Monitoring for ARIA
Obtain a recent baseline brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to initiating treatment with KISUNLA. Obtain an MRI prior to the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 7th infusions. If a patient experiences symptoms suggestive of ARIA, clinical evaluation should be performed, including an MRI if indicated.
Recommendations for Dosing Interruptions in Patients with ARIA
ARIA-E
The recommendations for dosing interruptions for patients with ARIA-E are provided in Table 2.
Table 2: Dosing Recommendations for Patients With ARIA-E
|
|
| Clinical Symptom Severitya | ARIA-E Severity on MRI |
| Mild | Moderate | Severe |
| Asymptomatic | May continue dosing at current dose and schedule
| Suspend dosingb | Suspend dosingb |
| Mild | May continue dosing based on clinical judgment
| Suspend dosingb |
| Moderate or Severe | Suspend dosingb |
ARIA-H
The recommendations for dosing interruptions for patients with ARIA-H are provided in Table 3.
Table 3: Dosing Recommendations for Patients With ARIA-H
|
|
| Clinical Symptom Severity | ARIA-H Severity on MRI |
| Mild | Moderate | Severe |
| Asymptomatic | May continue dosing at current dose and schedule
| Suspend dosinga | Suspend dosingb |
| Symptomatic | Suspend dosinga | Suspend dosinga |
In patients who develop intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter during treatment with KISUNLA, suspend dosing until MRI demonstrates radiographic stabilization and symptoms, if present, resolve. Resumption of dosing should be guided by clinical judgment.
Less Common Adverse Reactions
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, occurred in 3% of patients treated with KISUNLA compared to 0.7% of patients on placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Intestinal Obstruction and Intestinal Perforation
Three patients (0.4%) treated with KISUNLA had serious adverse reactions of intestinal obstruction compared to no patients on placebo. Two patients (0.2%) treated with KISUNLA had serious adverse reactions of intestinal perforation compared to one patient (0.1%) on placebo.
Immunogenicity: Anti-Drug Antibody-Associated Adverse Reactions
In Study 1, approximately 10% of KISUNLA-treated patients who developed anti-drug antibodies (ADA) reported infusion-related reactions compared to 2% of patients who did not develop ADA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.6)].
Risk Summary
There are no adequate data on KISUNLA use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. No animal studies have been conducted to assess the potential reproductive or developmental toxicity of KISUNLA.
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. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of donanemab-azbt in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Published data from other monoclonal antibodies generally indicate low passage of monoclonal antibodies into human milk and limited systemic exposure in the breastfed infant. The effects of this limited exposure are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for KISUNLA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from KISUNLA or from the underlying maternal condition.
Effect of KISUNLA on Amyloid Beta Pathology
The effect of KISUNLA on amyloid beta plaque levels in the brain was evaluated using amyloid Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging (18F-florbetapir tracer). The PET signal was quantified using the Standard Uptake Value Ratio (SUVR) method to estimate brain levels of amyloid beta plaque in composites of brain areas expected to be widely affected by Alzheimer's disease pathology (precuneus, frontal, anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate, parietal, and temporal cortices), compared to a brain region expected to be spared of such pathology (cerebellum). Results of amyloid PET were also expressed on the Centiloid scale.
In Study 1 [see Clinical Studies (14)], KISUNLA reduced amyloid beta plaque levels in the brain in a time-dependent manner, starting at Week 24, and continuing through Week 76 (p<0.0001), compared to placebo (see Figure 1 and Table 7). In clinical pharmacology studies, KISUNLA demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent reduction in amyloid beta plaque, with the decrease observed starting at Week 12.
Figure 1: Reduction in Brain Amyloid Beta Plaque (Change from Baseline) on Amyloid Beta PET Imaging Composite (SUVR and Centiloids) in Study 1a
Figure 1 (Kisunla Uspi F1 V1)
a ****p<0.0001.
During an off-treatment period, amyloid PET values began to increase with a median rate of 2.80 Centiloids/year.
Effect of KISUNLA on Tau Pathophysiology
A reduction in plasma p-tau217 was observed with KISUNLA compared to placebo in Study 1 (see
Table 7).
Table 7: Biomarker Results of KISUNLA in Study 1 (AACI)
|
|
| Biomarker Endpoint at Week 76 | KISUNLA | Placebo |
| Amyloid Beta PET SUVR | N = 712 | N = 754 |
| Mean baseline
| 1.53
| 1.52
|
| Adjusted mean change from baseline
| -0.47
| -0.00
|
| Difference from placebo
| -0.47, p<0.0001
| |
| Amyloid Beta PET Centiloid | N = 765 | N = 812 |
| Mean baseline
| 104.0
| 101.8
|
| Adjusted mean change from baseline
| -87.0
| -0.7
|
| Difference from placebo
| -86.4, p<0.0001
| |
| Plasma p-tau217 (log10 transformed)a | N = 758 | N = 786 |
| Mean baseline
| 0.67
| 0.66
|
| Adjusted mean change from baseline
| -0.19
| 0.03
|
| Difference from placebo
| -0.22, p<0.0001
| |
Exposure-Response Relationships
Model based exposure-response analyses for Study 1 demonstrated that exposures to donanemab-azbt were associated with a reduction in clinical decline on iADRS and CDR-SB. An association between reduction in amyloid beta plaque from baseline and clinical decline on iADRS and CDR-SB was also observed.
Distribution
The central volume of distribution is 3.36 L.
Elimination
KISUNLA is expected to be degraded by proteolytic enzymes in the same manner as endogenous IgG. The mean terminal half-life of donanemab-azbt is approximately 12.1 days. Donanemab-azbt clearance is 0.0255 L/h.
Specific Populations
Age, sex, or race were not found to affect the pharmacokinetics of donanemab-azbt. While body weight was found to influence both clearance and volume of distribution, the resulting changes were not clinically significant.
Patients with Renal or Hepatic Impairment
No clinical studies were conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of donanemab-azbt in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Donanemab-azbt is degraded by proteolytic enzymes and is not expected to undergo renal elimination or metabolism by hepatic enzymes.
Anti-Drug Antibody Effects on Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
The presence of anti-donanemab-azbt antibodies increased donanemab-azbt clearance. Among patients treated with KISUNLA in the placebo-controlled studies who developed anti-donanemab-azbt antibodies, mean donanemab-azbt serum trough concentrations at various time points were lower compared to patients who had not developed anti-donanemab-azbt antibodies. Patients with high ADA titers showed less reduction in amyloid plaque compared to patients with low ADA titers. However, there was no identified clinically significant effect of anti-donanemab-azbt antibodies on the effectiveness of KISUNLA over the treatment duration of 18 months.
Carcinogenesis
Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted.
Mutagenesis
Genotoxicity studies have not been conducted.
Impairment of Fertility
No studies in animals have been conducted to assess the effects of donanemab-azbt on male or female fertility.
Unopened Vial
- Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
- Keep the vial in the outer carton to protect from light.
- Do not freeze or shake.
- If refrigeration is not available, may be stored at room temperature (20°C to 25°C [68°F to 77°F]) for up to 3 days.
Diluted Solution
For storage of the diluted infusion solution see Dosage and Administration (2.4).
Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities
Inform patients that KISUNLA may cause Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities or “ARIA”. ARIA most commonly presents as temporary swelling in areas of the brain that usually resolves over time. Some people may also have small spots of bleeding in or on the surface of the brain. Inform patients that most people with swelling in areas of the brain do not experience symptoms, however some people may experience symptoms such as headache, confusion, dizziness, vision changes, nausea, aphasia, weakness, or seizure. Instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider if these symptoms occur. Inform patients that events of intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter have been reported infrequently in patients taking KISUNLA, and that use of antithrombotic or thrombolytic medications while taking KISUNLA may increase the risk of bleeding in the brain. Notify patients that their healthcare provider will perform MRI scans to monitor for ARIA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Inform patients that although ARIA can occur in any patient treated with KISUNLA, there is an increased risk in patients who are ApoE ε4 homozygotes, and that testing for ApoE ε4 status should be performed prior to initiation of treatment to inform the risk of developing ARIA. Prior to testing, discuss with patients the risk of ARIA across genotypes and the implications of genetic testing results. Inform patients that if testing is not performed, it cannot be determined if they are ApoE ε4 homozygotes and at a higher risk for ARIA.
Inform patients that some symptoms of ARIA can mimic ischemic stroke and that their healthcare providers may need to perform additional testing to determine how to treat those symptoms in patients taking KISUNLA. Advise patients to carry information that they are being treated with KISUNLA.
Patient Registry
Providers should encourage patients to participate in real world data collection (e.g., registries) to help further the understanding of Alzheimer's disease and the impact of Alzheimer's disease treatments. Providers and patients can contact 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) for a list of currently enrolling programs.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Inform patients that KISUNLA may cause hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, and to contact their healthcare provider if hypersensitivity reactions occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Infusion-Related Reactions
Inform patients that KISUNLA may cause infusion-related reactions, including chills, erythema, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, sweating, headache, chest pain, and high or low blood pressure, and to contact their healthcare provider if infusion-related reactions occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
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