Fitusiran
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Anum Ijaz M.B.B.S., M.D.[2]
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Overview
Fitusiran is an antithrombin-directed small interfering ribonucleic acid that is FDA approved for the prophylaxis of to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with hemophilia A or B with or without factor VIII or IX inhibitors.. Common adverse reactions include viral infection, nasopharyngitis, and bacterial infection..
Adult Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)
FDA-Labeled Indications
- QFITLIA is indicated for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with hemophilia A or B with or without factor VIII or IX inhibitors.
Dosage
Recommended Dosage
- For subcutaneous use only.
- Use of QFITLIA is recommended under the supervision of a healthcare professional experienced in the treatment of hemophilia or bleeding disorders.
- Measure AT activity prior to initiation of QFITLIA. Do not initiate QFITLIA dosing if AT activity is <60%.
- Monitor AT activity using an FDA-cleared test. Information on FDA-cleared tests for AT activity is available at http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics.
- After QFITLIA is initiated, patients may continue their prior clotting factor concentrates (CFC) or bypassing agent (BPA) prophylaxis for the first 7 days of treatment. Discontinue CFC or BPA prophylaxis no later than 7 days after the initial dose of QFITLIA.
- The starting dose of QFITLIA is 50 mg once subcutaneously every two months. Adjust the dose and/or dosing interval, if needed, to maintain AT activity between 15–35%.
Dosage Modification
Measure AT activity using an FDA-cleared test at Weeks 4 (Month 1), 12 (Month 3), 20 (Month 5) and 24 (Month 6) following the starting dose and after any dose modification.
- If any AT activity is <15%, a dose reduction is required. The lower dose should be initiated 3 months after the prior dose. AT measurements should be restarted after a dose reduction.
- If AT activity is >35% after 6 months, or if the patient has not achieved satisfactory bleed control, dose escalation should be considered. AT measurements should be restarted after a dose escalation.
- Once the patient's target dose is identified based on AT activity 15–35%, measure AT activity annually. Additional AT measurements can be considered if bleeding control is not adequate.
- After cessation of QFITLIA dosing, routine AT monitoring is not needed unless the patient is bleeding and treatment with CFC/BPA is required. Based on data from the clinical studies, a majority of patients have AT activity >60% by 6 months after the last QFITLIA dose, after which standard doses of CFC/BPA may be used.
Missed Dose If a dose of QFITLIA is missed, administer as soon as possible; thereafter, resume the patient's usual dosing schedule of either once every month or once every two months, as applicable, from the last dose.
Bleed Management
Breakthrough Bleed Management
- If breakthrough bleeding requiring on-demand treatment with CFC or BPA occurs during the first 7 days after QFITLIA initiation, manage the bleed using the patient's prior dosing regimen of CFC or BPA.
- If breakthrough bleeding occurs after 7 days from the first QFITLIA dose, bleeds should be managed with a reduced dose and frequency of CFC/BPA to minimize the risk of thrombotic events. Initially, the weight-based dose of a CFC/BPA should be reduced, and the dosing interval doubled compared to the standard dose.
- This reduced dosing is shown in the table on right. If adequate hemostatic control is not achieved, higher doses may be used based on clinical judgement. Combination use of antifibrinolytics with CFC or BPA has not been studied.
add breakthru bleed table
- Use clinical judgement for situations requiring higher doses, more frequent administration, or multiple repeat doses.
Use standard of care for adjunctive management of bleeding episodes and thrombotic events.
Use of QFITLIA During Surgical Interventions In clinical studies, patients with hemophilia A or B with or without inhibitors have undergone both major (N=60) and minor (N=71) surgical procedures without discontinuing QFITLIA prophylaxis. Utilize bleed management guidelines during the perioperative period for hemostatic management.
Dosage forms and Strengths
QFITLIA is a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution in a single-dose:
- Injection: 50 mg/0.5 mL prefilled pen
- Injection: 20 mg/0.2 mL vial
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)
Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Fitusiran in adult patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Fitusiran in adult patients.
Pediatric Indications and Dosage
FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)
FDA-Labeled Indications
- QFITLIA is indicated for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with hemophilia A or B with or without factor VIII or IX inhibitors.
Dosage
Recommended Dosage
- For subcutaneous use only.
- Use of QFITLIA is recommended under the supervision of a healthcare professional experienced in the treatment of hemophilia or bleeding disorders.
- Measure AT activity prior to initiation of QFITLIA. Do not initiate QFITLIA dosing if AT activity is <60%.
- Monitor AT activity using an FDA-cleared test. Information on FDA-cleared tests for AT activity is available at http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics.
- After QFITLIA is initiated, patients may continue their prior clotting factor concentrates (CFC) or bypassing agent (BPA) prophylaxis for the first 7 days of treatment. Discontinue CFC or BPA prophylaxis no later than 7 days after the initial dose of QFITLIA.
- The starting dose of QFITLIA is 50 mg once subcutaneously every two months. Adjust the dose and/or dosing interval, if needed, to maintain AT activity between 15–35%.
Dosage Modification
Measure AT activity using an FDA-cleared test at Weeks 4 (Month 1), 12 (Month 3), 20 (Month 5) and 24 (Month 6) following the starting dose and after any dose modification.
- If any AT activity is <15%, a dose reduction is required. The lower dose should be initiated 3 months after the prior dose. AT measurements should be restarted after a dose reduction.
- If AT activity is >35% after 6 months, or if the patient has not achieved satisfactory bleed control, dose escalation should be considered. AT measurements should be restarted after a dose escalation.
- Once the patient's target dose is identified based on AT activity 15–35%, measure AT activity annually. Additional AT measurements can be considered if bleeding control is not adequate.
- After cessation of QFITLIA dosing, routine AT monitoring is not needed unless the patient is bleeding and treatment with CFC/BPA is required. Based on data from the clinical studies, a majority of patients have AT activity >60% by 6 months after the last QFITLIA dose, after which standard doses of CFC/BPA may be used.
Missed Dose If a dose of QFITLIA is missed, administer as soon as possible; thereafter, resume the patient's usual dosing schedule of either once every month or once every two months, as applicable, from the last dose.
Bleed Management
Breakthrough Bleed Management
- If breakthrough bleeding requiring on-demand treatment with CFC or BPA occurs during the first 7 days after QFITLIA initiation, manage the bleed using the patient's prior dosing regimen of CFC or BPA.
- If breakthrough bleeding occurs after 7 days from the first QFITLIA dose, bleeds should be managed with a reduced dose and frequency of CFC/BPA to minimize the risk of thrombotic events. Initially, the weight-based dose of a CFC/BPA should be reduced, and the dosing interval doubled compared to the standard dose.
- This reduced dosing is shown in the table on right. If adequate hemostatic control is not achieved, higher doses may be used based on clinical judgement. Combination use of antifibrinolytics with CFC or BPA has not been studied.
add breakthru bleed table
- Use clinical judgement for situations requiring higher doses, more frequent administration, or multiple repeat doses.
Use standard of care for adjunctive management of bleeding episodes and thrombotic events.
Use of QFITLIA During Surgical Interventions In clinical studies, patients with hemophilia A or B with or without inhibitors have undergone both major (N=60) and minor (N=71) surgical procedures without discontinuing QFITLIA prophylaxis. Utilize bleed management guidelines during the perioperative period for hemostatic management.
Dosage forms and Strengths
QFITLIA is a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution in a single-dose:
- Injection: 50 mg/0.5 mL prefilled pen
- Injection: 20 mg/0.2 mL vial
Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)
Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Fitusiran in pediatric patients.
Non–Guideline-Supported Use
There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Fitusiran in pediatric patients.
Contraindications
None.
Warnings
Thrombotic Events
- Serious thrombotic events have been reported in QFITLIA-treated patients. Thrombotic events were reported in 2.6% of patients receiving the 80 mg once monthly dose (2.3 events per 100 person-years), including a fatal event of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. The 80 mg once monthly dose is not approved or recommended for use.
- Thrombotic events were reported in 1.4% of patients receiving QFITLIA prophylaxis using the antithrombin-based dose regimen (AT-DR) that targeted AT activity 15-35% (0.8 events per 100 person-years). Participants with established thrombophilia or a history of thrombosis were generally excluded from studies with QFITLIA.
- The risk of thrombosis is greater in patients with persistent AT activity <15%, with comorbidities that predispose to thrombosis, when bleed management guidelines are not followed in the post-operative setting, when there is an indwelling venous catheter, and with use of the 80 mg once monthly (non-AT-based) dose.
- Treatment of breakthrough bleeding episodes with CFC or BPA at a dose greater or more frequent than recommended may also increase thrombotic risk. The decision to utilize higher dosing regimens of CFC or BPA in the setting of inadequate hemostasis requires an assessment of the benefits and risks and close clinical monitoring.
- Monitor AT activity using an FDA-cleared test and target AT activity 15–35% to reduce the risk of thrombosis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of thrombotic events. Interrupt QFITLIA prophylaxis in patients with a thrombotic event and manage as clinically indicated.
- Inform patients treated with QFITLIA to monitor for and report signs and symptoms of thrombotic events. Consider the benefits and risks of resuming QFITLIA prophylaxis following resolution of the thrombotic event.
Acute and Recurrent Gallbladder Disease
- Treatment with QFITLIA is associated with an increased occurrence of acute and recurrent gallbladder disease including cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. QFITLIA at a fixed dose (including 80 mg once monthly) is not approved or recommended for use.
- In the 270 patients in the QFITLIA clinical studies who received the fixed dose (non-AT-based dose) once monthly regimen, 17% experienced gallbladder events and 4% (11 patients) underwent cholecystectomy.
- In 286 patients who received the AT-DR, 3.8% experienced gallbladder events and 0.3% (1 patient) underwent cholecystectomy.
- All but one of the patients who underwent cholecystectomy resumed QFITLIA after surgery. One patient who started on fixed dosing experienced cholangitis and pancreatitis caused by gallstone disease more than a year after cholecystectomy while receiving AT-DR.
- Patients diagnosed with acute or recurrent gallbladder disease most commonly presented with epigastric pain, generalized abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea and/or vomiting. If gallbladder disease is suspected, appropriate imaging and clinical follow-up are indicated.
- Consider alternative treatment for hemophilia in patients with a history of symptomatic gallbladder disease. Consider interruption or discontinuation of QFITLIA if gallbladder disease occurs.
Hepatotoxicity
- In the two randomized studies testing QFITLIA 80 mg once monthly, serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) elevations above 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) occurred in 32% of patients with hemophilia with inhibitors and 18% of patients with hemophilia without inhibitors compared to no events of AST or ALT elevation greater than 3× ULN in the control groups.
- There was one case of moderate hepatic injury (ALT elevation >300 U/L and total serum bilirubin >3 mg/dL) attributable to QFITLIA use. This patient had elevation of liver tests after a single 80 mg dose that continued to rise with repeated dosing of QFITLIA 80 mg once monthly. This patient's liver tests recovered with drug discontinuation. QFITLIA 80 mg once monthly is not approved or recommended for use.
- On the AT-DR, 3.4% of patients treated with QFITLIA had at least one ALT value greater than 3× ULN with a median onset of 89 days after initial dosing (range 15 to 768 days).
- Avoid use of QFITLIA in patients with hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A, B and C).
- Obtain baseline liver tests including AST, ALT, and total bilirubin prior to initiating QFITLIA, monthly for at least the first 6 months of QFITLIA use, and monthly for at least 6 months after a dose increase, and periodically thereafter as clinically indicated.
- If new or worsening liver test abnormalities occur, perform appropriate diagnostic evaluations, initiate medical management as appropriate and monitor laboratory parameters until they return to baseline. If ALT or AST elevations greater than 5× ULN occur, interrupt QFITLIA treatment.
- Consider the benefits and risks of resuming QFITLIA prophylaxis following resolution of transaminase elevations. If you decide to restart QFITLIA, wait until liver tests have returned to baseline. If QFITLIA is restarted and ALT or AST elevations greater than 5× ULN reoccur or the patient experiences jaundice (total bilirubin ≥2.5 mg/dL) thought to be from hepatotoxicity with other causes of liver test elevation ruled out, permanently discontinue QFITLIA.
Adverse Reactions
Clinical Trials Experience
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 pooled safety population described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflect exposure to QFITLIA as fixed doses and AT-DR (N=335).
- The safety of the QFITLIA AT-DR was assessed in 286 adult and pediatric male patients with hemophilia A or B with or without inhibitors [see Clinical Studies (14)].
- Among patients who received the AT-DR, 93% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 83% were exposed for 12 months or longer. The median duration of exposure across the studies was 674 days (with a maximum of 896 days).
- Serious adverse reactions occurred in 4/286 (1.4%) patients who received the AT-DR, two of whom had serious adverse reactions of cholecystitis.
- Permanent discontinuation of QFITLIA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 4/286 (1.4%) patients receiving the AT-DR and included liver injury, post-operative deep vein thrombosis, cerebral infarction and pruritus.
- Dosage interruptions of QFITLIA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 2/286 (0.7%) patients receiving the AT-DR and included increased serum transaminases.
- The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) reported in patients treated with the AT-DR were viral infection, nasopharyngitis, and bacterial infection.
- Clinically relevant adverse reactions in less than 5% of patients include:
Dyspepsia, Abdominal pain.
Postmarketing Experience
There is limited information regarding Fitusiran Postmarketing Experience in the drug label.
Drug Interactions
Hypercoagulability with Concomitant Use of CFC or BPA
- QFITLIA prophylaxis leads to increased thrombin generation with additive increase in peak thrombin when used concomitantly with CFC or BPA.
Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category (FDA): Risk Summary
- There are no available data on QFITLIA use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.
- Reproduction studies in pregnant animals have not been conducted with fitusiran.
- It is not known whether QFITLIA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. QFITLIA should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risks, including those to the fetus.
- The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively.
Pregnancy Category (AUS):
There is no Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) guidance on usage of Fitusiran in women who are pregnant.
Labor and Delivery
There is no FDA guidance on use of Fitusiran during labor and delivery.
Nursing Mothers
Risk Summary
- There are no data on the presence of fitusiran or its metabolite in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production.
- It is not known whether QFITLIA is safe for use during breastfeeding.
- The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for QFITLIA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from QFITLIA or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
- The safety and effectiveness of QFITLIA for the treatment of hemophilia A or B with or without factor VIII or IX inhibitors have been established in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older.
- Use of QFITLIA in pediatric patients with hemophilia A and B is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adult and pediatric patients.
- A total of 60 pediatric patients ages 12 to 17 were treated with QFITLIA in the clinical studies.
- The safety and effectiveness of QFITLIA have not been established in pediatric patients below 12 years of age.
Geriatic Use
There were 3 patients with hemophilia 65 years of age and older in the clinical studies on QFITLIA. Clinical studies of QFITLIA did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Gender
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Fitusiran with respect to specific gender populations.
Race
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Fitusiran with respect to specific racial populations.
Renal Impairment
There is no FDA guidance on the use of Fitusiran in patients with renal impairment.
Hepatic Impairment
Serum transaminase elevations have been observed in the clinical studies. Avoid use of QFITLIA in patients with established hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A, B and C).
Females of Reproductive Potential and Males
Contraception
Females Use of QFITLIA in women using hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of thrombotic events. Estrogen based hormonal contraceptives are an established risk factor for thrombosis in women with inherited AT deficiency. Advise patients using hormonal contraceptives to use an alternative non-hormonal contraception prior to starting treatment with and while receiving QFITLIA.
Immunocompromised Patients
There is no FDA guidance one the use of Fitusiran in patients who are immunocompromised.
Administration and Monitoring
Administration
- QFITLIA is intended for use under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Provide proper training to patients and/or caregivers on the preparation and administration of QFITLIA prior to use, according to the Instructions for Use (IFU).
- A patient may self-inject QFITLIA or the patient's caregiver may administer QFITLIA.
- In pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age, it is recommended that QFITLIA be administered by or under the supervision of an adult.
- QFITLIA for subcutaneous administration is a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution. Do not use if the solution is discolored or cloudy, or if it contains visible flakes or particles. Do not use QFITLIA if it has been dropped or damaged.
- If QFITLIA is stored at room temperature, it is ready for use. If QFITLIA is stored in the refrigerator, remove from the refrigerator and allow QFITLIA to reach room temperature, for at least 30 minutes.
- Administer QFITLIA by subcutaneous injection in the thigh or abdomen region, except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around the navel. A caregiver can also inject QFITLIA in the outer area of the patient's upper arm. QFITLIA should not be injected into skin that is tender, damaged, bruised, or scarred. Do not inject into a vein.
- To inject 10 mg or 20 mg of QFITLIA from the single-dose vial, it is recommended to use a sterile 1 mL Luer Lock syringe (polypropylene or polycarbonate), and a sterile 27 gauge ½ inch (13 mm) Luer Lock needle to withdraw and inject QFITLIA solution subcutaneously (see the Instructions for Use).
- Discard unused product remaining in the prefilled pen or vial.
Monitoring
There is limited information regarding Fitusiran Monitoring in the drug label.
IV Compatibility
There is limited information regarding the compatibility of Fitusiran and IV administrations.
Overdosage
There is limited information regarding Fitusiran overdosage. If you suspect drug poisoning or overdose, please contact the National Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) immediately.
Pharmacology
There is limited information regarding Fitusiran Pharmacology in the drug label.
Mechanism of Action
- QFITLIA is a double-stranded siRNA that causes degradation of AT messenger RNA (mRNA) through RNA interference, reducing plasma AT levels.
Structure
QFITLIA injection contains fitusiran, an antithrombin-directed double-stranded small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA), which is covalently linked to a ligand containing a triantennary N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) moiety. The molecular formula of fitusiran sodium is C520H636F21N175Na43O309P43S6 and the molecular weight is 17,193 Da. Fitusiran drug substance is a white to pale yellow powder and freely soluble in water and phosphate buffered saline. The pH of a 1% aqueous solution of fitusiran drug substance in 50 mM KCl is 5.4 (4.4–7.3). It has the following structural formula:
aDD STRUCTURE IMAGE
Pharmacodynamics
- In clinical studies with QFITLIA in hemophilia patients, the primary pharmacodynamic (PD) measure was plasma AT activity. Lower AT activity levels were associated with lower annualized bleeding rates (ABR); however, persistent AT activity <15% is a risk factor for thrombotic events.
- In Study LTE15174, the mean (SD) AT activity on the AT-DR was 24% (4.64).
- Simulations to estimate time for AT activity to reach steady state found that regardless of the dose regimen, more than 99% of participants reached steady state AT levels (defined as <10% variability among consecutive measures) within 23 weeks following initiation of QFITLIA dosing or following dose escalation or de-escalation.
- The duration of persistent AT activity <60% (non-negligible impact of QFITLIA on coagulation) following QFITLIA treatment discontinuation was estimated to be approximately 6 months, after which standard doses of CFC/BPA may be administered. In patients with AT activity <15%, the time required prior to initiation of a lower dose was estimated to be 12 weeks to maximize the AT activity recovery to the target range of 15% to 35%.
- Extent of AT reduction with QFITLIA did not differ between patients with hemophilia A or B, with or without inhibitors.
Pharmacokinetics
- QFITLIA PD is driven by liver PK rather than plasma PK. The QFITLIA dosing strategy is based on maintaining plasma AT activity levels between 15–35% with 10, 20 or 50 mg dosing every month or every two months.
Specific Populations
- QFITLIA has only been studied in male patients. The pharmacokinetics of fitusiran is not influenced by race. QFITLIA has not been studied in children <12 years old.
- No clinical study to evaluate the effect of hepatic impairment or renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of QFITLIA was conducted. In the pivotal studies, 12 patients had mild renal impairment (eGFR ≥60 to <90 mL/min/1.73 m2) and 1 patient had moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 to <60 mL/min/1.73 m2).
- Population PK analysis indicated no impact of renal impairment on the exposure (Cmax and AUC) of QFITLIA in patients with mild renal impairment.
Drug Interaction Studies'
- Clinical Studies
No clinical drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted to evaluate the potential of QFITLIA to interact with other co-administered drugs which are either substrates, inhibitors or inducers of CYP isozymes, or are substrates or inhibitors of drug transporters.
- In Vitro Studies
Results from in vitro studies evaluating the potential of co-administered drugs to increase the PK exposure of QFITLIA, and the potential of QFITLIA to increase the PK exposure of co-administered drugs, indicate that CYP- or transporter-mediated interactions between QFITLIA and co-administered drugs are unlikely at clinically relevant concentrations.
Immunogenicity
- The observed incidence of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay.
- Differences in assay methods preclude meaningful comparisons of the incidence of ADA in the studies described below with the incidence of ADA in other studies, including those of QFITLIA or of other fitusiran products.
- During QFITLIA treatment (up to 250 weeks) in four studies, 10 out of 290 adults with hemophilia (3.4%) developed ADAs. All patients had low ADA titers, and the majority of patients had transient ADAs.
- There was no identified clinically significant effect of ADAs on PK, PD, safety, or effectiveness of QFITLIA.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
- In a 2-year carcinogenicity study in Sprague Dawley rats, fitusiran was not carcinogenic up to the highest dose tested following subcutaneous administration at doses of 0.03, 0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg/week in males and 0.1, 0.3, or 1 mg/kg/week in females.
- All doses in males and females were below the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 50 mg per month based on body surface area (BSA) comparisons due to the sensitivity of wild type animals to the pharmacological effects of fitusiran.
- Fitusiran was not carcinogenic in Tg-rasH2 mice following subcutaneous administration at doses of 0.05, 0.15, or 0.5 mg/kg/week in males and 0.025, 0.08, or 0.25 mg/kg/week in females for 26 weeks.
- Fitusiran was not mutagenic or clastogenic in a battery of genetic toxicity studies (i.e., in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay, in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes; in vivo bone marrow micronucleus test in rats).
- In a chronic repeat dose toxicology study in Sprague Dawley rats, fitusiran-treated males received subcutaneous doses of 0.25, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg/week for 16 weeks then were cohabitated with fitusiran-naïve females.
- No adverse effects on male fertility endpoints were observed. All doses used in males were below the MRHD based on BSA comparisons due to the sensitivity of wild type animals to the pharmacological effects of fitusiran.
Clinical Studies
The efficacy and safety of QFITLIA in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with hemophilia A or B with or without inhibitors were established in two clinical studies:
- Hemophilia A or B with Inhibitory Antibodies: ATLAS-INH (NCT03417102)
- Hemophilia A or B without Inhibitory Antibodies: ATLAS-A/B (NCT03417245)
ATLAS-INH
- ATLAS-INH was a randomized, multicenter, open-label clinical study in 57 adult and pediatric males (aged ≥12 years) with hemophilia A or B with inhibitory antibodies to factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX (FIX), who previously received on-demand (episodic) treatment with BPAs for bleeding.
- Eligible patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive QFITLIA prophylaxis at a fixed dose 80 mg SC monthly (N=38) or BPA on-demand for treatment of breakthrough bleeding episodes (N=19) for 9 months.
- The 80 mg dose of QFITLIA is not approved because of an increased risk of serious thrombotic events, gallbladder events (including the need for cholecystectomy) and hepatotoxicity.
- Of the 57 enrolled patients all had inhibitors; 45 patients had Hemophilia A and 12 had Hemophilia B.
- All patients in the study were male. The mean age of patients was 28.4 years, and 10 (17.5%) patients were 12–17 years of age. A total of 68.4% of patients were Asian, 28.1% were White, 1.8% were other, and 1.8% were multiple races; 5.3% patients identified as Hispanic or Latino and 94.7% identified as not Hispanic or Latino.
- Generally, the demographic and patient characteristics at baseline were comparable between the patients with hemophilia A and B.
ATLAS A/B
- ATLAS A/B was a randomized, multicenter, open-label clinical study in 120 adult and pediatric males (aged ≥12 years) with hemophilia A or B without inhibitory antibodies to FVIII or FIX, who previously received on-demand (episodic) treatment with CFC for bleeding.
- Eligible patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive QFITLIA prophylaxis at a fixed dose of 80 mg SC monthly (N=80) or CFCs on-demand to treat breakthrough bleeding episodes (N=40) for 9 months. The 80 mg dose of QFITLIA is not approved because of an increased risk of serious thrombotic events, gallbladder events (including the need for cholecystectomy) and hepatotoxicity.
- Of the 120 enrolled patients none had inhibitors; 93 patients had Hemophilia A and 27 had Hemophilia B.
- All patients in the study were male. The mean age of patients was 33.8 years, and 14 (11.7%) patients were 12–17 years of age. A total of 59.2% of patients were Asian, 37.5% were White, 1.7% were Black or African American, and 1.7% were multiple races; 3.3% of patients identified as Hispanic or Latino, 90.8% identified as not Hispanic or Latino, and 5.8% had ethnicity information unreported.
- Generally, the demographic and patient characteristics at baseline were comparable between the patients with hemophilia A and B.
ATLAS-OLE
- A total of 227 patients rolled over from two clinical studies (ATLAS-INH and ATLAS-A/B) and ATLAS-PPX, a crossover study in patients previously on CFC or BPA prophylaxis, and were treated with QFITLIA in ATLAS-OLE.
- This multicenter open-label extension study evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of QFITLIA in adult and pediatric males aged ≥12 years with hemophilia A or B, with or without inhibitory antibodies to FVIII or FIX.
- Eligible patients initially received QFITLIA 80 mg SC once monthly. The study was amended to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the AT-DR. A total of 213 patients were subsequently transitioned to AT-DR targeting AT activity of 15–35%.
- In the AT-DR, the QFITLIA starting dose was 50 mg every two months, and dosing was individually adjusted based on AT activity level using the INNOVANCE Antithrombin assay.
- The dose could be increased to 50 mg every month or 80 mg every month or decreased to 20 mg every two months or 20 mg every month. QFITLIA was discontinued if AT activity was <15% at the lowest dose. No patients required escalation to 80 mg every month to achieve the target AT range.
- The dose required to maintain AT activity 15–35% in patients who initiated dosing on 50 mg every two months was: 50 mg every two months (35.8% of patients), 50 mg every month (15.7% of patients), 20 mg every two months (30.9% of patients), or 20 mg every month (2.9% of patients). A total of 14.7% of patients discontinued QFITLIA due to more than one AT activity <15%.
- Patients with known co-existing coagulation disorders other than hemophilia A or B, increased risk of thrombosis as assessed by history of arterial or venous thromboembolism, significant valvular disease or atrial fibrillation, or co-existing thrombophilic disorder (e.g., Factor V Leiden mutation), AT activity <60% at screening, platelet count ≤100,000/μL, eGFR ≤45 mL/min (using the MDRD), or clinically significant liver disease were not eligible for enrollment.
- The efficacy of QFITLIA AT-DR in ATLAS-OLE was evaluated for a duration of 7 months (primary efficacy period) following a 6-month dose adjustment period. The median observed annualized bleeding rate (IQR) for treated bleeds was 3.7 (0.0; 7.5) overall, 1.9 (0.0; 5.6) in inhibitor patients and 3.8 (0.0; 11.2) in non-inhibitor patients.
How Supplied
- QFITLIA (fitusiran) is a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution supplied in a single-dose prefilled pen or a single-dose vial. Each prefilled pen is designed to deliver 50 mg of QFITLIA in 0.5 mL (NDC 58468-0348-1).
- Each vial is designed to deliver 20 mg of QFITLIA in 0.2 mL (NDC 58468-0347-1).
- QFITLIA is available in cartons containing 1 prefilled pen or 1 vial.
Storage
50 mg Prefilled Pen
- Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the original carton to protect from light.
- QFITLIA may be stored at room temperature between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) for a single period of up to 3 months within the expiration date printed on the label. Discard no later than 3 months after removal from the refrigerator or at the expiration date, whichever comes first. After storage at room temperature, do not return the product to the refrigerator.
20 mg Vial
- Store QFITLIA either in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) or at room temperature between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), in the original carton to protect from light. After storage at room temperature, do not return the product to the refrigerator.
- Do not shake QFITLIA at any time. Do not heat QFITLIA. Do not freeze. Do not put into direct sunlight.
Images
Drug Images
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Package and Label Display Panel
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Patient Counseling Information
- Use of BPAs or CFCs
Advise the patient and/or caregiver to discontinue prophylactic use of BPA or CFC no later than 7 days after starting QFITLIA to reduce the risk of thrombotic events. Discuss the appropriate dosing and frequency of BPA or CFC for breakthrough bleed management with the patient and/or caregiver prior to starting QFITLIA prophylaxis [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
- Thrombotic Events
Advise the patient and/or caregiver of the risk of thrombotic events while receiving QFITLIA. Inform the patient and/or caregiver of the need for periodic measurements of AT activity that may result in changes to the QFITLIA dose and/or frequency of administration to reduce the risk for thrombosis. Educate patients on the signs and symptoms of thrombotic events and to seek immediate medical attention if new symptoms of thrombotic events occur.
- Acute and Recurrent Gallbladder Disease
Inform the patient and/or caregiver of the risk of acute and recurrent gallbladder disease while receiving QFITLIA. Educate patients on the signs and symptoms of gallbladder disease and to seek medical attention if new symptoms of gallbladder disease occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
- Hepatotoxicity
Inform the patient and/or caregiver of the risk of hepatotoxicity and that blood tests to monitor for this risk will be obtained before starting QFITLIA and periodically during treatment. Inform patients to seek medical attention if symptoms of hepatotoxicity occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
- Administration Instructions
Provide training to the patient and/or caregiver on proper subcutaneous injection technique, including aseptic technique, and the preparation and administration of QFITLIA prior to use
Precautions with Alcohol
Alcohol-Fitusiran interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor about the effects of taking alcohol with this medication.
Brand Names
QFITLIA
Look-Alike Drug Names
There is limited information regarding Fitusiran Look-Alike Drug Names in the drug label.
Price
References
The contents of this FDA label are provided by the National Library of Medicine.