Benralizumab (Monograph)
Brand name: Fasenra
Drug class: Interleukin Antagonists
Introduction
Antiasthmatic agent; a recombinant DNA-derived afucosylated humanized monoclonal antibody specific for the alpha chain of the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor (IL-5Rα) and an IgG1 kappa immunoglobulin.1
Uses for Benralizumab
Asthma
Adjunctive maintenance therapy in patients ≥12 years of age with severe eosinophilic asthma.1 3 4 7
Reduces asthma exacerbation rate, decreases oral corticosteroid dosage requirements, and improves FEV1 from baseline.1 2 3 4 7 11
Not indicated for treatment of other eosinophilic conditions.1
Not indicated for relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus.1
Several clinical practice guidelines on asthma management are available, including the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines.9 19 In GINA, stepwise approach to treatment is recommended where specific drugs are added or adjusted up or down through a series of steps (1 through 5) to achieve symptom control while keeping the patient on the lowest effective treatment.19
Biologic agents such as benralizumab are generally recommended as add-on therapy for severe asthma.19
Benralizumab Dosage and Administration
General
Pretreatment Screening
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Screen for pre-existing parasitic helminth infections and treat infections prior to initiating benralizumab.1
Patient Monitoring
-
Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions after administration of benralizumab.1 Discontinue benralizumab if hypersensitivity reactions occur.1
Other General Considerations
-
Intended for use under guidance of a healthcare provider.1
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Do not abruptly discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) upon initiation of benralizumab therapy.1 Decrease corticosteroid dosages gradually, if appropriate, under the direct supervision of a prescriber.1
Administration
Sub-Q Administration
Administer by sub-Q injection into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen.1
Commercially available in prefilled syringes and autoinjectors.1 Prefilled syringe intended for administration by a clinician.1 Autoinjector pen may be administered by patient or caregiver after proper training provided and healthcare provider determines it is appropriate.1
Remove syringe or autoinjector from refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to injection; use within 24 hours or discard.1
Contains no preservatives; intended for single use only.1
Inject entire contents of prefilled syringe (1 mL providing 30 mg).1
Dosage
Pediatric Patients
Asthma
Sub-Q
Adolescents ≥12 years of age: Initially, 30 mg every 4 weeks for 3 doses followed by 30 mg every 8 weeks.1
Adults
Asthma
Sub-Q
Initially, 30 mg every 4 weeks for 3 doses followed by 30 mg every 8 weeks.1
Special Populations
Geriatric Patients
The manufacturer makes no specific dosage recommendations for geriatric patients.1
Hepatic Impairment
The manufacturer makes no specific dosage recommendations for patients with hepatic impairment.1
Renal Impairment
The manufacturer makes no specific dosage recommendations for patients with renal impairment.1
Cautions for Benralizumab
Contraindications
-
History of hypersensitivity to benralizumab or any ingredient in the formulation.1
Warnings/Precautions
Sensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, rash) reported, generally occurring within hours or possibly days following administration.1 If hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue benralizumab.1
Deterioration of Disease and Acute Episodes
Not indicated for treatment of acute asthma symptoms or exacerbations, acute bronchospasm, or status asthmaticus.1
Reduction of Corticosteroid Dosage
Do not abruptly discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroid therapy upon initiation of benralizumab therapy.1 If appropriate, reduce corticosteroid dosage gradually and supervise such reduction carefully.1
Parasitic Infection
Immune response against some parasitic (helminth) infections may be altered.1 Not studied in patients with known parasitic infections.1 Treat patients with preexisting parasitic (helminth) infections before initiating benralizumab.1 If parasitic infection occurs and does not respond to anthelmintic treatment, interrupt benralizumab therapy until infection resolves.1
Immunogenicity
Potential for immunogenicity.1 Development of anti-benralizumab antibodies detected in 13% of patients and associated with increased drug clearance and increased blood eosinophil concentrations;1 12 development of neutralizing antibodies also detected.1 Evidence of an association between anti-benralizumab antibodies and efficacy or safety of the drug not observed.1
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
No evidence of fetal harm in monkeys following IV benralizumab during pregnancy.1 Potential effects of monoclonal antibodies (e.g., benralizumab) on the fetus more likely to occur in the third trimester.1
Registry information is available by calling 1-877-311-8972 or visiting [Web].1
Lactation
Not known whether distributed into human milk.1 Since IgG distributes into milk in humans, benralizumab is expected to distribute into human milk.1
Consider benefits of breast-feeding and importance of drug to the woman; also consider potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from the drug or underlying maternal condition.1
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy not established in children <12 years of age.1
Evaluated in 62 adolescent patients 12–17 years of age with asthma; adverse effect profile generally similar to that observed in adults.1
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety and efficacy in patients ≥65 years of age relative to younger adults, but increased sensitivity cannot be ruled out.1
Hepatic Impairment
Pharmacokinetics not studied in patients with hepatic impairment.1
Renal Impairment
Pharmacokinetics not studied in patients with renal impairment.1
Common Adverse Effects
Common adverse effects (≥5%): headache, pharyngitis.1
Drug Interactions
No formal drug interaction studies to date.1
Drugs Metabolized by Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes
CYP substrates: Pharmacokinetic interactions unlikely.1
Drugs Affected by Efflux Transport Systems
Substrates of efflux transport systems: Pharmacokinetic interactions unlikely.1
Benralizumab Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Absolute bioavailability following sub-Q administration approximately 58%.1
Relatively slow absorption with an absorption half-life of approximately 3.6 days following sub-Q administration.1 12
Dose-proportional pharmacokinetics over a sub-Q dosage range of 20–200 mg and an IV dosage range of 0.03–3 mg/kg.1 12
Onset
Decreased blood eosinophil count observed 24 hours after IV administration.1 13
Duration
Decreased blood eosinophil count reported to last for at least 8–12 weeks.12 13
Special Populations
Age, sex, and tobacco smoking history did not affect pharmacokinetics of benralizumab in healthy volunteers or those with asthma.12
Distribution
Extent
Not known whether distributed into human milk.1
Potential for limited distribution into extravascular tissues.12 13
Elimination
Metabolism
Metabolized by widely distributed proteolytic enzymes.1
Elimination Route
Not excreted renally.1 No evidence of clearance through a target receptor-mediated pathway.1 13
Half-life
Approximately 15 days following sub-Q administration.1
Special Populations
Hepatic impairment: Changes in hepatic function not expected to influence clearance.1
Renal impairment: Comparable clearance in patients with Clcr between 30–80 mL/minute and those with normal renal function.1 Limited data in those with Clcr <30 mL/minute.1
Anti-benralizumab antibody titers ≥400: 4.6-fold increase in drug clearance.12
Age, gender, and race did not affect clearance.1 12
Stability
Storage
Parenteral
Injection
2–8°C in original package and protect from light.1 Do not freeze or shake.1
Actions
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Recombinant DNA-derived afucosylated humanized monoclonal antibody specific for the alpha chain of the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor (IL-5Rα) and an IgG1 kappa immunoglobulin.1
-
Inhibits activation of IL-5R and subsequent signal transduction.14 15 Induces direct, rapid, and nearly complete depletion of eosinophils and basophils in the circulation, bone marrow, and target tissues through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.1 3 4 7 14 15 16
-
Results in dose-dependent decreases in blood eosinophil counts;1 2 effects observed after 24 hours and lasting at least 8–12 weeks.1 12 13
-
Results in associated reductions in blood basophil counts;1 clinical benefit of such reductions unknown.14 15
Advice to Patients
-
Risk of hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, urticaria, rash).1 Instruct patients to immediately contact a clinician if they experience symptoms of an allergic reaction.1
-
Importance of patients and/or caregivers receiving training on proper administration technique using the benralizumab autoinjector pen.1
-
Importance of informing patients that benralizumab does not relieve acute asthma symptoms or exacerbations.1 Advise patients to contact their clinician if asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens after treatment initiation.1
-
Importance of informing patients with asthma receiving inhaled or systemic corticosteroid therapy not to discontinue or reduce corticosteroid dosage, since withdrawal symptoms or worsening of asthma may occur; change corticosteroid dosage only under direct supervision of a clinician.1
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Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as any concomitant illnesses.1
-
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.1
-
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.1
Additional Information
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are advised that decisions regarding use of drugs are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer’s labeling should be consulted for more detailed information. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care.
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Please refer to the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center for information on shortages of one or more of these preparations.
Benralizumab is available only from a designated specialty pharmacy.18 The manufacturer should be contacted for additional information.18
Routes |
Dosage Forms |
Strengths |
Brand Names |
Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Parenteral |
Injection, for subcutaneous use |
30 mg/mL |
Fasenra (available as single-dose prefilled syringe or autoinjector pen) |
AstraZeneca |
AHFS DI Essentials™. © Copyright 2024, Selected Revisions June 18, 2023. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
References
1. AstraZeneca. Fasenra (benralizumab) injection, for subcutaneous use prescribing information. Wilmington, DE; 2021 Feb.
2. Castro M, Wenzel SE, Bleecker ER et al. Benralizumab, an anti-interleukin 5 receptor α monoclonal antibody, versus placebo for uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma: a phase 2b randomised dose-ranging study. Lancet Respir Med. 2014; 2:879-890. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25306557?dopt=AbstractPlus
3. Bleecker ER, FitzGerald JM, Chanez P et al. Efficacy and safety of benralizumab for patients with severe asthma uncontrolled with high-dosage inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β-agonists (SIROCCO): a randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2016; 388:2115-2127. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27609408?dopt=AbstractPlus
4. FitzGerald JM, Bleecker ER, Nair P et al. Benralizumab, an anti-interleukin-5 receptor α monoclonal antibody, as add-on treatment for patients with severe, uncontrolled, eosinophilic asthma (CALIMA): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2016; 388:2128-2141. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27609406?dopt=AbstractPlus
5. Katz LE, Gleich GJ, Hartley BF et al. Blood eosinophil count is a useful biomarker to identify patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2014; 11:531-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24606022?dopt=AbstractPlus
6. Walford HH, Doherty TA. Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic asthma: a US perspective. J Asthma Allergy. 2014; 7:53-65. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24748808?dopt=AbstractPlus
7. Nair P, Wenzel S, Rabe KF et al. Oral Glucocorticoid-Sparing Effect of Benralizumab in Severe Asthma. N Engl J Med. 2017; 376:2448-2458. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28530840?dopt=AbstractPlus
8. George L, Brightling CE. Eosinophilic airway inflammation: role in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2016; 7:34-51. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26770668?dopt=AbstractPlus
9. Chung KF, Wenzel SE, Brozek JL et al. International ERS/ATS guidelines on definition, evaluation and treatment of severe asthma. Eur Respir J. 2014; 43:343-73. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24337046?dopt=AbstractPlus
10. Mukherjee M, Sehmi R, Nair P. Anti-IL5 therapy for asthma and beyond. World Allergy Organ J. 2014; 7:32. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25709744?dopt=AbstractPlus
11. Ferguson GT, FitzGerald JM, Bleecker ER et al. Benralizumab for patients with mild to moderate, persistent asthma (BISE): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Respir Med. 2017; 5:568-576. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28545978?dopt=AbstractPlus
12. Wang B, Yan L, Yao Z et al. Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Benralizumab in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Asthma. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol. 2017; 6:249-257. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28109128?dopt=AbstractPlus
13. Busse WW, Katial R, Gossage D et al. Safety profile, pharmacokinetics, and biologic activity of MEDI-563, an anti-IL-5 receptor alpha antibody, in a phase I study of subjects with mild asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010; 125:1237-1244.e2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20513521?dopt=AbstractPlus
14. Matera MG, Calzetta L, Rinaldi B et al. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic drug evaluation of benralizumab for the treatment of asthma. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2017; 13:1007-1013. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28737051?dopt=AbstractPlus
15. Varricchi G, Marone G, Spadaro G et al. Novel Biological Therapies in Severe Asthma: Targeting the Right Trait. Curr Med Chem. 2018; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29318959?dopt=AbstractPlus
16. Kupczyk M, Kuna P. Benralizumab: an anti-IL-5 receptor α monoclonal antibody in the treatment of asthma. Immunotherapy. 2018; 10:349-359. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29359607?dopt=AbstractPlus
18. Astrazeneca. From Fasenra (benralizumab) for healthcare professionals website. Accessed 30 Sep 2022. https://www.fasenrahcp.com/access-360
19. Global Initiative for Asthma. Global strategy for asthma management and prevention - updated 2022. August 30, 2022. https://ginasthma.org/gina-reports/
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