DORNASE ALFA: 5,438 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

Dornase alfa is a recombinant human deoxyribonuclease I (rhDNase) an enzyme which selectively cleaves DNA. The protein is produced by genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells containing DNA encoding for the native human protein, deoxyribonuclease I (DNase). The product is purified by column chromatography and tangential flow filtration. The purified glycoprotein contains 260 amino acids with an approximate molecular weight of 37,000 daltons. The primary amino acid sequence is identical to that of the native human enzyme. PULMOZYME (dornase alfa) inhalation solution is administered by inhalation of an aerosol mist produced by a compressed air driven nebulizer or a recommended nebulizer system [see Clinical Studies (14) and Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . PULMOZYME is a sterile, clear, colorless, highly purified solution in single-dose ampules. Each ampule delivers 2.5 mL of the solution to the nebulizer bowl. Each mL of aqueous solution contains 1 mg dornase alfa, calcium chloride dihydrate (0.15 mg) and sodium chloride (8.77 mg). The solution contains no preservative. The nominal pH of the solution is 6.3.

AND USAGE PULMOZYME ® is indicated, in conjunction with standard therapies, for the management of pediatric and adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) to improve pulmonary function. In CF patients with an FVC ≥ 40% of predicted, daily administration of PULMOZYME has also been shown to reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections requiring parenteral antibiotics. PULMOZYME is a recombinant DNase enzyme indicated in conjunction with standard therapies for the management of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients to improve pulmonary function. ( 1 )

AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dosage is 2.5 mg (one single-dose ampule) inhaled once daily using a recommended nebulizer. ( 2.1 ) Some patients may benefit from twice daily administration. ( 2.1 ) See full prescribing information for the recommended nebulizers for use with PULMOZYME. ( 2.2 )

2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage, in most cystic fibrosis patients, is 2.5 mg (one single-dose ampule) inhaled once daily using a recommended jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor system or via a vibrating mesh nebulizer <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]</span> . Some patients may benefit from twice daily administration <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies (14) ]</span> .

2.2 Administration Instructions Nebulizer Information Administer PULMOZYME via a jet nebulizer connected to an air compressor with an adequate air flow and equipped with a mouthpiece or suitable face mask, or via a vibrating mesh nebulizer. Refer to Table 1 for the recommended Jet Nebulizers or Vibrating Mesh Nebulizers for use with PULMOZYME. No data are currently available to support the administration of PULMOZYME with other nebulizer systems. The eRapid Nebulizer System should only be used by adults and pediatric patients who can use a mouthpiece, and not by younger patients who need a mask to inhale PULMOZYME. Use the selected nebulizer in accordance with the manufacturer&apos;s instruction manual. Refer to the manufacturer&apos;s instruction manual on the use, maintenance, and replacement of the equipment, including cleaning and disinfection procedures for the selected nebulizer. For additional information, refer to the selected nebulizer manufacturer&apos;s instruction manual.

Table

1.

Recommended Jet

Nebulizers or Vibrating Mesh Nebulizers for Use with PULMOZYME Jet Nebulizer Follow the selected nebulizer manufacturer's instruction manual.

Compressor

Hudson T Up-draft II ® Pulmo-Aide ® or legally marketed compressor of identical pressure and flow rate (maximum 30 psi, 12 LPM).

Marquest

Acorn II ® PARI LC ® Plus PARI PRONEB ® or legally marketed compressor of identical pressure and flow rate (maximum 24 psi, 9 LPM). PARI BABY™ Patients who are unable to inhale or exhale orally throughout the entire nebulization period may use the PARI BABY™ nebulizer.

Durable

Sidestream ® MOBILAIRE™, Porta-NEB ® or legally marketed compressor of identical pressure and flow rate (maximum 45 psi, 7 LPM).

Vibrating Mesh

Nebulizers eRapid ® Nebulizer System Consisting of the eRapid ® Nebulizer Handset with eBase™ Controller. Avoid use in patients who need a mask to inhale PULMOZYME.

Innospire Go Pulmogine Vibrating Mesh

Nebulizer AireHealth Nebulizer™ Intelligent Mesh Nebulizer PULMOZYME Information Each PULMOZYME ampule should be squeezed prior to use in order to check for leaks. Discard ampules if the solution is cloudy or discolored. Once opened, the entire contents of the ampule must be used or discarded. Do not dilute or mix PULMOZYME with other drugs in the nebulizer. Mixing of PULMOZYME with other drugs could lead to adverse physicochemical and/or functional changes in PULMOZYME or the admixed compound.

PULMOZYME is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dornase alfa, Chinese Hamster Ovary cell products, or any component of the product. PULMOZYME is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dornase alfa, Chinese Hamster Ovary cell products, or any component of the product. ( 4 )

REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (occurring in ≥3% of patients treated with PULMOZYME over placebo) seen in clinical trials in CF patients were: voice alteration, pharyngitis, rash, laryngitis, chest pain, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, decrease in FVC of ≥10%, fever, and dyspnea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genentech at 1-888-835-2555 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience 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. The data described below reflect exposure to PULMOZYME in 902 patients, with exposures ranging from 2 weeks of daily administration up to once or twice daily administration for six months. PULMOZYME was studied in both placebo-controlled (n=804) and uncontrolled trials (n=98). The population of patients in placebo-controlled trials was with FVC ≥ 40% of predicted (n=643) or with more advanced pulmonary disease, FVC &lt; 40% of predicted (n=161). The population in the uncontrolled trial included 98 pediatric patients with CF ranging from 3 months to 10 years of age. More than half of the patients received PULMOZYME 2.5 mg by inhalation once a day (n=581), while the rest of patients (n=321) received PULMOZYME 2.5 mg by inhalation twice a day. Placebo-Controlled Trials Trial 1 : Trial 1 was a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with FVC ≥ 40% of predicted. In this trial, over 600 patients received PULMOZYME once or twice daily for six months. The most common adverse reaction (risk difference ≥5%) was voice alteration. The proportion of most adverse events was similar for patients on PULMOZYME and on placebo, probably reflecting the sequelae of the underlying lung disease. In most cases reactions that were increased were mild, transient in nature, and did not require alterations in dosing. Few patients experienced adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation from PULMOZYME, and the proportion of discontinuations were similar for placebo (2%) and PULMOZYME (3%). Adverse reactions occurring in a higher proportion (greater than 3%) of PULMOZYME treated patients than in placebo-treated patients are listed in Table 2 .

Trial

2 : Trial 2 was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in patients with more advanced pulmonary disease (FVC < 40% of predicted) who were treated for 12 weeks. In this trial, the safety profile of PULMOZYME was similar to that reported in patients with less advanced pulmonary disease (FVC ≥ 40% of predicted). Adverse reactions that were reported in this trial with a higher proportion (greater than 3%) in the PULMOZYME treated patients are listed in Table 2 .

Table

2.

Adverse Reactions Increased

3% or More in PULMOZYME Treated Patients Over Placebo in CF Clinical Trials Adverse Reactions (of any severity or seriousness)

Trial

1 CF Patients with FVC ≥ 40% of predicted treated for 24 weeks Trial 2 CF Patients with FVC <40% of predicted treated for 12 weeks Placebo n=325 Pulmozyme QD n=322 Pulmozyme BID n=321 Placebo n=159 Pulmozyme QD n=161 Voice alteration 7% 12% 16% 6% 18% Pharyngitis 33% 36% 40% 28% 32% Rash 7% 10% 12% 1% 3% Laryngitis 1% 3% 4% 1% 3% Chest Pain 16% 18% 21% 23% 25% Conjunctivitis 2% 4% 5% 0% 1% Rhinitis Differences were less than 3% 24% 30% FVC decrease of ≥ 10% of predicted Single measurement only, does not reflect overall FVC changes. 17% 22% Fever 28% 32% Dyspepsia 0% 3% Dyspnea (when reported as serious) Differences were less than 3% 12% Total reports of dyspnea (regardless of severity or seriousness) had a difference of less than 3% in Trial 2. 17% Mortality rates observed in controlled trials were similar for the placebo and PULMOZYME treated patients. Causes of death were consistent with progression of cystic fibrosis and included apnea, cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary arrest, cor pulmonale, heart failure, massive hemoptysis, pneumonia, pneumothorax, and respiratory failure.

Uncontrolled Trial Trial

3 : The safety of PULMOZYME, 2.5 mg by inhalation, was studied with 2 weeks of daily administration in 98 pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis 3 months to 10 years of age (65 aged 3 months to < 5 years, 33 aged 5 to ≤ 10 years). The PARI BABY™ reusable nebulizer (which uses a facemask instead of a mouthpiece) was utilized in patients unable to demonstrate the ability to inhale or exhale orally throughout the entire treatment period (54/65, 83% of the younger and 2/33, 6% of the older patients). Overall, the nature of adverse reactions was similar to that seen in the placebo-controlled trials. The number of patients reporting cough was higher in the younger age group as compared to the older age group (29/65, 45% compared to 10/33, 30%) as was the number reporting moderate to severe cough (24/65, 37% as compared to 6/33, 18%). The number of patients reporting rhinitis was higher in the younger age group as compared to the older age group (23/65, 35% compared to 9/33, 27%) as was the number reporting rash (4/65, 6% as compared to 0/33).

Allergic Reactions

There have been no reports of anaphylaxis attributed to the administration of PULMOZYME. Urticaria, mild to moderate, and mild skin rash have been observed and have been transient. Within all of the studies, a small percentage (average of 2-4%) of patients treated with PULMOZYME developed serum antibodies to PULMOZYME. None of these patients developed anaphylaxis, and the clinical significance of serum antibodies to PULMOZYME is unknown.

AND PRECAUTIONS None. None. ( 5 )

INTERACTIONS Available data indicate there are no clinically important drug-drug interactions with PULMOZYME.