Benralizumab

Generic Name: benralizumab

Interleukin-5 Receptor alpha-directed Cytolytic Antibody [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Fasenra

11 DESCRIPTION Benralizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG1/κ-class) selective for interleukin-5 receptor alpha subunit (IL-5Rα). Benralizumab is produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells by recombinant DNA technology. Benralizumab has a molecular weight of approximately 150 kDa. FASENRA (benralizumab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution for subcutaneous injection.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Benralizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG1/κ-class) selective for interleukin-5 receptor alpha subunit (IL-5Rα). Benralizumab is produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells by recombinant DNA technology. Benralizumab has a molecular weight of approximately 150 kDa. FASENRA (benralizumab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution for subcutaneous injection.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FASENRA is an interleukin-5 receptor alpha-directed cytolytic 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) • treatment of adult patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). (1.2) Limitations of Use: Not for relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. (1.1) 1.1 Asthma FASENRA 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) ] .

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer by subcutaneous injection. ( 2.3 ) Asthma Adult and Adolescent Patients 12 Years of Age and Older: • Recommended dosage is 30 mg every 4 weeks for first 3 doses followed by once every 8 weeks thereafter. ( 2.1 ) Pediatric Patients 6 Years to 11 Years of Age: • Weighing Less Than 35 kg : the recommended dosage is 10 mg every 4 weeks for first 3 doses followed by once every 8 weeks thereafter. ( 2.1 ) • Weighing 35 kg or More : the recommended dosage is 30 mg every 4 weeks for first 3 doses followed by once every 8 weeks thereafter. ( 2.1 ) EGPA Recommended dosage is 30 mg every 4 weeks. (2.2) See full prescribing information for administration instructions of FASENRA prefilled syringe and FASENRA PEN.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections: • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Most common adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 5%) include headache and pharyngitis. (6.1, 6.2) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AstraZeneca at 1-800-236-9933 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hypersensitivity reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, rash) have occurred after administration of FASENRA. Discontinue in the event of a hypersensitivity reaction. (5.1) • Reduction in Corticosteroid Dosage: Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids abruptly upon initiation of therapy with FASENRA. Decrease corticosteroids gradually, if appropriate. (5.3) • Parasitic (Helminth) Infection: Treat patients with pre-existing helminth infections before therapy with FASENRA. If patients become infected while receiving FASENRA and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, discontinue FASENRA until the parasitic infection resolves. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS FASENRA is contraindicated in patients who have known hypersensitivity to benralizumab or any of its excipients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Known hypersensitivity to benralizumab or excipients. (4)

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The data on pregnancy exposure from the clinical trials are insufficient to inform on drug-associated risk. Monoclonal antibodies such as benralizumab are transported across the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy; therefore, potential effects on a fetus are likely to be greater during the third trimester of pregnancy.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied FASENRA (benralizumab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution and may contain a few translucent or white to off-white particles, for subcutaneous injection supplied as a single-dose prefilled syringe or single-dose autoinjector.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Benralizumab used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FASENRA is an interleukin-5 receptor alpha-directed cytolytic 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) • treatment of adult patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). (1.2) Limitations of Use: Not for relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. (1.1) 1.1 Asthma FASENRA 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) ] .

What are the side effects of Benralizumab?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections: • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Most common adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 5%) include headache and pharyngitis. (6.1, 6.2) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AstraZeneca at 1-800-236-9933 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Can I take Benralizumab during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The data on pregnancy exposure from the clinical trials are insufficient to inform on drug-associated risk. Monoclonal antibodies such as benralizumab are transported across the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy; therefore, potential effects on a fetus are likely to be greater during the third trimester of pregnancy.

What are the important warnings for Benralizumab?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hypersensitivity reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, rash) have occurred after administration of FASENRA. Discontinue in the event of a hypersensitivity reaction. (5.1) • Reduction in Corticosteroid Dosage: Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids abruptly upon initiation of therapy with FASENRA. Decrease corticosteroids gradually, if appropriate. (5.3) • Parasitic (Helminth) Infection: Treat patients with pre-existing helminth infections before therapy with FASENRA. If patients become infected while receiving FASENRA and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, discontinue FASENRA until the parasitic infection resolves. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS FASENRA is contraindicated in patients who have known hypersensitivity to benralizumab or any of its excipients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Known hypersensitivity to benralizumab or excipients. (4)

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.