2.1 Recommendations Prior to STRENSIQ Treatment

Initiate STRENSIQ under the supervision of a healthcare provider with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

2.2 Dosage for Perinatal/Infantile-Onset HPP

The recommended dosage regimen of STRENSIQ for the treatment of perinatal/infantile-onset HPP is 6 mg/kg per week administered subcutaneously as either:

• 2 mg/kg three times per week, or
• 1 mg/kg six times per week. Injection site reactions may limit the tolerability of the six times per week regimen [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

The dose of STRENSIQ may be increased for lack of efficacy (e.g., no improvement in respiratory status, growth, or radiographic findings) up to 9 mg/kg per week administered subcutaneously as 3 mg/kg three times per week.

2.3 Dosage for Juvenile-Onset HPP

The recommended dosage regimen of STRENSIQ for the treatment of juvenile-onset HPP is 6 mg/kg per week administered subcutaneously as either:

• 2 mg/kg three times per week, or
• 1 mg/kg six times per week. Injection site reactions may limit the tolerability of the six times per week regimen [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

2.4 Preparation and Weight-Based Dosing Tables

Caution: Do not use the 80 mg/0.8 mL vial of STRENSIQ in pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg because the systemic exposure of asfotase alfa achieved with the 80 mg/0.8 mL vial (higher concentration) is lower than that achieved with the other strength vials (lower concentration). A lower exposure may not be adequate for this subgroup of patients [see Dosage Forms and Strengths (3), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

1.

Determine the total weekly volume needed for the prescribed dosage based on the patient's weight and recommended dosage. Follow these steps to determine the patient dose.

 

Total weekly dose (mg) = patient's weight (kg) × prescribed dose (mg/kg/week)

 

Total injection volume (mL) per week = Total dose (mg/week) divided by the STRENSIQ concentration (40 mg/mL or 100 mg/mL). Note product concentrations are: 40 mg/mL (vial strengths 18 mg/0.45 mL, 28 mg/0.7 mL, 40 mg/mL) or 100 mg/mL (vial strength 80 mg/0.8 mL).

 

Round total injection volume to the nearest hundredth of a mL

 

Total number of vials per week = Total injection volume divided by vial volume (mL)

2.

Determine the number of injection days per week (three or six per week).

3.

Determine dose per injection day. Patient weights should be rounded to the nearest kilogram when determining dose. Use the following tables for guidance, for patients administering 2 mg/kg three times per week (Table 1), 1 mg/kg six times per week (Table 2) and for dose escalations to 3 mg/kg three times per week, recommended only for patients with perinatal/infantile-onset HPP [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)] (Table 3).

4.

Take the unopened STRENSIQ vial(s) out of the refrigerator 15 to 30 minutes before injecting to allow the liquid to reach room temperature.
Do not warm STRENSIQ in any other way (for example, do not warm it in a microwave or in hot water).

5.

Inspect the solution in the vial(s) for particulate matter and discoloration. STRENSIQ is supplied as a clear, slightly opalescent or opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow aqueous solution; a few small translucent or white particles may be present. Discard any vial(s) not consistent with this appearance.

6.

Assemble injection supplies. Administer STRENSIQ using sterile disposable 1 mL syringes and ½ inch injection needles, between 25 to 29 gauge are recommended. The use of two different gauge needles is recommended, a larger bore needle (e.g. 25 gauge) for withdrawal of the medication, and a smaller bore needle (e.g. 29 gauge) for the injection. For doses greater than 1 mL, the injection volume should be split equally between two 1 mL syringes. Always use a new syringe and needle for each injection.

7.

Remove vial cap, aseptically prepare the vial and insert the syringe into the vial to withdraw the prescribed dose for administration. Do not shake.

8.

Remove any air bubbles in the syringe and verify the correct dose.

9.

STRENSIQ vials are for one time use only. Discard any unused product.

2.5 Administration

STRENSIQ is for subcutaneous injection only.

• When administering two injections, use two separate injection sites.
• Administer STRENSIQ within 3 hours upon removal of the vial(s) from refrigeration.
• Rotate the injection from among the following sites to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy: abdominal area, thigh, deltoid, or buttocks [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
• Do NOT administer injections in areas that are reddened, inflamed, or swollen.
• Inject STRENSIQ subcutaneously into the determined site and properly dispose of the syringe and the needle.

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis

Life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients treated with enzyme replacement therapies, including STRENSIQ. Signs and symptoms consistent with anaphylaxis included difficulty breathing, choking sensation, nausea, periorbital edema, and dizziness. These reactions have occurred within minutes after subcutaneous administration of STRENSIQ and have been observed more than 1 year after treatment initiation. Other hypersensitivity reactions have also been reported in STRENSIQ-treated patients, including vomiting, fever, headache, flushing, irritability, chills, erythema, rash, pruritus and oral hypoesthesia [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Anaphylaxis has occurred during the early course of enzyme replacement therapy and after extended duration of therapy. Initiate STRENSIQ under the supervision of a healthcare provider with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) occurs, discontinue STRENSIQ and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment, including use of epinephrine. Consider the risks and benefits of re-administering STRENSIQ to individual patients following a severe reaction. If the decision is made to re-administer the product, monitor patients for a reoccurrence of signs and symptoms of a severe hypersensitivity reaction. Inform patients of the symptoms of life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur.

5.2 Lipodystrophy

Localized lipodystrophy, including lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy, has been reported at injection sites after several months in patients treated with STRENSIQ in clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Advise patients to follow proper injection technique and to rotate injection sites [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

5.3 Ectopic Calcifications

Patients with HPP are at increased risk for developing ectopic calcifications. Events of ectopic calcification, including ophthalmic (conjunctival and corneal) and renal (nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis), have been reported in the clinical trial experience with STRENSIQ. There was insufficient information to determine whether or not the reported events were consistent with the disease or due to STRENSIQ. No visual changes or changes in renal function were reported resulting from the occurrence of ectopic calcifications.

Ophthalmology examinations and renal ultrasounds are recommended at baseline and periodically during treatment with STRENSIQ to monitor for signs and symptoms of ophthalmic and renal ectopic calcifications and for changes in vision or renal function.

5.4 Possible Immune-Mediated Clinical Effects

In clinical trials, most STRENSIQ-treated patients developed anti-asfotase alfa antibodies and neutralizing antibodies which resulted in reduced systemic exposure of asfotase alfa [see Immunogenicity (6.2)]. In postmarketing reports, some STRENSIQ-treated patients with initial therapeutic response subsequently developed recurrence and worsening in disease-associated laboratory and radiographic biomarkers (some in association with neutralizing antibodies) suggesting possible immune-mediated effects on STRENSIQ's pharmacologic action resulting in disease progression [see Adverse Reactions (6.3)]. The effect of anti-asfotase alfa antibody formation on the long-term efficacy of STRENSIQ is unknown. There are no marketed anti-asfotase alfa antibody tests. If patients experience progression of HPP symptoms or worsening of disease-associated laboratory and imaging biomarkers after a period of initial therapeutic response to STRENSIQ, consider obtaining anti-asfotase alfa antibody testing by contacting STRENSIQ Medical Information at Alexion at 1-888-765-4747 or by email at medinfo@alexion.com. Close clinical follow up is recommended.

6.1 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.

The data described below reflect exposure to STRENSIQ in 99 patients with perinatal/infantile- or juvenile onset HPP (age 1 day to 58 years) treated with STRENSIQ, most for more than 2 years (range 1 day to 312 weeks [78 months]): 51 patients received at least 96 weeks (24 months) of treatment and 39 patients received 168 weeks (42 months) or more of treatment [see Clinical Studies (14)].

6.2 Immunogenicity

As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. 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 the antibodies in the studies described below with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other asfotase alfa products may be misleading.

During clinical trials, anti-asfotase alfa antibodies have been detected in patients receiving treatment with STRENSIQ using an electrochemiluminescent (ECL) immunoassay. Antibody positive samples were tested to determine the presence of neutralizing antibodies based on in vitro inhibition of the catalytic activity of STRENSIQ.

Among STRENSIQ-treated patients with hypophosphatasia (HPP) in clinical studies who had post-baseline antibody data available, 97/109 (89%) tested positive for anti-asfotase alfa antibodies at some time point during STRENSIQ treatment. Among those 97 patients, 55 (57%) also tested positive for neutralizing antibodies at some time point during STRENSIQ treatment. No correlation was observed between the anti-asfotase alfa antibody titers and the neutralizing antibody (% inhibition) values. Formation of anti-asfotase alfa antibody resulted in a reduced systemic exposure of asfotase alfa [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

6.3 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of STRENSIQ. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Some STRENSIQ-treated patients with initial therapeutic response to STRENSIQ subsequently developed worsening in disease-associated laboratory and radiographic biomarkers (some in association with neutralizing antibodies) suggesting possible immune-mediated effects on STRENSIQ's pharmacologic action resulting in disease progression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

7.1 Drug Interference with Laboratory Tests

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of STRENSIQ for the treatment of perinatal/infantile- and juvenile-onset HPP have been established in pediatric patients. Use of STRENSIQ for this indication is based on 4 prospective, open-label clinical trials conducted in 89 pediatric patients with perinatal/infantile-onset or juvenile-onset HPP [see Clinical Studies (14)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

No patients with perinatal/infantile- or juvenile-onset HPP aged 65 years were enrolled in clinical trials of STRENSIQ. Therefore, there is no information available to determine whether patients aged 65 years and over respond differently from younger patients.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

HPP is caused by a deficiency in TNSALP enzyme activity, which leads to elevations in several TNSALP substrates, including inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). TNSALP is a metallo-enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphomonoesters with release of inorganic phosphate and alcohol. Elevated extracellular levels of PPi block hydroxyapatite crystal growth which inhibits bone mineralization and causes an accumulation of unmineralized bone matrix which manifests as rickets and bone deformation in infants and children and as osteomalacia (softening of bones) once growth plates close, along with muscle weakness. Replacement of the TNSALP enzyme upon STRENSIQ treatment reduces the enzyme substrate levels.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Perinatal/infantile- and juvenile-onset HPP patients treated with STRENSIQ had reductions in plasma TNSALP substrates, PPi and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) within 6 to 12 weeks of treatment. Reductions in plasma PPi and PLP levels did not correlate with clinical outcomes.

Bone biopsy data from perinatal/infantile-onset and juvenile-onset HPP patients treated with STRENSIQ demonstrated decreases in osteoid volume and thickness indicating improved bone mineralization.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Based on data in 38 HPP patients, the pharmacokinetics of asfotase alfa exhibit dose proportionality across the dose range of 0.3 mg/kg to 3 mg/kg once every other day (three times a week) and appear to be time-independent. Steady state exposure was achieved as early as three weeks after the administration of the first dose. The elimination half-life following subcutaneous administration was approximately 5 days.

Table 6 summarizes the pharmacokinetic parameters following multiple doses in 20 HPP patients after subcutaneous administration of STRENSIQ at 2 mg/kg three times per week in Study 2 (age of less than or equal to 5 years) and Study 3 (age of greater than 5 to 12 years), indicating the pharmacokinetics were similar between patients in the two age groups.

Population PK analysis of asfotase alfa concentrations supports weight-based dosing because body weight is a major covariate of asfotase alfa clearance. The formulation concentration had an impact on the systemic exposure of asfotase alfa in HPP patients. The higher concentration formulation (80 mg/0.8 mL vial) achieved an approximately 25% lower systemic asfotase alfa exposure (i.e., concentrations and AUC) compared to the lower concentration formulations (18 mg/0.45 mL, 28 mg/0.7 mL or 40 mg/mL vials) at the same dose of STRENSIQ [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential or studies to evaluate mutagenic potential have not been performed with asfotase alfa. Asfotase alfa at intravenous doses up to 50 mg/kg/day administered daily in pregnant rats (approximately 21 times the human AUC of 65486 ng.h/mL at 2 mg/kg dose administered three times weekly for a 50 kg individual) was found to have no adverse effect on fertility and reproductive performance of male and female rats.

14.1 Perinatal/Infantile-Onset HPP

Study 1 was a 24-week prospective single-arm trial in 11 patients with severe perinatal/infantile-onset HPP. In this study, 7/11 (64%) were female and 10/11 (91%) patients were white, and age ranged from 3 weeks to 39.5 months. Severe perinatal/infantile-onset HPP was defined as biochemical, medical history and radiographic evidence of HPP as well as the presence of any of the following: rachitic chest deformity, vitamin B6-dependent seizures, or failure to thrive. Ten of 11 patients completed the 24-week trial and continued treatment in the extension phase. Nine patients have been treated for at least 216 weeks (54 months) and 4 patients have been treated for over 240 weeks (60 months). Patients received subcutaneous STRENSIQ 3 mg/kg per week for the first month; subsequently, dose increases up to 9 mg/kg per week were allowed for changes in weight and/or for lack of efficacy. All 10 patients required dose increases up to 6 mg/kg per week or higher; 9 patients increased between 4 and 24 weeks after starting treatment and 1 patient increased after 70 weeks due to suboptimal clinical response. One patient's dose was decreased from 9 mg/kg per week to 6 mg/kg per week based on PK data.

Study 2 was a prospective open-label study in 59 patients with perinatal/infantile-onset HPP. In this study, 32/59 (54%) were female, 46/59 (78%) were white, and age ranged from 1 day to 78 months. Patients received subcutaneous STRENSIQ at 6 mg/kg per week for the first 4 weeks. Ten patients received dose increases higher than 6 mg/kg per week due to suboptimal clinical response, with dose increases occurring between 8 and 24 weeks after starting treatment. The recommended dosage regimen of STRENSIQ for the treatment of perinatal/infantile-onset HPP is up to 9 mg/kg per week administered subcutaneously as 3 mg/kg three times per week [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Forty-one patients were treated for at least 24 weeks (6 months) and 15 patients were treated for at least 96 weeks (24 months).

14.2 Juvenile-Onset HPP

Study 3 was a prospective open-label 24-week trial that included 8 juvenile-onset HPP patients and 5 perinatal/ infantile-onset HPP patients; 11/13 (85%) were male and 12/13 (92%) were white [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. On study entry, patients were 6 to 12 years of age. All 8 juvenile-onset patients entered the extension study and were treated for at least 48 months. At trial entry, patients were randomized to receive subcutaneous STRENSIQ 6 mg/kg per week or 9 mg/kg per week. Two patients received dose reductions during the primary treatment period, including one patient who experienced a decrease in vitamin B6 levels and one patient who experienced recurrent injection site reactions. During the extension phase, the dosing regimen for all patients was initially changed to 3 mg/kg per week. Dosing was subsequently increased to 6 mg/kg per week, with no patients requiring doses higher than 6 mg/kg per week. The recommended dosage regimen of STRENSIQ for the treatment of juvenile-onset HPP is 6 mg/kg per week [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

STRENSIQ vials must be stored in the original carton until the time of use under refrigerated conditions at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and protected from light.

Once removed from refrigeration, STRENSIQ should be administered within 3 hours.

Do not use beyond the expiration date stamped on the carton.

DO NOT FREEZE OR SHAKE.

Vials are for one time use only. Discard any unused product.

Preparation

• When preparing a volume for injection greater than 1 mL, split the volume equally between two syringes, and administer two injections. When administering the two injections, use two separate injection sites.
• Take the unopened STRENSIQ vial(s) out of the refrigerator 15 to 30 minutes before injecting to allow the liquid to reach room temperature.
• Inspect the solution in the vial(s) for particulate matter and discoloration.
• Assemble injection supplies. Administer STRENSIQ using sterile disposable syringes and injection needles. The syringes should be of small enough volume that the prescribed dose can be withdrawn from the vial with reasonable accuracy. Always use a new syringe and needle.
• Remove vial cap, aseptically prepare the vial and insert the syringe into the vial to withdraw the prescribed dose for administration.
• Remove any air bubbles in the syringe and verify the correct dose.
• STRENSIQ vials are for one time use only. Discard any unused product [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].

Administration

• Administer STRENSIQ within 3 hours upon removal of the vial(s) from refrigeration.
• Rotate the injection site to reduce the risk of lipohypertrophy and injection site atrophy.
• Do NOT administer injections in areas that are reddened, inflamed, or swollen.
• Inject STRENSIQ subcutaneously into the determined site and properly dispose of the syringe and needle [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis

• Life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis may occur with STRENSIQ treatment.
• Anaphylaxis has occurred during the early course of enzyme replacement therapy and after extended duration of therapy.
• Symptoms of life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Lipodystrophy

• Lipohypertrophy (enlargement or thickening of tissue) and localized atrophy (depression in the skin) have been reported at injection sites after several months. Follow proper injection technique and rotate injection sites [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Possible Immune-Mediated Clinical Effects

• Anti-drug antibodies may develop during treatment which may interfere with STRENSIQ's pharmacologic action. Inform patients or their caregivers to contact their healthcare provider if they experience worsening symptoms of HPP (e.g., increased respiratory support, increased difficulty walking, new fractures) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) Registry

• A registry has been established in order to better understand HPP in the population, and to monitor and evaluate long-term treatment effects of STRENSIQ. Patients and their caregivers should be encouraged to participate and advised that their participation is voluntary and may involve long-term follow-up. For more information, visit www.hppregistry.com