Shire Pharmaceuticals Group Plc
Shire Announces Completion of Decentralized Procedure in Europe for Immunoglobulin Treatment Cuvitru
Switzerland (ots/PRNewswire)
- Cuvitru (IG 20mg/ml solution for subcutaneous injection) builds on company's broad portfolio of IG treatments gained through combination with Baxalta - New option to treat primary and certain secondary immunodeficiencies can help meet patient needs related to number of infusion sites and infusion time
Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPG) announced today the successful completion of a decentralized procedure (DCP) to support approval by 17 authorities in Europe for Cuvitru (IG 20mg/ml solution for subcutaneous injection), a treatment for pediatric and adult patients with primary and certain secondary immunodeficiency disorders, a group of disorders in which part of the body's immune system is missing or does not function properly.[1] It is estimated that as many as six million children and adults may be affected by primary immunodeficiencies (PI) worldwide.[1]
With the addition of Cuvitru following the completion of the combination with Baxalta, Shire has the broadest immunoglobulin (IG) portfolio with intravenous, conventional and subcutaneous treatment options. Cuvitru is a new IG treatment that does not contain proline; it offers patients a new therapeutic option to meet their needs, particularly related to the number of infusion sites and infusion time. With the completion of the DCP, the 17 authorities mutually recognize approvability based on a scientific assessment of the product, and local marketing authorizations in Europe are expected to begin later in 2016.
Regulatory evaluation for Cuvitru was based on the positive results of a Phase 2/3 study that evaluated the efficacy, safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of IGSC 20% in European patients with PI. The study met its primary endpoint that measured the rate of validated acute serious bacterial infections.
"With the completion of the assessment procedure, we can move forward with seeking country approvals of Cuvitru in Europe as we continue to build a comprehensive portfolio of IG treatments that can address the distinct needs of people with PI around the world," said Philip J. Vickers, Ph.D., Head of Research and Development, Shire.
Shire expects a regulatory decision for Cuvitru in the U.S. later this year in response to Baxalta's submission for licensing late in 2015 based on a separate Phase II/III study. The company expects to initiate additional global regulatory submissions in 2016.
About Primary Immunodeficiency
Primary immunodeficiencies (PI) are a group of more than 300 disorders in which part of the body's immune system is missing or does not function properly.[2] Normally, the immune system protects the body from pathogenic microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can cause infectious diseases. When any part of a person's immune system is absent or dysfunctional, the individuals are susceptible to infections, and it may take longer to recover from infections. When a defect in the immune system is genetically determined, it is called primary immune deficiency.[3] It is estimated that as many as six million children and adults may be affected by PI worldwide.[1]
About Cuvitru 20mg/ml solution for subcutaneous injection in Europe
After marketing authorization, Cuvitru 20mg/ml solution for subcutaneous injection will be indicated as a subcutaneous administration (SCIg) replacement therapy in adults, and children and adolescents (0 - 18 years) in:
- Primary immunodeficiency syndromes with impaired antibody production. - Hypogammaglobulinaemia and recurrent bacterial infections in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), in whom prophylactic antibiotics have failed or are contra-indicated. - Hypogammaglobulinaemia and recurrent bacterial infections in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. - Hypogammaglobulinaemia in patients pre- and post- allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
Detailed Important Risk Information
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
Severe IgA deficiency and a history of hypersensitivity to human immunoglobulin treatment.
Cuvitru must not be given intravascularly or intramuscularly.
WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS
If Cuvitru is accidentally administered into a blood vessel patients could develop shock.
The recommended infusion rate must be closely followed. Patients must be closely monitored and carefully observed for any symptoms throughout the infusion period.
Certain adverse reactions may occur more frequently in patients who receive human normal immunoglobulin for the first time or, in rare cases, when the human normal immunoglobulin product is switched or when there has been a long interval since the previous infusion.
Potential complications can often be avoided by:
- initially injecting the product slowly - ensuring that patients are carefully monitored for any symptoms throughout the infusion period. In particular, patients naive to human normal immunoglobulin, patients switched from an alternative immunoglobulin product or when there has been a long interval since the previous infusion should be monitored during the first infusion and for the first hour after the first infusion, in order to detect potential adverse signs.
All other patients should be observed for at least 20 minutes after administration.
In case of adverse reaction, either the rate of administration must be reduced or the infusion stopped. Suspicion of severe hypersensitivity or anaphylactic-type reactions requires immediate discontinuation of the injection. The treatment required depends on the nature and severity of the adverse reaction.
In case of shock, standard medical treatment for shock should be implemented.
Thromboembolic events (e.g. myocardial infarction, cerebral vascular accident, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism), renal dysfunction/failure, aseptic meningitis syndrome, hemolysis and interference with serological testing have been observed with IG administered intravenously and cannot be excluded with use of Cuvitru. Thrombotic events and hemolysis have also been reported in association with the subcutaneous administration of immunoglobulin products.
Human normal immunoglobulin is produced from human plasma and may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents.
Shire, Baxalta and Cuvitru are trademarks of Shire plc, its subsidiaries or affiliates.
References
1. Bousfiha AA et al. Primary immunodeficiency diseases worldwide: more common than generally thought. J Clin Immunol. 2013 Jan;33(1):1-7.
2. Picard C, Al-Herz W, et al. Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases: an Update on the Classification from the International Union of Immunological Societies Expert Committee for Primary Immunodeficiency. J Clin Immunol. 2015 Nov;35(8):696-726.
3. IDF Patient & Family Handbook for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. 5th edition. Blaese. 2013.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Shire
Shire is the leading global biotechnology company focused on serving people with rare diseases and other highly specialized conditions. We have best-in-class products available in more than 100 countries across core therapeutic areas including Hematology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Lysosomal Storage Disorders, Gastrointestinal / Internal Medicine / Endocrine and Hereditary Angioedema; a growing franchise in Oncology; and an emerging, innovative pipeline in Ophthalmics.
Our employees come to work every day with a shared mission: to develop and deliver breakthrough therapies for the hundreds of millions of people in the world affected by rare diseases and other high-need conditions, and who lack effective therapies to live their lives to the fullest.
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acquisition of NPS Pharmaceuticals Inc. or Dyax Corp. ("Dyax") may
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and infrastructure face certain risks, including from service
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other benefits at the time anticipated or at all; andother risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Shire's, Dyax's or Baxalta's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those risks outlined in "ITEM 1A: Risk Factors" in Shire's and Baxalta's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
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