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FDA approved Epysqli (eculizumab-sbja) for PNH, aHUS, and gMGFDA approved new drug Epysqli for three rare blood and nerve conditions.

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Key Takeaway
Consider vaccinating against meningococcus and enrolling in REMS before starting Epysqli for PNH, aHUS, or gMG.

The FDA approved Epysqli (eculizumab-sbja) on July 19, 2024, for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) to reduce hemolysis, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy, and generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive. Epysqli is a complement inhibitor administered as an intravenous infusion. For PNH, the recommended adult dosage is 600 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then 900 mg at week 5, followed by 900 mg every 2 weeks. For aHUS and gMG in adults, the dosage is 900 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then 1200 mg at week 5, then 1200 mg every 2 weeks. Pediatric dosing for aHUS is weight-based. The approval provides an additional treatment option for these complement-mediated disorders. Clinicians should note that Epysqli is not indicated for Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS).

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

Epysqli is a complement inhibitor. It binds to complement protein C5, inhibiting its cleavage to C5a and C5b, thereby preventing the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC). This reduces complement-mediated cell lysis and thrombotic microangiopathy.

Indication & Patient Population

Epysqli is indicated for: - Treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) to reduce hemolysis. - Treatment of patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy. - Treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive. Limitation of Use: Not indicated for Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS).

Dosing & Administration

For intravenous infusion only. Vaccinate against meningococcal infection at least 2 weeks prior to initiation. Enroll in the EPYSQLI REMS. - PNH (adults): 600 mg weekly for first 4 weeks, then 900 mg at week 5, then 900 mg every 2 weeks. - aHUS and gMG (adults): 900 mg weekly for first 4 weeks, then 1200 mg at week 5, then 1200 mg every 2 weeks. - aHUS (pediatric): Weight-based dosing (see label Table 1). Supplemental dosing required with plasmapheresis/plasma exchange/fresh frozen plasma infusion (aHUS, gMG) and with IVIg (gMG).

Key Clinical Trial Data

Not reported in label.

Warnings & Contraindications

Warnings: Risk of meningococcal infection; vaccinate according to ACIP recommendations. If urgent therapy needed, provide antibacterial prophylaxis and vaccinate as soon as possible. Must enroll in REMS. Administer within 2 days of scheduled time points. Contraindications: Not reported in label.

Place in Therapy

Epysqli is a complement inhibitor approved for PNH, aHUS, and anti-AChR antibody-positive gMG. It is not indicated for STEC-HUS. It offers an alternative to existing complement inhibitors for these conditions. Clinicians should consider vaccination and REMS requirements before initiating therapy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug called Epysqli (eculizumab-sbja) for three rare conditions: paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), and generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults who test positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Epysqli is a complement inhibitor given as an intravenous infusion. It works by blocking part of the immune system that can damage blood cells and nerves.

For PNH, the typical adult dose is 600 mg once a week for 4 weeks, then 900 mg at week 5, followed by 900 mg every 2 weeks. For aHUS and gMG in adults, the dose is 900 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then 1200 mg at week 5, then 1200 mg every 2 weeks. For children with aHUS, the dose is based on weight.

This approval provides an additional treatment option for people living with these serious conditions. It does not treat Shiga toxin E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS). If you or a loved one has one of these conditions, talk to your doctor about whether Epysqli might be right for you.

What this means for you:
Epysqli is a new FDA-approved treatment for three rare complement-mediated disorders. Talk to your doctor.

Study Details

Study typeFda approval
PublishedJul 2024
View Original Abstract ↓
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE EPYSQLI is a complement inhibitor indicated for: the treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) to reduce hemolysis. ( 1.1 ) the treatment of patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy. ( 1.2 ) Limitation of Use EPYSQLI is not indicated for the treatment of patients with Shiga toxin E. coli related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS). the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AchR) antibody positive. ( 1.3 ) 1.1 Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) EPYSQLI is indicated for the treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) to reduce hemolysis. 1.2 Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS) EPYSQLI is indicated for the treatment of patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy. Limitation of Use EPYSQLI is not indicated for the treatment of patients with Shiga toxin E. coli related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS). 1.3 Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) EPYSQLI is indicated for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive.
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