Casimersen
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Amondys 45
- Brand Names
- Amondys 45
- Dosage Form
- POWDER
- Product Type
- BULK INGREDIENT
Description
11 DESCRIPTION AMONDYS 45 (casimersen) injection is a sterile, aqueous, preservative-free, concentrated solution for dilution prior to intravenous administration. AMONDYS 45 is a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless liquid and may contain trace amounts of small, white to off-white amorphous particles. AMONDYS 45 is supplied in single-dose vials containing 100 mg casimersen (50 mg/mL). AMONDYS 45 is formulated as an isotonic phosphate buffered saline solution with an osmolality of 260 to 320 mOsm and a pH of 7.5. Each milliliter of AMONDYS 45 contains: 50 mg casimersen; 0.2 mg potassium chloride; 0.2 mg potassium phosphate monobasic; 8 mg sodium chloride; and 1.14 mg sodium phosphate dibasic, anhydrous, in water for injection. The product may contain hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH. Casimersen is an antisense oligonucleotide of the phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) subclass. PMOs are synthetic molecules in which the five-membered ribofuranosyl rings found in natural DNA and RNA are replaced by a six-membered morpholino ring. Each morpholino ring is linked through an uncharged phosphorodiamidate moiety rather than the negatively charged phosphate linkage that is present in natural DNA and RNA. Each phosphorodiamidate morpholino subunit contains one of the heterocyclic bases found in DNA (adenine, cytosine, guanine, or thymine). Casimersen contains 22 linked subunits. The sequence of bases from the 5' end to 3' end is CAATGCCATCCTGGAGTTCCTG. The molecular formula of casimersen is C 268 H 424 N 124 O 95 P 22 and the molecular weight is 7584.5 daltons. The structure of casimersen is: Structural formula
What Is Casimersen Used For?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE AMONDYS 45 is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients who have a confirmed mutation of the DMD gene that is amenable to exon 45 skipping. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on an increase in dystrophin production in skeletal muscle observed in patients treated with AMONDYS 45 [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification of a clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. AMONDYS 45 is an antisense oligonucleotide indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients who have a confirmed mutation of the DMD gene that is amenable to exon 45 skipping. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on an increase in dystrophin production in skeletal muscle observed in patients treated with AMONDYS 45 [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification of a clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Serum cystatin C, urine dipstick, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio should be measured before starting AMONDYS 45 ( 2.1 ) 30 milligrams per kilogram of body weight once weekly ( 2.2 ) Administer as an intravenous (IV) infusion over 35 to 60 minutes via an in-line 0.2 micron filter ( 2.2 , 2.4 ) Dilution required prior to administration ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Monitoring to Assess Safety Serum cystatin C, urine dipstick, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) should be measured before starting AMONDYS 45. Consider measurement of glomerular filtration rate prior to initiation of AMONDYS 45. Monitoring for kidney toxicity during treatment is recommended. Obtain the urine sample prior to infusion of AMONDYS 45 or at least 48 hours after infusion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . 2.2 Dosing Information The recommended dosage of AMONDYS 45 is 30 milligrams per kilogram administered once weekly as a 35 to 60-minute intravenous infusion via an in-line 0.2 micron filter. If a dose of AMONDYS 45 is missed, it may be administered as soon as possible after the scheduled dose. 2.3 Preparation Instructions AMONDYS 45 is supplied in single-dose vials as a preservative-free concentrated solution that requires dilution prior to administration. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Use aseptic technique. Calculate the total dose of AMONDYS 45 to be administered based on the patient's weight and the recommended dose of 30 milligrams per kilogram. Determine the volume of AMONDYS 45 needed and the correct number of vials to supply the full calculated dose. Allow the vials to warm to room temperature. Mix the contents of each vial by gently inverting 2 or 3 times. Do not shake. Visually inspect each vial of AMONDYS 45. The solution is a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless liquid, and may contain trace amounts of small, white to off-white amorphous particles. Do not use if the solution in the vials is cloudy, discolored or contains extraneous particulate matter other than trace amounts of small, white to off-white amorphous particles. With a syringe fitted with a 21-gauge or smaller bore non-coring needle, withdraw the calculated volume of AMONDYS 45 from the appropriate number of vials. To avoid dulling the needle and fragmenting the stoppers, replace the needle periodically during preparation. Dilute the withdrawn AMONDYS 45 in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, to make a total volume of 100 to 150 mL. Gently invert 2 to 3 times to mix. Do not shake. Visually inspect the diluted solution. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, discolored or contains extraneous particulate matter other than trace amounts of small, white to off-white amorphous particles. Administer the diluted solution via an in-line 0.2 micron filter. AMONDYS 45 contains no preservatives and should be administered immediately after dilution....
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] The most common adverse reactions (incidence >20% and at least 5% higher than placebo) were upper respiratory tract infection, cough, pyrexia, headache, arthralgia, and oropharyngeal pain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. at 1-888-SAREPTA (1-888-727-3782) 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 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. In the AMONDYS 45 clinical development program, 76 patients received at least one intravenous dose of AMONDYS 45 (30 mg/kg). All patients were male and had genetically confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Age at study entry was 7 to 20 years (mean 9.9 years). Most (88%) patients were White, and 9% were Asian. AMONDYS 45 was studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Study 1). Patients in ongoing Study 1 received AMONDYS 45 (n=57) 30 mg/kg or placebo (n=31) intravenously once weekly for up to 96 weeks, after which all patients received or will receive AMONDYS 45 30 mg/kg for up to 48 weeks. Adverse reactions observed in ≥20% of patients treated with AMONDYS 45 and 5% more frequently than in the placebo group in Study 1 are shown in Table 1 . Table 1. Adverse Reactions Occurring in at Least 20% of Patients Treated with AMONDYS 45 and at a Rate at Least 5% More Frequently than in the Placebo Group in Study 1 *Includes upper respiratory infection, pharyngitis, nasopharyngitis, and rhinitis. Adverse Reaction AMONDYS 45 30 mg/kg Once Weekly (n = 57) % Placebo (n = 31) % Upper Respiratory Tract Infections* 65 55 Cough 33 26 Pyrexia 33 23 Headache 32 19 Arthralgia 21 10 Oropharyngeal Pain 21 7 Other adverse reactions that occurred in at least 10% of patients treated with AMONDYS 45, and that were reported at a rate at least 5% more frequently in the AMONDYS 45 group than in the placebo group, were: ear pain, nausea, ear infection, post-traumatic pain, and dizziness and light-headedness. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of AMONDYS 45. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Infusion-related reactions including rash, headache, cough, abdominal pain (including upper abdominal pain), and vomiting occurred within 24 hours from the start of an infusion of AMONDYS 45. Hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and anaphylaxis, have occurred in patients treated with AMONDYS 45.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS AMONDYS 45 is contraindicated in patients with known serious hypersensitivity to casimersen or to any of the inactive ingredients in AMONDYS 45. Instances of hypersensitivity, including angioedema and anaphylaxis, have occurred in patients receiving AMONDYS 45 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . AMONDYS 45 is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to casimersen or to any of the inactive ingredients in AMONDYS 45. ( 4 , 5.1 )
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no human or animal data available to assess the use of AMONDYS 45 during pregnancy. In the U.S. general population, major birth defects occur in 2% to 4% and miscarriage occurs in 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
How Supplied
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied AMONDYS 45 injection is supplied in single dose vials. The solution is a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless liquid, and may contain trace amounts of small, white to off-white amorphous particles.
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.