VPRIV 400 Units powder for solution for infusion

One vial contains 400 Units* of velaglucerase alfa.

After reconstitution, one ml of the solution contains 100 Units of velaglucerase alfa.

*An enzyme unit is defined as the amount of enzyme that is required to convert one micromole of p-nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside to p-nitrophenol per minute at 37ºC.

Velaglucerase alfa is produced in an HT-1080 human fibroblast cell line by recombinant DNA technology.

Excipients:

One vial contains 12.15 mg sodium.

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

Powder for solution for infusion.

White to off-white powder.

VPRIV is indicated for long-term enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in patients with type 1 Gaucher disease.

VPRIV treatment should be supervised by a physician experienced in the management of patients with Gaucher disease. Home administration under the supervision of a healthcare professional may be considered only for patients who have received at least three infusions and were tolerating their infusions well.

Posology

The recommended dose is 60 Units/kg administered every other week.

Dose adjustments can be made on an individual basis based on achievement and maintenance of therapeutic goals. Clinical studies have eva luated doses ranging from 15 to 60 Units/kg every other week. Doses higher than 60 Units/kg have not been studied.

Special populations

Current enzyme replacement therapy

Patients currently treated with imiglucerase enzyme replacement therapy for type 1 Gaucher disease may be switched to VPRIV, using the same dose and frequency.

Renal or hepatic impairment

No dosing adjustment is recommended in patients with renal or hepatic impairment based on current knowledge of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of velaglucerase alfa. See section 5.2.

Elderly (65 years old)

Four of the 94 patients (5%) who received velaglucerase alfa during clinical studies were age 65 years or older. The limited data do not indicate a need for a dose adjustment in this age group.

Paediatric population

Twenty of the 94 patients (21%) who received velaglucerase alfa during clinical studies were in the paediatric and adolescent age range (4 to 17 years). The safety and efficacy profiles were similar between paediatric and adult patients. See section 5.1 for further information.

Method of administration

For intravenous infusion use only.

To be administered as a 60-minute intravenous infusion.

Must be administered through a 0.22 µm filter.

For instructions on reconstitution and dilution of VPRIV, see section 6.6 and the end of the leaflet.

Severe allergic reaction to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in patients in clinical studies. As with any intravenous protein medicinal product, hypersensitivity reactions are possible. Therefore, appropriate medical support should be readily available when velaglucerase alfa is administered. If a severe reaction occurs, current medical standards for emergency treatment are to be followed.

Treatment should be approached with caution in patients who have exhibited symptoms of hypersensitivity to other enzyme replacement therapy.

Infusion related-reactions

Infusion-related reactions were the most commonly observed adverse reactions in patients treated in clinical studies. Most of the infusion-related reactions were mild. The most commonly observed symptoms of infusion-related reactions were: headache, dizziness, hypotension, hypertension, nausea, fatigue/asthenia, and pyrexia/body temperature increased. In treatment-naïve patients, the majority of infusion-related reactions occurred during the first 6 months of treatment.

The management of infusion-related reactions should be based on the severity of the reaction, and include slowing the infusion rate, treatment with medicinal products such as antihistamines, antipyretics and/or corticosteroids, and/or stopping and resuming treatment with increased infusion time.

Pre-treatment with antihistamines and/or corticosteroids may prevent subsequent reactions in those cases where symptomatic treatment was required. Patients were not routinely pre-medicated prior to infusion of velaglucerase alfa during clinical studies.

Immunogenicity

Antibodies may play a role in treatment-related reactions found with the use of velaglucerase alfa. To further eva luate the relationship, in cases of severe infusion-related reactions and in cases of lack or loss of effect patients should be tested for the presence of antibodies and the results reported to the company.

In the clinical trials, one of 94 (1%) patients developed IgG-class antibodies to velaglucerase alfa. In this one event, the antibodies were determined to be neutralising in an in vitro assay. No infusion-related reactions were reported for this patient. No patients developed IgE antibodies to velaglucerase alfa.

Sodium

This medicinal product contains 12.15 mg sodium per vial. To be taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.

No interaction studies have been performed.

Women of child bearing potential

Patients who have Gaucher disease and become pregnant may experience a period of increased disease activity during pregnancy and the puerperium. A risk-benefit assessment is required for each pregnancy. Close monitoring of the pregnancy and clinical manifestations of Gaucher disease is necessary for the individualisation of therapy.

Pregnancy

There are no data from the use of velaglucerase alfa in pregnant women.

Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy,embryonal/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development. Caution should be exercised when prescribing to pregnant women.

Breast-feeding

There are no data from studies in breast-feeding women. It is not known whether velaglucerase alfa is excreted in human milk. Because many active substances are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when prescribing to a breast-feeding woman.

Fertility

Animal studies show no evidence of impaired fertility.

VPRIV has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.

The data described below reflect exposure of 94 patients with type 1 Gaucher disease who received velaglucerase alfa at doses ranging from 15 to 60 Units/kg every other week in 5 clinical studies. Fifty-four patients were naïve to ERT and 40 patients switched from imiglucerase to VPRIV. Patients were between 4 and 71 years old at the time of first treatment with VPRIV, and included 46 male and 48 female patients.

The most serious adverse reactions in patients in clinical trials were hypersensitivity reactions.

The most common adverse reactions were infusion-related reactions. The most commonly observed symptoms of infusion-related reactions were: headache, dizziness, hypotension, hypertension, nausea, fatigue/asthenia, and pyrexia/body temperature increased (see section 4.4 for further information). The only adverse reaction leading to discontinuation of treatment was an infusion-related reaction.

Adverse reactions reported in patients with type 1 Gaucher disease are listed in Table 1. Information is presented by system organ class and frequency according to MedDRA convention. Frequency is defined as very common (1/10) and common (1/100 to <1/10). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Table 1: Adverse reactions reported with VPRIV observed in patients with type 1 Gaucher disease

Paediatric population

The safety profile of VPRIV in clinical studies involving children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years was similar to that observed in adult patients.

There is no experience with overdose of velaglucerase alfa. The maximum dose of velaglucerase alfa in clinical studies was 60 Units/kg. See section 4.4.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Other alimentary tract and metabolism products – enzymes, ATC code: A16AB10.

Gaucher disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the GBA gene which results in a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucocerebrosidase. This enzymatic deficiency causes an accumulation of glucocerebroside primarily in macrophages, giving rise to foam cells or "Gaucher cells". In this lysosomal storage disorder (LSD), clinical features are reflective of the distribution of Gaucher cells in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, skeleton, and lungs. The accumulation of glucocerebroside in the liver and spleen leads to organomegaly. Bone involvement results in skeletal abnormalities and deformities as well as bone pain crises. Deposits in the bone marrow and splenic sequestration lead to clinically significant anaemia and thrombocytopenia.

The active substance of VPRIV is velaglucerase alfa, which is produced by gene activation technology in a human cell line. Velaglucerase alfa is a glycoprotein. The monomer is approximately 63 kDa, has 497 amino acids, and the same amino acid sequence as the naturally occurring human enzyme, glucocerebrosidase. There are 5 potential N-linked glycosylation sites, four of which are occupied. Velaglucerase alfa is manufactured to contain predominantly high-mannose-type glycans to facilitate internalisation of the enzyme by the phagocytic target cells via the mannose receptor.

Velaglucerase alfa supplements or replaces beta-glucocerebrosidase, the enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of glucocerebroside to glucose and ceramide in the lysosome, reducing the amount of accumulated glucocerebroside and correcting the pathophysiology of Gaucher disease. Velaglucerase alfa increases haemoglobin concentration and platelet counts and reduces liver and spleen volumes in patients with type 1 Gaucher disease.

In Studies 025EXT and 034, patients were offered home therapy. In Study 025EXT, 7 of 10 patients received home therapy at least once during 60 months of treatment. In Study 034, 25 of 40 patients received home therapy at least once during the 12-month study.

Clinical efficacy and safety

Studies in treatment naïve patients

Study 025 was a 9 month, open-label study in 12 adult (18 years) patients who were naïve to ERT (defined as having not been treated with ERT for at least 12 months prior to study entry). VPRIV was initially administered in a dose-escalating fashion in the first 3 patients (15, 30, 60 Units/kg) and the 9 remaining patients began treatment with 60 Units/kg.

Clinically meaningful improvements from baseline were observed in haemoglobin concentration and platelet counts as early as 3 months and in liver and spleen volumes at both 6 months and 9 months following the initiation of treatment with VPRIV.

Ten patients who completed Study 025 enrolled in an open-label extension study (025EXT). After a minimum of 12 months of continuous treatment with VPRIV, all patients qualified to have the dose of VPRIV reduced in a step-wise fashion from 60 to 30 Units/kg after achieving at least 2 of the 4 “Year 1” therapeutic goals of ERT for type 1 Gaucher disease. Patients received doses ranging from 30 to 60 Units/kg (median dose 35 Units/kg) every other week for up to 60 months (5 years). Sustained clinical activity continued to be demonstrated during 5 years of treatment as observed by improvements in haemoglobin concentrations and platelet counts and reduced liver and spleen volumes.

Study 032 was a 12-month, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group efficacy study in 25 patients aged 2 years and older who were naïve to ERT (defined as having not been treated with ERT for at least 30 months prior to study entry). Patients were required to have Gaucher disease-related anaemia and either thrombocytopenia or organomegaly. Patients were randomized to receive VPRIV at a dose of either 45 Units/kg (N=13) or 60 Units/kg (N=12) every other week.

Velaglucerase alfa 60 Units/kg given IV every other week demonstrated clinically meaningful increases from baseline in mean haemoglobin concentration (+2.4 g/dl) and platelet count (+50.9 x 10⁹/l), liver volume was reduced from 1.46 to 1.22 times normal (mean reduction of 17%) and spleen volume was reduced from 14.0 to 5.75 times normal (mean reduction of 50%). Meaningful increases from baseline were observed in the 45 Units/kg dose group in haemoglobin concentration (+2.4 g/dl) and platelet count (+40.9 x 10⁹/l), liver volume was reduced from 1.40 to 1.24 times normal (mean reduction of 6%) and spleen volume was reduced from 14.5 to 9.50 times normal (mean reduction of 40%).

Study 039 was a 9-month, randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority, active-comparator (imiglucerase) controlled, parallel-group efficacy study in 34 patients aged 2 years and older who were naïve to ERT (defined as having not been treated with ERT for at least 12 months prior to study entry). Patients were required to have Gaucher disease-related anaemia and either thrombocytopenia or organomegaly. Patients received either 60 Units/kg of VPRIV (N=17) or 60 Units/kg of imiglucerase (N=17) every other week.

The mean absolute increase from baseline in haemoglobin concentrations was 1.624 g/dl (±0.223 SE) following 9 months of treatment with VPRIV. This increase in haemoglobin concentration was demonstrated to be clinically and statistically non-inferior to imiglucerase (mean treatment difference of change from baseline to 9 months [VPRIV – imiglucerase]: 0.135 g/dl). There were no statistically significant differences between VPRIV and imiglucerase in changes in platelet counts and liver and spleen volumes after 9 months of VPRIV treatment, and in the time to first haemoglobin response (defined as 1 g/dl increase from baseline).

Study in patients switching from imiglucerase treatment to VPRIV

Study 034 was a 12-month, open-label safety study in 40 patients aged 2 years and older who had been receiving treatment with imiglucerase at doses ranging from 15 to 60 Units/kg for a minimum of 30 consecutive months. Patients were required to have a stable dose of imiglucerase for at least 6 months prior to study enrolment. Treatment with VPRIV was administered as the same number of units and regimen as their imiglucerase dose. Haemoglobin concentration and platelet counts were eva luated as changes from baseline, which was defined as the end of the patient's treatment with imiglucerase.

In patients who switched from imiglucerase to VPRIV, haemoglobin concentrations and platelet counts were sustained at therapeutic levels through 12 months of treatment.

Paediatric population

Use in the age group 4 to 17 is supported by evidence from controlled studies in adults and paediatric [20 of 94 (21%)] patients. The safety and efficacy profiles were similar between paediatric and adult patients. The studies allowed the inclusion of patients 2 years and older and the safety and efficacy profiles are expected to be similar down to the age of 2 years. However, no data are available for children under the age of 4 years.

The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with VPRIV in all subsets of the paediatric population with type 2 Gaucher disease and has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with VPRIV in one or more subsets of the paediatric population in Gaucher disease type 1 and 3, as per the PIP decision.

Velaglucerase alfa serum concentrations rose rapidly for the first 20 minutes of the 60-minute infusion before leveling off, and C_max was typically attained between 40 and 60 minutes after the start of the infusion. After the end of the infusion, velaglucerase alfa serum concentrations fell rapidly in a monophasic or biphasic fashion with a mean t_1/2 ranging from 5 to 12 minutes at doses of 15, 30, 45, and 60 Units/kg.

Velaglucerase alfa exhibited an approximately linear (i.e. first-order) pharmacokinetic profile, and C_max and AUC increased approximately proportional to the dose over the dose range 15 to 60 Units/kg. The steady state volume of distribution was approximately 10% of the body weight. The high clearance of velaglucerase alfa from serum (mean 6.7 to 7.6 ml/min/kg) is consistent with the rapid uptake of velaglucerase alfa into macrophages via mannose receptors.

The range of velaglucerase alfa clearance in paediatric patients (N=7, age range 4 to 17 years) was contained within the range of clearance values in adult patients (N=15, age range 19 to 62 years). Additionally, there were no apparent pharmacokinetic differences between male and female patients with type 1 Gaucher disease.

None of the subjects in the pharmacokinetic studies were positive for anti-velaglucerase alfa antibodies on the days of pharmacokinetic eva luation. Therefore, it was not possible to eva luate the effect of antibody response on the pharmacokinetic profile of velaglucerase alfa.

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, and toxicity to reproduction and development.

Sucrose

Sodium citrate dihydrate (E331)

Citric acid monohydrate (E330)

Polysorbate 20

In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.

3 years.

Reconstituted and diluted solution for infusion:

Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 24 hours at 2°C to 8°C under protection from light.

From a microbiological point of view, the medicinal product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and must not exceed 24 hours at 2°C to 8°C.

Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C).

Do not freeze.

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

For storage conditions of the reconstituted and/or diluted medicinal product, see section 6.3.

400 Units of velaglucerase alfa in a 20 ml vial (type I glass) with a stopper (fluoro-resin coated butyl rubber), one piece seal, and flip-off cap. Pack sizes of 1, 5 and 25 vials.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

VPRIV requires reconstitution and dilution, and is intended for intravenous infusion only. VPRIV is for single-use only and is administered through a 0.22 µm filter.

Use aseptic technique.

Prepare VPRIV as follows:

1. The number of vials to be reconstituted is determined based on the individual patient's weight and the prescribed dose.

2. The required vials are removed from the refrigerator. Each 400 Units vial is reconstituted with 4.3 ml of sterile water for injections.

3. Upon reconstitution, mix vials gently. Do not shake. Each vial will contain an extractable volume of 4.0 ml (100 Units/ml).

4. Prior to further dilution, visually inspect the solution in the vials; the solution should be clear to slightly opalescent and colourless; do not use if the solution is discoloured or if foreign particulate matter is present.

5. The calculated volume of medicinal product is withdrawn from the appropriate number of vials and the total volume required is diluted in 100 ml of sodium chloride 9 mg/ml (0.9%) solution for infusion. Mix gently. Do not shake. The infusion should be initiated within 24 hours from the time of reconstitution.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Shire Pharmaceuticals Ireland Limited

5 Riverwalk

Citywest Business Campus

Dublin 24

Ireland

EU/1/10/646/002

EU/1/10/646/005

EU/1/10/646/006

Date of first authorisation: 26/08/2010

03/11/2010

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu