Contents of the package leaflet for the medicine TEZSPIRE 210mg 110mg / ml injection for pre-filled pen
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Tezspire 210 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe
Tezspire 210 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Pre-filled syringeEach pre-filled syringe contains 210 mg tezepelumab in 1.91 mL solution (110 mg/mL).
Pre-filled pen
Each pre-filled pen contains 210 mg tezepelumab in 1.91 mL (110 mg/mL).
Tezepelumab is a human monoclonal antibody produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells byrecombinant DNA technology.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Solution for injection in pre-filled syringe (injection)
Solution for injection in pre-filled pen (injection)
Clear to opalescent, colourless to light yellow solution.
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Tezspire is indicated as an add-on maintenance treatment in adults and adolescents 12 years and olderwith severe asthma who are inadequately controlled despite high dose inhaled corticosteroids plusanother medicinal product for maintenance treatment.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Treatment should be initiated by physicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of severeasthma.
PosologyAdults and adolescents (aged 12 years and older)The recommended dose is 210 mg of tezepelumab by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks.
Tezspire is intended for long-term treatment. A decision to continue the therapy should be made atleast annually based on the patient's level of asthma control.
Missed doseIf a dose is missed, the dose should be administered as soon as possible. Thereafter, the patient canresume dosing on the scheduled day of administration. If the next dose is already due, then administeras planned. A double dose must not be administered.
Special populationsElderly (≥65 years of age)No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients (see section 5.2).
Renal and hepatic impairmentNo dose adjustment is required for patients with renal or hepatic impairment (see section 5.2).
Paediatric populationThe safety and efficacy of Tezspire in children under 12 years of age have not been established. Nodata are available.
Method of administrationTezspire is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
A patient may self-inject or the patient’s caregiver may administer this medicinal product after trainingin subcutaneous injection technique. Proper training should be provided to patients and/or caregiverson the preparation and administration of Tezspire prior to use according to the “Instructions for Use”.
Tezspire should be injected into the thigh or abdomen, except for the 5 cm around the navel. If ahealthcare professional or caregiver administers the injection, the upper arm can also be used. Apatient should not self-inject in the arm. It should not be injected into areas where the skin is tender,bruised, erythematous, or hardened. It is recommended to rotate the injection site with each injection.
Comprehensive instructions for administration using the pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen is providedin the “Instructions for Use”.
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
TraceabilityIn order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch numberof the administered product should be clearly recorded.
Acute asthma exacerbationsTezspire should not be used to treat acute asthma exacerbations.
Asthma-related symptoms or exacerbations may occur during treatment. Patients should be instructedto seek medical advice if their asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens after initiation of treatment.
CorticosteroidsAbrupt discontinuation of corticosteroids after initiation of therapy is not recommended. Reduction incorticosteroid doses, if appropriate, should be gradual and performed under the supervision of aphysician.
Hypersensitivity reactionsHypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis, rash) may occur following administration of tezepelumab(see section 4.8). These reactions may occur within hours of administration, but in some instanceshave a delayed onset (i.e. days).
A history of anaphylaxis unrelated to tezepelumab may be a risk factor for anaphylaxis following
Tezspire administration. In line with clinical practice, patients should be monitored for an appropriatetime after administration of Tezspire.
In the event of a serious hypersensitivity reaction (e.g. anaphylaxis), administration of tezepelumabshould be discontinued immediately and appropriate treatment as clinically indicated should beinitiated.
Serious infectionsBlocking thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) may theoretically increase the risk of seriousinfections. In placebo-controlled studies, no increase in serious infections was observed withtezepelumab.
Patients with pre-existing serious infections should be treated before initiating therapy withtezepelumab. If patients develop a serious infection while receiving tezepelumab treatment, therapywith tezepelumab should be discontinued until the serious infection resolves.
Serious cardiac eventsIn a long-term clinical study, a numerical imbalance in serious cardiac adverse events was observed inpatients treated with tezepelumab compared to placebo. No causal relationship between tezepelumaband these events has been established, nor has a patient population at risk of these events beenidentified.
Patients should be advised of signs or symptoms suggestive of a cardiac event (for example, chestpain, dyspnoea, malaise, feeling lightheaded or faint) and to seek immediate medical attention if suchsymptoms occur. If patients develop a serious cardiac event while receiving tezepelumab treatment,therapy with tezepelumab should be discontinued until the acute event stabilises.
There is currently no data on re-treatment of patients who develop a serious cardiac event or seriousinfection.
Parasitic (helminth) infectionTSLP may be involved in the immunological response to some helminth infections. Patients withknown helminth infections were excluded from participation in clinical trials. It is unknown iftezepelumab may influence a patient’s response against helminth infections.
Patients with pre-existing helminth infections should be treated before initiating therapy withtezepelumab. If patients become infected while receiving treatment and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, therapy with tezepelumab should be discontinued until infection resolves.
Sodium contentThis medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 210 mg dose, that is to sayessentially ‘sodium-free’.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No interaction studies have been performed.
The use of live attenuated vaccines should be avoided in patients receiving tezepelumab.
In a randomised, double blind, parallel group study of 70 patients aged between 12 and 21 years withmoderate to severe asthma, tezepelumab treatment did not appear to affect the humoral antibodyresponses induced by seasonal quadrivalent influenza vaccination.
A clinically relevant effect of tezepelumab on the pharmacokinetics of co-administered asthmamedicinal products is not expected. Based on the population pharmacokinetic analysis, commonlyco-administered asthma medicinal products (including leukotriene receptor antagonists,theophylline/aminophylline and oral corticosteroids) had no effect on tezepelumab clearance.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
PregnancyThere are no or limited amount of data (less than 300 pregnancy outcomes) from the use oftezepelumab in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects withrespect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).
Human IgG antibodies, such as tezepelumab, are transported across the placenta barrier; therefore,
Tezspire may be transmitted from the mother to the developing foetus.
As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of Tezspire during pregnancy unless theexpected benefit to the pregnant mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus.
Breast-feedingIt is unknown whether tezepelumab is excreted in human milk. Human IgGs are known to be excretedin breast milk during the first few days after birth, which decreases to low concentrations soonafterwards; consequently, a risk to the breast-fed child cannot be excluded during this short period.
For this specific period, a decision should be made whether to discontinue/abstain from tezepelumabtherapy, taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding to the child and the benefit of therapy to thewoman.
Afterwards, tezepelumab could be used during breast-feeding if clinically needed.
See section 5.3 for information on the excretion of tezepelumab in animal (cynomolgus monkey) milk.
FertilityThere are no fertility data in humans. Animal studies showed no adverse effects of tezepelumabtreatment on fertility (see section 5.3).
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Tezspire has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Summary of the safety profileThe most commonly reported adverse reactions during treatment are arthralgia (3.8%) and pharyngitis(4.1%).
Tabulated list of adverse reactionsTable 1 presents the adverse reactions from clinical studies in patients with severe asthma, whereby atotal of 665 patients received at least one dose of Tezspire in trials of 52 weeks duration, and frompost-marketing experience.
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10);common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); veryrare (< 1/10,000); and not known (cannot be estimated from available data). Within each frequencygrouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Table 1 List of adverse reactions
System organ class Adverse reactions Frequency
Infections and infestations Pharyngitisa Common
Immune system disorders Hypersensitivity Not known(includinganaphylactic reaction)
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Rashb Common
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Arthralgia Common
General disorders and administration site Injection site reactionc Commonconditionsa Pharyngitis was defined by the following grouped preferred terms: pharyngitis, pharyngitis bacterial, pharyngitisstreptococcal and viral pharyngitis.b Rash was defined by the following grouped preferred terms: rash, rash pruritic, rash erythematous, rash maculo-papular,rash macular.c See ‘Description of selected adverse reactions’.
Description of selected adverse reactionsInjection site reactionsIn the pooled safety data from PATHWAY and NAVIGATOR, injection site reactions (e.g. injectionsite erythema, injection site swelling, injection site pain) occurred at a rate of 3.8% in patients treatedwith tezepelumab 210 mg subcutaneous every 4 weeks (Q4W).
Paediatric populationA total of 82 adolescents aged 12 to 17 with severe, uncontrolled asthma were enrolled in the 52 week
Phase 3 NAVIGATOR study (see section 5.1). The safety profile in adolescents was generally similarto the overall study population.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactionsReporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. Itallows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcareprofessionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting systemlisted in Appendix V.
4.9 Overdose
In clinical trials, doses of up to 280 mg were administered subcutaneously every 2 weeks (Q2W) anddoses of up to 700 mg were administered intravenously every 4 weeks (Q4W) to patients with asthmawithout evidence of dose-related toxicities.
There is no specific treatment for an overdose with tezepelumab. If overdose occurs, the patient shouldbe treated supportively with appropriate monitoring as necessary.
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Drugs for obstructive airway diseases, other systemic drugs forobstructive airway diseases, ATC code: R03DX11
Mechanism of actionTezepelumab is a monoclonal antibody (IgG2λ) directed against thymic stromal lymphopoietin(TSLP), preventing its interaction with the heterodimeric TSLP receptor. In asthma, both allergic andnon-allergic triggers induce TSLP production. Blocking TSLP with tezepelumab reduces a broadspectrum of biomarkers and cytokines associated with airway inflammation (e.g. blood eosinophils,airway submucosal eosinophils, IgE, FeNO, IL-5, and IL-13); however, the mechanism of action oftezepelumab in asthma has not been definitively established.
Pharmacodynamic effectsEffect on blood eosinophils and inflammatory biomarkers and cytokinesIn clinical trials, administration of tezepelumab 210 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks reduced bloodeosinophils counts, FeNO, IL-5 concentration, IL-13 concentration and serum IgE concentration frombaseline compared with placebo. These markers were near maximal suppression after 2 weeks oftreatment, except for IgE which declined more slowly. These effects were sustained throughouttreatment.
Effect on eosinophils in the airway submucosaIn a clinical trial, administration of tezepelumab 210 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks reducedsubmucosal eosinophil counts by 89% compared with a 25% reduction with placebo. Reduction wasconsistent regardless of baseline inflammatory biomarkers.
ImmunogenicityIn NAVIGATOR, anti-drug antibodies (ADA) were detected at any time in 26 (4.9%) out of527 patients who received tezepelumab at the recommended dosing regimen during the 52-week studyperiod. Of these 26 patients, 10 patients (1.9% of patients treated with tezepelumab) developedtreatment-emergent ADA and 1 patient (0.2% of patients treated with tezepelumab) developedneutralising antibodies. ADA titres were generally low and often transient. No evidence of ADAimpact on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, or safety was observed.
Clinical efficacyThe efficacy of tezepelumab was evaluated in two randomised, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled clinical trials (PATHWAY and NAVIGATOR) of 52 weeks in duration involving a total of1609 patients aged 12 years and older with severe asthma. In both trials, patients were enrolledwithout requiring a minimum baseline level of blood eosinophils or other inflammatory biomarkers(e.g. FeNO or IgE).
PATHWAY was a 52-week exacerbation trial which enrolled 550 patients (18 years of age and older)with severe, uncontrolled asthma to receive treatment with tezepelumab 70 mg subcutaneous Q4W,tezepelumab 210 mg subcutaneous Q4W, tezepelumab 280 mg subcutaneous Q2W or placebo.
Patients were required to have a history of 2 or more asthma exacerbations requiring oral or systemiccorticosteroid treatment or 1 asthma exacerbation resulting in hospitalisation in the past 12 months.
NAVIGATOR was a 52-week exacerbation trial which enrolled a total of 1061 patients (adults andadolescents 12 years of age and older) with severe, uncontrolled asthma to receive treatment withtezepelumab 210 mg subcutaneous Q4W or placebo. Patients were required to have a history of 2 ormore asthma exacerbations requiring oral or systemic corticosteroid treatment or resulting inhospitalisation in the past 12 months.
In both PATHWAY and NAVIGATOR, patients were required to have an Asthma Control
Questionnaire 6 (ACQ-6) score of 1.5 or more at screening, and reduced lung function at baseline(pre-bronchodilator FEV1 below 80% predicted in adults, and below 90% predicted in adolescents).
Patients were required to have been on regular treatment with medium- or high-dose inhaledcorticosteroids (ICS) and at least one additional asthma control therapy with or without oralcorticosteroids (OCS). High ICS dose was defined as > 500 mcg fluticasone propionate or equivalentper day. Medium ICS dose was defined as > 250 to 500 mcg fluticasone propionate or equivalent perday in PATHWAY and as 500 mcg fluticasone propionate or equivalent per day in NAVIGATOR.
Patients continued background asthma therapy throughout the duration of the trials.
The demographics and baseline characteristics of these two trials are provided in Table 2 below.
Table 2 Demographics and baseline characteristics of asthma trials
PATHWAY NAVIGATOR
N=550 N=1059
Mean age (year) (SD) 52 (12) 50 (16)
Female (%) 66 64
White (%) 92 62
Black or African American (%) 3 6
Asian (%) 3 28
Hispanic or Latino (%) 1 15
Mean duration of asthma, (years) (SD) 17 (12) 22 (16)
Never smoked (%) 81 80
High-dose ICS use (%) 49 75
OCS use (%) 9 9
Mean number of exacerbations in previous 2.4 (1.2) 2.8 (1.4)year (SD)
Mean baseline % predicted FEV1 (SD) 60 (13) 63 (18)
Mean pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (L) (SD) 1.9 (0.6) 1.8 (0.7)
Mean post-bronchodilator FEV1 reversibility 23 (20) 15 (15)(%) (SD)
Mean baseline blood EOS count (cells/µL) 371 (353) 340 (403)(SD)
Blood EOS count ≥ 150 cells/µL (%) 76 74
Positive allergic status (%)a 46 64
Mean FeNO (ppb) (SD) 35 (39) 44 (41)
Table 2 Demographics and baseline characteristics of asthma trials
PATHWAY NAVIGATOR
N=550 N=1059
FeNO ≥ 25 ppb (%) 44 59
Mean ACQ-6 (SD) 2.7 (0.8) 2.8 (0.8)
Blood EOS count ≥ 150 cells/µL and FeNO 38 47≥ 25 ppb (%)a Positive allergic status as defined by a positive serum IgE result specific to any perennial aeroallergen in the FEIA panel.
ACQ-6, Asthma Control Questionnaire 6; EOS, Eosinophils; FEIA, Fluorescent enzyme immunoassay; FeNO, Fractionalexhaled nitric oxide; FEV1, Forced expiratory volume in one second; ICS, Inhaled corticosteroid; IgE, Immunoglobulin E;
OCS, Oral corticosteroid; ppb, Parts per billion; SD, Standard deviation.
The results summarised below are for the recommended tezepelumab 210 mg subcutaneous Q4Wdosing regimen.
ExacerbationsThe primary endpoint for PATHWAY and NAVIGATOR was the rate of severe asthma exacerbationsmeasured over 52 weeks. Severe asthma exacerbations were defined as worsening of asthma requiringthe use of or increase in oral or systemic corticosteroids for at least 3 days or a single depo-injection ofcorticosteroids, and/or emergency department visits requiring use of oral or systemic corticosteroidsand/or hospitalisation.
In both PATHWAY and NAVIGATOR, patients receiving tezepelumab had significant reductions inthe annualised rate of severe asthma exacerbations compared with placebo (Table 3 and Table 4).
There were also fewer exacerbations requiring emergency room visits and/or hospitalisation in patientstreated with tezepelumab compared with placebo. In PATHWAY and NAVIGATOR, severe asthmaexacerbations requiring emergency room visits and/or hospitalisation were reduced by 85% and 79%with tezepelumab 210 mg subcutaneous Q4W, respectively.
Table 3 Rate of severe exacerbations at week 52 in NAVIGATORa
Tezepelumab (N=528) Placebo (N=531)
Annualised severe asthma exacerbation rate
Rate 0.93 2.10
Rate ratio (95% CI) 0.44 (0.37, 0.53)p-value <0.001a Time at risk is defined as the total duration of time in which a new exacerbation can occur (i.e. total follow-up time minustime during exacerbation and 7 days after).
CI, Confidence interval
Table 4 Rate of severe exacerbations at week 52 in PATHWAYa
Tezepelumab (N=137) Placebo (N=138)
Annualised severe asthma exacerbation rate
Rate 0.20 0.72
Rate ratio (95% CI) 0.29 (0.16, 0.51)p-value <0.001a Time at risk is defined as the total follow-up time.
CI, Confidence interval
Subgroup analysisIn NAVIGATOR, tezepelumab demonstrated a reduction in the rate of severe asthma exacerbationsregardless of the baseline levels of blood eosinophils, FeNO, as well as allergic status (determined bya perennial aeroallergen specific IgE). Similar results were seen in PATHWAY. See
Figure 1.
In NAVIGATOR, reductions in the rate of severe asthma exacerbations were greater with increasingbaseline blood eosinophil counts and FeNO values (rate ratio = 0.79 [95% CI: 0.48, 1.28] for patientswith both baseline blood eosinophil count < 150 cells/µL and baseline FeNO < 25 ppb; rate ratio =0.30 [95% CI: 0.23, 0.40] for patients with both baseline blood eosinophil count ≥ 150 cells/µL andbaseline FeNO ≥ 25 ppb).
Figure 1 Annualised severe asthma exacerbation rate ratio over 52 weeks across differentbaseline biomarkers for the Full Analysis Set (pooled NAVIGATOR and PATHWAY)a
Tezepelumab210 mg Q4W Placebo
Rate Ration/Estimate n/Estimate (95% CI)
Overall
Eosinophils at baseline (cells/µL)
Eosinophils at baseline (cells/µL)
FeNO at baseline (ppb)
Allergic statusb
Positive allergic status
Negative allergic status
Eosinophils (cells/µL) and FeNO (ppb)at baseline
Eosinophils <150 and FeNO <25
Eosinophils >=150 and FeNO <25
Eosinophils <150 and FeNO >=25
Eosinophils >=150 and FeNO >=25
Favours Tezepelumab Favours Placebo
Rate Ratio (95% CI)a Time at risk is defined as the total duration of time in which a new exacerbation can occur (i.e. total follow-up time minustime during exacerbation and 7 days after).b Allergic status as defined by a serum IgE result specific to any perennial aeroallergen in the FEIA panel.
Lung functionChange from baseline in FEV1 was assessed as a secondary endpoint in NAVIGATOR. Comparedwith placebo, tezepelumab provided clinically meaningful improvements in the mean change frombaseline in FEV1 (Table 5).
Patient reported outcomesChanges from baseline in ACQ-6, Standardised Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire for ages 12 andolder [AQLQ(S)+12] and weekly mean Asthma Symptom Diary (ASD) scores were assessed assecondary endpoints in NAVIGATOR. Severity of wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, and chesttightness were assessed twice daily (morning and evening). Night-time awakening and activity wereassessed on a daily basis. The total ASD score was calculated as the mean of 10 items (Table 5).
Improvements in ACQ-6 and AQLQ(S)+12 were seen as early as 2 weeks and 4 weeks afteradministration of tezepelumab, respectively, and sustained through week 52 in both trials.
Table 5 Results of key secondary endpoints at week 52 in NAVIGATORa
Tezepelumab Placebo
Pre-bronchodilator FEV1
N 527 531
LS Mean Change from Baseline (L) 0.23 0.10
LS Mean Difference from Placebo (L) 0.13 (0.08, 0.18)(95% CI)p-value <0.001
AQLQ(S)+12 total score
N 525 526
LS Mean Change from Baseline 1.48 1.14
Difference from Placebo (95% CI) 0.33 (0.20, 0.47)p-value <0.001
ACQ-6 score
N 527 531
LS Mean Change from Baseline -1.53 -1.20
Difference from Placebo (95% CI) -0.33 (-0.46, -0.20)p-value <0.001
ASD
N 525 531
LS Mean Change from Baseline -0.70 -0.59
Difference from Placebo (95% CI) -0.11 (-0.19, -0.04)p-value 0.004a Estimates are derived from a Mixed Model for Repeated Measures (MMRM) using all available data from patients with atleast 1 change from baseline value, including data post-discontinuation.
ACQ-6, Asthma Control Questionnaire 6; AQLQ(S)+12, Standardised Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire for 12 yearsand older; ASD Asthma Symptom Diary; CI, Confidence interval; FEV1, Forced expiratory volume in one second; LS, Leastsquare; N, Number of patients contributing to the analysis (FA) with at least 1 change from baseline value
Elderly patients (≥ 65 years of age)Of the 665 patients with asthma exposed to tezepelumab 210 mg subcutaneous Q4W in PATHWAYand NAVIGATOR, a total of 119 patients were 65 years of age or older, of which 32 patients were75 years of age or older. Safety in these age groups were similar to the overall study population.
Efficacy in these age groups were similar to the overall study population in NAVIGATOR.
PATHWAY did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine efficacy inthis age group.
Paediatric populationA total of 82 adolescents aged 12 to 17 with severe, uncontrolled asthma were enrolled in
NAVIGATOR and received treatment with tezepelumab (n=41) or placebo (n=41). Of the41 adolescents receiving treatment with tezepelumab, 15 were taking high-dose ICS at baseline. Theannualised asthma exacerbation rate observed in adolescents treated with tezepelumab was 0.68 versus0.97 for placebo (rate ratio 0.70; 95% CI 0.34, 1.46). The LS mean change from baseline for FEV1observed in adolescents treated with tezepelumab was 0.44 L versus 0.27 L for placebo (LS meandifference 0.17 L; 95% CI -0.01, 0.35). The pharmacodynamic responses in adolescents weregenerally similar to the overall study population.
The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with
Tezspire in one or more subsets of the paediatric population in asthma (see section 4.2 for informationon paediatric use).
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
The pharmacokinetics of tezepelumab were dose-proportional following subcutaneous administrationover a dose range of 2.1 mg to 420 mg.
AbsorptionFollowing a single subcutaneous administration, the maximum serum concentration was reached inapproximately 3 to 10 days. Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis, the estimated absolutebioavailability was approximately 77%. There was no clinically relevant difference in bioavailabilitywhen administered to different injection sites (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm).
DistributionBased on population pharmacokinetic analysis, central and peripheral volume of distribution oftezepelumab were 3.9 L and 2.2 L, respectively, for a 70 kg individual.
MetabolismTezepelumab is a human monoclonal antibody (IgG2λ) that is degraded by proteolytic enzymeswidely distributed in the body and not metabolised by hepatic enzymes.
EliminationAs a human monoclonal antibody, tezepelumab is eliminated by intracellular catabolism and there isno evidence of target-mediated clearance. From population pharmacokinetic analysis, the estimatedclearance for tezepelumab was 0.17 L/d for a 70 kg individual. The elimination half-life wasapproximately 26 days.
Special populationsAge, gender, raceBased on population pharmacokinetic analysis, age, gender and race had no clinically meaningfuleffects on the pharmacokinetics of tezepelumab.
Body weightBased on population pharmacokinetic analysis, higher body weight was associated with lowerexposure. However, the effect of body weight on exposure had no meaningful impact on efficacy orsafety and does not require dose adjustment.
Paediatric patientsBased on the population pharmacokinetic analysis, there was no clinically meaningful age-relateddifference in the pharmacokinetics of tezepelumab between adults and adolescents aged 12 to17 years. Tezepelumab has not been studied in children under 12 years of age (see section 4.2).
Elderly patients (≥65 years of age)Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis, there was no clinically meaningful difference in thepharmacokinetics of tezepelumab between patients 65 years of age or older and younger patients.
Renal impairmentNo formal clinical studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of renal impairment ontezepelumab. Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis, tezepelumab clearance was similar inpatients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance 60 to < 90 mL/min), moderate renalimpairment (creatinine clearance 30 to < 60 mL/min) and those with normal renal function (creatinineclearance ≥ 90 mL/min). Tezepelumab has not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment(creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min); however, tezepelumab is not cleared renally.
Hepatic impairmentNo formal clinical studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of hepatic impairment ontezepelumab. IgG monoclonal antibodies are not primarily cleared via hepatic pathway; change inhepatic function is not expected to influence tezepelumab clearance. Based on populationpharmacokinetic analysis, baseline hepatic function biomarkers (ALT, AST, and bilirubin) had noeffect on tezepelumab clearance.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Non-clinical data revealed no special hazard for humans based on repeated dose toxicity studiesincluding safety pharmacology and fertility evaluations, and an ePPND (enhanced Pre- and Post-Natal
Development) reproductive toxicity study in cynomolgus monkeys at doses of up to 300 mg/kg/week(producing exposures of greater than 100-times the clinical exposure at maximum recommendedhuman dose [MRHD]).
Tezepelumab is excreted in milk in monkeys, although at low concentrations (< 1%).
Tezepelumab is a monoclonal antibody, as such genotoxicity and carcinogenicity studies have notbeen conducted.
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Acetic acid
L-proline
Polysorbate 80
Sodium hydroxide
Water for injections
6.2 Incompatibilities
In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinalproducts.
6.3 Shelf life
3 years.
Tezspire may be kept at room temperature (20°C - 25°C) for a maximum of 30 days. After removalfrom the refrigerator, Tezspire must be used within 30 days or discarded.
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C). For storage after removal from refrigeration, see section 6.3.
Keep the pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
Do not freeze. Do not shake. Do not expose to heat.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Pre-filled syringe1.91 mL solution in a siliconized Type I glass pre-filled syringe subassembly consisting of a 27-gauge½-inch (12.7 mm) stainless steel special thin wall needle covered with a rigid needle cover andbromobutyl plunger-stopper. The pre-filled syringe subassembly is assembled with a needle guard andan extended finger flange.
Pack sizes:Pack containing 1 pre-filled syringe.
Multipack containing 3 (3 packs of 1) pre-filled syringes.
Pre-filled pen1.91 mL solution in a siliconized Type I glass pre-filled syringe subassembly consisting of a 27-gauge½-inch (12.7 mm) stainless steel special thin wall needle covered with a needle cover and plunger-stopper. The pre-filled pen consists of the pre-filled syringe subassembly and handheld, mechanical(spring-based) injection device.
Pack sizes:Pack containing 1 pre-filled pen.
Multipack containing 3 (3 packs of 1) pre-filled pens.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
This medicinal product is for single-use only.
Prior to administration, remove carton from refrigerator and allow Tezspire to reach roomtemperature. This generally takes 60 minutes.
Visually inspect Tezspire for particulate matter and discolouration prior to administration. Tezspireis clear to opalescent, colourless to light yellow. Do not use this medicinal product if liquid iscloudy, discoloured, or if it contains large particles or foreign particulate matter.
Additional information and instructions for the preparation and administration of Tezspire using thepre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen are given in the package leaflet and ‘Instructions for Use’.
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with localrequirements.
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
AstraZeneca AB
SE-151 85 Södertälje
Sweden
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
EU/1/22/1677/001 1 pre-filled syringe
EU/1/22/1677/002 Multipack: 3 (3 packs of 1) pre-filled syringes
EU/1/22/1677/003 1 pre-filled pen
EU/1/22/1677/004 Multipack 3 (3 packs of 1) pre-filled pens
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
Date of first authorisation: 19 September 2022
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu.