Reslizumab

Reslizumab
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: Martin Nino [2]

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Black Box Warning

ANAPHYLAXIS See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning. Anaphylaxis has been observed with Reslizumab infusion in 0.3% of patients in placebo-controlled clinical studies. Anaphylaxis was reported as early as the second dose of Reslizumab. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. Patients should be observed for an appropriate period of time after Reslizumab administration by a healthcare professional prepared to manage anaphylaxis. Discontinue Reslizumab immediately if the patient experiences signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Overview

Reslizumab is an interleukin-5 antagonist monoclonal antibody (IgG4 kappa) that is FDA approved for the treatment of patients with severe asthma aged 18 years and older, and with an eosinophilic phenotype (add-on maintenance treatment). There is a Black Box Warning for this drug as shown here. Common adverse reactions include oropharyngeal pain (2%).

Adult Indications and Dosage

FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)

Indications

Reslizumab is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of patients with severe asthma aged 18 years and older with an eosinophilic phenotype.

Limitation of Use:

• Reslizumab is not indicated for treatment of other eosinophilic conditions.
• Reslizumab is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus.

Dosage

Reslizumab is for intravenous infusion only. Do not administer as an intravenous push or bolus.

The recommended dosage regimen is 3 mg/kg once every 4 weeks administered by intravenous infusion over 20-50 minutes.

Discontinue the infusion immediately if the patient experiences a severe systemic reaction, including anaphylaxis.

Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)

Guideline-Supported Use

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

Non–Guideline-Supported Use

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

Pediatric Indications and Dosage

FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)

Reslizumab is not indicated for use in pediatric patients less than 18 years of age. The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients (aged 17 years and younger) have not been established.

Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)

Guideline-Supported Use

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

Non–Guideline-Supported Use

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

Contraindications

Reslizumab is contraindicated in patients who have known hypersensitivity to reslizumab or any of its excipients.

Warnings

ANAPHYLAXIS See full prescribing information for complete Boxed Warning. Anaphylaxis has been observed with Reslizumab infusion in 0.3% of patients in placebo-controlled clinical studies. Anaphylaxis was reported as early as the second dose of Reslizumab. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. Patients should be observed for an appropriate period of time after Reslizumab administration by a healthcare professional prepared to manage anaphylaxis. Discontinue Reslizumab immediately if the patient experiences signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis to Reslizumab was reported in 0.3% of asthma patients in placebo-controlled clinical studies. These events were observed during or within 20 minutes after completion of the Reslizumab infusion and reported as early as the second dose of Reslizumab. Manifestations included dyspnea, decreased oxygen saturation, wheezing, vomiting, and skin and mucosal involvement, including urticaria. In all 3 cases, Reslizumab was discontinued.

Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. Reslizumab should be administered in a healthcare setting by a healthcare professional prepared to manage anaphylaxis. Patients should be observed for an appropriate period of time after Reslizumab administration. If severe systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis, occur, stop administration of Reslizumab immediately and provide appropriate medical treatment. Prior to discharge, inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and instruct them to seek immediate medical care if symptoms occur. Discontinue Reslizumab use permanently if the patient experiences signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Acute Asthma Symptoms or Deteriorating Disease

Reslizumab should not be used to treat acute asthma symptoms or acute exacerbations. Do not use Reslizumab to treat acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus. Patients should seek medical advice if their asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens after initiation of treatment with Reslizumab.

Malignancy

In placebo-controlled clinical studies, 6/1028 (0.6%) patients receiving 3 mg/kg Reslizumab had at least 1 malignant neoplasm reported compared to 2/730 (0.3%) patients in the placebo group. The observed malignancies in Reslizumab-treated patients were diverse in nature and without clustering of any particular tissue type. The majority of malignancies were diagnosed within less than six months of exposure to Reslizumab.

Reduction of Corticosteroid Dosage

No clinical studies have been conducted to assess reduction of maintenance corticosteroid dosages following administration of Reslizumab. Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids abruptly upon initiation of therapy with Reslizumab. Reductions in corticosteroid dose, if appropriate, should be gradual and performed under the 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.

Parasitic (Helminth) Infection

Eosinophils may be involved in the immunological response to some helminth infections. Patients with known parasitic infections were excluded from participation in clinical studies. It is unknown if Reslizumab will influence the immune response against parasitic infections. Treat patients with pre-existing helminth infections before initiating Reslizumab. If patients become infected while receiving treatment with Reslizumab and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, discontinue treatment with Reslizumab until infection resolves.

Adverse Reactions

Clinical Trials Experience

The following adverse reactions are discussed in other sections of the labeling:

• Anaphylaxis
• Malignancy

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 clinical practice.

Overall, 2195 subjects received at least 1 dose of Reslizumab. The data described below reflect exposure to Reslizumab in 1611 patients with asthma, including 1120 exposed for up to 16 weeks, 1006 exposed for 6 months, 759 exposed for 1 year, and 249 exposed for longer than 2 years. The above referenced safety exposure for Reslizumab is derived from placebo-controlled studies ranging from 15 to 52 weeks in duration (Reslizumab 0.3 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg [n=1131] and placebo [n=730]) and 480 new Reslizumab 3 mg/kg exposures (previously on placebo) from a single open-label extension study (n=1051). While a lower dose of Reslizumab 0.3 mg/kg (n=103) was included in a clinical trial, 3 mg/kg is the only recommended dose. Of the 1611 patients, 1596 received the 3 mg/kg dose, 1028 of which were in the placebo-controlled studies. In the placebo-controlled asthma studies, the population studied was 12 to 76 years of age, 62% female, and 73% white. While subjects aged 12 to 17 years were included in these trials, Reslizumab is not approved for use in this age group.

Serious adverse reactions that occurred in placebo-controlled studies in more than 1 subject and in a greater percentage of subjects treated with Reslizumab (n=1131) than placebo (n=730) included anaphylaxis (3 subjects vs. 0 subjects, respectively). The 3 subjects who experienced anaphylaxis were discontinued from the clinical studies. Malignancy also occurred more commonly in patients treated with Reslizumab than placebo (0.6% and 0.3%, respectively).

Adverse reactions that occurred at greater than or equal to 2% incidence and more commonly than in the placebo group included 1 event: oropharyngeal pain (2.6% vs. 2.2%).

• CPK elevations and muscle-related adverse reactions

Elevated baseline creatine phosphokinase (CPK) was more frequent in patients randomized to Reslizumab (14%) versus placebo (9%). Transient CPK elevations in patients with normal baseline CPK values were observed more frequently with Reslizumab (20%) versus placebo (18%) during routine laboratory assessments. CPK elevations >10 x ULN, regardless of baseline CPK value, were 0.8% in the Reslizumab group compared to 0.4% in the placebo group. CPK elevations >10 x ULN were asymptomatic and did not lead to treatment discontinuation.

Myalgia was reported in 1% (10/1028) of patients in the Reslizumab 3 mg/kg group compared to 0.5% (4/730) of patients in the placebo group. On the day of infusion, musculoskeletal adverse reactions were reported in 2.2% and 1.5% of patients treated with Reslizumab 3 mg/kg and placebo, respectively. These reactions included (but were not limited to) musculoskeletal chest pain, neck pain, muscle spasms, extremity pain, muscle fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain.

Immunogenicity

As with all therapeutic proteins, there is a potential for immunogenicity. In placebo-controlled studies, a treatment-emergent anti-reslizumab antibody response developed in 53/983 (5.4%) of Reslizumab-treated patients (3 mg/kg). In the long-term, open-label study, treatment-emergent anti-reslizumab antibodies were detected in 49/1014 (4.8%) of Reslizumab-treated (3 mg/kg) asthma patients over 36 months. The antibody responses were of low titer and often transient. Neutralizing antibodies and product-specific IgE antibodies were not evaluated. There was no detectable impact of the antibodies on the clinical pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, and safety of Reslizumab.

The data reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were positive for antibodies to reslizumab in specific assays. The observed incidence of antibody response is highly dependent on several factors, including assay sensitivity and specificity, assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medication, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to reslizumab with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading.

Postmarketing Experience

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

Drug Interactions

No formal clinical drug interaction studies have been performed with Reslizumab.

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category (FDA): N

• Risk Summary

The data on pregnancy exposure from the clinical trials are insufficient to inform on drug-associated risk. Monoclonal antibodies, such as reslizumab, are transported across the placenta in a linear fashion as pregnancy progresses; therefore, potential effects on a fetus are likely to be greater during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Reslizumab has a long half-life. This should be taken into consideration.

In animal reproduction studies, there was no evidence of embryo-fetal adverse developmental effects with intravenous administration of reslizumab during organogenesis to pregnant mice and rabbits at doses that produced exposures up to approximately 6 times the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) in mice and approximately 17 times the exposure at the MRHD in rabbits.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) are unknown. 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 2 separate embryo-fetal development studies, pregnant mice and rabbits received a single reslizumab dose during the period of organogenesis at 2, 10, and 50 mg/kg (0.4, 1.5, and 6 times the exposures achieved at the MRHD in mice on an AUC basis and 0.67, 3.3, and 17 times the exposures achieved at the MRHD in rabbits on a mg/kg basis). Reslizumab was not teratogenic in mice or rabbits. Embryo-fetal development of interleukin-5 (IL-5) deficient mice has been reported to be generally unaffected relative to wild-type mice.

In a prenatal and postnatal development study, pregnant CD-1 mice received reslizumab during organogenesis on gestation days 6 and 18 and on postnatal day 14 at 10 or 50 mg/kg (1.5 and 6 times the exposures achieved at the MRHD on an AUC basis). Reslizumab did not have any effects on fetal development up to approximately 4 months after birth. Reslizumab crossed the placenta of pregnant mice. Serum concentrations in pups were approximately 6-8% of those in the dams (parental female mice) on postnatal day 14.
Pregnancy Category (AUS): There is no Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) guidance on usage of Reslizumab in women who are pregnant.

Labor and Delivery

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

Nursing Mothers

• Risk Summary

It is not known whether reslizumab is present in human milk, and the effects of reslizumab on the breast fed infant and on milk production are not known. However, human IgG is known to be present in human milk. Reslizumab was present in the milk of lactating mice following dosing during pregnancy. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Reslizumab and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from Reslizumab or the underlying maternal condition.

• Data

Reslizumab was excreted in milk of lactating CD-1 mice that received reslizumab at 10 or 50 mg/kg (1.5 and 6 times the exposures achieved at the MRHD on an AUC basis) during pregnancy on gestation days 6 and 18 and on postnatal day 14. Levels of reslizumab in milk were approximately 5-7% of maternal serum concentrations.

Pediatric Use

Reslizumab is not indicated for use in pediatric patients less than 18 years of age. The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients (aged 17 years and younger) have not been established.

Reslizumab was evaluated in 39 patients aged 12 to less than 18 years with asthma in two 52-week exacerbation studies and one 16-week lung function study. In the exacerbation studies, patients were required to have at least 1 asthma exacerbation requiring systemic corticosteroid use in the year prior to study entry. In these studies, the asthma exacerbation rate was higher in adolescent patients treated with Reslizumab than placebo (Reslizumab n=14, rate 2.86, 95% CI [1.02 to 8.09] and placebo n=11, rate 1.37, 95% CI [0.57 to 3.28]: rate ratio 2.09, 95% CI [0.82 to 5.36]).

Geriatic Use

Reslizumab was evaluated in 122 patients aged 65 years and older with asthma in two 52-week exacerbation studies and two 16-week lung function studies. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients. Based on available data, no adjustment of the dosage of Reslizumab in geriatric patients is necessary.

Gender

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

Race

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

Renal Impairment

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

Hepatic Impairment

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

Females of Reproductive Potential and Males

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

Immunocompromised Patients

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

Administration and Monitoring

Administration

Reslizumab is provided as a solution in a single-use vial for intravenous infusion only and should be prepared by a healthcare professional using aseptic technique as follows:

Preparation of intravenous infusion

• Remove Reslizumab from the refrigerator. To minimize foaming, do not shake Reslizumab.
• Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Reslizumab solution is clear to slightly hazy/opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow liquid. Since Reslizumab is a protein, proteinaceous particles may be present in the solution that appear as translucent to white, amorphous particulates. Do not administer if discolored or if other foreign particulate matter is present.
• Withdraw the proper volume of Reslizumab from the vial(s), based on the recommended weight-based dosage. Discard any unused portion.
• Dispense syringe contents slowly into an infusion bag containing 50 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP to minimize foaming of Reslizumab (Reslizumab is compatible with polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polyolefin infusion bags). Gently invert the bag to mix the solution. Do not shake. Do not mix or dilute with other drugs.
• Administer immediately after preparation. If not used immediately, store diluted solutions of Reslizumab in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) or at room temperature up to 25ºC (77ºF), protected from light, for up to 16 hours. The time between preparation of Reslizumab and administration should not exceed 16 hours.

Administration instructions

• Reslizumab should be administered in a healthcare setting by a healthcare professional prepared to manage anaphylaxis.
• If refrigerated prior to administration, allow the diluted Reslizumab solution to reach room temperature.
• Use an infusion set with an in-line, low protein-binding filter (pore size of 0.2 micron). Reslizumab is compatible with polyethersulfone (PES), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), nylon, and cellulose acetate in-line infusion filters.
• Infuse the diluted solution of Reslizumab intravenously, over a 20–50 minute period. Infusion time may vary depending on the total volume to be infused as based upon patient weight.
• Do not infuse Reslizumab concomitantly in the same intravenous line with other agents. No physical or biochemical compatibility studies have been conducted to evaluate the co-administration of Reslizumab with other agents.
• Observe the patient over the infusion and for an appropriate period of time following infusion.
• Upon completion of the infusion, flush the intravenous administration set with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP to ensure that all Reslizumab has been administered.

Monitoring

There is limited information regarding Reslizumab Monitoring in the drug label.

IV Compatibility

There is limited information regarding the compatibility of Reslizumab and IV administrations.

Overdosage

Single doses of up to 732 mg have been administered intravenously to subjects in clinical trials without evidence of dose-related toxicities.

There is no specific treatment for an overdose with Reslizumab. If overdose occurs, the patient should be treated supportively with appropriate monitoring as necessary.

Pharmacology

Reslizumab?
Therapeutic monoclonal antibody
Source	zu/a
Target	IL-5
Identifiers
CAS number	241473-69-8
ATC code	R03DX08
PubChem	?
Chemical data
Formula	?
Mol. mass	?
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	Proteolysis
Half life	~24 days
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	?
Legal status	[[Prescription drug|Template:Unicode-only]](US)
Routes	Intravenous

Mechanism of Action

Reslizumab is an interleukin-5 antagonist (IgG4, kappa). IL-5 is the major cytokine responsible for the growth and differentiation, recruitment, activation, and survival of eosinophils. Reslizumab binds to IL-5 with a dissociation constant of 81 pM, inhibiting the bioactivity of IL-5 by blocking its binding to the alpha chain of the IL-5 receptor complex expressed on the eosinophil surface. Inflammation is an important component in the pathogenesis of asthma. Multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, cytokines) are involved in inflammation. Reslizumab, by inhibiting IL-5 signaling, reduces the production and survival of eosinophils; however, the mechanism of reslizumab action in asthma has not been definitively established.

Structure

Reslizumab is a humanized interleukin-5 antagonist monoclonal antibody (IgG4κ). Reslizumab is produced by recombinant DNA technology in murine myeloma non-secreting 0 (NS0) cells. Reslizumab has a molecular weight of approximately 147 kDa.

Reslizumab is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to slightly hazy/opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution (injection) for intravenous infusion. Since Reslizumab is a protein, proteinaceous particles may be present in the solution that appear as translucent to white, amorphous particulates. Each single-use vial contains 100 mg reslizumab in 10 mL. Each mL contains 10 mg of reslizumab, glacial acetic acid (0.12 mg), sodium acetate trihydrate (2.45 mg), and sucrose (70 mg), with a pH of 5.5.

Pharmacodynamics

In clinical studies with Reslizumab 3 mg/kg, reductions in blood eosinophil counts were observed following the first dose and maintained through 52 weeks of treatment with no signs of tachyphylaxis. Mean eosinophil counts were 696 cells/mcL (n=245) and 624 cells/mcL (n=244) at baseline, and were 55 cells/mcL (92% reduction, n=212) and 496 cells /mcL (21% reduction, n=212) at the Week 52 visit for the Reslizumab and placebo treatment groups, respectively. Early eosinophil reduction was apparent in a subset of patients who had blood eosinophil counts assessed at days 2-3: 220 cells/mcL and 610/mcL for Reslizumab (n=35) and placebo (n=32), respectively. Eosinophils returned towards baseline in those Reslizumab-treated patients who completed a 90-day follow-up assessment (n=35, 480 cells/mcL), approximately 120 days after the last dose of Reslizumab.

Reductions of blood eosinophils were related to reslizumab serum levels, i.e., greater reductions of blood eosinophils were observed in subjects with higher reslizumab serum concentrations.

Treatment-emergent anti-reslizumab antibodies did not interfere with the blood eosinophil reduction effect by reslizumab.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics (PK) of reslizumab were characterized in healthy adults (n=130), in patients with asthma (n=438), and in other patient populations (n=236). The PK characteristics of reslizumab were similar across these populations. Inter-individual variability in peak and overall exposure was approximately 20-30%.

Peak serum concentrations were typically observed at the end of the infusion. Serum reslizumab concentrations generally declined from peak in a biphasic manner. Following multiple doses, serum concentrations of reslizumab accumulated approximately 1.5 to 1.9-fold.

Systemic exposure to reslizumab appeared to be unaffected by the presence of treatment-emergent anti-reslizumab antibodies.

• Distribution

Reslizumab has a volume of distribution of approximately 5 liters, suggesting minimal distribution to the extravascular tissues.

• Metabolism

Similar to other monoclonal antibodies, reslizumab is degraded by enzymatic proteolysis into small peptides and amino acids. As reslizumab binds to a soluble target, it is not expected to go through a target-mediated clearance.

• Elimination

Reslizumab clearance was approximately 7 mL/hour. Reslizumab has a half-life of about 24 days.

• Specific Populations

• Age, Race, and Gender

Population PK analyses demonstrated that there was no significant effect of age, race, or gender on the PK of reslizumab.

• Hepatic Impairment

No clinical studies were conducted to assess the effect of hepatic impairment on the PK of reslizumab. The results of population PK analyses indicated that there was no significant difference in the PK of reslizumab between patients with normal liver function tests (total bilirubin less than or equal to the ULN and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] less than or equal to the ULN) and mildly increased liver function tests (total bilirubin above the ULN and less than or equal to 1.5-times the ULN or AST greater than ULN and total bilirubin less than or equal to the ULN).

• Renal Impairment

No clinical studies have been conducted to assess the effect of renal impairment on the PK of reslizumab. The results of population PK analyses indicated that there was no significant difference in the PK of reslizumab between patients with normal renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] greater than or equal to 90 mL/min/1.73 m2), mild renal impairment (eGFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m2), and moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2).

• Drug Interactions

In vitro data indicate that IL-5 and reslizumab are unlikely to affect CYP1A2, 2B6, or 3A4 enzyme activity.

No formal clinical drug interaction studies have been conducted with reslizumab. Population PK analyses indicate that concomitant use of either leukotriene antagonists or corticosteroids does not affect the PK of reslizumab.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

In a 6-month bioassay, reslizumab was administered intravenously once every 2 weeks for 26 consecutive weeks (14 total doses) to Tg.rasH2 mice at doses up to 516 mg/kg/dose. There was no evidence of carcinogenicity.

Published literature using animal models suggests that IL-5 and eosinophils are part of an early inflammatory reaction at the site of tumorigenesis and can promote tumor rejection. However, other reports indicate that eosinophil infiltration into tumors can promote tumor growth. Therefore, the malignancy risk in humans from an antibody to IL-5 such as reslizumab is unknown.

In a fertility study, administration of reslizumab to parental mice at doses up to 50 mg/kg (approximately 6 times the MRHD on an AUC basis) had no effects on male or female mating or fertility.

Clinical Studies

The asthma development program for Reslizumab 3 mg/kg (administered once every 4 weeks) included 4 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (Studies I-IV) 16 to 52 weeks in duration involving 981 patients 12 years of age and older. While patients aged 12 to 17 years were included in these trials, Reslizumab is not approved for use in this age group. All subjects continued their background asthma therapy throughout the duration of the studies.

• Studies I and II

Studies I and II were 52-week studies in 953 patients with asthma who were required to have a blood eosinophil count of at least 400/mcL (within 3 to 4 weeks of dosing), and at least 1 asthma exacerbation requiring systemic corticosteroid use over the past 12 months. The majority of patients (82%) were on medium-high dose inhaled corticosteroids plus a long-acting beta agonist (ICS/LABA) at baseline. Maintenance oral corticosteroids (OCS) (up to 10 mg of prednisone per day or equivalent) were allowed; 106 (11%) patients were on OCS at baseline. Reslizumab 3 mg/kg administered once every 4 weeks for a total of 13 doses was evaluated compared with placebo.

• Study III

Study III was a 16-week study in 315 patients who were required to have a blood eosinophil count of at least 400/mcL at screening (within 3 to 4 weeks of dosing). Maintenance OCS were not allowed. Reslizumab 3 mg/kg or 0.3 mg/kg administered once every 4 weeks for a total of 4 doses was evaluated compared with placebo. While 2 doses of Reslizumab were studied, Reslizumab 3 mg/kg is the only recommended dose.

• Study IV

Study IV was a 16-week study in 496 patients unselected for baseline blood eosinophil levels (approximately 80% of patients had a screening [within 3 to 4 weeks of dosing] blood eosinophil count of less than 400/mcL). Maintenance OCS were not allowed. Reslizumab 3 mg/kg administered once every 4 weeks for a total of 4 doses was evaluated compared with placebo.

The demographics and baseline characteristics of these 4 studies is provided in Table 1.

• Table 1: Demographics and Baseline Characteristics of Patients in Asthma Studies

This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

Exacerbations

The primary endpoint for Studies I and II was the frequency of asthma exacerbations for each patient during the 52-week treatment period. An asthma exacerbation was defined as a worsening of asthma that required at least 1 of the following medical interventions:

1)Either the use of a systemic corticosteroid, or ≥ 2-fold an increase in the use of ICS for 3 or more days, and/or 2)Asthma-related emergency treatment including at least 1 of the following: an unscheduled visit to their healthcare professional for nebulizer treatment or other urgent treatment to prevent worsening of asthma symptoms; a visit to the emergency room for asthma-related treatment; or an asthma-related hospitalization.

The medical intervention had to be corroborated with at least 1 of the following: 1) a decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1) by 20% or more from baseline, 2) a decrease in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) by 30% or more from baseline on 2 consecutive days, or 3) worsening of symptoms or other clinical signs per physician evaluation of the event. In Studies I and II, patients receiving Reslizumab 3 mg/kg administered once every 4 weeks had significant reductions in the rate of all asthma exacerbations compared to placebo (Table 2). Exacerbations requiring the use of a systemic corticosteroid (e.g., OCS) as well as exacerbations resulting in hospitalization or an emergency room visit were each reduced with Reslizumab 3 mg/kg.

• Table 2: Frequency of Asthma Exacerbations during the 52-Week Treatment Period in Patients with Severe Asthma with an Eosinophilic Phenotype (Studies I and II)*

This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

CINQAIR: Reslizumab's Brand name

The proportion of patients who did not experience an asthma exacerbation during the 52-week treatment period was higher in the Reslizumab 3 mg/kg group (62% and 75%) compared with the placebo group (46% and 55%), in Studies I and II, respectively. The time to first asthma exacerbation was significantly longer for the groups receiving Reslizumab 3 mg/kg compared with placebo in both Studies I and II. A representative figure from Study I is shown below (Figure 1). Study II showed similar results.

• Figure 1: Time to First Asthma Exacerbation by Treatment Group in Patients with Severe Asthma with an Eosinophilic Phenotype (Study I)

This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

CINQAIR: Reslizumab's Brand name

Lung Function

The effect of Reslizumab 3 mg/kg administered once every 4 weeks on FEV1 over time relative to placebo was assessed in all 4 studies (Table 3). FEV1 was the primary endpoint in the 16-week lung function studies: Study III (Figure 2) and Study IV.

Study III also studied a lower dose, Reslizumab 0.3 mg/kg, that produced significant but numerically smaller changes in FEV1 and blood eosinophil reduction compared with the 3 mg/kg dose. While 2 doses of Reslizumab were studied, Reslizumab 3 mg/kg is the only recommended dose.

Study IV was the only study to test Reslizumab 3 mg/kg in asthma patients unselected for blood eosinophils (measured 3 to 4 weeks prior to dosing); association of treatment effect (i.e., difference between Reslizumab and placebo in the change in FEV1 at Week 16) and baseline blood eosinophils was not observed.  

• Table 3: Mean Change (95% CI) from Baseline in FEV1 in mL Over 16 Weeks (Difference from Reslizumab and Placebo) in Patients with Severe Asthma with an Eosinophilic Phenotype

This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

Improvements in FEV1 were observed at 4 weeks following the first dose of Reslizumab for Studies I and II and maintained through Week 52.

• Figure 2: Mean Change from Baseline in FEV1 in Patients with Severe Asthma with an Eosinophilic Phenotype (Study III)

This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

CINQAIR: Reslizumab's Brand name

The Asthma Control Questionnaire-7 (ACQ-7) and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) were both assessed in Studies I, II, and III. The responder rate for both measures was defined as an improvement in score of 0.5 or more as threshold over 16 weeks.

• For ACQ-7, the responder rate for those randomized to Reslizumab vs. placebo was 69% vs. 65% for Study I, 70% vs. 58% for Study II, and 64% vs. 58% for Study III.
• For AQLQ, the responder rate for those randomized to Reslizumab vs. placebo was 66% vs. 58% for Study I, 67% vs. 55% for Study II, and 64% vs. 48% for Study III.

How Supplied

Reslizumab injection, 100 mg/10 mL (10 mg/mL), is supplied as a preservative-free, sterile, clear to slightly hazy/opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution in single-use vials. The following packaging configuration is available:

• NDC 59310-610-31: 100 mg/10 mL (10 mg/mL) single-use vial.

Storage

Refrigerate at 2 ºC to 8ºC (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Do not shake. Protect the vials from light by storing in the original package until time of use.

Images

Drug Images

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Package and Label Display Panel

This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

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Patient Counseling Information

See FDA approved patient labeling (Patient Information).

• Hypersensitivity/Anaphylaxis

Inform patients that hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred with administration of Reslizumab. Educate patients on the signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis (e.g., skin or mucosal involvement, airway compromise, reduced blood pressure). Instruct patients to contact their healthcare professional immediately if they experience symptoms of an allergic reaction after they have received their infusion of Reslizumab.

• Not for Acute Symptoms or Deteriorating Disease

Inform patients that Reslizumab does not treat acute asthma symptoms or acute exacerbations. Inform patients to seek medical advice if their asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens after initiation of treatment with Reslizumab.

• Malignancy

Counsel Reslizumab-treated patients about the risk of malignancies.

• Reduction of Corticosteroid Dosage

Inform patients not to discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids except under the direct supervision of a physician. Inform patients that reduction in corticosteroid dose may be associated with systemic withdrawal symptoms and/or unmask conditions previously suppressed by systemic corticosteroid therapy.

This image is provided by the National Library of Medicine.

Precautions with Alcohol

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

Brand Names

CINQAIR®

Look-Alike Drug Names

There is limited information regarding Reslizumab 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.