action Mepolizumab is an IL-5 antagonist (IgG1 kappa). IL-5 is the major cytokine responsible for the growth and differentiation, recruitment, activation, and survival of eosinophils. Mepolizumab binds to IL-5 with a dissociation constant of 100 pM, inhibiting the bioactivity of IL-5 by blocking its binding to the alpha chain of the IL-5 receptor complex expressed on the eosinophil cell surface. Inflammation is an important component in the pathogenesis of asthma, CRSwNP, COPD, EGPA, and HES. Multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, cytokines) are involved in inflammation. Mepolizumab, by inhibiting IL-5 signaling, reduces the production and survival of eosinophils; however, the mechanism of mepolizumab action in asthma, CRSwNP, COPD, EGPA, and HES has not been definitively established.

📊 Pharmacokinetics ›

12.3 Pharmacokinetics Following subcutaneous dosing in adult subjects with asthma, mepolizumab exhibited approximately dose‑proportional pharmacokinetics over a dose range of 12.5 to 250 mg. The pharmacokinetic properties of mepolizumab observed in subjects with CRSwNP (adults), COPD (adults), EGPA (adults), or HES (adults and adolescents) were similar to the pharmacokinetic properties observed in subjects with severe asthma (adults and adolescents). Subcutaneous administration of mepolizumab 300 mg had approximately 3 times the systemic exposure of mepolizumab 100 mg. Absorption Following 100-mg subcutaneous administration in the upper arm of adult and adolescent subjects with asthma, the bioavailability of mepolizumab was estimated to be approximately 80%. Following repeat subcutaneous administration once every 4 weeks, there was approximately a 2-fold accumulation at steady state. Distribution The population central volume of distribution of mepolizumab in adult subjects with asthma is estimated to be

3.6 L for a 70-kg individual. Elimination Following subcutaneous administration of mepolizumab in adult subjects with asthma, the mean terminal half-life (t 1/2 ) ranged from 16 to 22 days. The population apparent systemic clearance of mepolizumab in adult and adolescent subjects with asthma is estimated to be

0.28 L/day for a 70-kg individual. Metabolism: Mepolizumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that is degraded by the proteolytic enzymes widely distributed in the body and not restricted to hepatic tissue. Specific Populations Racial Groups and Male and Female Patients: Population pharmacokinetics analyses indicated there was no significant effect of race and gender on mepolizumab clearance. Age: Population pharmacokinetics analyses indicated there was no significant effect of age on mepolizumab clearance. Pediatric Patients: Mepolizumab pharmacokinetics following subcutaneous administration in subjects aged 6 to 11 years with severe asthma was investi... [See full FDA label]

☠️ Overdosage ›

10 OVERDOSAGE There is no specific treatment for an overdose with mepolizumab. If overdose occurs, the patient should be treated supportively with appropriate monitoring as necessary. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.

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