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Important: This site presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A report does not mean the drug caused the event. Full disclaimer.

ZILUCOPLAN: 441 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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441
Total FAERS Reports
23 (5.2%)
Deaths Reported
163
Hospitalizations
441
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
25
Life-Threatening
5
Disabilities
Oct 17, 2023
FDA Approved
UCB, Inc.
Manufacturer
Prescription
Status

Drug Class: Complement Inhibitor [EPC] · Route: SUBCUTANEOUS · Manufacturer: UCB, Inc. · FDA Application: 216834 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available

Patent Expires: Jun 12, 2035 · First Report: 20221001 · Latest Report: 20250907

What Are the Most Common ZILUCOPLAN Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Myasthenia gravis
184 reports (41.7%)
#2 Most Reported
Drug ineffective
94 reports (21.3%)
#3 Most Reported
Injection site pain
56 reports (12.7%)

All ZILUCOPLAN Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Myasthenia gravis 184 41.7% 3 60
Drug ineffective 94 21.3% 4 26
Injection site pain 56 12.7% 3 16
Product dose omission issue 55 12.5% 0 25
Fatigue 36 8.2% 1 12
Hospitalisation 23 5.2% 2 23
Weight increased 22 5.0% 0 12
Dyspnoea 21 4.8% 2 12
Diarrhoea 20 4.5% 1 8
Pneumonia 20 4.5% 2 19
Urinary tract infection 19 4.3% 2 8
Weight decreased 19 4.3% 0 11
Covid-19 17 3.9% 1 8
Wrong technique in product usage process 16 3.6% 1 6
Infection 15 3.4% 0 9
Muscular weakness 15 3.4% 1 5
Myasthenia gravis crisis 15 3.4% 1 14
Needle issue 15 3.4% 0 5
Syringe issue 15 3.4% 0 2
Dizziness 14 3.2% 1 6

Who Reports ZILUCOPLAN Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 53.6% female, 46.4% male. Average age: 58.8 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is ZILUCOPLAN Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2022 1 0 0
2023 8 1 4
2024 185 8 79
2025 104 10 50

View full timeline →

What Is ZILUCOPLAN Used For?

IndicationReports
Myasthenia gravis 374
Product used for unknown indication 55
Muscular weakness 9

ZILUCOPLAN vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

ZILUCOPLAN vs ZIMBERELIMAB ZILUCOPLAN vs ZINC ZILUCOPLAN vs ZINC\ZINC ZILUCOPLAN vs ZIPRASIDONE ZILUCOPLAN vs ZIPRASIDONE\ZIPRASIDONE ZILUCOPLAN vs ZITHROMAX ZILUCOPLAN vs ZIV-AFLIBERCEPT ZILUCOPLAN vs ZOCOR ZILUCOPLAN vs ZOFENOPRIL ZILUCOPLAN vs ZOFRAN

Other Drugs in Same Class: Complement Inhibitor [EPC]

Official FDA Label for ZILUCOPLAN

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

Zilucoplan, a complement inhibitor, is a 15 amino-acid, synthetic macrocyclic peptide. The molecular formula of zilucoplan is C 172 H 278 N 24 O 55 in free acid form and its molecular weight is

3562.23 Daltons (free acid form). The chemical name for zilucoplan sodium is: acetyl‐[L-lysyl 1 -L-valyl 2 -L-glutamyl 3 -L-arginyl 4 -L phenylalanyl 5 -L aspartyl 6 ]- N -methyl L-aspartyl 7 -L tert-leucyl 8 -L tyrosyl 9 -L-7-azatryptophyl 10 -L glutamyl 11 -L-tyrosyl 12 -L prolyl 13 -L cyclohexylglycyl 14 -[L-lysyl 15 , N ε -palmitoyl-γ-L-glutamyl-(1-amino-3,6,9,12,15,18,21,24,27,30,33,36,39,42,45,48,51,54,57,60,63,66,69,72-tetracosaoxapentaheptacontan-75-oyl)], cyclic (Lactam 1-6), tetra sodium. The primary structure for zilucoplan sodium is shown below: ZILBRYSQ injection is a sterile, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless, preservative-free, buffered solution of zilucoplan (as zilucoplan sodium) for subcutaneous injection, in single-dose prefilled syringes. The solution pH is between 6.5 and 7.5. ZILBRYSQ is supplied in three dose strengths containing 16.6 mg /0.416 mL, 23 mg /0.574 mL, and 32.4 mg/0.81 mL of zilucoplan free acid equivalent to 17 mg, 23.6 mg, and 33.2 mg of zilucoplan sodium, respectively. Additionally, each mL of the solution contains dibasic sodium phosphate, anhydrous (4.11 mg); monobasic sodium phosphate, monohydrate (2.9 mg); sodium chloride (4.42 mg); and water for injection.

Chemical

Structure

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

AND USAGE ZILBRYSQ is indicated for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive. ZILBRYSQ is a complement inhibitor indicated for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive. ( 1 )

Dosage & Administration

AND ADMINISTRATION Obtain baseline amylase and lipase. ( 2.2 ) For subcutaneous injection only. ( 2.3 ) Recommended dosage ( 2.3 ): Body Weight Once Daily Dosage Plunger Rod Color of Prefilled Syringe Less than 56 kg 16.6 mg RUBINE RED 56 kg to less than 77 kg 23 mg ORANGE 77 kg and above 32.4 mg DARK BLUE See Full Prescribing Information for instructions on dosage, preparation, and administration. ( 2.4 , 2.5 )

2.1 Recommended Vaccination and Prophylaxis for Meningococcal Infection Vaccinate patients against meningococcal infection (serogroups A, C, W, Y, and B) according to current ACIP recommendations at least 2 weeks prior to initiation of ZILBRYSQ <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]</span> . If urgent ZILBRYSQ therapy is indicated in a patient who is not up to date with meningococcal vaccines according to ACIP recommendations, provide the patient with antibacterial drug prophylaxis and administer these vaccines as soon as possible <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]</span> . Healthcare providers who prescribe ZILBRYSQ must enroll in the ZILBRYSQ REMS <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]</span> .

2.2 Recommended Testing Before Initiating ZILBRYSQ Before initiating ZILBRYSQ, obtain baseline lipase and amylase levels <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]</span> .

2.3 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of ZILBRYSQ is given once daily as a subcutaneous injection and is dependent on actual body weight (see Table 1 ).

Table

1: Total Daily Dosage by Body Weight Range Body Weight Once Daily Dosage Plunger Rod Color of Prefilled Syringe Less than 56 kg 16.6 mg RUBINE RED 56 kg to less than 77 kg 23 mg ORANGE 77 kg and above 32.4 mg DARK BLUE

2.4 Preparation Instructions ZILBRYSQ prefilled syringes can be stored in a refrigerator in the original carton. ZILBRYSQ can also be stored at room temperature in the original carton for up to 3 months or until the expiration date, whichever occurs first. If stored in the refrigerator: Before injecting, take 1 ZILBRYSQ prefilled syringe out of the refrigerator and place it on a clean, flat surface. Allow ZILBRYSQ to reach room temperature out of direct sunlight (30 to 45 minutes). Do not heat or place in microwave. Immediately return the carton with the other prefilled syringes to the refrigerator. If stored at room temperature: Remove 1 ZILBRYSQ prefilled syringe from the carton. Do not return ZILBRYSQ to the refrigerator after it has been stored at room temperature. Visually inspect ZILBRYSQ for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. ZILBRYSQ is a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless solution. Do not use if the solution contains visible particles, is cloudy, or if foreign particulate matter is present. ZILBRYSQ does not contain preservatives; unused portions of drug remaining in the syringe should be discarded. Each prefilled syringe is single-dose only.

2.5 Administration Instructions ZILBRYSQ is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. Patients may self-inject ZILBRYSQ after training in subcutaneous injection technique. Provide proper training to patients and/or caregivers on the subcutaneous injection technique of ZILBRYSQ according to the &quot;Instructions for Use&quot; <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Instructions for Use ]</span> . Administer ZILBRYSQ subcutaneously into areas of the abdomen, thighs, or back of the upper arms that are not tender, bruised, red, or hard. Avoid injecting into areas with scars or stretch marks. Rotate injection sites for each administration. Administration of ZILBRYSQ in the upper, outer arm should be performed by a caregiver. When using ZILBRYSQ prefilled syringes, inject the full contents of the single-dose prefilled syringe. Discard ZILBRYSQ prefilled syringe after use. Do not reuse. Instruct the patient that the daily dose should be administered at approximately the same time each day. If a dose is missed, administer the dose as soon as possible. Thereafter, resume dosing at the regular scheduled time. Do not administer more than 1 dose per day.

Contraindications

ZILBRYSQ is contraindicated for initiation in patients with unresolved serious Neisseria meningitidis infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . ZILBRYSQ is contraindicated for initiation in patients with unresolved serious Neisseria meningitidis infection. ( 4 )

Known Adverse Reactions

REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Serious Meningococcal Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]

Other

Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Pancreatitis and Other Pancreatic Conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) in patients with gMG were injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infection, and diarrhea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact UCB, Inc. at 844-599-2273 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. A total of 212 patients were treated with ZILBRYSQ 0.3 mg/kg in clinical studies in gMG. Of these, 137 patients were exposed for at least 6 months, and 87 were exposed for at least 1 year. In a placebo-controlled study (Study 1) in patients with gMG, 86 patients received ZILBRYSQ 0.3 mg/kg <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Studies (14) ]</span> . Of these 86 patients, approximately 61% were female, 77% were White, 8% were Asian, and 8% were of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. The mean age at study entry was 52.6 years (range 21 to 75 years).

Table

2 summarizes the adverse reactions reported in at least 5% of patients treated with ZILBRYSQ and more frequently than placebo. The most common adverse reactions (reported in at least 10% of patients treated with ZILBRYSQ) were injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infections, and diarrhea.

Table

2: Adverse Reactions in at least 5% of Patients Treated with ZILBRYSQ and More Frequently than in Patients who Received Placebo in Study 1 Adverse Reaction ZILBRYSQ 0.3 mg/kg (n=86) % Placebo (n=88) % Injection site reactions 29 16 Upper respiratory tract infections 14 7 Diarrhea 11 2 Urinary tract infection 8 5 Nausea or vomiting 8 7 Lipase increased 7 0 Amylase increased 5 1 Pancreatic Events In addition to increases in amylase and lipase observed in Study 1, pancreatic events, including pancreatitis and pancreatic cysts have been observed in patients taking ZILBRYSQ [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] .

Adverse Laboratory

Changes in Clinical Trials Additional laboratory abnormalities included transient elevations of blood eosinophils, which were of uncertain clinical significance.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience Adverse Reactions from Observational Studies Morphea In the open-label extension studies, which included 213 patients, morphea was observed in 10 (5%) patients; most cases had a time to onset longer than one year after start of treatment and were mild to moderate in severity. One patient discontinued ZILBRYSQ because of morphea.

FDA Boxed Warning

BLACK BOX WARNING

WARNING: SERIOUS MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS ZILBRYSQ, a complement inhibitor, increases the risk of serious infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in patients treated with complement inhibitors. These infections may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early. Complete or update vaccination for meningococcal bacteria (for serogroups A, C, W, Y, and B) at least 2 weeks prior to the first dose of ZILBRYSQ, unless the risks of delaying therapy outweigh the risk of developing a serious infection. Comply with the most current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for vaccination against meningococcal bacteria in patients receiving a complement inhibitor.

See

Warnings and Precautions (5.1) for additional guidance on the management of the risk of serious infections caused by meningococcal bacteria. Patients receiving ZILBRYSQ are at increased risk for invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis , even if they develop antibodies following vaccination. Monitor patients for early signs and symptoms of serious meningococcal infections and evaluate immediately if infection is suspected. Because of the risk of serious meningococcal infections, ZILBRYSQ is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called ZILBRYSQ REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . WARNING: SERIOUS MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. ZILBRYSQ increases the risk of serious and life-threatening infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis . ( 5.1 ) Complete or update meningococcal vaccination at least 2 weeks prior to the first dose of ZILBRYSQ, unless the risks of delaying ZILBRYSQ outweigh the risks of developing a serious infection. Comply with the most current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for meningococcal vaccination in patients receiving a complement inhibitor. ( 5.1 ) Patients receiving ZILBRYSQ are at increased risk for invasive disease caused by N. meningitidis , even if they develop antibodies following vaccination. Monitor patients for early signs and symptoms of meningococcal infections and evaluate immediately if infection is suspected. ( 5.1 ) ZILBRYSQ is available only through a restricted program called ZILBRYSQ REMS. ( 5.2 )

Warnings

AND PRECAUTIONS Other Infections: Use caution when administering ZILBRYSQ to patients with any other systemic infection. ( 5.3 ) Pancreatitis and pancreatic cysts have been reported in patients treated with ZILBRYSQ. Discontinue ZILBRYSQ in patients with suspected pancreatitis and initiate appropriate management until pancreatitis is ruled out or has resolved. ( 5.4 )

5.1 Serious Meningococcal Infections ZILBRYSQ, a complement inhibitor, increases a patient&apos;s susceptibility to serious, life-threatening, or fatal infections caused by meningococcal bacteria (septicemia and/or meningitis) in any serogroup, including non-groupable strains. Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients treated with complement inhibitors. The initiation of ZILBRYSQ treatment is contraindicated in patients with unresolved serious Neisseria meningitidis infection. Complete or update meningococcal vaccination (for serogroups A, C, W, Y and B) at least 2 weeks prior to administration of the first dose of ZILBRYSQ, according to current ACIP recommendations for patients receiving a complement inhibitor. Revaccinate patients in accordance with ACIP recommendations considering the duration of ZILBRYSQ therapy. Note that ACIP recommends an administration schedule in patients receiving complement inhibitors that differs from the administration schedule in the vaccine prescribing information. If urgent ZILBRYSQ therapy is indicated in a patient who is not up to date with meningococcal vaccines according to ACIP recommendations, provide the patient with antibacterial drug prophylaxis and administer meningococcal vaccines as soon as possible. Various durations and regimens of antibacterial drug prophylaxis have been considered, but the optimal durations and drug regimens for prophylaxis and their efficacy have not been studied in unvaccinated or vaccinated patients receiving complement inhibitors, including ZILBRYSQ. The benefits and risks of treatment with ZILBRYSQ, as well as the benefits and risks of antibacterial drug prophylaxis in unvaccinated or vaccinated patients, must be considered against the known risks for serious infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis . Vaccination does not eliminate the risk of meningococcal infections, despite development of antibodies following vaccination. Closely monitor patients for early signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection and evaluate patients immediately if infection is suspected. Inform patients of these signs and symptoms and instruct patients to seek immediate medical care if these signs and symptoms occur. Promptly treat known infections. Meningococcal infection may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early. Consider interruption of ZILBRYSQ in patients who are undergoing treatment for serious meningococcal infection, depending on the risks of interrupting treatment in the disease being treated [ see Contraindications (4) ] . ZILBRYSQ is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]</span> .

5.2 ZILBRYSQ REMS ZILBRYSQ is available only through a restricted program under a REMS called ZILBRYSQ REMS, because of the risk of serious meningococcal infections <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]</span> . Notable requirements of the ZILBRYSQ REMS include the following: Prescribers must enroll in the REMS. Prescribers must counsel patients about the risk of serious meningococcal infection. Prescribers must provide the patients with the REMS educational materials. Prescribers must assess patient vaccination status for meningococcal vaccines (against serogroups A, C, W, Y, and B) and vaccinate if needed according to current ACIP recommendations two weeks prior to the first dose of ZILBRYSQ. Prescribers must provide a prescription for antibacterial drug prophylaxis if treatment must be started urgently and the patient is not up to date with meningococcal vaccines according to current ACIP recommendations at least two weeks prior to the first dose of ZILBRYSQ. Pharmacies that dispense ZILBRYSQ must be certified in the REMS and must verify prescribers are certified. Patients must receive counseling from the prescriber about the need to receive meningococcal vaccines per ACIP recommendations, the need to take antibiotics as directed by the prescriber, and the signs and symptoms of meningococcal infection. Patients must be instructed to carry the Patient Safety Card with them at all times during and for 2 months following treatment discontinuation with ZILBRYSQ. Further information is available at www.ZILBRYSQREMS.com or 1-877-414-8353.

5.3 Other Infections Serious infections with Neisseria species (other than Neisseria meningitidis ), including disseminated gonococcal infections, have been reported in patients treated with complement inhibitors. ZILBRYSQ blocks terminal complement activation; therefore, patients may have increased susceptibility to infections, especially with encapsulated bacteria, such as infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis but also Streptococcus pneumoniae , Haemophilus influenzae , and to a lesser extent, Neisseria gonorrhoeae . Administer vaccinations for the prevention of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection according to ACIP recommendations. Patients receiving ZILBRYSQ are at increased risk for infections due to these organisms, even if they develop antibodies following vaccination.

5.4 Pancreatitis and Other Pancreatic Conditions Pancreatitis and pancreatic cysts have been reported in patients treated with ZILBRYSQ. During the open-label extension studies, seven (3.3%) patients experienced pancreatic events, including 4 (1.9%) patients with pancreatitis and 3 (1.4%) with pancreatic cysts. In the 3-month, double-blind Study 1, adverse reactions of increased lipase were reported in six (6.9%) patients treated with ZILBRYSQ compared to no patients on placebo, and adverse reactions of increased amylase were reported in four (4.7%) patients treated with ZILBRYSQ compared to one (1.1%) patient on placebo. Lipase levels exceeded three times the upper limit of normal in six (7%) patients after being started on ZILBRYSQ compared to no patients on placebo. Patients should be informed of this risk before starting ZILBRYSQ. Obtain lipase and amylase levels at baseline before starting treatment with ZILBRYSQ. Discontinue ZILBRYSQ in patients with suspected pancreatitis and initiate appropriate management until pancreatitis is ruled out or has resolved.