Nusinersen

Generic Name: nusinersen

Survival Motor Neuron-2-directed RNA Interaction [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Spinraza

11 DESCRIPTION Nusinersen is a modified antisense oligonucleotide, where the 2'-hydroxy groups of the ribofuranosyl rings are replaced with 2'-O-2-methoxyethyl groups and the phosphate linkages are replaced with phosphorothioate linkages. Nusinersen binds to a specific sequence in the intron downstream of exon 7 of the SMN2 transcript. The structural formula is: SPINRAZA is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free, colorless solution for intrathecal use in a single-dose glass vial.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Nusinersen is a modified antisense oligonucleotide, where the 2'-hydroxy groups of the ribofuranosyl rings are replaced with 2'-O-2-methoxyethyl groups and the phosphate linkages are replaced with phosphorothioate linkages. Nusinersen binds to a specific sequence in the intron downstream of exon 7 of the SMN2 transcript. The structural formula is: SPINRAZA is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free, colorless solution for intrathecal use in a single-dose glass vial.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SPINRAZA is indicated for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in pediatric and adult patients. SPINRAZA is a survival motor neuron-2 (SMN2)-directed antisense oligonucleotide indicated for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in pediatric and adult patients ( 1 )

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION SPINRAZA is administered intrathecally ( 2.1 ) Dosing Information ( 2.1 ) The recommended dosage is 12 mg (5 mL) per administration Initiate SPINRAZA treatment with 4 loading doses: the first three loading doses should be administered at 14-day intervals; the 4 th loading dose should be administered 30 days after the 3 rd dose. A maintenance dose should be administered once every 4 months thereafter.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described in detail in other sections of the labeling: Thrombocytopenia and Coagulation Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Renal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] The most common adverse reactions that occurred in at least 20% of SPINRAZA-treated patients and occurred at least 5% more frequently than in control patients were: lower respiratory infection and constipation in patients with infantile-onset SMA ( 6.1 ) pyrexia, headache, vomiting, and back pain in patients with later-onset SMA ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Biogen at 1-844-477-4672 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Thrombocytopenia and Coagulation Abnormalities: Increased risk for bleeding complications; testing required at baseline and before each dose and as clinically needed ( 5.1 , 2.3 ) Renal Toxicity: Quantitative spot urine protein testing required at baseline and prior to each dose ( 5.2 , 2.3 ) 5.1 Thrombocytopenia and Coagulation Abnormalities Coagulation abnormalities and thrombocytopenia, including acute severe thrombocytopenia, have been observed after administration of some antisense oligonucleotides. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of SPINRAZA in pregnant women. When nusinersen was administered by subcutaneous injection to mice throughout pregnancy and lactation, developmental toxicity (long-term neurobehavioral impairment) was observed at all doses tested (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.

Storage

16.2 Storage and Handling Store in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze. SPINRAZA should be protected from light and kept in the original carton until time of use. If no refrigeration is available, SPINRAZA may be stored in its original carton, protected from light at or below 30 o C (86 o F) for up to 14 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nusinersen used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SPINRAZA is indicated for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in pediatric and adult patients. SPINRAZA is a survival motor neuron-2 (SMN2)-directed antisense oligonucleotide indicated for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in pediatric and adult patients ( 1 )

What are the side effects of Nusinersen?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described in detail in other sections of the labeling: Thrombocytopenia and Coagulation Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Renal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] The most common adverse reactions that occurred in at least 20% of SPINRAZA-treated patients and occurred at least 5% more frequently than in control patients were: lower respiratory infection and constipation in patients with infantile-onset SMA ( 6.1 ) pyrexia, headache, vomiting, and back pain in patients with later-onset SMA ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Biogen at 1-844-477-4672 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Can I take Nusinersen during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of SPINRAZA in pregnant women. When nusinersen was administered by subcutaneous injection to mice throughout pregnancy and lactation, developmental toxicity (long-term neurobehavioral impairment) was observed at all doses tested (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.

What are the important warnings for Nusinersen?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Thrombocytopenia and Coagulation Abnormalities: Increased risk for bleeding complications; testing required at baseline and before each dose and as clinically needed ( 5.1 , 2.3 ) Renal Toxicity: Quantitative spot urine protein testing required at baseline and prior to each dose ( 5.2 , 2.3 ) 5.1 Thrombocytopenia and Coagulation Abnormalities Coagulation abnormalities and thrombocytopenia, including acute severe thrombocytopenia, have been observed after administration of some antisense oligonucleotides. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None.

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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.