Fasenra (benralizumab)

Monoclonal Antibody, Human Interleukin 5 Antagonist Subcutaneous Syringe (Ml)

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Benralizumab, a recombinant DNA-derived afucosylated humanized monoclonal antibody specific for the alpha chain of the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor (IL-5Ralpha), is an antiinflammatory agent. The drug is an IgG1 kappa immunoglobulin.

Benralizumab, a recombinant DNA-derived afucosylated humanized monoclonal antibody specific for the alpha chain of the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor (IL-5Ralpha), is an antiinflammatory agent. The drug is an IgG1 kappa immunoglobulin. Inflammation, an important factor in the pathogenesis of asthma and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), involves the activity of several endogenous inflammatory cells (e.g., eosinophils) and inflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines).

Although the precise mechanism of action of benralizumab in the treatment of asthma and EGPA has not been fully elucidated, the drug has demonstrated binding with high affinity to the D1 domain of IL-5Ralpha expressed on the surface of eosinophils and basophils. IL-5 plays an important role in the growth, differentiation, recruitment, activation, and survival of eosinophils. Binding of benralizumab to IL-5Ralpha results in the inhibition of activation of IL-5R and subsequent signal transduction.

Benralizumab induces direct, rapid, and nearly complete depletion of eosinophils and basophils in the circulation, bone marrow, and target tissues through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), an apoptotic process involving natural killer cells. The afucosylation of benralizumab is responsible for its 1000-fold enhancement of ADCC. In patients with asthma and EGPA, subcutaneous administration of benralizumab resulted in dose-dependent decreases in blood eosinophil counts.

Reductions in blood eosinophil counts have been observed 24 hours after an IV dose, with effects lasting at least 8-12 weeks. Treatment with benralizumab also was associated with reductions in blood basophil counts across all clinical studies in asthma; however, it is unknown if the effect of benralizumab on basophils in addition to eosinophils will provide additional clinical benefits.

Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, the estimated absolute bioavailability of benralizumab following subcutaneous administration is approximately 59%. Following subcutaneous injection in patients with asthma, the drug is slowly absorbed with an absorption half-life of approximately 3.5 days. There were no clinically important differences in the relative bioavailability of the drug administered in the abdomen, thigh, or arm.

The pharmacokinetics of benralizumab are approximately dose proportional when administered subcutaneously over a dosage range of 20-200 mg or IV over a dosage range of 0.03-3 mg/kg. Benralizumab is degraded by proteolytic enzymes that are widely distributed throughout the body and not restricted to hepatic tissue. In a population pharmacokinetic analysis, benralizumab exhibited linear pharmacokinetics, and there is no evidence that clearance of the drug occurs renally or through a target receptor-mediated pathway.

The elimination half-life in patients with asthma is approximately 15 days. Pharmacokinetic data in patients with EGPA are generally consistent with those observed in patients with asthma although a reduced clearance is predicted in the EGPA patient population.

USES: Benralizumab is used along with other medications to control and prevent symptoms (such as wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. Controlling symptoms of asthma helps you maintain your normal activities and decreases time lost from work or school. Benralizumab is also used to treat certain immune system disorders (eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis - EGPA, hypereosinophilic syndrome).

This medication works by decreasing a certain type of white blood cell (eosinophils). This effect helps reduce swelling (inflammation) of the airways and other parts of the body. This medication must be used regularly to be effective.

It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.

Generic name: benralizumab
Pronunciation: (BEN-ra-LIZ-ue-mab)
Drug class: Monoclonal Antibody, Human Interleukin 5 Antagonist
Therapeutic class: Respiratory Therapy Agents

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Fasenra:

  • Eosinophilic Asthma
  • Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis
  • Hypereosinophilic Syndrome

Also known as: Allergic Granulomatosis Angiitis, Asthma With Eosinophilic Phenotype, Asthmatic Pulmonary Eosinophilia, Churg Strauss Syndrome.

Dosing

No dosing information is available for this tab.

Drug interactions

Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted to date with benralizumab.

Contraindications

*History of hypersensitivity to benralizumab or any ingredient in the formulation.

Adverse reactions

The most common adverse effects reported in >=5% of patients receiving benralizumab include headache and pharyngitis.

Precautions

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ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Eosinophilic asthma
J82.83ICD10CMEosinophilic asthma
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
M30.1ICD10CMPolyarteritis with lung involvement [churg-strauss]
Hypereosinophilic syndrome
D72.11ICD10CMHypereosinophilic syndrome [HEs]
D72.110ICD10CMIdiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome [IHEs]
D72.111ICD10CMLymphocytic variant hypereosinophilic syndrome [LHEs]
D72.118ICD10CMOther hypereosinophilic syndrome
D72.119ICD10CMHypereosinophilic syndrome [HEs], unspecified

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data