Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Ravulizumab-cwvz, a complement inhibitor, is a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Ravulizumab-cwvz consists of 2 identical 448 amino acid heavy chains and 2 identical 214 amino acid light chains and has a molecular weight of approximately 148 kDa.
Mechanism of Action
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action Ravulizumab-cwvz is a terminal complement inhibitor that specifically binds to the complement protein C5 with high affinity, thereby inhibiting its cleavage to C5a (the proinflammatory anaphylatoxin) and C5b (the initiating subunit of the membrane attack complex [MAC or C5b-9]) thus preventing MAC formation. ULTOMIRIS inhibits terminal complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis in patients with PNH and complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in patients with aHUS. The precise mechanism by which ravulizumab-cwvz exerts its therapeutic effect in gMG patients is unknown, but is presumed to involve reduction of terminal complement complex C5b-9 deposition at the neuromuscular junction.
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ULTOMIRIS is a complement inhibitor indicated for: the treatment of adult and pediatric patients one month of age and older with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). ( 1.1 ) the treatment of adult and pediatric patients one month of age and older with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) to inhibit complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). ( 1.2 ) Limitations of Use: ULTOMIRIS is not indicated for the treatment of patients with Shiga toxin E. coli related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS).
Common Doses
- 50 mg
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION See Full Prescribing Information for instructions on dosage, preparation, and administration. ( 2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 , 2.5 ) Dilute ULTOMIRIS before use. ( 2.5 ) Only administer as an intravenous infusion through a 0.2 or 0.22 micron filter. ( 2.5 ) 2.1 Important Dosage Information ULTOMIRIS is intended to be administered only as an intravenous infusion in adult or pediatric patients one month of age and older. 2.
Black Box Warning
WARNING: SERIOUS MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTIONS ULTOMIRIS, a complement inhibitor, increases the risk of serious infections caused by Neisseria meningitidis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Life-threatening and fatal meningococcal infections have occurred in patients treated with complement inhibitors. These infections may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early . Complete or update vaccination for meningococcal bacteria (for serogroups A, C, W, Y, and B) at least 2 weeks prior to the first dose of ULTOMIRIS, unless the risks of delaying therapy with...
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS ULTOMIRIS is contraindicated for initiation in patients with unresolved serious Neisseria meningitidis infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . ULTOMIRIS is contraindicated for initiation in patients with unresolved serious Neisseria meningitidis infection. ( 4 )
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Serious Meningococcal Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Other Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Infusion-Related Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Most common adverse reactions in patients with PNH (incidence ≥ 10%) were upper respiratory tract infection and headache. ( 6.
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Plasma Exchange, Plasmapheresis, or Intravenous Immunoglobulins: concomitant use requires supplemental dose of ULTOMIRIS. ( 7.1 ) Neonatal Fc Receptor Blockers (FcRn): Closely monitor for reduced effectiveness of ULTOMIRIS. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Plasma Exchange, Plasmapheresis, and Intravenous Immunoglobulins Concomitant use of ULTOMIRIS with plasma exchange (PE), plasmapheresis (PP), or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment can reduce serum ravulizumab concentrations and requires a supplemental dose of ULTOMIRIS [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ]. 7.