CAS Registry Number: 159519-65-0
O NH2
O NH2
O
H
O
OH HO
HO HO
O
O O O O O
H
H H H H H
N N N N
H H
NH O O H2N HO
N N N N N N N H O H O H O H
O
N N N N
H H
O O
HO
O
HN
O
N
O OH NH
NH O
O
H2N HN
O O
NHH2N
HO
O HO
NH2
O
HN
H N
O
H
N
N O O H H
N N
O H
O O
H H
N N N N N H H H
O
H NH H N
O
N N H
O O O
O OH
HO O
O HN
NH
O
NH2
N H
N
H O
NH2 The empirical formula of enfuvirtide is C204H301N51O64, and the molecular weight is 4,492. It has the following primary amino acid sequence: Ac-Tyr-Thr-Ser-Leu-Ile-His-Ser-Leu-Ile-Glu-Glu-Ser-Gln-Asn-Gln-Gln-Glu-Lys-Asn-Glu-Gln- Glu-Leu-Leu-Glu-Leu-Asp-Lys-Trp-Ala-Ser-Leu-Trp-Asn-Trp-Phe-NH2
FUZEON (enfuvirtide) is derived from a naturally occurring motif, amino acid residues (643- 678) within the gp41 transmembrane glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 strain LAI (HIV-1LAI). Enfuvirtide is a linear 36-amino acid synthetic peptide, composed of naturally occurring L-amino acid residues. FUZEON is a white to off-white lyophilised powder. Each vial contains 108 mg enfuvirtide. Reconstituted FUZEON solution contains 90mg/mL of enfuvirtide. FUZEON also contains sodium carbonate (anhydrous), mannitol, sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid.
Enfuvirtide is a member of the therapeutic class called fusion inhibitors. It is an inhibitor of the structural rearrangement of HIV-1 gp41 that functions by specifically binding to this virus protein extracellularly and thereby blocking the virus from entering the cell. The antiviral activity of enfuvirtide results from its association with a heptad-repeat motif, HR1, within native gp41 on the viral surface.
Antiviral activity in vitro: The in vitro antiviral activity of enfuvirtide has been demonstrated for acute infection of T-lymphoblastoid cell lines, monocyte/macrophage cells, and primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by laboratory and clinical HIV-1 isolates. Enfuvirtide demonstrated selective anti-HIV-1 activity against both prototypic and primary virus isolates. Enfuvirtide susceptibility for 130 PBMC baseline virus isolates from enfuvirtide treated patients in Phase II clinical studies was determined in a cMAGI cell assay (CCR5 expressing derivative of the Multinuclear Activation of a Galactosidase Indicator cell line). Enfuvirtide had a geometric mean EC50 of 0.016 ug/mL (SD = 0.057) against these virus isolates. Enfuvirtide also inhibited HIV-1 envelope mediated cell-cell fusion. Drug combination studies of enfuvirtide with representative members of the various antiretroviral classes (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors; namely zidovudine, lamivudine, nelfinavir, indinavir, and efavirenz ) exhibited additive to synergistic effects in cell culture assays. The relationship between the in vitro susceptibility of HIV-1 to enfuvirtide and inhibition of HIV-1 replication in humans has not been established. The in vitro antiviral activity of enfuvirtide against HIV-2 isolates is low.
In Vitro Resistance to enfuvirtide: HIV-1 isolates with reduced susceptibility to enfuvirtide have been selected in vitro. These isolates harboured substitutions in amino acids 36-38 of the gp41 ectodomain and these substitutions were correlated with varying levels of reduced enfuvirtide susceptibility in HIV site-directed mutants. Mutations in gp41 amino acids 36-45 were observed with clinical isolates exhibiting decreased in vitro susceptibility to enfuvirtide in comparison to their respective baseline (i.e. pretreatment) isolate. Site directed mutagenesis in the HIV-1 NL4-3 molecular clone confirmed that mutations in gp41 amino acid residues 36-45 could confer decreased in vitro sensitivity to enfuvirtide.
In Vivo Resistance to enfuvirtide
: Post-treatment HIV-1 virus from 246 subjects experiencing protocol defined virological failure exhibited decreases in susceptibility to enfuvirtide ranging from 4 fold to 6318 fold relative to respective baseline virus and exhibited genotypic changes in gp41 amino acids 36 to 45. The substitutions observed in decreasing frequency were at amino acid positions 38, 43, 40, and 36. In isolates from subjects experiencing virological failure in Phase III clinical studies the two most common amino acid substitutions were V38A and N43D.
Cross resistance: Due to its novel viral target enfuvirtide is equally active in vitro against both wild-type laboratory and clinical isolates and those with resistance to 1, 2 or 3 classes of antiretrovirals (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors). These isolates had genotypic resistance specifically identified for: zidovudine, lamivudine, stavudine, didanosine, zalcitabine, abacavir, nevirapine, delavirdine, efavirenz, indinavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir and amprenavir; all were sensitive to enfuvirtide. Conversely, mutations in amino acids 36-45 of gp41 which give resistance to enfuvirtide would not be expected to give cross resistance to other classes of antiretrovirals.
The pharmacokinetic properties of enfuvirtide have been evaluated in HIV-1-infected adult and paediatric patients. Absorption- The pharmacokinetics of enfuvirtide has been explored by both intravenous (iv) and subcutaneous (sc) administration and they provide similar exposures. The absolute bioavailability (using the 90 mg iv dose as a reference) was 84.3 +- 15.5%. Following 90 mg bid dosing of enfuvirtide subcutaneously in 11 HIV-1 infected patients, the mean (+- SD) steady state Cmax was 5.0 +- 1.7 g/mL, Ctrough was 3.3 +- 1.6 g/mL, AUC 0-12h was 48.7 +- 19.1 g *h/mL and the median Tmax was 4 hours. The subcutaneous absorption of enfuvirtide is proportional to the administered dose over the 45 to 180 mg dose range. Subcutaneous absorption at the 90 mg dose is comparable when injected into the abdomen, thigh or arm. In four separate studies (n = 9 to 12) the mean steady state trough plasma concentration ranged from 2.6 to 3.4 g/mL. Distribution- The mean (+- SD) steady state volume of distribution with intravenous administration of a 90 mg dose of enfuvirtide (n=12) was 5.5 1.1 L. Enfuvirtide is 92% bound to plasma proteins in HIV infected plasma over a plasma concentration range of 2 to 10 g/mL. It is bound predominantly to albumin and to a lower extent to -1 acid glycoprotein. No data is available on distribution to semen, breast milk or vaginal secretions. Enfuvirtide levels in the cerebrospinal fluid measured in a small number of HIV-infected patients were reported to be negligible. The molecule may be too large to pass the blood brain barrier. Metabolism- As a peptide, enfuvirtide is expected to undergo catabolism to its constituent amino acids, with subsequent recycling of the amino acids in the body pool. In vitro human microsomal studies indicate that enfuvirtide is not an inhibitor of CYP450 enzymes. In in-vitro human microsomal and hepatocyte studies, hydrolysis of the amide group of the C-terminus amino acid, phenylalanine results in a deamidated metabolite and the formation of this metabolite is not NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) dependent. This metabolite is detected in human plasma following administration of enfuvirtide, with an AUC ranging from 2.4 to 15 % of the enfuvirtide AUC. Elimination- Following a 90 mg subcutaneous dose of enfuvirtide (n=12) the mean SD elimination half-life of enfuvirtide was 3.8 0.6 h and the mean SD clearance was 1.7 0.4 L/h. Mass balance studies to determine elimination pathway(s) of enfuvirtide have not been performed in humans..
The pharmacokinetics of enfuvirtide have not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment.
Analysis of plasma concentration data from patients in clinical trials indicated that the clearance of enfuvirtide is not affected to any clinically relevant extent in patients with creatinine clearance greater than 35mL/min. The results of a renal impairment study indicate clearance of enfuvirtide was reduced by 38% in patients with severe renal impairment and by 14-28% in patients with end stage renal disease maintained on dialysis compared to patients with normal renal function. The results were within the range seen in patients in the pivotal studies with normal renal function. Haemodialysis did not significantly alter enfuvirtide clearance. Thus, no dose adjustment is required for patients with impaired renal function.
The pharmacokinetics of enfuvirtide have not been formally studied in elderly patients over 65 years of age.
Analysis of plasma concentration data from patients in clinical trials indicated that the clearance of enfuvirtide is 20% lower in females than males irrespective of weight and is increased with increased body weight irrespective of gender (20% higher in a 100kg and 20% lower in a 40 kg body weight patient relative to a 70 kg reference patient).
However, these changes are not clinically significant and no dose adjustment is required.
Analysis of plasma concentration data from patients in clinical trials indicated that the clearance of enfuvirtide was not different in Blacks compared to Caucasians. Other pharmacokinetic studies suggest no difference between Asians and Caucasians after adjusting exposure for body weight.
The pharmacokinetics of enfuvirtide have been studied in 32 paediatric patients. A dose of 2 mg/kg bid (maximum 90 mg bid) provided enfuvirtide plasma concentrations similar to those obtained in adult patients receiving 90 mg bid dosage. In 23 paediatric patients ranging in age from 6 to 16 years and receiving the 2 mg/kg bid dose into the upper arm, anterior thigh or abdomen, the mean +- SD steady-state AUC was 56.3 +- 22.3
g *h/mL, Cmax was 6.3 +- 2.4 g/mL, and Ctrough was 3.1 +- 1.5 g/mL.
Studies in Antiretroviral Experienced Patients:
The clinical activity of FUZEON (in combination with other antiretroviral agents) on surrogate markers for clinical efficacy (plasma HIV-1 RNA levels and CD4 counts) has been investigated in two randomised, multi-centre, controlled studies (TORO-1 and TORO-2). Analyses have been performed following 48 weeks of treatment.
The HIV-1 infected patients enrolled into these studies all had at least 3 to 6 months of prior treatment with (or documented resistance or intolerance to) nucleoside and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors. Patients had prior exposure to a median of 12 antiretrovirals for a median of 7 years. All patients received an optimized background (OB) regimen consisting of 3 to 5 antiretroviral agents selected on the basis of the patient's prior treatment history, as well as baseline genotypic and phenotypic viral resistance measurements. Patients were randomized at a 2:1 ratio to FUZEON (90 mg bid) + OB or OB alone. There were 995 patients in the pooled intention to treat (ITT) population and demographic characteristics for patients in studies TORO-1 and TORO-2 are shown in Table 1.
Table 1-
Patient Demographics (Pooled Studies TORO-1 and TORO-2)
| FUZEON + OB n=661 | OB n=334 | |
| Sex Male Female | 90% 10% | 90% 10% |
| Race White Black | 89% 8% | 89% 7% |
| Mean Age (yr) (range) | 42 (16-67) | 43 (24-82) |
| Median Baseline HIV-1 RNA (log 10 copies/mL) | 5.2 (3.5-6.7) | 5.1 (3.7-7.1) |
| Median Baseline CD4 Cell Count (cells/mm 3 ) | 88 (1-994) | 97 (1-847) |
Compared to the OB treatment group, the FUZEON + OB treatment group experienced a significantly greater decrease in plasma HIV-1 RNA with a treatment difference of 0.85 log10 copies/mL and a significantly greater increase in CD4 cell count after 48 weeks of treatment (see Table 2). The percentages of patients who achieved a decrease in HIV-1 RNA plasma levels of 1 log10, and decreases to <400 copies/mL and <50 copies/mL after 48 weeks of treatment were significantly higher in the FUZEON + OB treatment group (see Table 2). The proportion of patients achieving viral load of <400 copies/mL at week 48 was 30% among patients on the Fuzeon+OB regimen compared to 12% among patients receiving OB regimen only (see Table 2).
| Outcomes | Fuzeon+OB regimen 90 mg bid (n = 661) | OB alone Regimen (n = 334) | Difference between arms | Confidence Interval |
| HIV-1 RNA Log Change from * Baseline (log 10 copies/mL) | -1.48 | -0.63 | 0.85 * * * | (-1.07, -0.63) |
| CD4+ cell count Change from Baseline (cells/mm 3 ) # | +91 | +45 | + 46 * * * | (+25, +68) |
| Decrease HIV RNA 1 log from Baseline * * | 247 (37.4%) | 57 (17.1%) | 20.3% * * * | (14.8%, 25.8%) |
| HIV RNA <400 copies/mL * * | 201 (30.4%) | 40 (12.0%) | 18.4% * * * | (13.5%, 23.3%) |
| HIV RNA <50 copies/mL * * | 121 (18.3%) | 26 (7.8%) | 10.5% * * * | (6.4%, 14.0%) |
| Time to virological failure ## (weeks) * * | 32 | 11 | - | - |
| Discontinued due to adverse reactions/intercurrent + illness/labs | 9% | 11% | - | - |
| Discontinued due to injection + site reactions | 4% | N/A | - | - |
| Discontinued due to other + SS reasons | 13% | 25% | - | - |
* Based on results from pooled data of TORO 1 and TORO 2 on ITT population (week 48 viral load for subjects
who were lost to follow-up, discontinued therapy, or had virological failure replaced by their last observation (LOCF).
#
Last value carried forward
* *
Discontinuations or virological failure considered as failures
##
Protocol defined virological failure (not meeting 0.5 log decline by week 8, not meeting 1.0 log decline by week
16, or having a 1.0 log rebound after a 2.0 log decline); each criteria confirmed by a second viral load >2 weeks after the initial value.
+
Percentages based on safety population FUZEON + OB (n=663) and OB (n=334). Denominator for non-switch patients: n=112
As per the judgment of the investigator.
SS
Includes discontinuations from loss to follow-up, treatment refusal, and other reasons.
* * * Statistically significant p<0.0001
The studies were not designed to assess differences in AIDS defining events or mortality as patients switched from OB to FUZEON + OB upon virological failure. Virological failure was defined in the protocols as failure to achieve 0.5 log response by week 6 and 8, failure to achieve a 1.0 log response by weeks 14 and 16, or having 2 log decrease from baseline followed by >1 log rebound at any time. Overall, 301 (46%) and 236 (71%) of patients on FUZEON + OB and OB, respectively, met virological failure criteria by week 24.
Limited efficacy data is available from 39 HIV-1 infected pediatric patients age 3 through 16 years. The evaluation of the safety and antiviral activity of FUZEON in pediatric patients in clinical trials is ongoing. Study T20-204 is an ongoing open-label, multi-centre trial evaluating the pharmacokinetics, safety, and antiviral activity of FUZEON in 14 pediatric patients aged 3 to 12 years. All patients had experience with at least two classes of licensed antiretrovirals. Study T20-204 patients added either 30 or 60 mg/m2/dose FUZEON bid to their existing background antiretroviral regimen. After 7 days, the background regimen was changed to 3 new or sensitive antiretrovirals and FUZEON dosing was continued. Patients had a median age of 8 years (range 3.7 through 11.9 years). Median baseline CD4 cell count was 523 cells/L and the median baseline HIV-1 RNA was 4.4 log10 c/mL. Following day 7 analysis for safety, pharmacokinetics and antiviral activity, all but 1 patient was switched to 60 mg/m2/dose of FUZEON. The median change from baseline HIV RNA at day 7 was -1.15 log10 copies/mL for 10 pediatric patients receiving the 60 mg/m2 dose. All but 3 patients completed 48 weeks of chronic therapy. By week 48, 6/14 (43%) patients had >1 log10 decline in HIV-1 RNA and 4/14 (29%) patients were below 400 copies/mL of HIV-1 RNA. The median changes from baseline in HIV-1 RNA and CD4 cell count were -1.24 log10 c/mL and 237 cells/L, respectively, but no control group was included in these studies.
FUZEON (enfuvirtide) is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in antiretroviral experienced patients with treatment failure due to intolerance to previous antiretroviral agents or with evidence of HIV-1 replication despite ongoing therapy. Evidence to support this indication is based on surrogate endpoints (change in viral load and CD4 count) in controlled studies following 48 weeks of treatment (see Clinical Trials).
FUZEON is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to enfuvirtide or any of its components.
As with other antiretrovirals, FUZEON must be taken as part of a combination regimen. Patients should be informed that FUZEON is not a cure for HIV-1 infection and its use does not preclude the need to maintain practices and behaviour designed to prevent transmission of HIV.
The most common adverse events associated with FUZEON use are local injection site reactions. Manifestations may include pain and discomfort, induration, erythema, nodules and cysts, pruritus, and ecchymosis. Eleven percent of patients had local reactions that required analgesics or limited usual activities (see ADVERSE EFFECTS). Reactions are often present at more than one injection site. Patients must be familiar with the FUZEON injection instructions in order to inject FUZEON appropriately and how to monitor carefully for signs or symptoms of cellulitis or local infection.
A higher rate of pneumonia (primarily bacterial) has been observed in patients treated with FUZEON in the Phase III clinical trials compared to the control arm. Risk factors for pneumonia included low initial CD4 lymphocyte count, high initial viral load, intravenous drug use, smoking and prior history of lung disease. Patients should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of pneumonia especially if they have underlying conditions which may predispose them to pneumonia. In phase III studies there were trends to higher rates of sinusitis, skin infections (not at injection site), abscess, cellulitis and sepsis in patients treated with FUZEON compared to the control arm, although differences were not statistically significant. Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of these infections.
Hypersensitivity reactions have been occasionally associated with enfuvirtide therapy and in rare cases hypersensitivity reactions have recurred on rechallenge. Events included rash, fever, nausea and vomiting, chills, rigors, low blood pressure and elevated serum liver transaminases in various combinations, and possibly primary immune complex reaction, respiratory distress, glomerulonephritis and anaphylaxis. Patients developing signs/symptoms suggestive of a systemic hypersensitivity reaction should discontinue enfuvirtide treatment and should seek medical evaluation immediately. Therapy with enfuvirtide should not be restarted following systemic signs and symptoms consistent with a hypersensitivity reaction considered related to enfuvirtide. Risk factors that may predict the occurrence or severity of hypersensitivity to enfuvirtide have not been identified. Administration of FUZEON to non-HIV-1 infected individuals (e.g. post exposure prophylaxis) may induce anti-enfuvirtide antibodies that cross react with HIV gp-41. This may result in a false positive HIV test with the anti-HIV ELISA test; a confirmatory Western blot and RNA testing would be expected to be negative.
Immune Reconstitution Syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy, including FUZEON. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, patients whose immune system responds may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections (such as Mycobacterium avium infection, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), tuberculosis or others), which may necessitate immediate evaluation and treatment.
No studies have been conducted on the ability to drive or operate machinery while taking enfuvirtide. There is no evidence that enfuvirtide may alter the patient's ability to drive and use machines, however, the adverse event profile of enfuvirtide should be taken into account (See ADVERSE EFFECTS).
The safety and pharmacokinetics of FUZEON have not been established in paediatric patients below 6 years of age. Limited efficacy data is available in paediatric patients greater than 6 years of age.
Clinical studies of FUZEON did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for the elderly patient should be cautious, keeping in mind the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, and/or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Long-term animal carcinogenicity studies of enfuvirtide have not been performed. Enfuvirtide was not mutagenic in a series of assays including the Ames bacterial reverse mutation assay, a mammalian cell forward gene mutation assay in AS52 Chinese Hamster ovary cells, nor did it induce micronuclei in an in vivo mouse micronucleus assay.
Enfuvirtide produced no adverse effects on fertility in male or female rats at subcutaneous doses up to 15 mg/kg bid (1.6x the adult clinical dose, adjusted for body surface area).
After subcutaneous administration of radiolabelled enfuvirtide to pregnant rats on gestation day 18, radioactivity representing enfuvirtide and/or its metabolites was detected in foetuses. In embryo-foetal development studies with enfuvirtide subcutaneous doses up to 250 mg/kg bid in rats and up to 15 mg/kg bid in rabbits (relative systemic exposures, based in AUC, of 8.9x and 3.2x, respectively), there were no adverse embryo-foetal effects. Peri-postnatal development was unaffected in rats at subcutaneous doses up to 15 mg/kg bid (1.6x the adult clinical dose, adjusted for body surface area). There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Enfuvirtide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
After subcutaneous administration of radiolabelled enfuvirtide to lactating rats, it was estimated that approximately 3% of the total radioactivity was secreted in milk over 48 h, with small amounts of enfuvirtide detectable up to 1 h, and only metabolites thereafter. It is not known whether enfuvirtide is secreted in human milk. Mothers should be instructed not to breast-feed if they are receiving enfuvirtide because of both the potential for HIV transmission and any possible adverse effects in nursing infants.
There are no clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions between enfuvirtide and concomitantly given drugs metabolized by CYP450 enzymes. Influence of Enfuvirtide on Metabolism of Concomitant Drugs: Based on the results from an in vitro human microsomal study enfuvirtide is not an inhibitor of CYP450 enzymes and therefore will not alter the metabolism of drugs metabolized by CYP450 enzymes. In an in vivo human metabolism study enfuvirtide, at the recommended dose of 90 mg bid, did not inhibit the metabolism of substrates by CYP3A4 (dapsone), CYP2D6 (debrisoquine), CYP1A2 (caffeine), CYP2C19 (mephenytoin) and CYP2E1 (chlorzoxazone). Influence of Concomitant Drugs on Enfuvirtide Metabolism: In separate pharmacokinetic interaction studies, co-administration of rifampicin, ritonavir or saquinavir in combination with a booster dose of ritonavir, did not result in clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions with enfuvirtide. In the case of the ritonavir study, a 22% increase in AUC and a 24 % increase in Cmax of enfuvirtide was observed (see Table 3).
| Coadministered Drug | Dose of Coadministered Drug | n | % Change of Enfuvirtide Pharmacokinetic Parameters + (90% CI) | ||
| C max | AUC | C trough | |||
| Ritonavir | 200 mg, q12h, 4 days | 12 | 24 ( 9 to 41) | 22 ( 8 to 37) | 14 ( 2 to 28) |
| Saquinavir/ Ritonavir | 1000/100 mg, q12h, 4 days | 12 | 14 ( 5 to 24) | 26 ( 17 to 35) | |
| Rifampin | 600 mg, qd, 10 days | 12 | 15 ( 22 to 7) | ||
* All studies were performed in HIV-1+ subjects using a sequential crossover design. + = Increase; = Decrease; = No Effect ( or <10%)
Clinical Trials
The overall safety profile of FUZEON is based on 2120 patients who received at least one dose of enfuvirtide during various clinical trials. The safety population consisted of 2051 adults (including 1181 adults who were exposed to the recommended dose for 24 weeks and 631 adults who were exposed for 48 weeks) and 69 paediatric patients (including 44 children who were exposed to FUZEON for 24 weeks and 27 children who were exposed for 48 weeks). At week 48 of the study the cumulative exposure on the FUZEON + OB regimen was 557 patient-years, and on the OB alone regimen the cumulative exposure was 162 patient-years. Due to this difference in exposure, the adjusted safety results are expressed as the number of patients with an adverse event per 100 patient-years of exposure (except for injection site reactions).
Local Injection site reactions
The most frequently reported adverse reactions following enfuvirtide administration were local injection site reactions (ISRs), which occurred in 98% of the 663 FUZEON-treated patients in TORO-1 and TORO-2 (Table 3). Four percent of patients discontinued use of FUZEON due to ISRs. The vast majority (85.6% in TORO-1 and TORO-2) of ISRs occurred within the first week of FUZEON administration and were associated with mild to moderate pain or discomfort at the injection site without limitation of usual activities. The severity of the pain and discomfort associated with ISRs did not increase with treatment duration. The signs and symptoms characterising the injection site reactions generally lasted less than 7 days. Seventy two percent (72%) of patients had lesions evident on at least one of the given study visits; the number of lesions evident at any given visit was 5. Infection at the injection site (including abscess and cellulitis) occurred in 1.5% of patients.
Table 4-
Summary of Individual Signs/Symptoms Characterizing Local Injection Site Reactions in Studies TORO-1 and TORO-2 Combined (% of patients)
| n=663 | |||
| Withdrawal Rate due to ISRs | 4% | ||
| Event Category | FUZEON+OB regimen a | % of Events comprising Grade 3 reactions | % of Events comprising Grade 4 reactions |
| Pain / discomfort b | 96.1% | 11.0% | 0% |
| Erythema c | 90.8% | 23.8% | 10.5% |
| Induration d | 90.2% | 43.5% | 19.4% |
| Nodules and cysts e | 80.4% | 29.1% | 0.2% |
| Pruritus f | 65.2% | 3.9% | NA |
| Ecchymosis g | 51.9% | 8.7% | 4.7% |
a
Any severity grade
b
Grade 3= severe pain requiring analgesics (or narcotic analgesics for <=72 hours) and/or limiting usual activities; Grade 4=severe pain requiring hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization, resulting in death, or persistent or significant disability/incapacity, or life-threatening, or medically significant.
c
Grade 3= >=50 mm but <85 mm average diameter; Grade 4= >=85 mm average diameter
d
Grade 3= >=25 mm but <50 mm average diameter; Grade 4: >=50 mm average diameter
e
Grade 3= >=3 cm; Grade 4= If draining.
f
Grade 3= refractory to topical treatment or requiring oral or parenteral treatment; Grade 4= not defined.
g
Grade 3= >3 cm but <=5 cm; Grade 4= >5 cm
Other adverse reactions
The events most frequently reported in subjects receiving the FUZEON+OB regimen (n=663), excluding injection site reactions, were diarrhoea (38 patients with event per 100 patient years) and nausea (27 patients with event per 100 patient years). These events were also commonly observed among subjects that received the OB alone regimen (n=334): diarrhoea (73 patients with event per 100 patient years) and nausea (50 patients with event per 100 patient years). The addition of FUZEON to background antiretroviral therapy generally did not increase the frequency or severity of most adverse events.
Shown in Table 5 are events seen more commonly among patients receiving FUZEON +OB regimen (n=663) than among patients on the OB alone regimen (n=334) (excluding injection site reactions), with an exposure adjusted rate of at least 2 patients with event per 100 patient-years (data from clinical trials TORO-1 and TORO-2). Rates of adverse events for patients who switched to FUZEON after virological failure were similar. The only adverse events with a statistically significant risk ratio between the FUZEON regimen and the OB alone regimen, were pneumonia and lymphadenopathy. Most adverse events were of mild or moderate intensity.
Table 5: Adverse drug reactions, comparing FUZEON+OB regimen to OB alone regimen, excluding injection site reactions, and with a report of at least 2 patients with event per 100 patient years of exposure
| Adverse Event (by system organ class) | FUZEON+OB regimen per 100 pt yrs | OB alone regimen per 100 pt yrs |
| Total Exposure (in patient years) | 557.0 | 162.1 |
| NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS | ||
| Peripheral neuropathy | 15.4 | 13.6 |
| Hypoesthesia | 2.9 | 1.9 |
| Disturbance in attention | 2.3 | 1.9 |
| Tremor | 2.2 | 1.9 |
| PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS | ||
| Anxiety | 7.5 | 6.8 |
| Nightmare | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| Irritability | 2.3 | 1.9 |
| RESPIRATORY, THORACIC AND MEDIASTINAL DISORDERS | ||
| Nasal congestion | 3.1 | 2.5 |
| INVESTIGATIONS | ||
| Weight decreased | 11.1 | 10.5 |
| Blood triglycerides increased | 2.9 | 1.9 |
| Haematuria present | 2.2 | 1.9 |
| METABOLISM AND NUTRITION DISORDERS | ||
| Appetite decreased | 8.6 | 4.9 |
| Anorexia | 3.8 | 3.1 |
| Hypertriglyceridemia | 2.0 | 1.9 |
| Diabetes mellitus | 2.0 | 0.6 |
| INFECTIONS AND INFESTATIONS | ||
| Sinusitis | 9.5 | 6.2 |
| Influenza | 6.5 | 6.2 |
| Skin papilloma | 6.6 | 3.1 |
| Pneumonia | 3.9 | 0.6 |
| Ear infection | 2.2 | 1.2 |
| GENERAL DISORDERS AND ADMINISTRATION SITE CONDITIONS | ||
| Influenza like illness | 4.5 | 3.7 |
| Weakness | 2.7 | 0.6 |
| SKIN & SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE DISORDERS | ||
| Dry skin | 5.0 | 4.3 |
| Eczema seborrhoeic | 2.3 | 1.9 |
| Erythema | 2.2 | 1.2 |
| Acne | 2.0 | 0.6 |
| MUSCULOSKELETAL, CONNECTIVE TISSUE AND BONE DISORDERS | ||
| Myalgia | 7.0 | 5.6 |
| GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS | ||
| Pancreatitis | 3.6 | 2.5 |
| Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease | 2.7 | 2.5 |
| Adverse Event (by system organ class) | FUZEON+OB regimen per 100 pt yrs | OB alone regimen per 100 pt yrs |
| Total Exposure (in patient years) | 557.0 | 162.1 |
| EYE DISORDERS | ||
| Conjunctivitis | 4.1 | 2.5 |
| BLOOD AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEM DISORDERS | ||
| Lymphadenopathy | 5.9 | 1.2 |
| EAR AND LABYRINTH DISORDERS | ||
| Vertigo | 3.6 | 0.6 |
| RENAL AND URINARY DISORDERS | ||
| Calculus renal | 2.3 | 1.2 |
Hypersensitivity Reactions
In addition there have been a small number of hypersensitivity reactions attributed to FUZEON and in some cases recurrence has occurred upon re-challenge (see Precautions). Events included rash, fever, nausea and vomiting, chills, rigors, low blood pressure and elevated serum liver transaminases in various combinations, and possibly primary immune complex reaction, respiratory distress, glomerulonephritis and anaphylaxis.
Laboratory Testing
The majority of patients had no change in the toxicity grade of any laboratory parameter during the study. Table 6 shows the treatment emergent laboratory abnormalities that occurred at a rate of at least 2 patients per 100 patient-years of exposure and that occurred more frequently (either as a grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormality) among patients receiving Fuzeon+OB regimen than among patients on the OB alone regimen, to week 48 of the pooled studies TORO 1 and TORO 2. Through week 48, treatment-emergent eosinophilia [greater than the Upper Limit of Normal (ULN) of > 0.7 x 109/L] occurred at a higher rate among patients in the Fuzeon containing group (12.4 per 100 patient years) compared with OB alone regimen (5.6 per 100 patient years). When using a higher threshold for eosinophilia (>1.4 x 109/L), the patient exposure adjusted rate of eosinophilia is equal in both groups (1.8 patients with event per 100 patient-years)
Table 6: Exposure adjusted Grade 3 & 4 laboratory abnormalities among patients on FUZEON+OB and OB alone regimens, reported at more than 2 patients with event per 100 patient years
| Laboratory Parameters | Grading | FUZEON+ Background Regimen | Background Regimen |
| Treatment Exposure (patient-years) | 557.0 | 162.1 | |
| Eosinophilia | |||
| 1-2 X ULN (0.7 x 10 9 /L) | 0.7-1.4 x 10 9 /L | 10.8 | 3.7 |
| >2 X ULN (0.7 x 10 9 /L) | >1.4 x 10 9 /L | 2.2 | 1.8 |
| ALT | |||
| Gr. 3 | >5-10 x ULN | 4.8 | 4.3 |
| Gr. 4 | >10 x ULN | 1.4 | 1.2 |
| Creatine kinase (U/L) | |||
| Gr. 3 | >5-10 x ULN | 8.3 | 8.0 |
| Gr. 4 | >10 x ULN | 3.1 | 8.6 |
| Haemoglobin (g/dL) | |||
| Gr. 3 | 6.5-7.9 g/dL | 2.0 | 1.9 |
| Gr. 4 | <6.5 g/dL | 0.7 | 1.2 |
Additional adverse events or laboratory abnormalities
The following additional adverse events or laboratory abnormalities were reported from the 24 week analysis of the two pivotal studies as occurring in >2% of patients and more frequently in patients receiving FUZEON+OB regimen than in those taking OB alone regimen. A causal relationship of these events to FUZEON has not been established.
NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS: headache, dizziness (excl. vertigo), taste disturbance
PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS: Insomnia, depression
RESPIRATORY, THORACIC AND MEDIASTINAL DISORDERS: Cough
INVESTIGATIONS: Increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, amylase, lipase, AST
INFECTIONS AND INFESTATIONS: Oral candidiasis, herpes simplex, folliculitis
GENERAL DISORDERS AND ADMINISTRATION SITE CONDITIONS: Asthenia
SKIN & SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE DISORDERS: Pruritus, night sweats, sweating increased
MUSCULOSKELETAL, CONNECTIVE TISSUE AND BONE DISORDERS: arthralgia,
back pain, pain in limb, muscle cramps GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS: Abdominal pain upper, constipation, sore throat
Post-Marketing observational study
Bacterial pneumonia:
A higher rate of pneumonia (primarily bacterial) has been observed in patients treated with FUZEON in the Phase III clinical trials compared to the control arm.
Because it was unclear whether the higher rate of pneumonia was related to FUZEON use, an observational study in 1150 HIV-infected patients (740 FUZEON arm with 2,045 patient-years of observation and 1110 comparator population with 3,501 patient-years of observation) was conducted to carefully evaluate the risk of pneumonia from FUZEON while controlling for other known risk factors. The incidence of pneumonia was 3.82 events/100 patients-years in the FUZEON treatment arm and 2.31 events/100 patients-years in the non exposed cohort. The adjusted risk ratio for incidence of pneumonia was 0.989 for confirmed pneumonia only, and 1.228 for confirmed or probable pneumonia, with the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval of 0.437 and 0.862, respectively.
FUZEON should be administered only by subcutaneous injection.
Adults
: The recommended dose of FUZEON is 90 mg twice daily injected subcutaneously into the upper arm, anterior thigh or abdomen. The injection should be given at a site different from the preceding injection site and where there is no current injection site reaction.
Children
: No data are available to establish a dose recommendation of FUZEON in paediatric patients below the age of 6 years. In paediatric patients 6 years through 16 years of age, the recommended dosage of FUZEON is 2.0 mg/kg twice daily up to a maximum dose of 90 mg bid injected subcutaneously into the upper arm, anterior thigh or abdomen. The injection should be given at a site different from the preceding injection site and where there is no current injection site reaction. Paediatric dosing guidelines for FUZEON based on body weight are included in Table 7. Weight should be monitored periodically and the FUZEON dose adjusted accordingly.
Table 7-
Paediatric Dosing Guidelines
| Weight (kg) | Dose per bid injection (mg/dose) | Injection volume (90 mg enfuvirtide per mL) |
| 11.0 to 15.5 | 27 | 0.3 mL |
| 15.6 to 20.0 | 36 | 0.4 mL |
| 20.1 to 24.5 | 45 | 0.5 mL |
| 24.6 to 29.0 | 54 | 0.6 mL |
| 29.1 to 33.5 | 63 | 0.7 mL |
| 33.6 to 38.0 | 72 | 0.8 mL |
| 38.1 to 42.5 | 81 | 0.9 mL |
| 42.6 | 90 | 1.0 mL |
: No dose adjustment is recommended for patients with impaired renal function including those receiving haemodialysis.
: No data are available to establish a dose recommendation for patients with hepatic impairment.
Patients and caregivers must be instructed in the use of aseptic techniques when administering FUZEON in order to avoid injection site infections. Appropriate instructions for reconstitution and self-injection must be given, including a careful review of the detailed instructions given in the patient information leaflet provided with the medicine. It is recommended that the first injection be performed under the supervision of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. It is also recommended that the patient and/or caregiver's understanding and use of aseptic self-injection techniques and procedures be periodically re-evaluated.
Patients and caregivers should be instructed in the proper techniques for preparation, injection and disposal of needles and syringes in order to avoid needle stick injuries.
Patients must be cautioned against the re-use of needles or syringes, instructed in safe disposal procedures including the use of a puncture-resistant container for disposal of used needles and syringes. Patients must be instructed on the safe disposal of full containers as per local requirements and to keep this container out of reach of children. Caregivers who experience an accidental needle stick after patient injection should contact a healthcare provider immediately.
FUZEON must only be reconstituted with 1.1 mL of Sterile Water for Injections. After adding sterile water, the vial should be gently tapped for 10 seconds and then gently rolled between the hands to avoid foaming and to ensure all particles of drug are in contact with the liquid and no drug remains on the vial wall. The vial should then be allowed to stand until the powder goes completely into solution, which could take up to 45 minutes. Reconstitution time can be reduced by gently rolling the vial between the hands until the powder is completely dissolved. Before the solution is withdrawn for administration, the vial should be inspected visually to ensure that the contents are fully dissolved in solution, and that the solution is clear, colourless and without bubbles or particulate matter. If there is evidence of particulate matter, the vial must not be used and should be discarded or returned to the pharmacy. The solvent vials contain 2 mL of water for injections, of which 1.1 mL must be withdrawn for the reconstitution of the powder. Patients should be instructed to discard the remaining volume of solvent. FUZEON contains no preservative. Once reconstituted 1.0 mL of the solution should be injected immediately. If the reconstituted solution cannot be injected immediately, it must be kept refrigerated until use and used within 24 hours. Refrigerated reconstituted solution should be brought to room temperature before injection and the vial should be inspected visually again to ensure that the contents are fully dissolved in solution and that the solution is clear, colourless and without bubbles or particulate matter. The reconstituted solution should be injected subcutaneously in the upper arm, abdomen or anterior thigh. The injection should be given at a site different from the preceding injection site and only where there is no current injection site reaction. Also, do not inject into moles, scar tissue, bruises or the navel. A vial is for use in one patient on one occasion only.
There are no reports of overdose with FUZEON in humans. The highest dose administered to 12 patients in a clinical trial was 180 mg as a single dose subcutaneously. These patients did not experience any adverse events that were not seen with the recommended dose. There is no specific antidote for overdose with FUZEON. Treatment of overdose should consist of general supportive measures. Contact the Poisons Information Centre for advice on management of overdosage.
Patient Convenience Pack
60 vials powder for injection 60 vials solvent
60 3mL syringes 60 1mL syringes 180 alcohol swabs Store below 30C FUZEON should not be mixed with other medicinal products except for the solvent supplied (Water for injections). After reconstitution with water for injection the product may only be stored at 2 to 8C for no longer than 24 hours.
Disposal of Syringes and Sharps
The following points should be strictly adhered to regarding the use and disposal of syringes and other medicinal sharps:
Needles and syringes should never be reused.
Place all used needles and syringes into a sharps container (puncture-proof disposable container).
Keep the sharps container out of the reach of children.
Placing used sharps container in household waste should be avoided.
Dispose of the full sharps container according to local requirements or as instructed by your healthcare provider.
For home use, a puncture resistant container for the disposal of used syringes and needles should be supplied to the patients.
Disposal of Medicines
The release of medicines into the environment should be minimised. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater and disposal through household waste should be avoided. Unused or expired medicine should be returned to a pharmacy for disposal.
POISON SCHEDULE OF THE MEDICINE
Prescription Only Medicine (S4)
NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE SPONSOR
Roche Products Pty Limited ABN 70 000 132 865 410 Inman Road Dee Why NSW 2099 AUSTRALIA Customer enquiries: 1800 233 950
2 September 2003 DATE OF MOST RECENT AMENDMENT: 24 August 2011