Get your patient on Ruconest (C1 Esterase Inhibitor Recombinant)
Ruconest patient education
Patient toolkit
Dosage & administration
Ruconest prescribing information
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
RUCONEST is a C1 esterase inhibitor [recombinant] indicated for the treatment of acute attacks in adult and adolescent patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE).
Limitation of Use: Effectiveness was not established in HAE patients with laryngeal attacks.
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
For intravenous use after reconstitution only.
2.1 Recommended Dosing
- Training on how to administer RUCONEST should be conducted by a qualified healthcare professional experienced in the treatment of HAE.
- Appropriately trained patients may self-administer upon recognition of an HAE attack.
- The recommended dose of RUCONEST is 50 U per kg with a maximum of 4200 U to be administered as a slow intravenous injection over approximately 5 minutes.
If the attack symptoms persist, an additional (second) dose can be administered at the recommended dose level. Do not exceed 4200 U per dose. No more than two doses should be administered within a 24-hour period.
Body Weight | RUCONEST Dose for Intravenous Injection | Volume (mL) of Reconstituted Solution (150 U/mL) to be Administered |
< 84 kg | 50 U per kg | Body weight in kg divided by 3 |
≥ 84 kg | 4200 U (2 vials) | 28 mL |
2.2 Preparation and Handling
- Store RUCONEST in the original carton and protect from light prior to reconstitution.
- Do not use after expiration date on the product vial label.
- Water for Injection is not included in the RUCONEST package.
- Use aseptic technique to reconstitute, mix the solution, and to combine the reconstituted solution from more than one vial ( see Reconstitution [2.3 ] and Administration [2.4 ]).
- Do not mix or administer RUCONEST with other medicinal products or solutions.
- Discard all partially used vials after treatment.
2.3 Reconstitution
Each package contains one single-use vial of RUCONEST. To reconstitute, the following are also required:
- Sterile Water for Injection (diluent) - At least 14 mL per vial of RUCONEST requiring reconstitution.
- Antiseptic wipe
- Syringe
- Commercially available vial adapter and syringe luer lock or large bore needle. If using a syringe with vial adapter, use a new vial adapter for each vial of RUCONEST and diluent.
The procedures below are provided as general guidelines for the reconstitution and administration of RUCONEST.
- Ensure that the RUCONEST vial and diluent vial are at room temperature.
- Remove the flip caps from the RUCONEST and diluent vials. Treat the vial stoppers with the antiseptic wipe and allow to dry.
- Using the syringe/needle or syringe/vial adapter, withdraw 14 mL of sterile water for injection from the diluent vial.
- Remove the syringe and transfer the diluent to the RUCONEST vial. Add the diluent slowly to avoid forceful impact on the powder. Swirl the vial slowly to mix and avoid foaming.
- Repeat this procedure using another 14 mL of diluent and a second vial of RUCONEST.
- If the same patient is to receive more than one vial, the contents of multiple vials may be pooled into a single administration device (i.e., syringe).
- Inspect RUCONEST visually for particulate matter and discoloration after reconstitution and prior to administration. The reconstituted solution should be colorless, clear, and free from visible particles. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, colored, or contains particulates.
- RUCONEST vial is for single-use only.
- Use the reconstituted product immediately, or within 8 hours stored at 36ºF - 46ºF (2º - 8ºC). Discard partially used vials.
- Do not freeze the reconstituted solution.
2.4 Administration
- Do not mix RUCONEST with other medicinal products. Administer RUCONEST by a separate infusion line.
- Use aseptic technique when administering RUCONEST.
- Follow recommended venipuncture guidelines for initiating intravenous therapy.
- Administer RUCONEST by slow intravenous injection over approximately 5 minutes.
- For self-administration, provide the patient with instructions and training for intravenous injection outside of a clinic setting so patients may self-administer RUCONEST upon recognition of symptoms of an HAE attack [see Patient Counseling Information (17 )].
- After administration, immediately discard any unused product and all used disposable supplies in accordance with local requirements.
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
- RUCONEST is available as a lyophilized powder for reconstitution for injection in a single-use 25 mL glass vial. Each vial contains 2100 U of rhC1INH.
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1 Pregnancy
Risk Summary
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of RUCONEST in pregnant women. In the U.S. general population, regardless of drug exposure, available data suggest that major birth defects occur in 2 to 4% of the general population and miscarriage occurs in 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
Data
Human Data
Limited available postmarketing safety data with RUCONEST use in pregnant women do not indicate any adverse effects in this population. In a retrospective case collection study, 14 pregnant women aged 17 to 37 years with HAE received RUCONEST at 50 U/kg (max 4200 U) via intravenous administration for treatment of acute atttacks or for prophylaxis during pregnancy. For all 14 women in this study, delivery at full term with the births of healthy babies occurred without complications. No adverse events related to RUCONEST treatment were reported during the pregnancy period. 1,2 However these data cannot definitely establish the absence of any risk because of the small sample size and non-randomized study design.
Animal Data
Embryo toxicity with 625 U/kg of RUCONEST (12.5 times the human dose) was tested after intravenous dosing of pregnant rats in a segment II (embryofetal toxicity) study design. There were no significant outcomes from this study. Dosing of pregnant rabbits with 625 U/kg during organogenesis showed no drug-related adverse effects on either the developing fetuses or mothers [see Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology (13.2)].
8.2 Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of RUCONEST in human milk, its effects on the breastfed infant, or its effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for RUCONEST and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from RUCONEST or from the underlying maternal condition.
8.4 Pediatric Use
The safety and efficacy of RUCONEST were evaluated in 17 adolescent patients (13-17 years of age) treated for 52 HAE attacks. Eight out of 17 (47%) adolescent patients experienced adverse reactions. No serious adverse reactions were reported in these patients. The most common reactions (occurring in at least 2 patients) were: abdominal pain, headache, and oropharyngeal pain.
8.5 Geriatric Use
The clinical studies of RUCONEST included seven patients older than 65 years. The clinical studies included an insufficient number of patients in this age group to determine if they respond differently from younger patients.
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
- RUCONEST is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergy to rabbits or rabbit-derived products.
- RUCONEST is contraindicated in patients with a history of life-threatening immediate hypersensitivity reactions to C1 esterase inhibitor preparations, including anaphylaxis.
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis may occur. Should symptoms occur, discontinue RUCONEST and administer appropriate treatment. (5.1 )
- Serious arterial and venous thromboembolic (TE) events have been reported at the recommended dose of plasma derived C1 esterase inhibitor products in patients with risk factors. Monitor patients with known risk factors for TE events during and after RUCONEST administration. (5.2 )
5.1 Hypersensitivity
Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur . The signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions may include hives, generalized urticaria, tightness of the chest, wheezing, hypotension, and/or anaphylaxis during or after injection of RUCONEST. Should symptoms occur, discontinue RUCONEST and institute appropriate treatment. Because hypersensitivity reactions may have symptoms similar to HAE attacks, treatment methods should be carefully considered. [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ]
5.2 Thromboembolic Events
Serious arterial and venous thromboembolic (TE) events have been reported at the recommended dose of plasma derived C1 esterase inhibitor products in patients with risk factors. Risk factors may include the presence of an indwelling venous catheter/access device, prior history of thrombosis, underlying atherosclerosis, use of oral contraceptives or certain androgens, morbid obesity, and immobility. Monitor patients with known risk factors for TE events during and after RUCONEST administration.
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
The serious adverse reaction in clinical studies of RUCONEST was anaphylaxis.
The most common adverse reactions (≥ 2%) reported in all clinical trials were headache, nausea, and diarrhea.
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the 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 clinical practice.
The RUCONEST clinical development program evaluated a combined total of 940 administrations in 236 subjects (symptomatic and non-symptomatic). In clinical studies, a total of 205 symptomatic HAE patients received treatment with RUCONEST for a combined total of 650 acute angioedema attacks. Among these HAE patients, 83 were treated for a single HAE attack and 122 were treated for multiple attacks.
Three randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were conducted in which 137 patients experiencing acute HAE attacks received RUCONEST (either an initial 50 U/kg or 100 U/kg body weight dose) or placebo (saline solution).
Table 2 shows all adverse reactions (ARs) in the RCTs, compared with the placebo group.
Table 2. Adverse reactions occurring In ≥ 2% of subjects in the three RCT studies
| MedDRA Preferred Term | RUCONEST 100 U/kg (N=29) n (%) | RUCONEST 50 U/kg• (N=66) n (%) | Placebo•• (N=47) n (%) |
| Total number of patients with adverse reactions | 4 (14%) | 6 (9%) | 13 (28%) |
| Headache | 3 (10%) | 0 | 2 (4%) |
| Sneezing | 0 | 1 (2%) | 0 |
| Angioedema | 1 (3%) | 0 | 0 |
| Erythema marginatum | 0 | 1 (2%) | 0 |
| Skin burning sensation | 0 | 1 (2%) | 0 |
| Back pain | 0 | 2 (3%) | 0 |
| C-reactive protein increased | 0 | 1 (2%) | 0 |
| Fibrin D-dimer increased | 0 | 1 (2%) | 0 |
| Vertigo | 1 (3%) | 0 | 0 |
| Procedural headache | 0 | 1 (2%) | 0 |
| Lipoma | 0 | 1 (2%) | 0 |
• Includes 5 patients who received an additional 50 U/kg dose MedDRA: Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities, version 15.0. •• Events only occurring in placebo patients are not listed. Integrated RCT and Open-Label Extension (OLE) Studies In a total of seven RCT and OLE studies, 205 patients experiencing acute HAE attacks were treated with RUCONEST for a total of 650 HAE attacks. Included in this population were 124 patients who were treated at the 50 U/kg dosage strength for one or more attacks.
Table 3 shows adverse reactions in ≥ 2% of patients in any RUCONEST group for the integrated dataset combining all seven RCT and OLE studies in patients experiencing acute HAE attacks.
Table 3. Adverse reactions in the seven RCT and OLE studies occurring ≥ 2% of RUCONEST-treated patients (all doses), irrespective of causality
| MedDRA Preferred Term | All RUCONEST doses• N=205 n (%) |
| Headache | 19 (9%) |
| Nausea | 5 (2%) |
| Diarrhea | 5 (2%) |
• RUCONEST doses: doses up to 100 U/kg
MedDRA: Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities, version 15.0.
Immunogenicity As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. Pre- and post-exposure samples from 205 HAE patients treated for 650 acute attacks with RUCONEST were tested for the antibodies against plasma-derived C1INH or rhC1INH and for antibodies against host-related impurities (HRI). Testing was performed prior to and after treatment of a first attack and subsequent repeated attacks at 7, 22 or 28, and 90 days after RUCONEST treatment.
Prior to the first exposure to RUCONEST, the frequency of anti-C1INH antibodies varied from 1.2% to 1.6% of samples. After the first exposure, the frequency of anti-C1INH antibodies varied from 0.6% to 1.0% of samples tested. After repeated exposures, the frequency of anti-C1INH antibodies varied from 0.5 to 2.2% of samples tested. The frequency of anti-HRI antibodies was 1.0% in pre-exposure samples, and after the first exposure varied from 3.5% to 4.6%. After repeated exposure, the frequency of anti-HRI antibodies varied from 5.7% to 17% of samples. At least 10% of subjects formed a specific antibody response to RUCONEST after five treated HAE attacks. No anti-C1INH neutralizing antibodies were detected. Observed anti-C1INH and anti-HRI antibodies were not associated with adverse clinical findings.
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 antibodies to RUCONEST with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading.
Postmarketing Experience Because postmarketing reporting of adverse reactions is voluntary and from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate the frequency of these reactions or establish a causal relationship to product exposure.
Adverse reactions in HAE patients receiving RUCONEST include abdominal pain and rash.
11 DESCRIPTION
RUCONEST is a recombinant analogue of human complement component 1 esterase inhibitor for intravenous injection. RUCONEST is purified from the milk of transgenic rabbits, and supplied as a sterile, preservative-free, white/off-white lyophilized powder for reconstitution for injection. One U of rhC1INH activity is defined as the equivalent of C1 esterase inhibiting activity present in 1 mL of pooled normal plasma.
RUCONEST is a soluble, single-chain glycoprotein containing 478 amino acids, with a molecular mass of 68 kDa, of which approximately 22% comprises oligosaccharide structures. The primary and secondary structures of the molecule and target protease selectivity are consistent with those of plasma-derived C1 esterase inhibitor.
Each vial of RUCONEST contains 2100 U of rhC1INH, 937 mg of sucrose, 83.3 mg of sodium citrate dihydrate and 1.0 mg of citric acid monohydrate. After reconstitution with 14 mL of sterile Water for Injection, each vial of RUCONEST contains 150 U of rhC1INH per 1 mL in a 20 mM sodium citrate buffer with a pH of 6.8. RUCONEST does not contain preservatives and each vial is for single use only.
RUCONEST is purified from the milk of transgenic rabbits. The rabbits are maintained in a closed colony that is controlled and routinely monitored for specific pathogens. The skimmed milk is screened for adventitious contaminants prior to further manufacture. The manufacturing process has been validated to demonstrate adequate capacity for removal and/or inactivation of viruses (Table 4 ). RUCONEST contains less than 0.002% of host-related impurities.
| a MLV: Murine leukemia virus; REO-3: Reovirus type 3; ORF: Scab-mouth ORF virus; FCV: Feline calicivirus; PPV: Porcine parvovirus; b SP BB: SP Sepharose BB; SD: Solvent/detergent; Q HP: Q Sepharose HP; Zn FF: Zinc Chelating Sepharose FF; c Not added to the total reduction factor since independence of clearance mechanism has not been experimentally verified; d Not applicable since indicated model virus is not enveloped; e Not tested because SD chemicals are present in the starting material. | |||||
Virus Reduction Factor (Log 10 ) | |||||
Step | MLV a | REO 3 | ORF | FCV | PPV |
SP BB chromatography b | 1.8 | 2.2 c | 1.5 c | 2.3 | 1.5 b |
SD incubation b | ≥ 5.8 | NA d | 3.7 | NA | NA |
Q HP chromatography b | NT e | 4.8 | NT | 0.8 c | 2.2 |
Zn FF chromatography b | 1.1 c | 3.2 c | 3.3 | 1.9 c | 0.4 c |
Nanofiltration | ≥ 5.5 | ≥ 6.5 | ≥ 5.8 | ≥ 6.9 | 5.8 |
Total reduction factor | ≥ 13.1 | ≥ 11.3 | ≥ 12.8 | ≥ 9.2 | 8.0 |
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1 Mechanism of Action
C1 esterase inhibitor (C1INH) is a normal constituent of human blood and is one of the serine protease inhibitors (serpins). The primary function of C1INH is to regulate the activation of the complement and contact system pathways. Regulation of these systems is performed through the formation of complexes between the protease and the inhibitor, resulting in inactivation of both and consumption of the C1INH.
C1INH exerts its inhibitory effect by irreversibly binding several proteases (target proteases) of the contact and complement systems. The effect of RUCONEST on the following target proteases was assessed in vitro : activated C1s, kallikrein, factor XIIa and factor XIa. Inhibition kinetics were found to be comparable with those observed for plasma-derived human C1INH.
HAE patients have low levels of endogenous or functional C1INH. Although the events that induce attacks of angioedema in HAE patients are not well defined, it is thought that contact system activation, and resulting increased vascular permeability lead to the clinical manifestation of HAE attacks. Suppression of contact system activation by C1INH through the inactivation of plasma kallikrein and factor XIIa is thought to modulate vascular permeability by preventing the generation of bradykinin. 3
Administration of RUCONEST increases plasma levels of functional C1INH activity.
12.2 Pharmacodynamics
The complement component (protein) C4 is a substrate for activated C1. Patients with HAE have low levels of C4 in the circulation; RUCONEST shows a dose-dependent restoration of complement homeostasis of C4 in HAE patients. A dose of 50 U/kg of RUCONEST increases plasma C1INH activity levels to greater than 0.7 U/mL (the lower limit of normal) in HAE patients.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of RUCONEST was evaluated in a study of 12 asymptomatic HAE patients (dose ranged from 6.25 U/kg to 100 U/kg). Pharmacokinetics evaluation was performed by non-compartmental analysis, using functional C1INH levels. Following administration of RUCONEST (50 U/kg) in asymptomatic HAE patients (Table 5 ), the mean Cmax was 1.2 U/mL, and the elimination half-life was approximately 2.5 hours. The clearance of RUCONEST was nonlinear (clearance decreased with increasing dose) over the dose range of 25-100 U/kg.
Parameters | 50 U/kg | 100 U/kg |
C baseline (U/mL) | 0.18 ± 0.12 | 0.14 ± 0.08 |
C max (U/mL) | 1.2 ± 0.2 | 2.3 ± 0.2 |
T max (hours) | 0.31 ± 0.10 | 0.31 ± 0.10 |
AUC (U x hr/mL) | 3.3 ± 1.0 | 10.6 ± 2.5 |
CL (mL/hr) | 1207 ± 414 | 781 ± 147 |
Half-life (hours) | 2.4 ± 0.6 | 2.7 ± 0.3 |
V ss (L) | 3.0 ± 0.9 | 2.4 ± 0.5 |
Studies have not been conducted to evaluate the PK of RUCONEST in special patient populations, identified by race, age (pediatric or geriatric), or the presence of renal or hepatic impairment.
13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
No animal studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of RUCONEST on carcinogenesis and mutagenesis. Fertility was not evaluated in animal studies.
13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
Single- and repeat-dose studies of up to 14 days in rats, dogs, and cynomolgus monkeys with daily doses of RUCONEST up to 80 times the human dose (50 U/kg) were conducted. In a 14-day monkey toxicology study of intravenous doses up to 2000 U/kg twice daily, increases in AST and ALP were observed at doses of 500 U/kg and higher. No histopathological correlates were observed in the liver and the increases in liver enzymes were reversible. Histologic findings included changes in the size of thymic cortex and medulla, and microvacuoles in the epithelial cells lining the renal tubules. The renal tubular vacuolation was dose dependent, but was not accompanied by other histological changes in the kidney. This finding was only partially reversible at the highest dose level of 2000 U/kg twice daily. It was concluded that the NOAEL of RUCONEST was 1000 U/kg twice daily in this species. There were no adverse findings in a safety pharmacology study in dogs and a local tolerance study in rabbits. It is concluded that preclinical toxicology data for daily doses up to 40 times the proposed human dose of RUCONEST (50 U/kg) do not indicate a safety concern for the use of RUCONEST in humans.
Embryo-fetal studies have been conducted in rabbits and rats at a dose of RUCONEST 12.5 times the human dose of 50 U/kg. In rats, no malformed fetuses were observed. In rabbits, an increase in the incidence of fetal cardiac vessel defects was observed (1.12% [2 cases] in the treatment group compared to 0.03% in historical controls). These defects are considered to be a chance finding, but a RUCONEST-related effect cannot be excluded.
14 CLINICAL STUDIES
The safety and efficacy of RUCONEST for treatment of acute angioedema attacks in patients with HAE was established in Study 1, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) which included an open-label extension (OLE) phase; and supported by the results of 2 additional RCTs and 2 additional OLE studies.
Randomized, Controlled Trials
The safety and efficacy of RUCONEST in the treatment of acute attacks in patients with hereditary angioedema were demonstrated in a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study (Study 1). Supportive evidence of effectiveness is provided by two double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies (Studies 2 and 3). Evidence for the efficacy of repeat treatment of HAE attacks is provided from the open-label extensions (OLE) of each of the three randomized studies.
Study 1 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included an open-label extension (OLE) phase to assess the efficacy and safety of RUCONEST 50 U/kg in the treatment of acute attacks in patients with HAE. Seventy-five (75) adults and adolescent patients were randomized (3:2) to receive RUCONEST 50 U/kg (N = 44) or placebo (N = 31). Patients ranged in age from 17 to 69 years of age; 63% were female and 37% were male; 96% were Caucasian.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the time to beginning of relief of symptoms, assessed using patient-reported responses to two questions from a Treatment Effect Questionnaire (TEQ). The TEQ required patients to assess the severity of their attack symptoms at each affected anatomic location, using a seven-point scale (“much worse” to “much better” [TEQ Question 1]), and whether their symptoms had begun to decrease notably since receiving the study medication (“yes” or “no” [TEQ Question 2]). To achieve the primary endpoint, a patient had to have a positive response to both questions along with persistence of improvement at the next assessment time (i.e., the same or better response).
Rescue treatment with RUCONEST was available for patients who did not experience the beginning of relief at 4 hours after study drug administration, or earlier to patients who experienced life-threatening oropharyngeal-laryngeal angioedema symptoms. If a patient received a medication which could have impacted the efficacy evaluation or open-label RUCONEST as rescue medication, prior to achieving beginning of relief of symptoms, the time to beginning of relief of symptoms was censored at the last assessed time prior to medication use.
In the RCT phase, the median time to beginning of relief of symptoms was statistically significantly shorter in patients treated with RUCONEST 50 U/kg compared with patients treated with placebo as assessed by the TEQ; (Table 6 , Figure 1).
| Time to Beginning of Relief of Symptoms, minutes | RUCONEST 50 U/kg N=44 | Placebo N=31 |
|---|---|---|
| Values that are not estimable are displayed as ‘- ’. | ||
Median | 90 | 152 |
95% CI | (61, 150) | (93, -) |
Log-rank p-value | 0.031 | |
Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier Plot of Time to Beginning of Relief of Symptoms (Study 1, RCT Phase)
Among several planned subgroup analyses, descriptive statistics showed that in US patients a median time to beginning of relief of symptoms with persistence at the primary attack location (based on TEQ) was 98 minutes [95% CI:(45, 240); n=22] for those receiving RUCONEST and 90 minutes [95% CI: (50, -); n=16] for those receiving placebo. The hazard ratio for time to the beginning of relief of symptoms in this subpopulation was 1.20 [95% CI: (0.48, 3.01)] for patients receiving RUCONEST as compared with patients receiving placebo. Non-US patients receiving RUCONEST had a median time to beginning of relief of 90 minutes [95% CI: (63, 120); n=22] and non-US patients receiving placebo had a median time to beginning of relief of 334 minutes [95% CI: (150, -); n=15]. The hazard ratio for the non-US subgroup was 4.82 [95% CI: (1.58, 14.72)] for patients receiving RUCONEST compared to placebo.
Examination of gender subgroups suggested a larger treatment effect in men than women. For women receiving RUCONEST, the median time to beginning of relief was 113 minutes [95% CI: (63, 151); n=28], and for women receiving placebo, the median time to beginning of relief was 105 minutes [95% CI: (60, 334); n=19]. The hazard ratio for women receiving RUCONEST versus placebo was 1.22 [95% CI: (0.60, 2.48)]. For men receiving RUCONEST, the median time to beginning of relief was 75 minutes [95% CI: (45, 210); n=16], and for men receiving placebo, the median time to beginning of relief was 480 minutes [95% CI: (150, -) n=12]. The hazard ratio for men receiving RUCONEST versus placebo was 3.94 [95% CI: (1.23, 12.68)].
No plausible biological explanations for the regional or gender subgroup effects were found. One possible explanation is a larger-than-expected placebo response among US women. None of the subgroup confidence intervals were adjusted for multiplicity.
Because almost all of the patients were Caucasian and were between 18 and 65 years of age, race and age subgroup analyses were not considered meaningful.
Among patients who achieved relief within 4 hours, there were 4 (27%) patients in the placebo group who had a relapse of their symptoms within 24 hours as compared with 1 (3%) in the RUCONEST group. The proportion of patients who received RUCONEST as rescue medication was greater in patients randomized to placebo (13 of 31 patients; 42%) than in patients randomized to RUCONEST (5 of 44 patients; 11%).
The efficacy of RUCONEST 50 U/kg for different anatomical locations of HAE attacks is summarized in Table 7 .
| • Life-threatening laryngeal attacks were excluded from the randomized-controlled phase of Study 1 | |||||
Attack Type • | RUCONEST 50 U/kg n/N (%) | Placebo n/N (%) | |||
Abdominal | 14/16 (88%) | 7/12 (58%) | |||
Facial | 3/6 (50%) | 0/2 (0%) | |||
Peripheral (extremities) | 17/20 (85%) | 7/14 (50%) | |||
In the OLE phase of Study 1, patients were treated with open-label RUCONEST 50 U/kg for repeated attacks of HAE. Forty-four patients who completed the RCT phase were enrolled into the OLE phase where they were treated for a total of 170 attacks. In this phase, the median time to beginning of relief of symptoms was 75 minutes [95% CI: (64, 90)], consistent with the results of the RCT phase of the study (Table 6 ). Results were also comparable across attacks, suggesting that the efficacy of RUCONEST 50 U/kg was maintained over repeated attacks of HAE. In the OLE phase of Study 1, 5/170 (3%) attacks received a second dose of RUCONEST 50 U/kg.
In Study 2 (North American RCT), patients were randomized to receive a single administration of either RUCONEST 50 U/kg (N=12), RUCONEST 100 U/kg (N=13) or placebo (N=13). Patients ranged in age from 17 to 66 years of age; 74% were female and 26% were male; and 92% were Caucasian.
In Study 3 (European RCT), patients were randomized to receive a single administration of either RUCONEST 100 U/kg (N=16) or placebo (N=16). Patients ranged in age from 17 to 71 years of age: 53% were female and 47% were male; and 100% were Caucasian.
Patients scored their symptoms using a visual analog scale (VAS) ranging from 0-100 mm. A VAS decrease of > 20 mm compared with baseline with persistence of the improvement at two consecutive time points was considered the onset of relief in Studies 2 and 3.
In both Study 2 and 3, the efficacy of RUCONEST in the treatment of acute angioedema attacks was demonstrated by significantly shorter times to beginning of relief of symptoms based on the VAS (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Mean VAS scores over time with 95% Confidence Intervals (Study 2 and 3, RCT Phase)
In open-label extension studies of Study 2 and 3, 119 patients were treated with RUCONEST for a total of 362 acute angioedema attacks. As observed in Study 1, the efficacy of RUCONEST was maintained for repeat attacks.
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
16.1 How Supplied
- RUCONEST is supplied in single-use 25 mL glass vials with a stopper (siliconized chlorobutyl rubber) and a flip-off seal (aluminum and colored plastic).
- Each carton contains one single-use vial.
- Each vial contains 2100 U rhC1INH lyophilized powder for reconstitution for injection.
16.2 Storage and Handling
- Store in the original package in order to protect from light.
- Shelf life: 48 months when stored at 36ºF - 77ºF (2ºC - 25ºC).
- Do not freeze.
- Each vial of RUCONEST should be reconstituted with 14 mL Water for Injection (not supplied). The reconstituted solution contains 150 U/mL rhC1INH and is clear and colorless.
- Each vial of RUCONEST is for single use only. RUCONEST contains no preservative. Any product that has been reconstituted should be used immediately, or within 8 hours stored at 36ºF - 46ºF (2ºC - 8ºC). Discard partially used vials after treatment.
