Sepiapterin

Generic Name: sepiapterin

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Sephience

11 DESCRIPTION SEPHIENCE (sepiapterin) contains the drug substance sepiapterin, a PAH activator. Sepiapterin is a yellow to orange powder. Sepiapterin is slightly soluble in water with the solubility at 1.4 mg/mL. The chemical name of sepiapterin is (S)-2-amino-6-(2-hydroxypropanoyl)-7,8-dihydropteridin-4(3H)-one. The molecular formula is C9H11N5O3 and the molecular weight is 237.22 g/mol.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION SEPHIENCE (sepiapterin) contains the drug substance sepiapterin, a PAH activator. Sepiapterin is a yellow to orange powder. Sepiapterin is slightly soluble in water with the solubility at 1.4 mg/mL. The chemical name of sepiapterin is (S)-2-amino-6-(2-hydroxypropanoyl)-7,8-dihydropteridin-4(3H)-one. The molecular formula is C9H11N5O3 and the molecular weight is 237.22 g/mol.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SEPHIENCE is indicated for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in adult and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with sepiapterin-responsive phenylketonuria (PKU). SEPHIENCE is to be used in conjunction with a phenylalanine (Phe)-restricted diet. SEPHIENCE is a phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) activator indicated for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in adult and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with sepiapterin-responsive phenylketonuria (PKU). SEPHIENCE is to be used in conjunction with a phenylalanine (Phe)- restricted diet. ( 1 )

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Patients treated with SEPHIENCE should be on a dietary protein and a Phe-restricted diet. ( 2.1 ) Administer SEPHIENCE orally once daily with food. ( 2.2 ) The recommended starting dosage of SEPHIENCE is: ( 2.2 ) Age SEPHIENCE (mg/kg) per day Less than 6 months 7.5 mg/kg 6 months to less than 1 year 15 mg/kg 1 year to less than 2 years 30 mg/kg 2 years and older 60 mg/kg Important Administration Information: prepare SEPHIENCE calculated daily doses of < 1,000 mg as a liquid mixture (25 mg/mL), and administer exact prescribed dose volume (mL). ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) See full prescribing information for complete preparation and administration instructions.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Increased Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Hypophenylalaninemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Most common adverse reactions with SEPHIENCE (≥2% and greater than placebo) were diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, hypophenylalaninemia, feces discoloration, and oropharyngeal pain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact PTC Therapeutics, Inc. at 1-866-562-4620 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Dihydrofolate Reductase (DHFR) Inhibitors : Avoid concomitant use (e.g., trimethoprim, methotrexate, trimetrexate, pemetrexed, pralatrexate, raltitrexed, or piritrexim). ( 7.1 ) Sepiapterin Reductase (SR) Inhibitors : Avoid concomitant use (e.g. sulfasalazine or sulfamethoxazole). ( 7.1 ) Interaction with Levodopa : Monitor patients for a change in neurologic status. ( 7.2 ) Drugs Affecting Nitric Oxide-Mediated Vasorelaxation : Potential for vasorelaxation; monitor blood pressure (e.g., PDE-5 inhibitors).

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Increased Bleeding : SEPHIENCE may increase the risk of bleeding. Consider treatment interruption in patients with active bleeding. ( 5.1 ) Hypophenylalaninemia : Some pediatric PKU patients experienced hypophenylalaninemia; monitor patients blood Phe levels during treatment. ( 5.2 ) Interaction with Levodopa : Seizures, over-stimulation or irritability may occur; monitor patients for a change in neurologic status. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Increased Bleeding SEPHIENCE may increase the risk of bleeding. Bleeding events, including superficial hematomas, prolonged bleeding, and heavy menstrual bleeding have occurred in patients treated with SEPHIENCE [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data on the use of SEPHIENCE during pregnancy are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Uncontrolled blood Phe concentrations before and during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and fetal adverse effects ( see Clinical Considerations ) .

Storage

Storage and Handling Store SEPHIENCE at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursion permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store SEPHIENCE liquid or soft food mixture either refrigerated or at controlled room temperature [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )] .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sepiapterin used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SEPHIENCE is indicated for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in adult and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with sepiapterin-responsive phenylketonuria (PKU). SEPHIENCE is to be used in conjunction with a phenylalanine (Phe)-restricted diet. SEPHIENCE is a phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) activator indicated for the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) in adult and pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with sepiapterin-responsive phenylketonuria (PKU). SEPHIENCE is to be used in conjunction with a phenylalanine (Phe)- restricted diet. ( 1 )

What are the side effects of Sepiapterin?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Increased Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Hypophenylalaninemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Most common adverse reactions with SEPHIENCE (≥2% and greater than placebo) were diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, hypophenylalaninemia, feces discoloration, and oropharyngeal pain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact PTC Therapeutics, Inc. at 1-866-562-4620 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Can I take Sepiapterin during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data on the use of SEPHIENCE during pregnancy are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Uncontrolled blood Phe concentrations before and during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and fetal adverse effects ( see Clinical Considerations ) .

What are the important warnings for Sepiapterin?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Increased Bleeding : SEPHIENCE may increase the risk of bleeding. Consider treatment interruption in patients with active bleeding. ( 5.1 ) Hypophenylalaninemia : Some pediatric PKU patients experienced hypophenylalaninemia; monitor patients blood Phe levels during treatment. ( 5.2 ) Interaction with Levodopa : Seizures, over-stimulation or irritability may occur; monitor patients for a change in neurologic status. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Increased Bleeding SEPHIENCE may increase the risk of bleeding. Bleeding events, including superficial hematomas, prolonged bleeding, and heavy menstrual bleeding have occurred in patients treated with SEPHIENCE [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Related Medications

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.