Metreleptin

Metreleptin
Black Box Warning
Adult Indications & Dosage
Pediatric Indications & Dosage
Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
Use in Specific Populations
Administration & Monitoring
Overdosage
Pharmacology
Clinical Studies
How Supplied
Images
Patient Counseling Information
Precautions with Alcohol
Brand Names
Look-Alike Names

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aparna Vuppala, M.B.B.S. [2]

Disclaimer

WikiDoc MAKES NO GUARANTEE OF VALIDITY. WikiDoc is not a professional health care provider, nor is it a suitable replacement for a licensed healthcare provider. WikiDoc is intended to be an educational tool, not a tool for any form of healthcare delivery. The educational content on WikiDoc drug pages is based upon the FDA package insert, National Library of Medicine content and practice guidelines / consensus statements. WikiDoc does not promote the administration of any medication or device that is not consistent with its labeling. Please read our full disclaimer here.

Black Box Warning

WARNING See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning. RISK OF ANTI-METRELEPTIN ANTIBODIES WITH NEUTRALIZING ACTIVITY AND RISK OF LYMPHOMA Anti-metreleptin antibodies with neutralizing activity have been identified in patients treated with Metreleptin. The consequences of these neutralizing antibodies are not well characterized but could include inhibition of endogenous leptin action and/or loss of Metreleptin efficacy. Severe infection and/or worsening metabolic control have been reported. Test for anti-metreleptin antibodies with neutralizing activity in patients who develop severe infections or show signs suspicious for loss of Metreleptin efficacy during treatment. Contact AstraZeneca at 1-866-216-1526 for neutralizing antibody testing of clinical samples. T-cell lymphoma has been reported in patients with acquired generalized lipodystrophy, both treated and not treated with Metreleptin. Carefully consider the benefits and risks of treatment with Metreleptin in patients with significant hematologic abnormalities and/or acquired generalized lipodystrophy. Because of these risks associated with the development of anti-metreleptin antibodies that neutralize endogenous leptin and/or Metreleptin and the risk for lymphoma, Metreleptin is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the Metreleptin REMS PROGRAM

Overview

Metreleptin is a endocrine agent that is FDA approved for the treatment of the complications of leptin deficiency in patients with congenital or acquired generalized lipodystrophy.. There is a Black Box Warning for this drug as shown here. Common adverse reactions include .

Adult Indications and Dosage

FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)

Generalized Lipodystrophy

• Patients with Generalized Lipodystrophy

• Metreleptin for injection is indicated as an adjunct to diet as replacement therapy to treat the complications of leptin deficiency in patients with congenital or acquired generalized lipodystrophy.

Limitations of Use

• The safety and effectiveness of Metreleptin for the treatment of complications of partial lipodystrophy have not been established.
• The safety and effectiveness of Metreleptin for the treatment of liver disease, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), have not been established.
• Metreleptin is not indicated for use in patients with HIV-related lipodystrophy.
• Metreleptin is not indicated for use in patients with metabolic disease, including diabetes mellitus and hypertriglyceridemia, without concurrent evidence of congenital or acquired generalized lipodystrophy.

Recommended Dosing

• See Table 1 for the recommended daily dose and maximum recommended daily dose in adults and pediatric patients.

• Based on clinical response (e.g., inadequate metabolic control) or other considerations (e.g., tolerability issues, excessive weight loss [especially in pediatric patients]), Metreleptin dosage may be decreased or increased to the maximum dosage listed in Table 1.

File:Metreleptin02.png

This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

• Metreleptin should be administered once daily at the same time every day. Metreleptin can be administered any time of day without regard to the timing of meals.

• Instruct patients that if a dose is missed, administer the dose as soon as noticed, and resume the normal dosing schedule the next day.

Metreleptin Preparation and Storage

• Healthcare practitioners should provide proper training to patients and caregivers regarding how to prepare and administer the correct dose of Metreleptin prior to self-use. The patients and caregivers should prepare and administer the first dose of Metreleptin under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

• Instruct patients to store the vials of lyophilized powder in their carton in the refrigerator as soon as received .

• Metreleptin can be reconstituted aseptically with 2.2 mL of sterile Bacteriostatic Water for Injection (BWFI), USP (0.9% benzyl alcohol), or with 2.2 mL of sterile Water for Injection (WFI).

• When reconstituted in BWFI, Metreleptin solution can be used within 3 days when stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) and protected from light . Discard unused reconstituted solution after 3 days. Attach the supplied sticker to the vial and enter the discard date.

• For use in neonates and infants, reconstitute with preservative-free sterile WFI . When reconstituted in sterile WFI, Metreleptin should be administered immediately. Unused reconstituted solution cannot be saved for later use and should be discarded.

• Reconstitution of the Lyophilized Powder

• Instruct patients to follow the directions below for reconstitution of the lyophilized powder:

• Remove the vial containing the Metreleptin lyophilized powder from the refrigerator and allow the vial to warm to room temperature prior to use.
• Visually inspect the vial containing Metreleptin. The cake of lyophilized powder should be intact and white in color.
• Using a 3-mL syringe with a 22-gauge or smaller diameter needle withdraw 2.2 mL of sterile Bacteriostatic Water for Injection (BWFI) or preservative-free sterile Water for Injection (WFI). Do not reconstitute Metreleptin with other diluents.
• Inject the BWFI or WFI into the vial containing the lyophilized powder of Metreleptin, slowly injecting down the side of the vial. It is normal for some bubbles to form.
• Remove the needle and syringe from the vial and gently swirl the contents to reconstitute. Do not shake or vigorously agitate. When properly mixed, the Metreleptin reconstituted solution should be clear and free of clumps or dry powder, bubbles or foam. Do not use the solution if discolored or cloudy, or if particulate matter remains.
• Regarding the compatibility of Metreleptin reconstituted solution with other solutions:
• Do not mix with, or transfer into, the contents of another vial of Metreleptin.
• Do not add other medications, including insulin. Use a separate syringe for insulin injections.

Administration Instructions

• Healthcare practitioners should instruct patients and caregivers on the proper subcutaneous injection technique with care to avoid intramuscular injection in patients with minimal subcutaneous adipose tissue. Never administer Metreleptin intravenously or intramuscularly.

• Instruct patients to follow the recommended injection technique:

• Using a 1-mL syringe with a needle appropriate for subcutaneous injection, withdraw the prescribed dose of Metreleptin reconstituted solution.
• Remove any large air pockets or large bubbles from the filled syringe prior to administration. Some small bubbles may remain in the syringe.
• Administer Metreleptin into the subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Advise patients to use a different injection site each day when injecting in the same region. After choosing an injection site, pinch the skin and at a 45-degree angle, inject the Metreleptin reconstituted solution subcutaneously. Avoid intramuscular injection, especially in patients with minimal subcutaneous adipose tissue.
• Doses exceeding 1 mL can be administered as two injections (the total daily dose divided equally) to minimize potential injection-site discomfort due to injection volume. When dividing doses due to volume, doses can be administered one after the other.

• Do not mix Metreleptin with insulin. Use a separate syringe for each medication. If Metreleptin and insulin are administered at the same time of day, they may be injected in the same body area using two different injection sites.

• See the Metreleptin Instructions for Use for complete administration instructions.

Dosage Adjustments of Medications Known to Cause Hypoglycemia

• Dosage adjustments, including possible large reductions, of insulin or insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) may be necessary in some patients to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia . Closely monitor blood glucose in patients on concomitant insulin therapy, especially those on high doses, or insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) when treating with Metreleptin.

Discontinuation in Patients at Risk for Pancreatitis

• When discontinuing Metreleptin therapy in patients with risk factors for pancreatitis (e.g., history of pancreatitis, severe hypertriglyceridemia), tapering of the dose over a one-week period is recommended. During tapering, monitor triglyceride levels and consider initiating or adjusting the dose of lipid-lowering medications as needed. Signs and/or symptoms consistent with pancreatitis should prompt an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)

Guideline-Supported Use

There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Metreleptin in adult patients.

Non–Guideline-Supported Use

There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Metreleptin in adult patients.

Pediatric Indications and Dosage

FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)

There is limited information regarding FDA-Labeled Use of Metreleptin in pediatric patients.

Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)

Guideline-Supported Use

There is limited information regarding Off-Label Guideline-Supported Use of Metreleptin in pediatric patients.

Non–Guideline-Supported Use

There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Metreleptin in pediatric patients.

Contraindications

General Obesity

• Metreleptin is contraindicated in patients with general obesity not associated with congenital leptin deficiency. Metreleptin has not been shown to be effective in treating general obesity, and the development of anti-metreleptin antibodies with neutralizing activity has been reported in obese patients treated with Metreleptin .

Hypersensitivity

• Metreleptin is contraindicated in patients with prior severe hypersensitivity reactions to metreleptin or to any of the product components. Known hypersensitivity reactions have included urticaria and generalized rash

Warnings

WARNING See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning. RISK OF ANTI-METRELEPTIN ANTIBODIES WITH NEUTRALIZING ACTIVITY AND RISK OF LYMPHOMA Anti-metreleptin antibodies with neutralizing activity have been identified in patients treated with Metreleptin. The consequences of these neutralizing antibodies are not well characterized but could include inhibition of endogenous leptin action and/or loss of Metreleptin efficacy. Severe infection and/or worsening metabolic control have been reported. Test for anti-metreleptin antibodies with neutralizing activity in patients who develop severe infections or show signs suspicious for loss of Metreleptin efficacy during treatment. Contact AstraZeneca at 1-866-216-1526 for neutralizing antibody testing of clinical samples. T-cell lymphoma has been reported in patients with acquired generalized lipodystrophy, both treated and not treated with Metreleptin. Carefully consider the benefits and risks of treatment with Metreleptin in patients with significant hematologic abnormalities and/or acquired generalized lipodystrophy. Because of these risks associated with the development of anti-metreleptin antibodies that neutralize endogenous leptin and/or Metreleptin and the risk for lymphoma, Metreleptin is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the Metreleptin REMS PROGRAM

Risk for Development of Antibodies that Neutralize Endogenous Leptin and/or Metreleptin

• Anti-metreleptin antibodies with in vitro neutralizing activity to leptin associated with adverse events consistent with loss of endogenous leptin activity and/or loss of efficacy have been identified in two patients with generalized lipodystrophy treated with Metreleptin (severe infections, increases in HbA1cand triglycerides), and in three patients without lipodystrophy who received Metreleptin in clinical studies (excessive weight gain, development of glucose intolerance or diabetes mellitus). The clinical implications associated with development of anti-metreleptin antibodies with neutralizing activity are not well characterized at this time due to the small number of reports. Test for anti-metreleptin antibodies with neutralizing activity in patients who develop severe infections or show signs suspicious for loss of Metreleptin efficacy during treatment.

Lymphoma

• Three cases of T-cell lymphoma have been reported in the Metreleptin lipodystrophy program; all three patients had acquired generalized lipodystrophy. Two of these patients were diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma while receiving Metreleptin. Both had immunodeficiency and significant hematologic abnormalities including severe bone marrow abnormalities before the start of Metreleptin treatment. A separate case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma was reported in a patient receiving Metreleptin who did not have hematological abnormalities before treatment.

• Lymphoproliferative disorders, including lymphomas, have been reported in patients with acquired generalized lipodystrophy not treated with Metreleptin. A causal relationship between Metreleptin treatment and the development and/or progression of lymphoma has not been established. Acquired lipodystrophies are associated with autoimmune disorders, and autoimmune disorders are associated with an increased risk of malignancies including lymphomas.

• The benefits and risks of Metreleptin treatment should be carefully considered in patients with acquired generalized lipodystrophy and/or those with significant hematologic abnormalities (including leukopenia, neutropenia, bone marrow abnormalities, lymphoma, and/or lymphadenopathy).

Metreleptin REMS Program

• Metreleptin is available only through a restricted distribution program under a REMS, called the Metreleptin REMS Program, because of the risks associated with the development of anti-metreleptin antibodies that neutralize endogenous leptin and/or Metreleptin and the risk for lymphoma .

• Notable requirements of the Metreleptin REMS Program include the following:

• Prescribers must be certified with the program by enrolling and completing training.
• Pharmacies must be certified with the program and only dispense Metreleptin after receipt of the Metreleptin REMS Prescription Authorization Form for each new prescription.

Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin and Insulin Secretagogues

• Dosage adjustments, including possible large reductions, of insulin or insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) may be necessary in some patients to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia . Closely monitor blood glucose in patients on concomitant insulin therapy, especially those on high doses, or insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea), when treating with Metreleptin.

Autoimmunity

• Leptin plays a role in immune system homeostasis. Acquired lipodystrophies are associated with autoimmune disorders including autoimmune hepatitis and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Cases of progression of autoimmune hepatitis and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (associated with massive proteinuria and renal failure) were observed in some patients with acquired generalized lipodystrophy treated with Metreleptin. A causal relationship between Metreleptin treatment and the development and/or progression of autoimmune disease has not been established. The potential benefits and risks of Metreleptin treatment should be carefully considered in patients with autoimmune disease.

Hypersensitivity

• There have been reports of generalized hypersensitivity (e.g., urticaria or generalized rash) in patients taking Metreleptin. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, instruct the patient to promptly seek medical advice regarding discontinuation of Metreleptin.

Benzyl Alcohol Toxicity

• Metreleptin contains benzyl alcohol when reconstituted with BWFI. Metreleptin contains no preservative when reconstituted with sterile Water for Injection (WFI). Preservative-free WFI is recommended for use in neonates and infants. The preservative benzyl alcohol has been associated with serious adverse events and death in pediatric patients, particularly in neonates and premature infants

Adverse Reactions

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.

Open-Label, Single-Arm Study

• The safety of Metreleptin was evaluated in 48 patients with generalized lipodystrophy in a single-arm, open-label study . The median duration of exposure in this trial was 2.7 years with a range of 3.6 months to 10.9 years. The most frequent adverse reactions are summarized in Table 2.

File:Metreleptin04.png

This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

• In patients with generalized lipodystrophy receiving Metreleptin in this study, less common adverse reactions included injection-site erythema and urticaria (N=2 [4%]).

• Six patients (13%) had 7 adverse reactions of hypoglycemia, 6 of which occurred in the setting of concomitant insulin use, with or without oral antihyperglycemic agents.

• Two patients (4%) had events of pancreatitis, both of whom had a medical history of pancreatitis.

Immunogenicity

• As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. Anti-metreleptin antibodies were detected in 84% (36/43) of generalized lipodystrophy patients studied in the Metreleptin trials. Total anti-metreleptin antibody titers ranged between 1:5 and 1:1,953,125. The incompleteness of the current immunogenicity database precludes understanding of the magnitude and persistence of the observed anti-drug antibody responses. Anti-metreleptin antibodies with neutralizing activity associated with adverse events consistent with loss of endogenous leptin activity and/or loss of Metreleptin efficacy were observed in 6% (2/33) of the patients with generalized lipodystrophy tested. Adverse events reported in these two patients included severe infections and worsening of metabolic control (increases in HbA1c and/or triglycerides). Test for anti-metreleptin antibodies with neutralizing activity in patients who develop severe infections or show signs suspicious for loss of Metreleptin efficacy during treatment. Contact AstraZeneca at 1-866-216-1526 for testing of clinical samples.

• The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. The immunogenicity assays utilized in clinical trials lacked sensitivity, resulting in potential underestimation of the number of samples positive for anti-metreleptin antibodies with neutralizing activity. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to metreleptin with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading.

Postmarketing Experience

There is limited information regarding Postmarketing Experience of Metreleptin in the drug label.

Drug Interactions

• No formal drug interaction studies were performed.

• Leptin is a cytokine and may have the potential to alter the formation of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. This should be taken into account when prescribing concomitant drugs metabolized by CYP450 (e.g., oral contraceptives and drugs with a narrow therapeutic index). The effect of metreleptin on CYP450 enzymes may be clinically relevant for CYP450 substrates with narrow therapeutic index, where the dose is individually adjusted. Upon initiation or discontinuation of Metreleptin, in patients being treated with these types of agents, therapeutic monitoring of effect (e.g., warfarin) or drug concentration (e.g., cyclosporine or theophylline) should be performed and the individual dose of the agent adjusted as needed.

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category (FDA): C

• There is a program that monitors outcomes in women exposed to Metreleptin during pregnancy. Women who become pregnant during Metreleptin treatment are encouraged to enroll. Patients or their physicians should call 1-855-6Metreleptin to enroll.

Risk Summary

• There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Metreleptin in pregnant women. All pregnancies, regardless of drug exposure, have a background rate of 2% to 4% for major malformations and 15% to 20% for pregnancy loss. In a pre- and postnatal development study in mice, administration of metreleptin caused prolonged gestation and dystocia resulting in maternal death during parturition and lower survival of offspring in the immediate postnatal period at doses starting approximately at the maximum recommended clinical dose. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Metreleptin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-Associated Maternal and Fetal Risk

• The contribution of Metreleptin to obstetrical risks and complications is unknown compared with those already documented in the lipodystrophy patient population (e.g., gestational diabetes, macrosomia, eclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation, intrauterine death, and miscarriage).

Labor and Delivery

• The effects of Metreleptin on labor and delivery in pregnant women are unknown. In an in vitro study of human myometrial tissue exposed to a recombinant leptin, human uterine contractility was inhibited. Furthermore, prolonged gestation and dystocia were observed in animal studies with metreleptin (see below).

Animal Data

• Metreleptin administered to pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis was not teratogenic at doses ranging between 7- and 15-fold the maximum recommended clinical dose, based on body surface area of a 20- and 60-kg patient, respectively.

• In a pre- and postnatal development study in mice, metreleptin administered at doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg (approximately 1-, 5-, and 15-fold the clinical dose for a 60-kg subject, based on body surface area) from gestation day 6 to lactation day 21 caused prolonged gestation and dystocia at all doses, starting at approximately the maximum recommended clinical dose. Prolonged gestation resulted in the death of some females during parturition and lower survival of offspring within the immediate postnatal period. Consistent with metreleptin pharmacology, decreased maternal body weight was observed from gestation throughout lactation at all doses and resulted in reduced weight of offspring at birth, which persisted into adulthood. However, no developmental abnormalities were observed and reproductive performance of the first or second generations was not affected at any dose.

• Placental transfer of metreleptin into the fetus was low (approximately 1%) following subcutaneous dosing.

Pregnancy Category (AUS): There is no Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) guidance on usage of Metreleptin in women who are pregnant.

Labor and Delivery

There is no FDA guidance on use of Metreleptin during labor and delivery.

Nursing Mothers

• It is not known if MYALEPT is present in human milk. Endogenous leptin is present in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions (including possible adverse reactions related to passage of anti-metreleptin antibodies) in nursing infants from MYALEPT a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account importance of drug to the mother [

Pediatric Use

• The MYALEPT study included a total of 35 pediatric patients (73%) with an age range from 1 to 17 years . No clinically meaningful differences were observed in the efficacy and safety of MYALEPT between pediatric and adult patients.

• MYALEPT contains benzyl alcohol when reconstituted with BWFI. MYALEPT contains no preservative when reconstituted with WFI. Preservative-free WFI is recommended for use in neonates and infants. The preservative benzyl alcohol has been associated with serious adverse events and death, particularly in pediatric patients. The "gasping syndrome" (characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, gasping respirations, and high levels of benzyl alcohol and its metabolites found in the blood and urine) has been associated with benzyl alcohol dosages >99 mg/kg/day in neonates and low-birth weight infants. Additional symptoms may include gradual neurological deterioration, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, hematologic abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse.

• Although normal therapeutic doses of this product deliver amounts of benzyl alcohol that are substantially lower than those reported in association with the "gasping syndrome," the minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which toxicity may occur is not known. Premature and low-birth-weight infants, as well as patients receiving high dosages, may be more likely to develop toxicity. Practitioners administering this and other medications containing benzyl alcohol should consider the combined daily metabolic load of benzyl alcohol from all sources. When reconstituted with 2.2 mL of BWFI, MYALEPT contains 1.76 mg of benzyl alcohol per mg of metreleptin or 9 mg of benzyl alcohol per mL of reconstituted product.

Geriatic Use

• Clinical trials of MYALEPT did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over (n=1) to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Gender

There is no FDA guidance on the use of Metreleptin with respect to specific gender populations.

Race

There is no FDA guidance on the use of Metreleptin with respect to specific racial populations.

Renal Impairment

There is no FDA guidance on the use of Metreleptin in patients with renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

There is no FDA guidance on the use of Metreleptin in patients with hepatic impairment.

Females of Reproductive Potential and Males

There is no FDA guidance on the use of Metreleptin in women of reproductive potentials and males.

Immunocompromised Patients

There is no FDA guidance one the use of Metreleptin in patients who are immunocompromised.

Administration and Monitoring

Administration

• Subcutaneous

Monitoring

There is limited information regarding Monitoring of Metreleptin in the drug label.

IV Compatibility

There is limited information regarding IV Compatibility of Metreleptin in the drug label.

Overdosage

• There were no reports of overdose in the lipodystrophy clinical trial program of MYALEPT. In the event of an overdose, patients should be monitored and appropriate supportive treatment be initiated as dictated by the patient’s clinical status.

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

• Adipocytes store lipids to meet the fuel requirements of non-adipose tissues during fasting. In patients with generalized lipodystrophy, the deficiency of adipose tissue leads to hypertriglyceridemia and ectopic deposition of fat in non-adipose tissues such as liver and muscle, contributing to metabolic abnormalities including insulin resistance. Native leptin is a hormone predominantly secreted by adipose tissue that informs the central nervous system of the status of energy stores in the body. In patients with generalized lipodystrophy, leptin deficiency, resulting from the loss of adipose tissue, contributes to excess caloric intake, which exacerbates the metabolic abnormalities.

• MYALEPT (metreleptin) for injection exerts its function by binding to and activating the human leptin receptor (ObR), which belongs to the Class I cytokine family of receptors that signals through the JAK/STAT transduction pathway.

Structure

• MYALEPT (metreleptin) for injection is a recombinant human leptin analog for injection that binds to and activates the leptin receptor. Metreleptin (recombinant methionyl-human leptin) is produced in E. coli and differs from native human leptin by the addition of a methionine residue at its amino terminus. Metreleptin is a 147-amino acid, nonglycosylated, polypeptide with one disulfide bond between Cys-97 and Cys-147 and a molecular weight of approximately 16.15 kDa.

• MYALEPT is supplied as a sterile, white, solid, lyophilized cake containing 11.3 mg that is reconstituted with 2.2 mL of BWFI or WFI to a final formulation of 5 mg/mL metreleptin for subcutaneous injection. Inactive ingredients are: glutamic acid (1.47 mg/mL), glycine (20 mg/mL), polysorbate 20 (0.1 mg/mL), and sucrose (10 mg/mL), pH 4.25.

Pharmacodynamics

• Clinical studies in patients with generalized lipodystrophy suggest that MYALEPT increases insulin sensitivity and reduces food intake. Improvements in insulin sensitivity and reductions in food intake are consistent with lower HbA1c, fasting glucose, and fasting triglyceride values that were seen in the MYALEPT clinical trial

Pharmacokinetics

• There are limited data on the pharmacokinetics of metreleptin in patients with generalized lipodystrophy, and therefore, no formal exposure-response analysis has been performed. It should be noted that the leptin assay measures both endogenous leptin as well as exogenously administered metreleptin.

Absorption

• Peak serum leptin concentration (Cmax) occurred approximately 4.0 to 4.3 hours after subcutaneous administration of single doses ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg in healthy subjects. In a supportive trial in lipodystrophy patients, the median Tmax of metreleptin was 4 hours (range: 2 to 8 hours; N=5) following single-dose administration of metreleptin.

Distribution

• In studies of healthy adult subjects, following intravenous administration of metreleptin, leptin volume of distribution was approximately 4 to 5 times plasma volume; volumes (Vz) (mean ± SD) were 370 ± 184 mL/kg, 398 ± 92 mL/kg, and 463 ± 116 mL/kg for 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg/kg/day doses, respectively.

Metabolism and Elimination

• No formal metabolism studies have been conducted with metreleptin. Nonclinical data indicate renal clearance is the major route of metreleptin elimination, with no apparent contribution of systemic metabolism or degradation. Following single subcutaneous doses of 0.01 to 0.3 mg/mL metreleptin in healthy subjects, the half-life was 3.8 to 4.7 hours. The clearance of metreleptin is expected to be delayed in the presence of leptin antibodies [see ADVERSE REACTIONS (6.2)].

Drug Interactions

• No drug interaction studies have been conducted in lipodystrophy patients [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7)].

Specific Populations

Renal Impairment

• No formal pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in patients with renal impairment. Nonclinical data indicate renal clearance is the major route of metreleptin elimination, with no apparent contribution of systemic metabolism or degradation. Hence, the pharmacokinetics of metreleptin may be altered in subjects with renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

• No formal pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in patients with hepatic impairment.

Age, Gender, Race, Body Mass Index

• Specific clinical studies have not been conducted to assess the effect of age, gender, race, or body mass index on the pharmacokinetics of metreleptin in patients with generalized lipodystrophy.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

• Two-year carcinogenicity studies in rodents have not been conducted with metreleptin. No proliferative or preneoplastic lesions were observed in mice or dogs following treatment up to six months. However, leptin is reported in the literature to promote cell proliferation in vitro and tumor progression in some mouse models of cancer.

• Metreleptin was not mutagenic in the Ames bacterial mutagenicity assay or clastogenic in an in vitrochromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells and human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Metreleptin was not mutagenic or clastogenic in an in vivo mouse micronucleus assay.

• In a fertility study in mice, metreleptin had no adverse effects on mating, fertility, or early embryonic development at doses ranging between 7 and 15 times the maximum recommended clinical dose based on body surface area of a 20- and 60-kg patient, respectively.

Clinical Studies

Open-Label, Single-Arm Study

• An open-label, single-arm study evaluated MYALEPT treatment in patients with congenital or acquired generalized lipodystrophy and diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, and/or increased fasting insulin.

• Baseline Disease Characteristics and Demographics

• Of the 48 patients enrolled, 32 (67%) had congenital generalized lipodystrophy and 16 (33%) had acquired generalized lipodystrophy. Overall, 36 (75%) patients were female, 22 (46%) were Caucasian, 10 (21%) Hispanic, and 9 (19%) Black. The median age at baseline was 15 years (range: 1 - 68 years), with 35 (73%) patients being less than 18 years of age. The median fasting leptin concentration at baseline was 0.7 ng/mL in males (range: 0.3 - 3.3 ng/mL) and 1.0 ng/mL in females (range: 0.3 - 3.3 ng/mL).

Treatment Duration and Dosage in the Study

• The median duration of MYALEPT treatment was 2.7 years (range: 3.6 months - 10.9 years). MYALEPT was administered subcutaneously either once daily or twice daily (in two equal doses). The weighted average daily dose (i.e., the average dose taking into account duration of treatment at different doses) for the 36 patients with baseline body weight greater than 40 kg was 2.6 mg for males and 4.6 mg for females during the first year of treatment, and 3.2 mg for males and 6.3 mg for females over the entire study period. For the 12 patients with baseline body weight less than 40 kg, the weighted average daily dose was 0.06 to 0.11 mg/kg (0.8-4.3 mg) over the entire study period.

Efficacy Results

• At baseline, 37 (77%) patients had HbA1c values of 7% or greater, 19 (40%) had HbA1c values of 9% or greater, 33 (69%) had fasting plasma glucose values of 126 mg/dL or greater, 17 (35%) had fasting triglyceride values of 500 mg/dL or greater, and 11 (23%) had fasting triglyceride values of 1000 mg/dL or greater.

• Patients treated with MYALEPT had mean/median reductions in HbA1c, fasting glucose, and triglycerides at 1 year (Table 3). The changes in HbA1c, fasting glucose, and triglycerides observed at Month 4 were similar to those at 1 year. Concomitant antihyperglycemic and lipid-altering medication dosage regimens were not held constant during the study; for example, some patients treated with insulin had their dosage increased and others had large reductions or discontinuation of insulin.

File:Metreleptin05.png

This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

How Supplied

• MYALEPT (metreleptin) for injection for subcutaneous administration is supplied in a single carton containing one vial for reconstitution (NDC 66780-310-01).
• Each vial contains 11.3 mg metreleptin (as a sterile, white, solid, lyophilized cake) to deliver 5 mg per mL of metreleptin when reconstituted with 2.2 mL of BWFI or

Storage and Handling

• MYALEPT should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) and protected from light until preparing for use. Keep MYALEPT vials in the carton when not in use.
• MYALEPT should not be used past the expiration date.
• Do not freeze MYALEPT.
• Do not use if the white lyophilized cake is discolored.
• Use with BWFI: when MYALEPT is reconstituted with BWFI, the vial can be used for multiple doses within 3 days when stored in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) and protected from light.
• Use with WFI: when MYALEPT is reconstituted with WFI, the vial can be used for a single dose should be administered immediately. Unused reconstituted solution cannot be saved for later *use and should be discarded.
• After reconstitution, the vials should not be frozen (below 0°C) or shaken vigorously. If the reconstituted product is inadvertently frozen, it should be thrown away.
• After reconstitution, the mixture should be clear and colorless. Do not use if visible particulates are present in the solution.
• Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage

There is limited information regarding Metreleptin Storage in the drug label.

Images

Drug Images

{{#ask: Page Name::Metreleptin |?Pill Name |?Drug Name |?Pill Ingred |?Pill Imprint |?Pill Dosage |?Pill Color |?Pill Shape |?Pill Size (mm) |?Pill Scoring |?NDC |?Drug Author |format=template |template=DrugPageImages |mainlabel=- |sort=Pill Name }}

Package and Label Display Panel

{{#ask: Label Page::Metreleptin |?Label Name |format=template |template=DrugLabelImages |mainlabel=- |sort=Label Page }}

Patient Counseling Information

Risk of Neutralizing Antibodies

• Advise patients that neutralizing antibodies may result in loss in activity of endogenous leptin or loss of efficacy of MYALEPT. Advise patients on symptoms or signs that would warrant antibody testing.

Risk of Lymphoma

• Advise patients that lymphoma has been reported in patients both treated and not treated with MYALEPT. Advise patients on symptoms or signs that indicate changes in hematologic status and the importance of routine laboratory assessments and physician monitoring .

Risk of Hypoglycemia

• Advise patients that the risk of hypoglycemia is increased when MYALEPT is used in combination with insulin or an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea). Explain the symptoms, treatment, and conditions that predispose to development of hypoglycemia to the patient. Advise patients who are taking concomitant insulin, especially those on high doses, or an insulin secretagogue, to closely monitor blood glucose. Hypoglycemia management should be reviewed and reinforced when initiating MYALEPT therapy, particularly when concomitantly administered with insulin or an insulin secretagogue .

Risk of Autoimmune Disease

• Advise patients that worsening of autoimmune disease has been reported during the clinical study of MYALEPT. Advise patients with a history of autoimmune disease on symptoms or signs that indicate exacerbation of underlying autoimmune disease and the importance of routine laboratory assessments and physician monitoring .

Risk of Hypersensitivity Reactions

• Inform patients that hypersensitivity reactions have been reported during use of MYALEPT. If symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions occur, patients should seek medical advice

Nursing Mothers

Advise nursing mothers that breastfeeding is not recommended with MYALEPT use .

Instructions

• Inform patients that each vial of MYALEPT requires reconstitution with BWFI or preservative-free WFI, and administration as subcutaneous injection using a syringe and needle. Injections can be given at any time of the day, with or without meals.
• Patients and caregivers should receive proper training in how to prepare and administer the correct dose of MYALEPT prior to self-administration. The first dose of MYALEPT should be administered by the patient or caregiver under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
• Advise patients on injection technique, dosing regimen, and the importance of proper storage of MYALEPT. Care should be taken to avoid intramuscular injection, especially in patients with minimal subcutaneous adipose tissue.
• Advise patients to read the Instructions for Use for complete administration instructions. The MYALEPT Medication Guide and Instructions for Use should be reviewed before starting therapy and each time the prescription is refilled.
• When discontinuing MYALEPT in patients with a history of pancreatitis and/or severe hypertriglyceridemia, instruct patients to taper their dose over a one-week period. Advise patients that additional monitoring of triglyceride levels and possible initiation or dose adjustment of lipid-lowering medications may be considered

Precautions with Alcohol

• Alcohol-Metreleptin interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor about the effects of taking alcohol with this medication.

Brand Names

Look-Alike Drug Names

There is limited information regarding Metreleptin Look-Alike Drug Names in the drug label.

Drug Shortage Status

Price

References

The contents of this FDA label are provided by the National Library of Medicine.

{{#subobject:

 |Label Page=Metreleptin
 |Label Name=Metreleptin06.png

}}

{{#subobject:

 |Label Page=Metreleptin
 |Label Name=Metreleptin07.png

}}