- Ongoing Phase 3 study demonstrated PK non-inferiority of ULTOMIRIS SC versus ULTOMIRIS IV at Day 71 -
- Preliminary safety data consistent with the known safety profile of ULTOMIRIS -
“These data demonstrate that subcutaneous ULTOMIRIS may offer the same benefits of immediate, complete and sustained complement inhibition as the intravenous formulation, while also providing an additional treatment choice for those who would rather self-administer their medicine,” said
About the Phase 3 Study
This ongoing global Phase 3, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, multicenter study is evaluating ULTOMIRIS SC compared with ULTOMIRIS IV. The study enrolled 136 adults with PNH who are clinically stable and have previously been treated with SOLIRIS® (eculizumab) for at least three months prior to study entry. The study’s primary objective is to evaluate PK noninferiority of ULTOMIRIS SC compared with ULTOMIRIS IV, as assessed by ULTOMIRIS serum trough concentration at Day 71. The study remains ongoing to assess secondary endpoints, including safety, immunogenicity and various PK/PD, quality of life, device performance and efficacy measures.
Patients were stratified by weight groups (≥ 40 to < 60 kg and ≥ 60 to < 100 kg) and then randomized 2:1 to receive either ULTOMIRIS SC or ULTOMIRIS IV. All patients received an initial IV loading dose on Day 1. On Day 15, patients in the ULTOMIRIS SC group began receiving a once-weekly self-administered fixed-dose of ULTOMIRIS SC, and patients in the ULTOMIRIS IV group received a single infusion of the approved weight-based IV dose.
The study met its primary objective, with ULTOMIRIS SC demonstrating PK-based non-inferiority versus ULTOMIRIS IV at Day 71 (p < 0.0001 for non-inferiority in serum ULTOMIRIS trough concentration - Ctrough). Serum free C5 concentrations were maintained below the target threshold in all patients, and mean lactate dehydrogenase levels remained stable below the upper limit of normal. Preliminary safety data through the 71-day randomized treatment period of the study were consistent with the known safety profile of ULTOMIRIS and did not result in any unexpected safety findings. No adverse events led to withdrawal of study drug in either arm. No serious adverse device effects or meningococcal cases were reported, and no anti-drug antibodies were observed.
Of the 135 patients who completed the randomized controlled treatment portion of the study, all but one participant chose to continue in the ongoing SC-only extension period, where all patients are receiving weekly ULTOMIRIS SC for up to an additional 182 weeks. The extension period will provide 12 months of safety data required for regulatory submissions to applicable health authorities, now anticipated in the third quarter of 2021 to accommodate all regulatory requirements for this combination device filing.
About ULTOMIRIS SC Delivery
Each weekly dose of ULTOMIRIS SC is delivered via two specifically designed, patient-friendly devices that adhere to the body and can be self-administered with the push of a button. The devices can be used either concurrently or sequentially, and when administered concurrently, a full dose of ULTOMIRIS SC can be delivered hands-free in approximately 10 minutes. Previously approved by the FDA for use with another therapy, the single-use SmartDose® device contains a pre-filled cartridge and was developed in collaboration with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. to provide patients with a more flexible ULTOMIRIS treatment option.
About Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a serious ultra-rare blood disorder with devastating consequences. It is characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, which is also referred to as hemolysis. PNH occurs when the complement system—a part of the body’s immune system—over-responds, leading the body to attack its own red blood cells. PNH often goes unrecognized, with delays in diagnosis from one to more than five years. Patients with PNH may experience a range of symptoms, such as fatigue, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, erectile dysfunction, dark-colored urine and anemia. The most devastating consequence of chronic hemolysis is the formation of blood clots, which can occur in blood vessels throughout the body, damage vital organs, and potentially lead to premature death. PNH can strike men and women of all races, backgrounds and ages without warning, with an average age of onset in the early 30s.
About Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS)
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is an ultra-rare disease that can cause progressive injury to vital organs, primarily the kidneys, via damage to the walls of blood vessels and blood clots. Atypical HUS occurs when the complement system—a part of the body’s immune system—over-responds, leading the body to attack its own healthy cells. Atypical HUS can cause sudden organ failure or a slow loss of function over time—potentially resulting in the need for a transplant, and in some cases, death. Atypical HUS affects both adults and children, and many patients present in critical condition, often requiring supportive care, including dialysis, in an intensive care unit. The prognosis of aHUS can be poor in many cases, so a timely and accurate diagnosis—in addition to treatment—is critical to improving patient outcomes. Available tests can help distinguish aHUS from other hemolytic diseases with similar symptoms.
About ULTOMIRIS® (ravulizumab‑cwvz)
ULTOMIRIS® (ravulizumab-cwvz) is the first and only long-acting C5 complement inhibitor. The medication works by inhibiting the C5 protein in the terminal complement cascade, a part of the body’s immune system. When activated in an uncontrolled manner, the complement cascade over-responds, leading the body to attack its own healthy cells. ULTOMIRIS is administered intravenously every eight weeks or every four weeks for pediatric patients less than 20 kg, following a loading dose. ULTOMIRIS is approved in
ULTOMIRIS is a prescription medicine called a monoclonal antibody. ULTOMIRIS is used to treat adults with a disease called Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). ULTOMIRIS is used to treat adults and children 1 month of age and older with a disease called atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS). ULTOMIRIS is not used in treating people with Shiga toxin E. coli related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS). It is not known if ULTOMIRIS is safe and effective in children with PNH. It is not known if ULTOMIRIS is safe and effective in children younger than 1 month of age.
ULTOMIRIS is a medicine that affects the immune system. ULTOMIRIS can lower the ability of the immune system to fight infections. ULTOMIRIS increases the chance of getting serious and life-threatening meningococcal infections. Meningococcal infections may quickly become life-threatening and cause death if not recognized and treated early.
Meningococcal vaccines must be received at least 2 weeks before the first dose of ULTOMIRIS if one has not already had this vaccine. If one’s doctor decided that urgent treatment with ULTOMIRIS is needed, meningococcal vaccination should be administered as soon as possible. If one has not been vaccinated and ULTOMIRIS therapy must be initiated immediately, 2 weeks of antibiotics should also be administered with the vaccinations. If one had a meningococcal vaccine in the past, additional vaccination might be needed before starting ULTOMIRIS. One’s doctor will decide if additional meningococcal vaccination is needed. Meningococcal vaccines reduce the risk of meningococcal infection but do not prevent all meningococcal infections. Call one’s doctor or get emergency medical care right away if any of these signs and symptoms of a meningococcal infection occur: headache with nausea or vomiting, headache and fever, headache with a stiff neck or stiff back, fever, fever and a rash, confusion, muscle aches with flu-like symptoms, and eyes sensitive to light. One’s doctor will give a Patient Safety Card about the risk of meningococcal infection. Carry the card at all times during treatment and for 8 months after your ULTOMIRIS dose.
ULTOMIRIS is only available through a program called the ULTOMIRIS REMS.
ULTOMIRIS may also increase the risk of other types of serious infections. People who take ULTOMIRIS may have an increased risk of getting infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Certain people may also have an increased risk of gonorrhea infection. To find out if one is at risk for gonorrhea infection, about gonorrhea prevention, and regular testing, talk to the doctor. Call the doctor right away if one has any new signs or symptoms of infection.
Do not receive ULTOMIRIS if one has a meningococcal infection, or has not been vaccinated against meningococcal infection unless the doctor decides that urgent treatment with ULTOMIRIS is needed.
Before one receives ULTOMIRIS, tell the doctor about all of the medical conditions, including if one: has an infection or fever, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ULTOMIRIS will harm an unborn baby. It is not known if ULTOMIRIS passes into the breast milk. One should not breastfeed during treatment and for 8 months after one’s final dose of ULTOMIRIS.
Tell the doctor about all the medicines one takes, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. ULTOMIRIS and other medicines can affect each other causing side effects. Know the medicines one takes and the vaccines one receives. Keep a list of them to show the doctor and pharmacist when one gets a new medicine.
If one has PNH and stops receiving ULTOMIRIS, the doctor will need to monitor closely for at least 16 weeks after one stops ULTOMIRIS. Stopping ULTOMIRIS may cause breakdown of the red blood cells due to PNH. Symptoms or problems that can happen due to red blood cell breakdown include: drop in the red blood cell count, tiredness, blood in the urine, stomach-area (abdomen) pain, shortness of breath, blood clots, trouble swallowing, and erectile dysfunction (ED) in males. If one has aHUS, the doctor will need to monitor closely for at least 12 months after stopping treatment for signs of worsening aHUS symptoms or problems related to a type of abnormal clotting and breakdown of the red blood cells called thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Symptoms or problems that can happen with TMA may include: confusion or loss of consciousness, seizures, chest pain (angina), difficulty breathing, and blood clots or stroke. If one misses an ULTOMIRIS infusion, call the doctor right away.
ULTOMIRIS can cause serious side effects including infusion reactions. Infusion reactions may happen during one’s ULTOMIRIS infusion. Symptoms of an infusion reaction with ULTOMIRIS may include lower back pain, pain with the infusion, feeling faint or discomfort in the arms or legs. Tell the doctor or nurse right away if these symptoms develop, or any other symptoms during the ULTOMIRIS infusion that may mean one is having a serious infusion reaction, including: chest pain, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, and feel faint or pass out. One’s doctor will treat the symptoms as needed.
The most common side effects of ULTOMIRIS in people treated for PNH are upper respiratory infection and headache. The most common side effects of ULTOMIRIS in people with aHUS are upper respiratory infections, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, high blood pressure, and fever.
Please see the accompanying full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for ULTOMIRIS, including Boxed WARNING regarding serious and life-threatening meningococcal infections/sepsis.
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