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Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Other systemic drugs for obstructive airway diseases
- Action class
- Interleukin-5 Receptor alpha-directed Cytolytic Antibody
- Mechanism
- Interleukin 5 Receptor alpha-directed Antibody Interactions
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Prescription (Rx)
Available as
1 ML · Prefilled Syringe1 ML0.5 ML · Prefilled Syringe
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FASENRA is an interleukin-5 receptor alpha-directed cytolytic monoclonal antibody (IgG1, kappa) indicated for: • add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with severe asthma, and with an eosinophilic phenotype. ( 1.1 ) • treatment of adult patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). ( 1.2 ) • treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) without an identifiable non-hematologic secondary cause. ( 1.3 ) Limitations of Use : Not for relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. (1.1) 1.1 Asthma FASENRA is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with severe asthma, and with an eosinophilic phenotype. Limitations of Use: • FASENRA is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. 1.2 Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis FASENRA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). 1.3 Hypereosinophilic Syndrome FASENRA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) without an identifiable non-hematologic secondary cause.
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Benralizumab is a humanized afucosylated, monoclonal antibody (IgG1, kappa) that directly binds to the alpha subunit of the human interleukin-5 receptor (IL-5Rα) with a dissociation constant of 11 pM. The IL-5 receptor is expressed on the surface of eosinophils and basophils. In an in vitro setting, the absence of fucose in the Fc domain of benralizumab facilitates binding (45.5 nM) to FcɣRIII receptors on immune effector cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, leading to apoptosis of eosinophils and basophils through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Inflammation is an important component in the pathogenesis of asthma, EGPA, and HES. Multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, cytokines) are involved in inflammation. Benralizumab, by binding to the IL-5Rα chain, reduces eosinophils through ADCC; however, the mechanism of benralizumab action in asthma, EGPA, and HES has not been definitively established.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer by subcutaneous injection. ( 2.4 ) Asthma Adult and Pediatric Patients 12 Years of Age and Older: • Recommended dosage is 30 mg every 4 weeks for first 3 doses followed by once every 8 weeks thereafter. ( 2.1 ) Pediatric Patients 6 Years to 11 Years of Age: • Weighing Less Than 35 kg : the recommended dosage is 10 mg every 4 weeks for first 3 doses followed by once every 8 weeks thereafter. ( 2.1 ) • Weighing 35 kg or More : the recommended dosage is 30 mg every 4 weeks for first 3 doses followed by once every 8 weeks thereafter. ( 2.1 ) EGPA and HES • Recommended dosage is 30 mg every 4 weeks. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) See full prescribing information for administration instructions of FASENRA prefilled syringe and FASENRA PEN. ( 2.4 , 2.5 , 2.6 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage for Asthma Adult and Pediatric Patients 12 Years of Age and Older The recommended dosage of FASENRA is 30 mg (one injection) administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, and then every 8 weeks thereafter. Pediatric Patients 6 to 11 Years of Age The recommended dosage of FASENRA for pediatric patients 6 to 11 years of age is based on body weight as provided in Table 1 . Table 1. Recommended Dosage of FASENRA in Pediatric Patients 6 to 11 Years of Age with Asthma Body weight Recommended Dosage Less than 35 kg 10 mg (one injection) administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, and then every 8 weeks thereafter. 35 kg or more 30 mg (one injection) administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, and then every 8 weeks thereafter. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for EGPA The recommended dosage of FASENRA is 30 mg (one injection) administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for HES The recommended dosage of FASENRA is 30 mg (one injection) administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks. 2.4 General Administration Instructions FASENRA is for subcutaneous use only. FASENRA is intended for use under the guidance of a healthcare provider. In line with clinical practice, monitoring of patients after administration of biologic agents is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Administer FASENRA into the thigh or abdomen. The upper arm can also be used if a healthcare provider or caregiver administers the injection. Prior to administration, warm FASENRA by leaving carton at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for about 30 minutes. Visually inspect FASENRA for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. FASENRA is clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow, and may contain a few translucent or white to off-white particles. Do not use FASENRA if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or if it contains large particles or foreign particulate matter. Prefilled Syringe The prefilled syringe is for administration by a healthcare provider. Autoinjector (FASENRA PEN®) FASENRA PEN is intended for administration by patients/caregivers. Patients/caregivers may inject after proper training in subcutaneous injection technique, and after the healthcare provider determines it is appropriate. In asthma patients aged 6 to 11 years weighing 35 kg or more, FASENRA PEN should only be administered by a caregiver or healthcare provider. 2.5 Instructions for Administration of FASENRA Prefilled Syringe (Healthcare Providers) Figure 1 FASENRA Prefilled Syringes Prefilled Syringe Components To prepare FASENRA prefilled syringe for subcutaneous administration, carefully read and adhere to these instructions for use. FASENRA is available in a 10 mg and a 30 mg prefilled syringe. Check the labels on the FASENRA carton and prefilled syringe to ensure the correct 10 mg or 30 mg product is being used ( Figure 1 ). Refer to Figure 1 to identify the prefilled syringe components for use in the administration steps. Do not touch the needle guard activation clips to prevent premature activation of the needle safety guard. 1 Grasp the syringe body, not the plunger, to remove prefille
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections: • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 5%): • Asthma: headache and pharyngitis. ( 6.1 ) • EGPA: headache. ( 6.1 ) • HES: headache, hypersensitivity reactions, and influenza-like illness. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AstraZeneca at 1-800-236-9933 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 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. Adult and Pediatric Patients 12 Years of Age and Older with Asthma Across three clinical trials (SIROCCO, CALIMA, and ZONDA) for asthma, 1,808 patients received at least 1 dose of FASENRA [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . The data described below reflect exposure to FASENRA in 1,663 patients, including 1,556 exposed for at least 24 weeks and 1,387 exposed for at least 48 weeks. The safety exposure for FASENRA is derived from two Phase 3 placebo-controlled trials (SIROCCO and CALIMA) from 48 weeks duration [FASENRA every 4 weeks (n=841), FASENRA every 4 weeks for 3 doses, then every 8 weeks (n=822), and placebo (n=847)]. While a dosing regimen of FASENRA every 4 weeks was included in clinical trials, FASENRA administered every 4 weeks for 3 doses, then every 8 weeks thereafter is the recommended dose [ see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . The population studied was 12 to 75 years of age, of which 64% were female and 79% were White. Adverse reactions that occurred at greater than or equal to 3% incidence are shown in Table 2 . Table 2. Adverse Reactions with FASENRA with Greater than or Equal to 3% Incidence in Patients with Asthma (SIROCCO and CALIMA) Adverse Reactions FASENRA (N=822) % Placebo (N=847) % Headache 8 6 Pyrexia 3 2 Pharyngitis Pharyngitis was defined by the following terms: ‘Pharyngitis’, ‘Pharyngitis bacterial’, ‘Viral pharyngitis’, ‘Pharyngitis streptococcal’. 5 3 Hypersensitivity reactions Hypersensitivity Reactions were defined by the following terms: ‘Urticaria’, ‘Urticaria papular’, and ‘Rash’ [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 3 3 28-Week Trial Adverse reactions from ZONDA with 28 weeks of treatment with FASENRA (n=73) or placebo (n=75) in which the incidence was more common in FASENRA than placebo include headache (8.2% compared to 5.3%, respectively) and pyrexia (2.7% compared to 1.3%, respectively) [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . The frequencies for the remaining adverse reactions with FASENRA were similar to placebo. Injection Site Reactions in Patients with Asthma In SIROCCO and CALIMA, the FASENRA 30 mg prefilled syringe was administered at the recommended dosage and injection site reactions (e.g., pain, erythema, pruritus, papule) occurred at a rate of 2.2% in patients treated with FASENRA compared with 1.9% in patients treated with placebo. Pediatric Patients 6 to 11 Years of Age with Asthma The safety data for FASENRA is based on a 48-week, open-label, parallel group, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic trial (TATE) of 28 pediatric patients aged 6 to 11 years with severe asthma, and with an eosinophilic phenotype [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2 , 12.3) ] . Patients received subcutaneous dose of 10 mg (for those weighing less than 35 kg) or 30 mg (for those weighing 35 kg or more) of FASENRA administered every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, then every 8 weeks thereafter [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . No new safety signals were observed in these patients. Adult Patients with EGPA The safety of FASENRA is based on 70 adult patients who received at least 1 dose of FASENRA 30 mg administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks in an active-controlled study
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The data on pregnancy exposure from the clinical trials are insufficient to inform on drug-associated risk. Monoclonal antibodies such as benralizumab are transported across the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy; therefore, potential effects on a fetus are likely to be greater during the third trimester of pregnancy. In a prenatal and postnatal development study conducted in cynomolgus monkeys, there was no evidence of fetal harm with IV administration of benralizumab throughout pregnancy at doses that produced exposures up to approximately 310 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 30 mg subcutaneously (see Data) . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk In women with poorly or moderately controlled asthma, evidence demonstrates that there is an increased risk of preeclampsia in the mother and prematurity, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in the neonate. The level of asthma control should be closely monitored in pregnant women and treatment adjusted as necessary to maintain optimal control. Data Animal Data In a prenatal and postnatal development study, pregnant cynomolgus monkeys received benralizumab from beginning on GD20 to GD22 (dependent on pregnancy determination), on GD35, once every 14 days thereafter throughout the gestation period and 1-month postpartum (maximum 14 doses) at doses that produced exposures up to approximately 310 times that achieved with the MRHD (on an AUC basis with maternal IV doses up to 30 mg/kg once every 2 weeks). Benralizumab did not elicit adverse effects on fetal or neonatal growth (including immune function) up to 6.5 months after birth. There was no evidence of treatment-related external, visceral, or skeletal malformations. Benralizumab was not teratogenic in cynomolgus monkeys. Benralizumab crossed the placenta in cynomolgus monkeys. Benralizumab concentrations were approximately equal in mothers and infants on postpartum day 7, but were lower in infants at later time points. Eosinophil counts were suppressed in infant monkeys with gradual recovery by 6 months postpartum; however, recovery of eosinophil counts was not observed for one infant monkey during this period.
BreastfeedingConsult your doctor
…8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of benralizumab in human or animal milk, and the effects of benralizumab on the breast fed infant and on milk production are not…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hypersensitivity reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, rash) have occurred after administration of FASENRA. Discontinue in the event of a hypersensitivity reaction. (5.1) • Reduction in Corticosteroid Dosage: Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids abruptly upon initiation of therapy with FASENRA. Decrease corticosteroids gradually, if appropriate. (5.3) • Parasitic (Helminth) Infection: Treat patients with pre-existing helminth infections before therapy with FASENRA. If patients become infected while receiving FASENRA and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, discontinue FASENRA until the parasitic infection resolves. (5.4) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, rash) have occurred following administration of FASENRA. These reactions generally occur within hours of administration, but in some instances have a delayed onset (i.e., days). In the event of a hypersensitivity reaction, FASENRA should be discontinued [see Contraindications (4) ] . 5.2 Acute Asthma Symptoms or Deteriorating Disease FASENRA should not be used to treat acute asthma symptoms or acute exacerbations. Do not use FASENRA to treat acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. Patients should seek medical advice if their asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens after initiation of treatment with FASENRA. 5.3 Reduction of Corticosteroid Dosage Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) abruptly upon initiation of therapy with FASENRA. Reductions in corticosteroid dose, if appropriate, should be gradual and performed under the direct supervision of a physician. Reduction in corticosteroid dose may be associated with systemic withdrawal symptoms and/or unmask conditions previously suppressed by systemic corticosteroid therapy. 5.4 Parasitic (Helminth) Infection Eosinophils may be involved in the immunological response to some helminth infections. Patients with known helminth infections were excluded from participation in clinical trials. It is unknown if FASENRA will influence a patient’s response against helminth infections. Treat patients with pre-existing helminth infections before initiating therapy with FASENRA. If patients become infected while receiving treatment with FASENRA and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, discontinue treatment with FASENRA until infection resolves.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS FASENRA is contraindicated in patients who have known hypersensitivity to benralizumab or any of its excipients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Known hypersensitivity to benralizumab or excipients. (4)
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use Asthma The safety and effectiveness of FASENRA for add-on maintenance treatment of patients with severe asthma and with an eosinophilic phenotype have been established in pediatric patients 6 years and older. Use of FASENRA for this indication is supported by evidence from the following: Pediatric Patients 12 to 17 Years of Age Use of FASENRA in pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age with severe asthma and with an eosinophilic phenotype is supported by evidence from SIROCCO (n=53) and CALIMA (n=55) that enrolled 108 pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years (mean age 14 years, 42% female, White 82%, Asian 2%, Black or African American 4%) with asthma. Of these patients, 46 received placebo, 40 received 30 mg of FASENRA every 4 weeks for 3 doses, followed by every 8 weeks thereafter, and 22 received 30 mg of FASENRA every 4 weeks. Patients were required to weigh 40 kg or more and to have a history of 2 or more asthma exacerbations requiring oral or systemic corticosteroid treatment in the past 12 months and reduced lung function at baseline (pre-bronchodilator FEV 1 <90%) despite regular treatment with medium or high dose ICS and LABA with or without OCS or other controller therapy [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . The pharmacokinetics of benralizumab in pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age were consistent with adults based on population pharmacokinetic analysis and the reduction in blood eosinophil counts was similar to that observed in adults following the same FASENRA treatment. The adverse reaction profile in pediatric patients was generally similar to the overall population in the clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Pediatric Patients 6 to 11 Years of Age Use of FASENRA in pediatric patients aged 6 to 11 years with severe asthma and with an eosinophilic phenotype is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years with additional pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety data in pediatric patients aged 6 to 11 years. The effectiveness of FASENRA in pediatric patients 6 to 11 years of age is extrapolated from efficacy in three clinical trials (SIROCCO, CALIMA, and ZONDA) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] with support from pharmacokinetic analysis and pharmacodynamic response in pediatric patients aged 6 to 11 years compared to adults and pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years. TATE is a 48-week, open-label, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic trial that was conducted in 28 patients aged 6 to 11 years (mean age 9 years; 6-8 years, n=11; 9-11 years, n=17; 32% female, White 29%, Asian 32%, Black or African American 29%) with severe asthma and with an eosinophilic phenotype. Based upon the pharmacokinetic data from TATE, a subcutaneous dose of 10 mg (patients <35 kg) and subcutaneous dose of 30 mg (patients ≥35 kg) of benralizumab administered every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, then every 8 weeks thereafter in patients aged 6 to 11 years was determine
⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE There is no specific treatment for an overdosage with benralizumab. If overdose occurs, the patient should be treated supportively with appropriate monitoring as necessary. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
6 marketed products on record (RxNorm)
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.