Drug Reference

Onasemnogene Abeparvovec

Other drugs for disorders of the musculo-skeletal system

← All medicines · Other drugs for disorders of the musculo-skeletal system

Rx only

Fact box

Therapeutic class
Other drugs for disorders of the musculo-skeletal system
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

ItvismaZolgensma

Available as

5.5 ML · Injection8.3 ML · Injection3 ML · Injection

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

⚠ Boxed warning
WARNING: SERIOUS LIVER INJURY and ACUTE LIVER FAILURE Cases of acute liver failure with fatal outcomes have been reported. Acute serious liver injury and elevated aminotransferases can also occur with ZOLGENSMA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Patients with preexisting liver impairment may be at higher risk [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Prior to infusion, assess liver function of all patients by clinical examination and laboratory testing. Administer systemic corticosteroid to all patients before and after ZOLGENSMA infusion. Continue to monitor liver function for at least 3 months after infusion, and at other times as clinically indicated [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.3 )]. WARNING: SERIOUS LIVER INJURY and ACUTE LIVER FAILURE See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Cases of acute liver failure with fatal outcomes have been reported. Acute serious liver injury and elevated aminotransferases can also occur with ZOLGENSMA. ( 5.1 ) Patients with preexisting liver impairment may be at higher risk. ( 5.1 ) Prior to infusion, assess liver function of all patients by clinical examination and laboratory testing. Administer systemic corticosteroid to all patients before and after ZOLGENSMA infusion. Continue to monitor liver function for at least 3 months after infusion, and at other times as clinically indicated. ( 2.1 , 2.3 )
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ZOLGENSMA is an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapy indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients less than 2 years of age with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with bi-allelic mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Limitations of Use The safety and effectiveness of repeat administration of ZOLGENSMA have not been evaluated [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . The use of ZOLGENSMA in patients with advanced SMA (e.g., complete paralysis of limbs, permanent ventilator-dependence) has not been evaluated [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . ZOLGENSMA is an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapy indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients less than 2 years of age with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with bi-allelic mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 ( SMN1) gene. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use The safety and effectiveness of repeat administration of ZOLGENSMA have not been evaluated. ( 1 , 6.2 ) The use of ZOLGENSMA in patients with advanced SMA (e.g., complete paralysis of limbs, permanent ventilator dependence) has not been evaluated. ( 1 , 14 )
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action ZOLGENSMA is a recombinant AAV9-based gene therapy designed to deliver a copy of the gene encoding the human SMN protein. SMA is caused by a bi-allelic mutation in the SMN1 gene, which results in insufficient SMN protein expression. Intravenous administration of ZOLGENSMA that results in cell transduction and expression of the SMN protein has been observed in two human case studies [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For single-dose intravenous infusion only. For single-dose intravenous infusion only ( 2 ). The recommended dosage of ZOLGENSMA is 1.1 × 10 14 vector genomes (vg) per kg of body weight. ( 2.1 ) Administer ZOLGENSMA as an intravenous infusion over 60 minutes. ( 2.1 , 2.3 ) Postpone ZOLGENSMA in patients with infections until the infection has resolved and the patient is clinically stable. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) Starting one day prior to ZOLGENSMA infusion, administer systemic corticosteroids equivalent to oral prednisolone at 1 mg/kg of body weight per day for a total of 30 days. At the end of the 30-day period, check liver function by clinical examination and by laboratory testing. For patients with unremarkable findings, taper the corticosteroid dose gradually over the next 28 days. If liver function abnormalities persist, continue systemic corticosteroids (equivalent to oral prednisolone at 1 mg/kg/day) until findings become unremarkable, and then taper the corticosteroid dose gradually over the next 28 days or longer if needed. Do not stop systemic corticosteroids abruptly. ( 2.1 ) If liver function abnormalities continue to persist ≥ 2 × ULN after the 30-day period of systemic corticosteroids, promptly consult a pediatric gastroenterologist or hepatologist. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Dose and Administration The recommended dose of ZOLGENSMA is 1.1 × 10 14 vector genomes per kilogram (vg/kg) of body weight. Table 1: Dosing Patient weight range (kg) Dose volume a (mL) a Dose volume is calculated using the upper limit of the patient weight range for pediatric patients less than 2 years of age between 2.6 kg and 21.0 kg. 2.6 – 3.0 16.5 3.1 – 3.5 19.3 3.6 – 4.0 22.0 4.1 – 4.5 24.8 4.6 – 5.0 27.5 5.1 – 5.5 30.3 5.6 – 6.0 33.0 6.1 – 6.5 35.8 6.6 – 7.0 38.5 7.1 – 7.5 41.3 7.6 – 8.0 44.0 8.1 – 8.5 46.8 8.6 – 9.0 49.5 9.1 – 9.5 52.3 9.6 – 10.0 55.0 10.1 – 10.5 57.8 10.6 – 11.0 60.5 11.1 – 11.5 63.3 11.6 – 12.0 66.0 12.1 – 12.5 68.8 12.6 – 13.0 71.5 13.1 – 13.5 74.3 13.6 – 14.0 77.0 14.1 – 14.5 79.8 14.6 – 15.0 82.5 15.1 – 15.5 85.3 15.6 – 16.0 88.0 16.1 – 16.5 90.8 16.6 – 17.0 93.5 17.1 – 17.5 96.3 17.6 – 18.0 99.0 18.1 – 18.5 101.8 18.6 – 19.0 104.5 19.1 – 19.5 107.3 19.6 – 20.0 110.0 20.1 – 20.5 112.8 20.6 – 21.0 115.5 Prior to ZOLGENSMA infusion: Due to the increased risk of serious systemic immune response, administer ZOLGENSMA to patients who are clinically stable in their overall baseline health status (e.g., hydration and nutritional status, absence of infection) prior to infusion. Postpone ZOLGENSMA in patients with infections until the infection has resolved and the patient is clinically stable. Clinical signs or symptoms of infection should not be evident at the time of ZOLGENSMA infusion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.4 ), Patient Counseling Information ( 17 )]. Assess liver function [see Boxed Warning, Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )]. Obtain creatinine and complete blood count (including hemoglobin and platelet count) [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 , 5.4 )] . Perform baseline testing for the presence of anti-AAV9 antibodies [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]. One day prior to ZOLGENSMA infusion, begin administration of systemic corticosteroids equivalent to oral prednisolone at 1 mg per kg of body weight per day (mg/kg/day) for a total of 30 days. Administer ZOLGENSMA as a single-dose intravenous infusion through a venous catheter. Follow the steps below for infusion: 1. Place a primary catheter into a vein (generally a peripheral vein in the arm or leg). Insertion of a back-up catheter is recommended. 2. Program syringe pump for saline priming, or prime tubing manually with saline. 3. Administer ZOLGENSMA as a slow infusion over 60 minutes. DO NOT INFUSE AS AN INTRAVENOUS PUSH OR BOLUS. 4. Flush line with saline following completion of infusion. Monitor liver func
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5%) were elevated aminotransferases and vomiting. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5%) were elevated aminotransferases and vomiting. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novartis Gene Therapies at 1-833-828-3947 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 product and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety data described in this section reflect exposure to ZOLGENSMA in five clinical studies enrolling a total of 68 patients. This includes four prospective open-label clinical trials [NCT03306277 (Study 1), NCT02122952 (Study 2), NCT03505099, NCT04851873 (Study 3)], and one observational long-term follow-up study [NCT03421977]. The patient population in NCT03306277, NCT03505099, and NCT02122952 ranged in age from 0.3 months to 7.9 months at the time of infusion (median age, 3.3 months), with weight range from 3.0 kg to 8.4 kg (median weight, 5.5 kg) [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . In an open-label, post-authorization clinical study (Study 3, NCT04851873), safety of ZOLGENSMA was evaluated in 24 children, aged between 1.5 to 9.1 years (median age, 4.9 years), with weight range from ≥ 8.5 kg to ≤ 21 kg (median weight, 15.8 kg). Only one of the 24 patients was under the age of 2 years at the time of ZOLGENSMA administration. Patients in Study 3 had 2 to 4 copies of SMN2 . Before treatment with ZOLGENSMA, 21 patients discontinued their previous treatment with nusinersen or risdiplam. The types of adverse reactions observed in Study 3 were consistent with those of Studies 1 and 2. Liver enzyme increases in Study 3 occurred at a higher frequency compared with the previous 4 studies. AST or ALT elevations > 2 × ULN were observed in the majority of patients (23 out of 24 patients), including 21 patients with ALT elevations > 3 × ULN and 5 patients with ALT elevations > 20 × ULN. These patients were clinically asymptomatic and there were no elevations of bilirubin. The AST and ALT elevations were managed with the use of corticosteroids, typically with prolonged duration and/or given at a higher dose [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Transient decreases in platelet counts, which met the criteria for thrombocytopenia were observed in 20 out of 24 patients. Four patients had platelet counts below 50,000 per µL [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . The most frequent adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5%) and increases in alanine aminotransferase in the 4 studies (data cut-off date: September 27, 2018) are summarized in Table 2 . Table 2: Adverse Reactions and ALT Increases* Following Treatment With ZOLGENSMA Patients n = 44 (3.0-8.4 kg) Adverse reactions n (%) Abbreviations: ULN, upper limit of normal; ALT, alanine aminotransferase. *Laboratory finding. Elevated aminotransferases 12 (27%) ALT > 3 X ULN 7 (16%) ALT > 20 X ULN 4 (9%) Vomiting 3 (7%) One death occurred in a patient, who received ZOLGENSMA at the age of 5 months (6 kg), in a completed non-United States clinical trial (NCT03461289). The patient initially presented with respiratory insufficiency 12 days after ZOLGENSMA infusion and was found to have RSV and parainfluenza in respiratory secretions. The patient had episodes of serious hypotension, followed by seizures, and was found to have leukoencephalopathy (brain white matter defects) approximately 30 days after ZOLGENSMA infusion. The patient died after withdrawal of life support 52 days after ZOLGENSMA infusion. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ZOLGENSMA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relat

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 There are no available data regarding ZOLGENSMA use in pregnant women. It is not known whether ZOLGENSMA has the potential to be transferred to the fetus in humans. Animal reproduction studies in mice have shown no risk of fetal abnormalities nor transfer to mouse fetus with intravenous (IV) administration of onasemnogene abeparvovec, the active ingredient found in ZOLGENSMA, on gestational day 6 at dose levels equivalent to the clinical IV dose of ZOLGENSMA [see Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility ( 13.1 )] , see Animal Data. In the United States 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. Data Animal Data In an embryo-fetal development study in mice, pregnant animals received an IV dose of either 1.1 x 10 13 vg/kg or 1.1 x 10 14 vg/kg of onasemnogene abeparvovec on gestational day 6, which resulted in no evidence of maternal toxicity, embryo-fetal toxicity, teratogenicity, or reduced viability. Onasemnogene abeparvovec DNA was detected in the placenta at low levels but was not detected in any fetal tissue at gestational day 18. The no observed adverse effect level for maternal and developmental toxicity is 1.1 x 10 14 vg/kg, which is the recommended clinical IV dose of ZOLGENSMA.
BreastfeedingCaution
…8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information available on the presence of ZOLGENSMA in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production.…
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.
LiverCaution
…At the end of the 30-day period, check liver function by clinical examination and by laboratory testing.…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Systemic Immune Response: Administer ZOLGENSMA to patients who are clinically stable in their overall baseline health status (e.g., hydration and nutritional status, absence of infection) prior to infusion. ( 5.2 ) Thrombocytopenia: Monitor platelet counts before ZOLGENSMA infusion, and at least weekly for the first month and then every other week for the second and third month or until platelet counts return to baseline. ( 2.3 , 5.3 ) Thrombotic Microangiopathy (TMA): Prompt attention to signs and symptoms of TMA is advised, as TMA can result in life-threatening or fatal outcomes. If clinical signs, symptoms and/or laboratory findings occur, consult a pediatric hematologist and/or pediatric nephrologist immediately to manage as clinically indicated. ( 5.4 ) Elevated Troponin I: Increases in cardiac troponin I levels have occurred following ZOLGENSMA infusion. Consider cardiac evaluation after ZOLGENSMA infusion and consult a cardiologist as needed. ( 5.5 ) AAV Vector Integration and Risk of Tumorigenicity: There is a theoretical risk of tumorigenicity due to integration of AAV vector DNA into the genome. Report cases of tumors in patients who received ZOLGENSMA, to Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc. ( 5.6 , 17 ) Infusion-Related Reactions: Monitor patients during and after ZOLGENSMA infusion. Interrupt ZOLGENSMA infusion if infusion-related reaction occurs and administer supportive treatment as appropriate. Infusion of ZOLGENSMA may be resumed based on clinical assessment. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Acute Serious Liver Injury, Acute Liver Failure or Elevated Aminotransferases Acute serious liver injury, acute liver failure and elevated aminotransferases can occur with ZOLGENSMA. Hepatotoxicity (which may be immune-mediated), generally manifested as elevated ALT and/or AST levels. Acute serious liver injury and acute liver failure, including fatal cases, have been reported with ZOLGENSMA use [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . In order to mitigate potential aminotransferase elevations, administer systemic corticosteroid to all patients before and after ZOLGENSMA infusion. Immune-mediated hepatotoxicity may require adjustment of the corticosteroid treatment regimen, including longer duration, increased dose, or prolongation of the corticosteroid taper [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . Patients with preexisting liver impairment or acute hepatic viral infection may be at higher risk of acute serious liver injury/acute liver failure. Patients with ALT, AST, or total bilirubin levels (except due to neonatal jaundice) > 2 × ULN have not been studied in clinical trials with ZOLGENSMA. Carefully consider the risks and benefits of ZOLGENSMA therapy in patients with preexisting liver impairment. Although in the clinical trials and in postmarketing experience, asymptomatic aminotransferase elevations were very commonly reported [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] , in the managed access program and in the postmarketing setting, cases of acute serious liver injury and acute liver failure, including a few cases with fatal outcomes, have been reported. Some patients have experienced elevations in ALT and AST > 20 × ULN, prolonged prothrombin time and have been symptomatic (e.g., vomiting, jaundice), which required the use of corticosteroids, sometimes with prolonged duration and/or a higher dose. If acute serious liver injury or acute liver failure is suspected, promptly consult a pediatric gastroenterologist or hepatologist. Prior to ZOLGENSMA infusion, assess liver function by clinical examination and laboratory testing (hepatic aminotransferases [AST and ALT], total bilirubin level, albumin, prothrombin time, PTT, and INR). Continue to monitor liver function (AST, ALT, total bilirubin, prothrombin time, INR) for at least 3 months after ZOLGENSMA infusion, and at other times as clinically indicated. Promptly assess and closely monitor patients with worsening liver function test results and/or signs or symptoms of acute illness (e.g
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety of ZOLGENSMA was studied in pediatric patients who received ZOLGENSMA infusion at age 0.3 to 7.9 months (weight range, 3.0 kg to 8.4 kg). Safety was also studied in Study 3 (post-authorization study) in patients weighing 9.5 kg to 20.2 kg [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . The efficacy of ZOLGENSMA was studied in pediatric patients who received ZOLGENSMA infusion at age 0.5 to 7.9 months (weight range, 3.6 kg to 8.4 kg) [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Administration of ZOLGENSMA to premature neonates before reaching full-term gestational age is not recommended, because concomitant treatment with corticosteroids may adversely affect neurological development. Delay ZOLGENSMA infusion until the corresponding full-term gestational age is reached.

⚑ 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.

Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Where feasible, adjust a patient’s vaccination schedule to accommodate concomitant corticosteroid administration prior to and following ZOLGENSMA infusion [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . Certain vaccines, such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and varicella, are contraindicated for patients on a substantially immunosuppressive steroid dose (i.e., ≥ 2 weeks of daily receipt of 20 mg or 2 mg/kg body weight of prednisone or equivalent). Seasonal RSV prophylaxis is recommended (General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization [ www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/general-recs/downloads/general-recs.pdf ], eds2017). Where feasible, adjust a patient’s vaccination schedule to accommodate concomitant corticosteroid administration prior to and following ZOLGENSMA infusion. ( 7 )
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.