Palforzia
(peanut (Arachis hypogaea) allergen-dnfp)Dosage & Administration
For oral administration only ( 2)
Total Dose | Dose Configuration |
---|---|
0.5 mg | One 0.5 mg capsule |
1 mg | One 1 mg capsule |
1.5 mg | One 0.5 mg capsule; One 1 mg capsule |
3 mg | Three 1 mg capsules |
6 mg | Six 1 mg capsules |
Total Daily Dose | Daily Dose Configuration |
---|---|
3 mg | Three 1 mg capsules |
6 mg | Six 1 mg capsules |
12 mg | Two 1 mg capsules; One 10 mg capsule |
20 mg | One 20 mg capsule |
40 mg | Two 20 mg capsules |
80 mg | Four 20 mg capsules |
120 mg | One 20 mg capsule; One 100 mg capsule |
160 mg | Three 20 mg capsules; One 100 mg capsule |
200 mg | Two 100 mg capsules |
240 mg | Two 20 mg capsules; Two 100 mg capsules |
300 mg | One 300 mg sachet |
Total Daily Dose | Daily Dose Configuration |
---|---|
300 mg | One 300 mg sachet |
Palforzia Prescribing Information
- PALFORZIA can cause anaphylaxis, which may be life-threatening and can occur at any time during PALFORZIA therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] .
- Prescribe injectable epinephrine, instruct and train patients on its appropriate use, and instruct patients to seek immediate medical care upon its use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] .
- Do not administer PALFORZIA to patients with uncontrolled asthma [see Contraindications (4)] .
- Dose modifications may be necessary following an anaphylactic reaction [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)] .
- Observe patients during and after administration of the Initial Dose Escalation and the first dose of each Up-Dosing level, for at least 60 minutes [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] .
- Because of the risk of anaphylaxis, PALFORZIA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the PALFORZIA REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] .
PALFORZIA is an oral immunotherapy indicated for the mitigation of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to peanut. PALFORZIA is approved for use in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy. Initial Dose Escalation may be administered to patients aged 4 through 17 years. Up-Dosing and Maintenance may be continued in patients 4 years of age and older [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] .
PALFORZIA is to be used in conjunction with a peanut-avoidant diet.
Limitation of Use: Not indicated for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Important Considerations Prior to Initiation and During Therapy
Verify that the patient has injectable epinephrine and instruct patient on its appropriate use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] .
Dosage
Treatment with PALFORZIA is administered in 3 sequential phases: Initial Dose Escalation, Up-Dosing, and Maintenance.
The dose configurations for each phase of dosing are provided in Table 1 through Table 3.
Dose Level | Total Dose | Dose Configuration |
---|---|---|
Initial Dose Escalation supplied as a single card consisting of 5 blisters containing a total of 13 capsules. | ||
A | 0.5 mg | One 0.5 mg capsule |
B | 1 mg | One 1 mg capsule |
C | 1.5 mg | One 0.5 mg capsule; One 1 mg capsule |
D | 3 mg | Three 1 mg capsules |
E | 6 mg | Six 1 mg capsules |
Dose Level | Total Daily Dose | Daily Dose Configuration | Dose Duration (weeks) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 3 mg | Three 1 mg capsules | 2 |
2 | 6 mg | Six 1 mg capsules | 2 |
3 | 12 mg | Two 1 mg capsules; One 10 mg capsule | 2 |
4 | 20 mg | One 20 mg capsule | 2 |
5 | 40 mg | Two 20 mg capsules | 2 |
6 | 80 mg | Four 20 mg capsules | 2 |
7 | 120 mg | One 20 mg capsule; One 100 mg capsule | 2 |
8 | 160 mg | Three 20 mg capsules; One 100 mg capsule | 2 |
9 | 200 mg | Two 100 mg capsules | 2 |
10 | 240 mg | Two 20 mg capsules; Two 100 mg capsules | 2 |
11 | 300 mg | One 300 mg sachet | 2 |
Dose Level | Total Daily Dose | Daily Dose Configuration |
---|---|---|
11 | 300 mg | One 300 mg sachet |
Preparation and Handling
PALFORZIA is to be administered orally.
- Open capsule(s) or sachet and empty the entire dose of PALFORZIA powder onto a few spoonfuls of refrigerated or room temperature semisolid food (e.g., applesauce, yogurt, pudding). Do not use liquid (e.g., milk, water, juice) to prepare.
- Mix well.
- Consume the entire volume of the prepared mixture promptly.
- Dispose of the opened capsule(s) or sachet.
- Wash hands immediately after handling PALFORZIA capsule(s) or sachets.
- Dispose of all unused PALFORZIA.
Administration
- For oral administration only.
- Do not swallow capsule(s).
- Do not inhale powder.
Initial Dose Escalation
Initial Dose Escalation is administered on a single day under the supervision of a health care professional in a health care setting with the ability to manage potentially severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Initial Dose Escalation is administered in sequential order on a single day beginning at Level A (5 Levels A-E, 0.5-6 mg; Table 1).
Each dose should be separated by an observation period of 20 to 30 minutes.
No dose level should be omitted.
Observe patients after the last dose for at least 60 minutes until suitable for discharge.
Discontinue PALFORZIA if symptoms requiring medical intervention (e.g., use of epinephrine) occur with any dose during Initial Dose Escalation [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)] .
Patients who tolerate at least the 3 mg single dose (Level D) of PALFORZIA during Initial Dose Escalation must return to the health care setting for initiation of Up-Dosing.
If possible, begin Up-Dosing the day after Initial Dose Escalation.
Repeat Initial Dose Escalation in a health care setting if the patient is unable to begin Up-Dosing within 4 days.
Up-Dosing
Complete Initial Dose Escalation before starting Up-Dosing.
Up-Dosing consists of 11 dose levels and is initiated at a 3 mg dose (Level 1).
The first dose of each new Up-Dosing level is administered under the supervision of a health care professional in a health care setting with the ability to manage potentially severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Observe patients after administering the first dose of a new Up-Dosing level for at least 60 minutes until suitable for discharge.
If the patient tolerates the first dose of the increased dose level, the patient may continue that dose level at home. Each dose should be consumed daily with a meal at approximately the same time each day, preferably in the evening.
Administer all the dose levels in Table 2 in sequential order at 2-week intervals if tolerated.
No dose level should be omitted.
Do not progress through Up-Dosing more rapidly than shown in Table 2.
No more than 1 dose should be consumed per day. Instruct patients not to consume a dose at home on the same day as a dose consumed in the clinic.
Consider dose modification or discontinuation for patients who do not tolerate Up-Dosing as described in Table 2 [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)] .
Maintenance
Complete all dose levels of Up-Dosing before starting Maintenance.
The Maintenance dose of PALFORZIA is 300 mg daily.
Daily Maintenance is required to maintain the effect of PALFORZIA.
During Maintenance, contact patient at regular intervals to assess for adverse reactions to PALFORZIA.
Schedule Modification and Product Discontinuation
Dose Modification
Dose modifications are not appropriate during Initial Dose Escalation.
Temporary dose modification of PALFORZIA may be required for patients who experience allergic reactions during Up-Dosing or Maintenance, for patients who miss doses, or for practical reasons of patient management. Allergic reactions, including gastrointestinal reactions, that are severe, recurrent, bothersome, or last longer than 90 minutes during Up-Dosing or Maintenance should be actively managed with dose modifications. Use clinical judgment to determine the best course of action, which can include maintaining the dose level for longer than 2 weeks, reducing, withholding, or discontinuing PALFORZIA doses.
Management of Consecutive Missed Doses
Following 1 to 2 consecutive days of missed doses, patients may resume PALFORZIA at the same dose level. Data are insufficient to inform resumption of PALFORZIA following 3 or more consecutive days of missed doses. Patients who miss 3 or more consecutive days of PALFORZIA should consult their healthcare providers; resumption of PALFORZIA should be done under medical supervision.
Discontinuation of PALFORZIA
Discontinue treatment with PALFORZIA for:
- Patients who are unable to tolerate doses up to and including the 3 mg dose during Initial Dose Escalation
- Patients with suspected eosinophilic esophagitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 and 5.5)]
- Patients unable to comply with the daily dosing requirements
- Patients with recurrent asthma exacerbations or persistent loss of asthma control
PALFORZIA powder description and dosage strengths are as follows:
- 0.5 mg: white to off-white fine granular oral powder (may contain clumps) in white opaque capsules with Aimmune printed on the body and 0.5 mg printed on the cap in grey ink
- 1 mg: white to off-white fine granular oral powder (may contain clumps) in red opaque capsules with Aimmune printed on the body and 1 mg printed on the cap in white ink
- 10 mg: white to off-white fine granular oral powder (may contain clumps) in blue opaque capsules with Aimmune printed on the body and 10 mg printed on the cap in white ink
- 20 mg: off-white to light beige fine granular oral powder (may contain clumps) in white opaque capsules with Aimmune printed on the body and 20 mg printed on the cap in grey ink
- 100 mg: beige fine oral powder (may contain clumps) in red opaque capsules with Aimmune printed on the body and 100 mg printed on the cap in white ink
- 300 mg: beige fine oral powder (may contain clumps) in white foil-laminate sachets with printed information
Combinations of capsules for doses are described in Dosage and Administration (2.2).
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to PALFORZIA during pregnancy. Women exposed to PALFORZIA during pregnancy or their health care professionals are encouraged to contact Aimmune by calling 1-833-246-2566.
Risk Summary
All pregnancies have a risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. 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. No human or animal data are available to establish the presence or absence of the risks due to PALFORZIA in pregnant women.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk
Anaphylaxis may occur following accidental exposure to peanut in peanut-allergic pregnant women. Anaphylaxis can cause a dangerous decrease in blood pressure, which could result in compromised placental perfusion and significant risk to a fetus.
Maternal adverse reactions
PALFORZIA may cause anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions] .
Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions
PALFORZIA may cause anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . Anaphylaxis can cause a dangerous decrease in blood pressure, which could result in compromised placental perfusion and significant risk to a fetus.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data available on the presence of PALFORZIA in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered, along with the mother's clinical need for PALFORZIA and any other potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from PALFORZIA or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of PALFORZIA have not been established in persons younger than 4 years of age.
PALFORZIA is contraindicated in patients with the following:
- Uncontrolled asthma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
- A history of eosinophilic esophagitis and other eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 and 5.5)]
Anaphylaxis
PALFORZIA can cause anaphylaxis, which may be life-threatening.
Anaphylaxis has been reported during all phases of PALFORZIA dosing, including Maintenance and in subjects who have undergone recommended Up-Dosing and dose modification procedures.
In 709 PALFORZIA-treated subjects and 292 placebo-treated subjects in the placebo-controlled population in Studies 1 and 2 combined [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] , anaphylaxis was reported in 9.4% of PALFORZIA-treated subjects compared with 3.8% of placebo-treated subjects during Initial Dose Escalation and Up-Dosing combined, and in 8.7% of PALFORZIA-treated subjects compared with 1.7% of placebo-treated subjects during Maintenance in Study 1. Epinephrine use for any reason was reported in 10.4% of PALFORZIA-treated subjects compared with 4.8% of placebo-treated subjects during Initial Dose Escalation and Up-Dosing combined, and in 7.7% of PALFORZIA-treated subjects compared with 3.4% of placebo-treated subjects during Maintenance dosing in Study 1. Time to onset of anaphylaxis occurred within 2 hours after dosing in 70% of reactions, greater than 2 hours and up to 10 hours in 18% of reactions, and greater than 10 hours in 12% of reactions among PALFORZIA-treated subjects.
Do not initiate PALFORZIA treatment in a patient who has had severe or life-threatening anaphylaxis within the previous 60 days. PALFORZIA may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions that may reduce the ability to survive anaphylaxis, including but not limited to markedly compromised lung function, severe mast cell disorder, or cardiovascular disease. In addition, PALFORZIA may not be suitable for patients taking medications that can inhibit or potentiate the effects of epinephrine.
All Initial Dose Escalation doses and the first dose of each Up-Dosing level must be administered under observation in a health care setting [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)] . Prior to initiating PALFORZIA treatment, educate patients to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. Prescribe injectable epinephrine, instruct and train patients on its appropriate use, and instruct patients to seek immediate medical care upon its use. Instruct patients to contact their health care professional before administering the next dose of PALFORZIA if anaphylaxis or symptoms of an escalating or persistent allergic reaction occur as dose modification may be necessary [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] .
Patients may be more likely to experience allergic reactions following PALFORZIA administration in the presence of cofactors such as exercise, hot water exposure, intercurrent illness (e.g., viral infection), or fasting. Other potential cofactors may include menstruation, sleep deprivation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, or uncontrolled asthma. Patients should be proactively counseled about the potential for the increased risk of anaphylaxis in the presence of these cofactors. If possible, adjust the time of dosing to avoid these cofactors. If it is not possible to avoid these cofactors, consider withholding PALFORZIA temporarily.
If appropriate to re-start administering PALFORZIA in patients who experienced anaphylaxis while on PALFORZIA or who had doses withheld to avoid increased risk of anaphylaxis, consider a dose reduction and dose re-escalation based on clinical judgment [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)] .
PALFORZIA is available only through a restricted program under a REMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] .
PALFORZIA REMS Program
PALFORZIA is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the PALFORZIA REMS because of the risk of anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] .
Notable requirements of the PALFORZIA REMS include the following:
- Health care providers who prescribe PALFORZIA must be certified with the program by enrolling.
- Health care settings must be certified in the program, have on-site access to equipment and personnel trained to manage anaphylaxis, and establish policies and procedures to verify that patients are monitored during and after the Initial Dose Escalation and first dose of each Up-Dosing level.
- Patients must be enrolled in the program prior to initiation of PALFORZIA treatment and must be informed of the need to have injectable epinephrine available for immediate use at all times, the need for monitoring with the Initial Dose Escalation and first dose of each Up-Dosing level, the need for continued dietary peanut avoidance, and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
- Pharmacies must be certified with the program and must only dispense PALFORZIA to health care settings that are certified or to patients who are enrolled depending on the treatment phase.
Further information, including a list of certified prescribers, health care settings, and pharmacies, is available at www.PALFORZIAREMS.com or 1-844-PALFORZ (1-844-725-3679).
Asthma
Uncontrolled asthma is a risk factor for a serious outcome, including death, in anaphylaxis. Ensure patients with asthma have their asthma under control prior to initiation of PALFORZIA.
PALFORZIA should be temporarily withheld if the patient is experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. Following resolution of the exacerbation, resumption of PALFORZIA should be undertaken cautiously [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)] . Re-evaluate patients who have recurrent asthma exacerbations and consider discontinuation of PALFORZIA. PALFORZIA has not been studied in subjects with severe asthma, persistently uncontrolled asthma, or patients on long-term systemic corticosteroid therapy.
Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease
In clinical studies, 28 of 1050 (2.7%) subjects were referred for a gastroenterology evaluation and 17 of these 28 subjects reported undergoing an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Of subjects who underwent an EGD, 12 were diagnosed with biopsy-confirmed eosinophilic esophagitis while receiving PALFORZIA compared with 0 of 292 (0%) subjects receiving placebo. After discontinuation of PALFORZIA, symptomatic improvement was reported in 12 of 12 subjects. In 8 subjects with available follow-up biopsy results, eosinophilic esophagitis was resolved in 6 subjects and improved in 2 subjects [see Contraindications (4)] .
Discontinue PALFORZIA and consider a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis in patients who experience severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, including dysphagia, vomiting, nausea, gastroesophageal reflux, chest pain, or abdominal pain [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] .
Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions
Gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, oral pruritus, and oral paresthesia, were commonly reported in PALFORZIA-treated subjects in the placebo-controlled clinical study population [see Adverse Reactions (6, Table 4)] . Dose modification should be considered for patients who report these reactions [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)]. For severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms consider a diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] .
Clinical Trial Experience
Use of PALFORZIA has been associated with:
- Anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Eosinophilic esophagitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with the adverse reaction rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The clinical data for PALFORZIA reflect exposure in 709 peanut-allergic subjects enrolled in two phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (Study 1 and Study 2), and in long-term, open-label, follow-on studies. In Study 1, subjects were Up-Dosed for 20-40 weeks followed by Maintenance dosing for 24-28 weeks. In Study 2 subjects were Up-Dosed for 20-40 weeks up to a 300 mg daily dose with no extended Maintenance dosing. In these studies, subjects recorded adverse reactions daily in an electronic diary card throughout the study duration.
Study 1 (NCT02635776) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled efficacy and safety study conducted in the United States, Canada, and Europe evaluating PALFORZIA versus placebo in 555 subjects aged 4 through 55 years with peanut allergy. Subjects were required to have serum IgE to peanut ≥ 0.35 kUA/L within 12 months before study entry and/or a mean wheal diameter on skin prick test to peanut ≥ 3 mm greater than the negative control. The primary analysis population was aged 4 through 17 years, 78% white and 57% male. At study entry, subjects reacted at 100 mg or less of peanut protein in a double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). The primary analysis was conducted in 496 subjects aged 4 through 17 years (PALFORZIA, N = 372; placebo, N = 124). Of the subjects aged 4 through 17 years treated with PALFORZIA, 72% had a medical history of anaphylactic reactions to peanut, 66% reported multiple food allergies, 63% had a medical history of atopic dermatitis, and 53% had a present or previous diagnosis of asthma. Subjects with severe persistent or uncontrolled asthma were excluded.
Study 2 (NCT03126227) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled safety study conducted in the United States and Canada evaluating PALFORZIA versus placebo in 506 subjects aged 4 through 17 years with peanut allergy. Subjects were required to have a clinical history of peanut allergy including onset of characteristic allergic signs and symptoms within 2 hours of known oral exposure to peanut, serum IgE to peanut of ≥ 14 kUA/L and a mean wheal diameter on skin prick test ≥ 8 mm greater than the negative control at screening. Subjects were not required to complete a DBPCFC for study entry. The study duration was approximately 6 months and compared the safety and tolerability of PALFORZIA (N = 337) with placebo (N = 168). Most subjects were male (63%) and white (79%). Of the subjects treated with PALFORZIA, 60.5% had a medical history of anaphylactic reactions, 65.0% reported multiple food allergies, 57.9% had a medical history of atopic dermatitis, and 52.2% had a present or previous diagnosis of asthma. Subjects with severe persistent or uncontrolled asthma were excluded.
Across these two phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical studies the most common adverse reactions in subjects treated with PALFORZIA (incidence ≥ 5% and at least 5 percentage points greater than in subjects treated with placebo) were gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin symptoms commonly associated with allergic reactions, as shown in Table 4.
System Organ Class / Preferred Term * | Study 1 & Study 2 IDE PALFORZIA (N = 709) | Study 1 & Study 2 IDE Placebo (N = 292) | Study 1 & Study 2 Up-Dosing PALFORZIA (N = 693) | Study 1 & Study 2 Up-Dosing Placebo (N = 289) | Study 1 † 300 mg PALFORZIA (N = 310) | Study 1 † 300 mg Placebo (N = 118) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
At each level of summarization (any event, system organ class, or preferred term) subjects with more than 1 adverse reaction were counted only once within each study period. | ||||||
IDE, Initial Dose Escalation; MedDRA, Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. | ||||||
| ||||||
Gastrointestinal disorders | ||||||
Abdominal pain ‡ | 185 (26.1%) | 24 (8.2%) | 465 (67.1%) | 100 (34.6%) | 90 (29.0%) | 20 (16.9%) |
Vomiting | 22 (3.1%) | 2 (0.7%) | 253 (36.5%) | 47 (16.3%) | 50 (16.1%) | 14 (11.9%) |
Nausea | 60 (8.5%) | 2 (0.7%) | 224 (32.3%) | 41 (14.2%) | 45 (14.5%) | 8 (6.8%) |
Oral pruritus § | 62 (8.7%) | 9 (3.1%) | 216 (31.2%) | 30 (10.4%) | 51 (16.5%) | 7 (5.9%) |
Oral paresthesia | 13 (1.8%) | 7 (2.4%) | 94 (13.6%) | 11 (3.8%) | 23 (7.4%) | 2 (1.7%) |
Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders | ||||||
Throat irritation | 66 (9.3%) | 15 (5.1%) | 279 (40.3%) | 49 (17.0%) | 43 (13.9%) | 11 (9.3%) |
Cough | 18 (2.5%) | 1 (0.3%) | 221 (31.9%) | 68 (23.5%) | 61 (19.7%) | 22 (18.6%) |
Rhinorrhea | 9 (1.3%) | 4 (1.4%) | 145 (20.9%) | 50 (17.3%) | 46 (14.8%) | 9 (7.6%) |
Sneezing | 24 (3.4%) | 8 (2.7%) | 140 (20.2%) | 31 (10.7%) | 33 (10.6%) | 5 (4.2%) |
Throat tightness | 18 (2.5%) | 3 (1.0%) | 98 (14.1%) | 8 (2.8%) | 20 (6.5%) | 0 (0.0%) |
Wheezing | 4 (0.6%) | 0 (0.0%) | 85 (12.3%) | 21 (7.3%) | 19 (6.1%) | 10 (8.5%) |
Dyspnea | 2 (0.3%) | 1 (0.3%) | 53 (7.6%) | 5 (1.7%) | 17 (5.5%) | 1 (0.8%) |
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | ||||||
Pruritus | 56 (7.9%) | 16 (5.5%) | 225 (32.5%) | 59 (20.4%) | 45 (14.5%) | 14 (11.9%) |
Urticaria | 28 (3.9%) | 10 (3.4%) | 197 (28.4%) | 54 (18.7%) | 63 (20.3%) | 17 (14.4%) |
Immune system disorders | ||||||
Anaphylactic reaction ¶ | 5 (0.7%) | 1 (0.3%) | 63 (9.1%) | 10 (3.5%) | 27 (8.7%) | 2 (1.7%) |
Ear and labyrinth disorders | ||||||
Ear pruritus | 5 (0.7%) | 1 (0.3%) | 41 (5.9%) | 2 (0.7%) | 7 (2.3%) | 0 (0.0%) |
A total of 155 (21.9%) PALFORZIA-treated subjects and 19 (6.5%) placebo-treated subjects discontinued for any reason in Studies 1 and 2. Adverse reactions led to study discontinuation in 9.2% PALFORZIA-treated subjects and 1.7% placebo-treated subjects during Initial Dose Escalation and Up-Dosing combined in Studies 1 and 2, and 1.0% PALFORZIA-treated subjects and no placebo-treated subjects during Maintenance dosing in Study 1. Gastrointestinal reactions were the most common reason leading to discontinuation of study product during Initial Dose Escalation and Up-Dosing combined (6.5% PALFORZIA, 1.0% placebo), followed by respiratory disorders (2.3% PALFORZIA, 1.0% placebo) in Studies 1 and 2.
The timing of symptoms relative to exposure to PALFORZIA was evaluated for dosing that occurred within a clinical setting during Initial Dose Escalation and on the day of initiation of each new dose level during the Up-Dosing phase (every 2 weeks) and during monthly Maintenance visits. Symptoms occurring in the clinic following any dose of PALFORZIA had a median time to onset of 4 minutes for 502 subjects (70.8%). The median time to resolution of the last symptom was 37 minutes.
PALFORZIA (Peanut ( Arachis hypogaea) Allergen Powder-dnfp) is a powder for oral administration. PALFORZIA is manufactured from defatted peanut flour. PALFORZIA is available in capsules containing 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 100 mg peanut protein, and a sachet containing 300 mg peanut protein. Each dose meets specifications for quantities of Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 6, measured by immunoassay alone or in combination with high performance liquid chromatography.
Depending on the dose level, PALFORZIA contains the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, partially pregelatinized maize starch (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg capsule presentations only), magnesium stearate, and colloidal silicon dioxide.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of PALFORZIA has not been established.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
PALFORZIA has not been evaluated for carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, mutagenic potential, or impairment of male or female fertility in animals.
The efficacy of PALFORZIA for the mitigation of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in patients with peanut allergy was investigated in Study 1 (NCT02635776). Study 1 was a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of PALFORZIA in patients with peanut allergy aged 4 through 55 years in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The primary analysis population consisted of 496 subjects (PALFORZIA, N = 372; placebo, N = 124) aged 4 through 17 years in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population who received at least 1 dose of study treatment. After an Initial Dose Escalation ranging from 0.5 mg to 6 mg on Day 1 and confirmation of tolerability of the 3 mg dose on Day 2, subjects underwent Up-Dosing for 20-40 weeks starting at 3 mg until the 300 mg dose was reached. The Up-Dosing period varied for each subject depending on how the dose was tolerated. Subjects then underwent 24-28 weeks of Maintenance immunotherapy with 300 mg PALFORZIA until the end of the study. At the end of the Maintenance period, subjects completed an exit DBPCFC to approximate an accidental exposure to peanut and to assess their ability to tolerate increasing amounts of peanut protein with no more than mild allergic symptoms.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of subjects tolerating a single dose of 600 mg peanut protein in the exit DBPCFC with no more than mild allergic symptoms after 6 months of Maintenance treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was considered met if the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference in response rates between the treatment and the placebo groups was greater than the prespecified margin of 15%. Key secondary endpoints included the comparisons of the response rates after single doses of 300 mg and 1000 mg peanut protein as well as a comparison of the maximum severity of symptoms at any challenge dose of peanut protein during the exit DBPCFC. The key secondary endpoints were to be evaluated for statistical significance (two-sided p < 0.05) only if the primary endpoint and all the preceding tests in the hierarchy were statistically significant in favor of PALFORZIA. Response rates at the exit DBPCFC for the ITT population are shown in Table 5. The maximum severity of symptoms at any challenge is shown in Table 6.
Peanut challenge dose, single dose | 300 mg * | 600 mg † | 1000 mg * |
---|---|---|---|
Subjects without an exit DBPCFC were counted as non-responders. | |||
CI, confidence interval, DBPCFC, double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge; ITT, intent-to-treat. | |||
| |||
PALFORZIA (N = 372) | 76.6% | 67.2% | 50.3% |
Placebo (N = 124) | 8.1% | 4.0% | 2.4% |
Treatment difference (95% CI) | 68.5% (58.6%, 78.5%) | 63.2% (53.0%, 73.3%) | 47.8% (38.0%, 57.7%) |
P-value | < 0.0001 | < 0.0001 | < 0.0001 |
The completer population consisted of all subjects aged 4 through 17 years in the ITT population who stayed on treatment and had an evaluable exit DBPCFC (296 PALFORZIA, 116 placebo). In the completer population, the proportion of subjects who tolerated single highest doses of 300 mg, 600 mg, and 1000 mg with no more than mild symptoms at the exit DBPCFC were 96.3%, 84.5%, and 63.2%, respectively for PALFORZIA-treated subjects compared with 8.6%, 4.3%, and 2.6% for placebo-treated subjects.
Symptom Severity | PALFORZIA N = 372 | Placebo N = 124 |
---|---|---|
Subjects without an exit DBPCFC were assigned the maximum severity during the screening DBPCFC, which equates to no change from screening. | ||
P-value < 0.0001; symptom severity was assigned with equally spaced scores (e.g. 0, 1, 2, and 3 for none, mild, moderate, and severe, respectively), and the difference of mean scores between the two treatment arms was tested using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistic stratified by geographic region (North America, Europe). | ||
DBPCFC, double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge; ITT, intent-to-treat. | ||
| ||
None | 37.6% | 2.4% |
Mild | 32.0% | 28.2% |
Moderate | 25.3% | 58.9% |
Severe * | 5.1% | 10.5% |
There are no data available on the efficacy of PALFORZIA in individuals who did not progress onto Maintenance therapy.
Packaging Presentation | Kit Components (Capsules or Sachets) | Number of Doses per Kit | NDC Numbers (Kit Components) | NDC Number (Kit) |
---|---|---|---|---|
NDC, National Drug Code. | ||||
Initial Dose | Each pack contains 13 capsules: | 5 | 71881-113-13 | |
Escalation | • 0.5 mg (Level A) | |||
One 0.5 mg capsule | 71881-121-01 | |||
• 1 mg (Level B) | ||||
One 1 mg capsule | 71881-122-01 | |||
• 1.5 mg (Level C) | ||||
One 0.5 mg capsule; | 71881-121-01 | |||
One 1 mg capsule | 71881-122-01 | |||
• 3 mg (Level D) | ||||
Three 1 mg capsules | 71881-122-01 | |||
• 6 mg (Level E) | ||||
Six 1 mg capsules | 71881-122-01 | |||
Up-Dosing | ||||
3 mg | Forty-five 1 mg capsules | 15 | 71881-122-01 | 71881-101-45 |
(Level 1) | ||||
6 mg | Ninety 1 mg capsules | 15 | 71881-122-01 | 71881-102-90 |
(Level 2) | ||||
12 mg | Thirty 1 mg capsules; | 15 | 71881-122-01 | 71881-103-45 |
(Level 3) | Fifteen 10 mg capsules | 71881-123-01 | ||
20 mg | Fifteen 20 mg capsules | 15 | 71881-124-01 | 71881-104-15 |
(Level 4) | ||||
40 mg | Thirty 20 mg capsules | 15 | 71881-124-01 | 71881-105-30 |
(Level 5) | ||||
80 mg | Sixty 20 mg capsules | 15 | 71881-124-01 | 71881-106-60 |
(Level 6) | ||||
120 mg | Fifteen 20 mg capsules; | 15 | 71881-124-01 | 71881-107-30 |
(Level 7) | Fifteen 100 mg capsules | 71881-125-01 | ||
160 mg | Forty-five 20 mg capsules; | 15 | 71881-124-01 | 71881-108-60 |
(Level 8) | Fifteen 100 mg capsules | 71881-125-01 | ||
200 mg | Thirty 100 mg capsules | 15 | 71881-125-01 | 71881-109-30 |
(Level 9) | ||||
240 mg | Thirty 20 mg capsules; | 15 | 71881-124-01 | 71881-110-60 |
(Level 10) | Thirty 100 mg capsules | 71881-125-01 | ||
300 mg | Fifteen 300 mg sachets | 15 | 71881-111-01 | 71881-111-15 |
(Level 11) | ||||
Maintenance | ||||
300 mg | Thirty 300 mg sachets | 30 | 71881-111-01 | 71881-111-30 |
(Level 11) |
Packaging Presentation | Kit Components (Blisters, Capsules, or Sachets) | Number of Doses per Kit | NDC Numbers (Kit Components) | NDC Number (Kit) |
---|---|---|---|---|
NDC, National Drug Code. | ||||
3 mg | Eighteen blisters, each containing: | 18 | 71881-101-09 | 71881-101-99 |
(Level 1) | Three 1 mg capsules | 71881-122-01 | ||
6 mg | Eighteen blisters, each containing: | 18 | 71881-102-09 | 71881-102-99 |
(Level 2) | Six 1 mg capsules | 71881-122-01 | ||
12 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-103-09 | 71881-103-99 |
(Level 3) | Two 1 mg capsules | 71881-122-01 | ||
One 10 mg capsule | 71881-123-01 | |||
20 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-104-09 | 71881-104-99 |
(Level 4) | One 20 mg capsule | 71881-124-01 | ||
40 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-105-09 | 71881-105-99 |
(Level 5) | Two 20 mg capsules | 71881-124-01 | ||
80 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-106-09 | 71881-106-99 |
(Level 6) | Four 20 mg capsules | 71881-124-01 | ||
120 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-107-09 | 71881-107-99 |
(Level 7) | One 20 mg capsule | 71881-124-01 | ||
One 100 mg capsule | 71881-125-01 | |||
160 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-108-09 | 71881-108-99 |
(Level 8) | Three 20 mg capsules | 71881-124-01 | ||
One 100 mg capsule | 71881-125-01 | |||
200 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-109-09 | 71881-109-99 |
(Level 9) | Two 100 mg capsules | 71881-125-01 | ||
240 mg | Twelve blisters, each containing: | 12 | 71881-110-09 | 71881-110-99 |
(Level 10) | Two 20 mg capsules | 71881-124-01 | ||
Two 100 mg capsules | 71881-125-01 | |||
300 mg | Fifteen 300 mg sachets | 15 | 71881-111-09 | 71881-111-99 |
(Level 11) |
Store PALFORZIA at room temperature or in a refrigerator at 2° to 25°C (36° to 77°F). Avoid excessive heat. Do not freeze. Store in the original packaging until use to protect from moisture.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action of PALFORZIA has not been established.
Palforzia Prior Authorization Resources
Most recent state uniform prior authorization forms
Benefits investigation
Palforzia Financial Assistance Options
Copay savings program
Overview
- Reduce patient OOP costs for drug (and occasionally for drug administration/infusion costs or drug-related test costs)
Patient benefit
- A portion (or all) of patient OOP (deductible, copay), typically up to monthly and/or annual max
Patient eligibility
- Patient must enroll or activate (may permit HCPs to enroll on patient’s behalf for HCP-administered drugs)
- Generally, must have commercial insurance (rarely, may permit uninsured patients to use)
- May never be used with government insurance
How to sign up
- Cards may be downloadable digital cards or hard copies
- Some pharmacos offer debit cards with pre-loaded copay benefit
- Typically, available through multiple channels (e.g., rep to HCP to patient; pharmacy to patient; patient via website, Hub live agent, or copay vendor (live agent or IVR); patient and HCP via Hub enrollment form)
- Some HCP-administered product programs permit HCPs to enroll on a patient’s behalf through via Hub form
Foundation programs
Overview
- Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations provide direct cost-sharing and other support (e.g., travel, counseling) through disease-state funds to indigent patients on first-come first-served basis
- These organizations may receive financial contributions from drug manaufacturers for particular disease-state funds that cannot provide funds directly to patients - the foundation must be independent/unaligned
Patient benefit
- Patients apply for grants that cover a portion (or all) of their out-of-pocket costs (deductibles and copays) until the grant is exhausted
Patient eligibility
- Patients must apply and meet eligibility criteria including income level (typically a multiple of federal poverty line), specific diagnosis, insurance status, etc.
How to sign up
- Patients submit proof of out-of-pocket drug costs to charities for reimbursement