Mode
Text Size
Log in / Sign up

FDA approved Takhzyro (lanadelumab-flyo) for Prophylaxis of Hereditary Angioedema AttacksFDA approved new drug Takhzyro to prevent swelling attacks in hereditary angioedema.

AI-generated summary of the cited source, checked by automated accuracy review. How we work

Key Takeaway
Consider Takhzyro for HAE prophylaxis in patients 2 years and older; not for acute attacks.

The FDA has approved Takhzyro (lanadelumab-flyo), a plasma kallikrein inhibitor monoclonal antibody, for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. This expands the available preventive options for a condition characterized by recurrent, potentially life-threatening swelling of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and upper airway. Takhzyro is the first monoclonal antibody approved for HAE prophylaxis, offering a targeted approach by inhibiting plasma kallikrein, a key mediator in the pathogenesis of HAE attacks.

The approval was supported by a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Trial 1) that included 125 patients aged 12 years and older with Type I or II HAE. The trial demonstrated that Takhzyro significantly reduced the number of HAE attacks compared with placebo over 26 weeks. Dosing is individualized by age, with options for every 2 or 4 weeks, potentially offering flexibility for patients and clinicians. Takhzyro is intended for subcutaneous administration, and patients or caregivers can be trained to inject it, though for younger children, administration by a healthcare provider or caregiver is recommended.

Clinical Details (Mechanism · Dosing · Trial Data · Warnings)
Mechanism of Action

Takhzyro (lanadelumab-flyo) is a human monoclonal antibody that specifically binds and inhibits plasma kallikrein, an enzyme that generates bradykinin, a key mediator of angioedema attacks in HAE. By inhibiting plasma kallikrein, Takhzyro reduces bradykinin production, thereby preventing the swelling attacks characteristic of HAE.

Indication & Patient Population

Takhzyro is indicated for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. It is not indicated for the treatment of acute HAE attacks.

Dosing & Administration

Takhzyro is for subcutaneous use only. Recommended dosing: - Adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older: 300 mg every 2 weeks; a dosing interval of 300 mg every 4 weeks may be considered if the patient is well-controlled (e.g., attack free) for more than 6 months. - Pediatric patients 6 to less than 12 years: 150 mg every 2 weeks; a dosing interval of 150 mg every 4 weeks may be considered if well-controlled for more than 6 months. - Pediatric patients 2 to less than 6 years: 150 mg every 4 weeks.

Administration may be performed by a healthcare provider, patient, or caregiver. For patients 12 years and older, self-administration is possible after training. For children 2 to less than 12 years, administration should be by a healthcare provider or caregiver. Takhzyro is supplied as a prefilled syringe or vial; the solution should be clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow, and should not be used if discolored or containing particles. Allow to reach room temperature for 15 minutes before injection. Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Discard unused portions.

Key Clinical Trial Data

Trial 1 (NCT02586805) was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study in 125 patients aged 12 years and older with Type I or II HAE who had at least one investigator-confirmed attack per 4 weeks during run-in. Patients were randomized to placebo, lanadelumab-flyo 150 mg every 4 weeks, 300 mg every 4 weeks, or 300 mg every 2 weeks for 26 weeks. The primary endpoint was the number of HAE attacks during the treatment period. The trial demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in attack rates for all active treatment groups compared with placebo. Specific efficacy data (e.g., mean attack rates, percent reduction) are not detailed in the label excerpt provided.

Warnings & Contraindications

No contraindications are listed in the provided label text. The label does not include a dedicated Warnings and Precautions section in the excerpt; however, as with all therapeutic proteins, there is a potential for immunogenicity and hypersensitivity reactions. Clinicians should monitor for signs of allergic reactions. The label advises that Takhzyro should be inspected visually before administration, but no specific warnings are provided in the excerpt.

Place in Therapy

Takhzyro offers a new preventive option for HAE, targeting plasma kallikrein. It is approved for use in children as young as 2 years, addressing an unmet need in pediatric prophylaxis. Dosing flexibility (every 2 or 4 weeks) may improve adherence. It is not for acute attacks, so patients should have rescue medication available. As a monoclonal antibody, it may be considered for patients who prefer a targeted biologic approach or who have inadequate response to other prophylactic therapies.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new medicine called Takhzyro (lanadelumab-flyo) to help prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema, or HAE. HAE is a rare inherited condition that causes sudden, severe swelling in different parts of the body, including the skin, stomach, and throat. Swelling in the throat can be life-threatening, so preventing attacks is very important.

Takhzyro is a type of medicine called a monoclonal antibody. It works by blocking a protein in the blood that is involved in causing HAE attacks. This is the first monoclonal antibody approved for preventing HAE attacks. It is given as an injection under the skin, and patients or caregivers can be trained to give it at home. For younger children, a healthcare provider or caregiver should give the injection.

The approval is based on a study of 125 patients aged 12 and older with HAE. The study showed that Takhzyro significantly reduced the number of attacks compared to a placebo over 26 weeks. The medicine can be given every 2 or 4 weeks, depending on the patient's needs.

It is important to remember that Takhzyro is for prevention only. It does not stop an attack once it starts. If you or a loved one has HAE, talk to your doctor to see if Takhzyro might be a good option for you. Your doctor can help you understand the benefits and risks, and decide if this new medicine fits into your treatment plan.

What this means for you:
Takhzyro is a new preventive treatment for HAE, but it does not treat acute attacks; talk to your doctor.

Study Details

Study typeFda approval
PublishedAug 2018
View Original Abstract ↓
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE TAKHZYRO ® is indicated for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. TAKHZYRO is a plasma kallikrein inhibitor (monoclonal antibody) indicated for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adult and pediatric patients 2 years and older. ( 1 )
Free Newsletter

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

Join thousands of clinicians and researchers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.