Tysabri is indicated as single disease modifying therapy in adults with highly active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) for the following patient groups:

 

·    Patients with highly active disease despite a full and adequate course of treatment with at least one disease modifying therapy (DMT) (for exceptions and information about washout periods see sections 4.4 and 5.1)

or

·    Patients with rapidly evolving severe RRMS defined by 2 or more disabling relapses in one year, and with 1 or more Gadolinium enhancing lesions on brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or a significant increase in T2 lesion load as compared to a previous recent MRI.

Therapy is to be initiated and continuously supervised by specialised physicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, with timely access to MRI. Home treatment is not recommended. Administration is to be performed by a healthcare professional and patients must be monitored for early signs and symptoms of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML).

Patients treated with this medicinal product must be given the patient alert card and be informed about the risks of the medicinal product (see also package leaflet). After 2 years of treatment, patients should be re-informed about the risks  especially the increased risk of PML, and should be instructed together with their caregivers on early signs and symptoms of PML.

 

Resources for the management of hypersensitivity reactions and access to MRI should be available. There are limited data for the subcutaneous formulation in the Tysabri naïve patient population (see section 4.4).

 

Some patients may have been exposed to immunosuppressive medicinal products (e.g. mitoxantrone, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine). These medicinal products have the potential to cause prolonged immunosuppression, even after dosing is discontinued. Therefore the physician must confirm that such patients are not immunocompromised before starting treatment (see section 4.4).

 

Posology

 

The recommended dose for subcutaneous administration is 300 mg every 4 weeks. As each pre-filled syringe contains 150 mg natalizumab two pre-filled syringes need to be administered to the patient.

 

Continued therapy must be carefully reconsidered in patients who show no evidence of therapeutic benefit beyond 6 months.

 

Data on the safety and efficacy of natalizumab (intravenous infusion) at 2 years were generated from controlled, double–blind studies. After 2 years continued therapy should be considered only following a reassessment of the potential for benefit and risk. Patients should be re-informed about the risk factors for PML, like duration of treatment, immunosuppressant use prior to receiving the medicinal product and the presence of anti-John Cunningham virus (JCV) antibodies (see section 4.4).

 

Readministration

 

The efficacy of re-administration has not been established (for safety, see section 4.4).

 

Any switch in route of administration of the medicinal product should be made 4 weeks after the previous dose.

 

Special populations

 

Elderly

 

This medicinal product is not recommended for use in patients aged over 65 due to a lack of data in this population.

 

Renal and hepatic impairment

 

Studies have not been conducted to examine the effects of renal or hepatic impairment.

 

The mechanism for elimination and results from population pharmacokinetics suggest that dose adjustment would not be necessary in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.

 

Paediatric population

 

The safety and efficacy of this medicinal product in children and adolescents up to 18 years have not been established. Currently available data are described in sections 4.8 and 5.1.

 

Method of administration

 

For subcutaneous injection by a healthcare professional.

 

Injections of two pre-filled syringes should be administered (total dose 300 mg), one after the other without significant delay. The second injection should be administered no later than 30 minutes after the first injection.

 

The sites for subcutaneous injection are the thigh, abdomen, or the posterior aspect of the upper arm. The injection should not be made into an area of the body where the skin is irritated, reddened, bruised, infected, or scarred in any way. When removing the syringe from the injection site, the plunger should be let go of while pulling the needle straight out. Letting go of the plunger will allow the needle guard to cover the needle. The second injection should be more than 3 cm away from the first injection location (see instructions for administration at the end of the package leaflet).

 

Patients are to be observed during the subcutaneous injections and for 1 hour after for signs and symptoms of injection reactions including hypersensitivity.

For the first 6 doses, patients should be observed during the injection and for 1 hour after for signs and symptoms of injection reactions including hypersensitivity. After that, regardless of the route of administration, the 1-hour post-injection observation time may be reduced or removed according to clinical judgement if the patients have not experienced any injection reactions.

Tysabri 150 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe is not intended for intravenous infusion and should be administered via subcutaneous injection only.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Patients with increased risk for opportunistic infections, including immunocompromised patients (including those currently receiving immunosuppressive therapies or those immunocompromised by prior therapies (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). Combination with other DMTs. Known active malignancies, except for patients with cutaneous basal cell carcinoma.

Traceability

 

In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.

 

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

 

Use of this medicinal product has been associated with an increased risk of PML, an opportunistic infection caused by JC virus, which may be fatal or result in severe disability. Due to this increased risk of developing PML, the benefits and risks of treatment should be individually reconsidered by the specialist physician and the patient; patients must be monitored at regular intervals throughout and should be instructed together with their caregivers on early signs and symptoms of PML. JC virus also causes JCV granule cell neuronopathy (GCN) which has been reported in patients treated with this medicinal product. Symptoms of JCV GCN are similar to symptoms of PML (i.e. cerebellar syndrome).

 

The following risk factors are associated with an increased risk of PML.

 

·    The presence of anti-JCV antibodies.

 

·    Treatment duration, especially beyond 2 years. After 2 years all patients should be re-informed about the risk of PML with the medicinal product.

 

·    Immunosuppressant use prior to receiving the medicinal product.

 

Patients who are anti-JCV antibody positive are at an increased risk of developing PML compared to patients who are anti-JCV antibody negative. Patients who have all three risk factors for PML (i.e., are anti-JCV antibody positive and have received more than 2 years of therapy with this medicinal product and have received prior immunosuppressant therapy) have a significantly higher risk of PML.

 

In anti-JCV antibody positive natalizumab treated patients who have not used prior immunosuppressants the level of anti-JCV antibody response (index) is associated with the level of risk for PML.

 

In anti-JCV antibody positive patients, extended interval dosing of natalizumab (average dosing interval of approximately 6 weeks) is suggested to be associated with a lower PML risk compared to approved dosing. If utilising extended interval dosing, caution is required because the efficacy of extended interval dosing has not been established and the associated benefit risk balance is currently unknown (see section 5.1). The decrease in PML risk is based on data from intravenous route of administration.  No clinical data are available on either the safety or efficacy of this extended interval dosing with subcutaneous route of administration.  For further information, refer to the Physician Information and Management Guidelines.

 

Patients considered at high risk treatment with this treatment should only be continued if the benefits outweigh the risks. For the estimation of PML risk in the different patient subgroups, please refer to the Physician Information and Management Guidelines.

 

Anti-JCV antibody testing

 

Anti-JCV antibody testing provides supportive information for risk stratification of treatment with this medicinal product. Testing for serum anti-JCV antibody prior to initiating therapy or in patients receiving the medicinal product with an unknown antibody status is recommended. Anti-JCV antibody negative patients may still be at risk of PML for reasons such as a new JCV infection, fluctuating antibody status or a false negative test result. Re-testing of anti-JCV antibody negative patients every 6 months is recommended. Retesting low index patients who have no history of prior immunosuppressant use every 6 months once they reach the 2 year treatment point is recommended.

 

The anti-JCV antibody assay (ELISA) should not be used to diagnose PML. Use of plasmapheresis/plasma exchange (PLEX) or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) can affect meaningful interpretation of serum anti-JCV antibody testing. Patients should not be tested for anti-JCV antibodies within 2 weeks of PLEX due to removal of antibodies from the serum, or within 6 months of IVIg (i.e. 6 months = 5x half-life for immunoglobulins).  

 

For further information on anti-JCV antibody testing please see Physician Information and Management Guidelines.

 

MRI screening for PML

 

Before initiation of treatment with this medicinal product, a recent (usually within 3 months) MRI should be available as a reference, and be repeated at least on a yearly basis. More frequent MRIs (e.g. on a 3 to 6 monthly basis) using an abbreviated protocol should be considered for patients at higher risk of PML. This includes:

 

·    Patients who have all three risk factors for PML (i.e., are anti-JCV antibody positive and have received more than 2 years of therapy with this medicinal product and have received prior immunosuppressant therapy),

or

·    Patients with a high anti-JCV antibody index who have received more than 2 years of therapy with this medicinal product and without prior history of immunosuppressant therapy.

 

Current evidence suggests that the risk of PML is low at an index equal to or below 0.9 and increases substantially above 1.5 for patients who have been on treatment with this medicinal product for longer than 2 years (see the Physician Information and Management Guidelines for further information).

 

No studies have been performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this medicinal product when switching patients from DMTs with an immunosuppressant effect. It is unknown if patients switching from these therapies to this treatment have an increased risk of PML, therefore these patients should be monitored more frequently (i.e. similarly to patients switching from immunosuppressants to this medicinal product).

 

PML should be considered as a differential diagnosis in any MS patient taking natalizumab presenting with neurological symptoms and/or new brain lesions in MRI. Cases of asymptomatic PML based on MRI and positive JCV DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid have been reported.

 

Physicians should refer to the Physician Information and Management Guidelines for further information on managing the risk of PML in natalizumab-treated patients.  

 

If PML or JCV GCN is suspected, further dosing must be suspended until PML has been excluded.

 

The clinician should evaluate the patient to determine if the symptoms are indicative of neurological dysfunction and, if so, whether these symptoms are typical of MS or possibly suggestive of PML or JCV GCN. If any doubt exists, further evaluation, including MRI scan preferably with contrast (compared with pre-treatment baseline MRI), CSF testing for JC Viral DNA and repeat neurological assessments, should be considered as described in the Physician Information and Management Guidelines (see Educational guidance). Once the clinician has excluded PML and/or JCV GCN (if necessary, by repeating clinical, imaging and/or laboratory investigations if clinical suspicion remains), dosing may resume.

 

The physician should be particularly alert to symptoms suggestive of PML or JCV GCN that the patient may not notice (e.g. cognitive, psychiatric symptoms or cerebellar syndrome). Patients should also be advised to inform their partner or caregivers about their treatment, since they may notice symptoms that the patient is not aware of.

 

PML has been reported following discontinuation of this medicinal product in patients who did not have findings suggestive of PML at the time of discontinuation. Patients and physicians should continue to follow the same monitoring protocol and be alert for any new signs or symptoms that may be suggestive of PML for approximately 6 months following discontinuation of natalizumab.

 

If a patient develops PML the dosing of this medicinal product must be permanently discontinued.

 

Following reconstitution of the immune system in immunocompromised patients with PML improved outcome has been seen.

 

Based on a retrospective analysis of natalizumab-treated patients, no difference was observed on 2‑year survival after PML diagnosis between patients who received PLEX and those who did not. For other considerations on the management of PML, see the Physician Information and Management Guidelines.

 

PML and IRIS (Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome)

 

IRIS occurs in almost all PML patients treated with this medicinal product after withdrawal or removal of the medicinal product. IRIS is thought to result from the restoration of immune function in patients with PML, which can lead to serious neurological complications and may be fatal. Monitoring for development of IRIS and appropriate treatment of the associated inflammation during recovery from PML should be undertaken (see the Physician Information and Management Guidelines for further information).

 

Infections including other opportunistic infections

 

Other opportunistic infections have been reported with use of this medicinal product, primarily in patients with Crohn’s disease who were immunocompromised or where significant comorbidity existed, however increased risk of other opportunistic infections with use of the medicinal product in patients without these co-morbidities cannot currently be excluded. Opportunistic infections were also detected in MS patients treated with this medicinal product as a monotherapy (see section 4.8).

 

This treatment increases the risk of developing encephalitis and meningitis caused by herpes simplex and varicella zoster viruses. Serious, life-threatening, and sometimes fatal cases have been reported in the postmarketing setting in multiple sclerosis patients receiving the treatment (see section 4.8). If herpes encephalitis or meningitis occurs, the medicinal product should be discontinued, and appropriate treatment for herpes encephalitis or meningitis should be administered.

 

Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a rare fulminant viral infection of the retina caused by the family of herpes viruses (e.g. varicella zoster). ARN has been observed in patients being administered this medicinal product and can be potentially blinding. Patients presenting with eye symptoms such as decreased visual acuity, redness and painful eye should be referred for retinal screening for ARN. Following clinical diagnosis of ARN, discontinuation of this medicinal product should be considered in these patients.

 

Prescribers should be aware of the possibility that other opportunistic infections may occur during therapy and should include them in the differential diagnosis of infections that occur in Tysabri‑treated patients. If an opportunistic infection is suspected, dosing is to be suspended until such infections can be excluded through further evaluations.

 

If a patient receiving this medicinal product develops an opportunistic infection, dosing of the medicinal product must be permanently discontinued.

 

Educational guidance

 

All physicians who intend to prescribe the medicinal product must ensure they are familiar with the Physician Information and Management Guidelines.

 

Physicians must discuss the benefits and risks of natalizumab therapy with the patient and provide them with a patient alert card. Patients should be instructed that if they develop any infection then they should inform their physician that they are being treated with this medicinal product.

 

Physicians should counsel patients on the importance of uninterrupted dosing, particularly in the early months of treatment (see hypersensitivity).

 

Hypersensitivity

 

Hypersensitivity reactions have been associated with this medicinal product, including, for the intravenous infusion, serious systemic reactions (see section 4.8).

 

These reactions usually occurred within one hour after administration. The risk for hypersensitivity was greatest with early infusions and in patients re-exposed to treatment following an initial short exposure (one or two infusions) and extended period (three months or more) without treatment. However, the risk of hypersensitivity reactions should be considered for every administration.

 

Patients are to be observed during the subcutaneous injections and for 1 hour after, for signs and symptoms of injection reactions including hypersensitivity (see sections 4.2 and 4.8). Resources for the management of hypersensitivity reactions should be available.

 

This medicinal product should be discontinued and appropriate therapy initiated at the first symptoms or signs of hypersensitivity.

 

Patients who have experienced a hypersensitivity reaction must be permanently discontinued from treatment with natalizumab.

 

There are limited data for the subcutaneous formulation in the Tysabri naïve patient population (see section 5.1).

 

Concurrent treatment with immunosuppressants

 

The safety and efficacy of this medicinal product in combination with other immunosuppressive and antineoplastic therapies have not been fully established. Concurrent use of these agents with this medicinal product may increase the risk of infections, including opportunistic infections, and is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

 

In phase 3 MS clinical trials with natalizumab intravenous infusion, concomitant treatment of relapses with a short course of corticosteroids was not associated with an increased rate of infection. Short courses of corticosteroids can be used in combination with  this medicinal product.

 

Prior treatment with immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapies

 

Patients with a treatment history of immunosuppressant medications are at increased risk for PML.

No studies have been performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the medicinal product when switching patients from DMTs with an immunosuppressant effect. It is unknown if patients switching from these therapies to this medicinal product have an increased risk of PML, therefore these patients should be monitored more frequently (i.e. similarly to patients switching from immunosuppressants to  this medicinal product, see MRI screening for PML).

 

Care should be taken with patients who have previously received immunosuppressants to allow sufficient time for immune function recovery to occur. Physicians must evaluate each individual case to determine whether there is evidence of an immunocompromised state prior to commencing treatment (see section 4.3).

 

When switching patients from another DMT to this medicinal product, the half-life and mode of action of the other therapy must be considered in order to avoid an additive immune effect whilst at the same time minimising the risk of disease reactivation. A Complete Blood Count (CBC, including lymphocytes) is recommended prior to initiating treatment to ensure that immune effects of the previous therapy (i.e. cytopenia) have resolved.

 

Patients can switch directly from beta interferon or glatiramer acetate to natalizumabt providing there are no signs of relevant treatment-related abnormalities e.g. neutropenia and, lymphopenia.

 

When switching from dimethyl fumarate, the washout period should be sufficient for lymphocyte count to recover before treatment is started.

 

Following discontinuation of fingolimod, lymphocyte count progressively returns to normal range within 1 to 2 months after stopping therapy. The washout period should be sufficient for lymphocyte count to recover before treatment is started.

 

Teriflunomide is eliminated slowly from the plasma. Without an accelerated elimination procedure, clearance of teriflunomide from plasma can take from several months up to 2 years. An accelerated elimination procedure as defined in the teriflunomide Summary of Product Characteristics is recommended or alternatively washout period should not be shorter than 3.5 months. Caution regarding potential concomitant immune effects is required when switching patients from teriflunomide to this medicinal product.

 

Alemtuzumab has profound prolonged immunosuppressive effects. As the actual duration of these effects is unknown, initiating treatment with this medicinal product after alemtuzumab is not recommended unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks for the individual patient.

 

Immunogenicity

 

Disease exacerbations or injection related events may indicate the development of antibodies against natalizumab. In these cases the presence of antibodies should be evaluated and if these remain positive in a confirmatory test after at least 6 weeks, treatment should be discontinued, as persistent antibodies are associated with a substantial decrease in efficacy of this medicinal product and an increased incidence of hypersensitivity reactions (see section 4.8).

 

Since patients who have received an initial short exposure to this medicinal product and then had an extended period without treatment are at a higher risk of developing anti-natalizumab antibodies and/or hypersensitivity upon redosing, the presence of antibodies should be evaluated and if these remain positive in a confirmatory test after at least 6 weeks, the patient should not receive further treatment with natalizumab (see section 5.1).

 

Hepatic events

 

Spontaneous serious adverse reactions of liver injury have been reported during the post-marketing phase (see section 4.8). These liver injuries may occur at any time during treatment, even after the first dose. In some instances, the reaction reoccurred when treatment was reintroduced. Some patients with a past medical history of an abnormal liver test have experienced an exacerbation of abnormal liver test while on treatment. Patients should be monitored as appropriate for impaired liver function, and be instructed to contact their physician in case signs and symptoms suggestive of liver injury occur, such as jaundice and vomiting. In cases of significant liver injury this medicinal product should be discontinued.

 

Thrombocytopenia

 

Thrombocytopenia, including immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), has been reported with the use of natalizumab. Delay in the diagnosis and treatment of thrombocytopenia may lead to serious and life-threatening sequelae. Patients should be instructed to report to their physician immediately if they experience any signs of unusual or prolonged bleeding, petechiae, or spontaneous bruising. If thrombocytopenia is identified, discontinuation of natalizumab should be considered.

 

Stopping therapy

 

If a decision is made to stop treatment with natalizumab, the physician needs to be aware that natalizumab remains in the blood, and has pharmacodynamic effects (e.g increased lymphocyte counts) for approximately 12 weeks following the last dose. Starting other therapies during this interval will result in a concomitant exposure to natalizumab. For medicinal products such as interferon and glatiramer acetate, concomitant exposure of this duration was not associated with safety risks in clinical trials. No data are available in MS patients regarding concomitant exposure with immunosuppressant medication. Use of these medicinal products soon after the discontinuation of natalizumab may lead to an additive immunosuppressive effect. This should be carefully considered on a case‑by‑case basis, and a wash-out period of natalizumab might be appropriate. Short courses of steroids used to treat relapses were not associated with increased infections in clinical trials.

 

Sodium content

 

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose (300 mg natalizumab), that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.

 

Natalizumab is contraindicated in combination with other DMTs (see section 4.3).

 

Immunisations

 

In a randomised, open label study of 60 patients with relapsing MS there was no significant difference in the humoral immune response to a recall antigen (tetanus toxoid) and only slightly slower and reduced humoral immune response to a neoantigen (keyhole limpet haemocyanin) was observed in patients who were treated with this medicinal product for 6 months compared to an untreated control group. Live vaccines have not been studied.

Women of childbearing potential

 

If a woman becomes pregnant while taking this medicinal product, discontinuation of treatment should be considered. A benefit-risk evaluation of the use of this medicinal product during pregnancy should take into account the patient’s clinical condition and the possible return of disease activity after stopping the medicinal product.

 

Pregnancy

 

Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

 

Data from clinical trials, a prospective pregnancy registry, post-marketing cases and available literature do not suggest an effect of this medicinal product exposure on pregnancy outcomes.

 

The completed prospective Tysabri pregnancy registry contained 355 pregnancies with available outcomes. There were 316 live births, 29 of which were reported to have birth defects. Sixteen of the 29 were classified as major defects. The rate of defects corresponds to the defect rates reported in other pregnancy registries involving MS patients. There is no evidence of a specific pattern of birth defects with this medicinal product.

 

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of natalizumab therapy in pregnant women.

 

Cases of thrombocytopenia in infants born to women exposed to natalizumab during pregnancy were reported in the postmarketing setting. Monitoring of platelet counts is recommended in neonates born to women exposed to natalizumab during pregnancy.

 

This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. If a woman becomes pregnant while taking natalizumab, discontinuation of natalizumab should be considered.

 

Breast-feeding

 

Natalizumab is excreted in human milk. The effect of natalizumab on newborn/infants is unknown. Breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with  natalizumabt.

 

Fertility

 

Reductions in female guinea pig fertility were observed in one study at doses in excess of the human dose; natalizumab did not affect male fertility. It is considered unlikely that natalizumab will affect fertility performance in humans following the maximum recommended dose.

Tysabri has a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Dizziness may occur following administration of natalizumab (see section 4.8).

Summary of the safety profile

 

The safety profile observed for natalizumab administered subcutaneously was consistent with the known safety profile of natalizumab administered intravenously, with the exception of injection site pain. The overall frequency of injection site pain was common 4% (3/71) for subjects receiving natalizumab 300 mg, every 4 weeks, by subcutaneous administration.  

 

In placebo-controlled trials in 1,617 MS patients treated with natalizumab (intravenous infusion), for up to 2 years (placebo: 1,135), adverse events leading to discontinuation of therapy occurred in 5.8% of patients treated with natalizumab (placebo: 4.8%). Over the 2‑year duration of the studies, 43.5% of patients treated with natalizumab reported adverse reactions (placebo: 39.6%).

 

In clinical trials in 6786 patients treated with natalizumab (intravenous infusion and subcutaneous injection), the most frequently occurring adverse reactions were headache (32%), nasopharyngitis (27%), fatigue (23%), urinary tract infection (16%), nausea (15%), arthralgia (14%), and dizziness (11%) associated with natalizumab administration.

 

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

 

Adverse reactions arising from clinical studies, post-authorisation safety studies and spontaneous reports are presented in Table 1 below. Within the system organ classes they are listed under the following headings: 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); Very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

 

Table 1: Adverse reactions

 

MedDRA System Organ Class	Frequency of adverse reactions
	Very Common	Common	Uncommon	Rare	Not known
Infections and infestations	Nasopharyngitis Urinary tract infection	Herpes infection	Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy	Herpes ophthalmic	Meningoencephalitis herpetic JC virus granule cell neuropathy Necrotising herpetic retinopathy
Immune system disorders		Hypersensitivity	Anaphylactic reaction Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
Blood and lymphatic system disorders		Anaemia	Thrombocytopenia, Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), Eosinophilia	Haemolytic anaemia Nucleated red cells
Hepatobiliary disorders				Hyperbilirubinaemia	Liver injury
Investigations		Hepatic enzyme increased Drug specific antibody present
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications	Infusion related reaction
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders		Dyspnoea
Gastrointestinal disorders	Nausea	Vomiting
General disorders and administration site conditions	Fatigue	Pyrexia  Chills Infusion site reaction Injection site reaction	Face oedema
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders		Pruritus Rash Urticaria		Angioedema
Vascular disorders		Flushing
Nervous system disorders	Dizziness Headache
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders	Arthralgia

 

 

Description of selected adverse reactions

 

Hypersensitivity reactions

 

Hypersensitivity reactions usually occurred within one hour after completion of the subcutaneous injections. The number of patients analysed in the DELIVER and REFINE studies was low (see section 5.1).

 

In 2-year controlled clinical trials in MS patients receiving natalizumab intravenously, hypersensitivity reactions occurred in up to 4% of patients. Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions occurred in less than 1% of patients receiving this medicinal product. Hypersensitivity reactions usually occurred during the infusion or within the 1‑hour period after the completion of the infusion (see section 4.4). In post-marketing experience, there have been reports of hypersensitivity reactions which have occurred with one or more of the following associated symptoms: hypotension, hypertension, chest pain, chest discomfort, dyspnoea, angioedema, in addition to more usual symptoms such as rash and urticaria.

 

Immunogenicity

 

In 10% of patients antibodies against natalizumab were detected in 2-year controlled clinical trials in MS patients receiving natalizumab intravenously. Persistent anti-natalizumab antibodies (one positive test reproducible on retesting at least 6 weeks later) developed in approximately 6% of patients. Antibodies were detected on only one occasion in an additional 4% of patients. Persistent antibodies were associated with a substantial decrease in the effectiveness of natalizumab and an increased incidence of hypersensitivity reactions. Additional infusion-related reactions associated with persistent antibodies included rigors, nausea, vomiting and flushing (see section 4.4). In the 32-week DELIVER study in MS patients with no prior exposure to natalizumab, persistent anti-natalizumab antibodies developed in 1 subject (4%) from 26 subjects who received natalizumab subcutaneously.  Antibodies were detected on only one occasion in another 5 subjects (19%). In the 60-week REFINE study in MS patients, no subjects (136 subjects) who switched from natalizumab intravenous administration to subcutaneous administration had detectable ADA during the study (see section 5.1).  

 

If, after approximately 6 months of therapy, persistent antibodies are suspected, either due to reduced efficacy or due to occurrence of infusion-related events, they may be detected and confirmed with a subsequent test 6 weeks after the first positive test. Given that efficacy may be reduced or the incidence of hypersensitivity or infusion-related reactions may be increased in a patient with persistent antibodies, treatment should be discontinued in patients who develop persistent antibodies.

 

Infections, including PML and opportunistic infections

 

In 2-year controlled clinical trials in MS patients, the rate of infection was approximately 1.5 per patient‑year in both natalizumab (intravenously)- and placebo‑treated patients. The nature of the infections was generally similar in natalizumab- and placebo‑treated patients. A case of cryptosporidium diarrhoea was reported in MS clinical trials. In other clinical trials, cases of additional opportunistic infections have been reported, some of which were fatal. The majority of patients did not interrupt natalizumab therapy during infections and recovery occurred with appropriate treatment.

 

In clinical trials (intravenous formulation), herpes infections (Varicella-Zoster virus, Herpes-simplex virus) occurred slightly more frequently in natalizumab-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients. In post-marketing experience, serious, life-threatening, and sometimes fatal cases of encephalitis and meningitis caused by herpes simplex or varicella zoster have been reported in multiple sclerosis patients receiving natalizumab. The duration of treatment with natalizumab prior to onset ranged from a few months to several years (see section 4.4).

 

In postmarketing experience, rare cases of ARN have been observed in patients receiving  this medicinal product. Some cases have occurred in patients with central nervous system (CNS) herpes infections (e.g. herpes meningitis and encephalitis). Serious cases of ARN, either affecting one or both eyes, led to blindness in some patients. The treatment reported in these cases included anti-viral therapy and in some cases, surgery (see section 4.4).

 

Cases of PML have been reported from clinical trials, post-marketing observational studies and post-marketing passive surveillance. PML usually leads to severe disability or death (see section 4.4). Cases of JCV GCN have also been reported during postmarketing use of this medicinal product Symptoms of JCV GCN are similar to PML.

 

Hepatic events

 

Spontaneous cases of serious liver injuries, increased liver enzymes, hyperbilirubinaemia have been reported during the post-marketing phase (see section 4.4).

 

Anaemia and haemolytic anaemia

 

Rare, serious cases of anaemia and haemolytic anaemia have been reported in patients treated with natalizumab in post-marketing observational studies.

 

Malignancies

 

No differences in incidence rates or the nature of malignancies between natalizumab- and placebo‑treated patients were observed over 2 years of treatment. However, observation over longer treatment periods is required before any effect of natalizumab on malignancies can be excluded (see section 4.3).

 

Effects on laboratory tests

 

In 2-year controlled clinical trials in MS patients treatment with natalizumab was associated with increases in circulating lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils and nucleated red blood cells. Elevations in neutrophils were not seen. Increases from baseline for lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils ranged from 35% to 140% for individual cell types but mean cell counts remained within normal ranges with intravenous infusion administration. During treatment with this medicinal product, small reductions in haemoglobin (mean decrease 0.6 g/dL), haematocrit (mean decrease 2%) and red blood cell counts (mean decrease 0.1 x 10⁶/L) were seen. All changes in haematological variables returned to pre‑treatment values, usually within 16 weeks of last dose of the medicinal product and the changes were not associated with clinical symptoms. In post-marketing experience, there have also been reports of eosinophilia (eosinophil count >1,500/mm³) without clinical symptoms. In such cases where therapy was discontinued the elevated eosinophil levels resolved.

 

Thrombocytopenia

In post-marketing experience, thrombocytopenia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) have been reported with uncommon frequency.

 

Paediatric population

 

Serious adverse events were evaluated in 621 MS paediatric patients included in a meta-analysis (see also section 5.1). Within the limitations of these data, there were no new safety signals identified in this patient population. 1 case of herpes meningitis was reported in the meta-analysis. No cases of PML were identified in the meta-analysis, however, PML has been reported in natalizumab-treated paediatric patients in the post-marketing setting.

 

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

 

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system.

 

To report any side effect (s):

 

·    Saudi Arabia:

 

·         The National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC):

 

-                 SFDA Call Center: 19999

-                 E-mail: npc.drug@sfda.gov.sa

-                 Website: https://ade.sfda.gov.sa

 

 

• Other GCC States:

 

 

-     Please contact the relevant competent authority.

 

Safety of doses higher than 300 mg has not been adequately evaluated. The maximum amount of natalizumab that can be safely administered has not been determined.

 

There is no known antidote for natalizumab overdose. Treatment consists of discontinuation of the medicinal product and supportive therapy as needed.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Immunosuppressants, selective immunosuppressants, ATC code: L04AA23

 

Pharmacodynamic effects

 

Natalizumab is a selective adhesion-molecule inhibitor and binds to the α4‑subunit of human integrins, which is highly expressed on the surface of all leukocytes, with the exception of neutrophils. Specifically, natalizumab binds to the α4β1 integrin, blocking the interaction with its cognate receptor, vascular cell adhesion molecule‑1 (VCAM‑1), and ligands osteopontin, and an alternatively spliced domain of fibronectin, connecting segment‑1 (CS‑1). Natalizumab blocks the interaction of α4β7 integrin with the mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule‑1 (MadCAM‑1). Disruption of these molecular interactions prevents transmigration of mononuclear leukocytes across the endothelium into inflamed parenchymal tissue. A further mechanism of action of natalizumab may be to suppress ongoing inflammatory reactions in diseased tissues by inhibiting the interaction of α4‑expressing leukocytes with their ligands in the extracellular matrix and on parenchymal cells. As such, natalizumab may act to suppress inflammatory activity present at the disease site, and inhibit further recruitment of immune cells into inflamed tissues.

 

In MS, lesions are believed to occur when activated T‑lymphocytes cross the blood‑brain barrier (BBB). Leukocyte migration across the BBB involves interaction between adhesion molecules on inflammatory cells and endothelial cells of the vessel wall. The interaction between α4β1 and its targets is an important component of pathological inflammation in the brain and disruption of these interactions leads to reduced inflammation. Under normal conditions, VCAM‑1 is not expressed in the brain parenchyma. However, in the presence of pro‑inflammatory cytokines, VCAM‑1 is upregulated on endothelial cells and possibly on glial cells near the sites of inflammation. In the setting of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation in MS, it is the interaction of α4β1 with VCAM‑1, CS‑1 and osteopontin that mediates the firm adhesion and transmigration of leukocytes into the brain parenchyma and may perpetuate the inflammatory cascade in CNS tissue. Blockade of the molecular interactions of α4β1 with its targets reduces inflammatory activity present in the brain in MS and inhibits further recruitment of immune cells into inflamed tissue, thus reducing the formation or enlargement of MS lesions.

 

Based on PK/α4β1 integrin binding relationships established in the updated population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodymanic model, the EC50 of natalizumab binding to α4β1 integrin is estimated to be 2.5 mg/L. There was no difference in α4β1integrin binding after natalizumab 300 mg every 4 weeks was administered subcutaneously or intravenously.

 

Clinical efficacy

 

Based on similarities in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between intravenous and subcutaneous administration, the efficacy data from intravenous infusion is provided as well as those from patients receiving the subcutaneous injection.

 

AFFIRM clinical study

 

Efficacy as monotherapy for intravenous infusion has been evaluated in one randomised, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled study lasting 2 years (AFFIRM study) in RRMS patients who had experienced at least 1 clinical relapse during the year prior to entry and had a Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 0 and 5. Median age was 37 years, with a median disease duration of 5 years. The patients were randomised with a 2:1 ratio to receive natalizumab 300 mg (n = 627) or placebo (n = 315) every 4 weeks for up to 30 infusions. Neurological evaluations were performed every 12 weeks and at times of suspected relapse. MRI evaluations for T1‑weighted gadolinium (Gd)‑enhancing lesions and T2‑hyperintense lesions were performed annually.

 

Study features and results are presented in the Table 2.

 

Table 2.  AFFIRM study: Main features and results
Design	Monotherapy; randomised double-blind placebo-controlled parallel-group trial for 120 weeks
Subjects	RRMS (McDonald criteria)
Treatment	Placebo / Natalizumab 300 mg i.v. every 4 weeks
One year endpoint	Relapse rate
Two year endpoint	Progression on EDSS
Secondary endpoints	Relapse rate derived variables / MRI-derived variables
Subjects	Placebo	Natalizumab
Randomised	315	627
Completing 1 years	296	609
Completing 2 years	285	589
Age yrs, median (range)	37 (19-50)	36 (18-50)
MS-history yrs, median (range)	6.0 (0-33)	5.0 (0-34)
Time since diagnosis, yrs median (range)	2.0 (0-23)	2.0 (0-24)
Relapses in previous 12 months, median (range)	1.0 (0-5)	1.0 (0-12)
EDSS-baseline, median (range)	2 (0-6.0)	2 (0-6.0)
RESULTS
Annual relapse rate
After one year (primary endpoint)	0.805	0.261
After two years	0.733	0.235
One year	Rate ratio 0.33 CI95% 0.26 ; 0.41
Two years	Rate ratio 0.32 CI95% 0.26 ; 0.40
Relapse free
After one year	53%	76%
After two years	41%	67%
Disability
Proportion progressed1(12-week confirmation; primary outcome)	29%	17%
	Hazard ratio 0.58, CI95% 0.43; 0.73, p<0.001
Proportion progressed1(24-week confirmation)	23%	11%
	Hazard ratio 0.46, CI95% 0.33; 0.64, p<0.001
MRI (0-2 years)
Median % change in T2-hyperintense lesion volume	+8.8%	-9.4% (p<0.001)
Mean number of new or newly-enlarging T2‑hyperintense lesions	11.0	1.9 (p<0.001)
Mean number of T1-hypointense lesions	4.6	1.1 (p<0.001)
Mean number of Gd-enhancing lesions	1.2	0.1 (p<0.001)
1 Progression of disability was defined as at least a 1.0 point increase on the EDSS from a baseline EDSS >=1.0 sustained for 12 or 24 weeks or at least a 1.5 point increase on the EDSS from a baseline EDSS =0 sustained for 12 or 24 weeks.

 

In the sub-group of patients indicated for treatment of rapidly evolving RRMS (patients with 2 or more relapses and 1 or more Gd+ lesion), the annualised relapse rate was 0.282 in the natalizumab-treated group (n = 148) and 1.455 in the placebo group (n = 61) (p < 0.001). Hazard ratio for disability progression was 0.36 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.76) p = 0.008. These results were obtained from a post hoc analysis and should be interpreted cautiously. No information on the severity of the relapses before inclusion of patients in the study is available.

 

Tysabri Observational Program (TOP)

 

Interim analysis of results (as of May 2015) from the ongoing Tysabri Observational Program (TOP), a phase 4, multicentre, single-arm study (n = 5,770) demonstrated that patients switching from beta interferon (n= 3,255) or glatiramer acetate (n = 1,384) to Tysabri showed a sustained, significant decrease in annualised relapse rate (p < 0.0001). Mean EDSS scores remained stable over 5 years. Consistent with efficacy results observed for patients switching from beta interferon or glatiramer acetate to Tysabri, for patients switching from fingolimod (n = 147) to this medicinal product, a significant decrease in annualised relapse rate (ARR) was observed, which remained stable over 2 years, and mean EDSS scores remained similar from baseline to Year 2. The limited sample size and shorter duration of natalizumab exposure for this subgroup of patients should be considered when interpreting these data.

Paediatric population

 

A post-marketing meta-analysis was conducted using data from 621 paediatric MS patients treated with natalizumab (median age 17 years, range was 7 to 18 years, 91% aged ≥14 years). Within this analysis, a limited subset of patients with data available prior to treatment (158 of the 621 patients) demonstrated a reduction in ARR from 1.466 (95% CI 1.337, 1.604) prior to treatment to 0.110 (95% CI 0.094, 0.128).

 

Extended interval dosing

 

In a pre-specified, retrospective analysis of US anti-JCV antibody positive Tysabri patients intravenously administered (TOUCH registry), the risk of PML was compared between patients treated with the approved dosing interval and patients treated with extended interval dosing as identified in the last 18 months of exposure (EID, average dosing intervals of approximately 6 weeks). The majority (85%) of patients dosed with EID had received the approved dosing for ≥1 year prior to switching to EID. The interim analysis showed a lower risk of PML in patients treated with EID (hazard ratio = 0.06, 95% CI of hazard ratio = 0.01 to 0.22). The efficacy of this medicinal product when administered with EID has not been established, and therefore the benefit/risk balance of EID is unknown (see section 4.4).

 

Efficacy has been modelled for patients who switch to longer dosing after ≥1 year of approved dosing with this medicinal product under intravenous administration and who did not experience a relapse in the year prior to switching. Current pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic statistical modelling and simulation indicate that the risk of MS disease activity for patients switching to longer dosing intervals may be higher for patients with body weight >80kg or those with dosing intervals ≥7 weeks. No prospective clinical studies have been completed to validate these findings.

 

No clinical data are available on either the safety or efficacy of this extended interval dosing with the subcutaneous route of administration.

 

REFINE clinical study (subcutaneous formulation, population pre-treated with natalizumab [intravenous infusion] for a minimum of 12 months)

 

Subcutaneous administration was assessed in a randomised, blinded, parallel-group, phase 2 study (REFINE) exploring the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of multiple regimens of natalizumab (300 mg intravenous every 4 weeks, 300 mg subcutaneous every 4 weeks, 300 mg intravenous every 12 weeks, 300 mg subcutaneous every 12 weeks, 150 mg intravenous every 12 weeks and 150 mg subcutaneous every 12 weeks) in adult subjects (n=290) with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis conducted over a 60 week period.  Subjects had received natalizumab for at least 12 months and were free from replapse for 12 months prior to randomisation.  The primary objective of this study was to explore the effects of multiple regimens of natalizumab on disease activity and safety in subjects with RRMS.The primary endpoint of this study was the cumulative number of combined unique active (CUA) MRI lesions (sum of new Gd+ lesions on brain MRI and new or newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions not associated with Gd+ on T1 weighted scans). The mean CUA for the 300 mg subcutaneous every 4 week arm was low (0.02) and comparable to the 300 mg intravenous every 4 weeks arm (0.23). The CUA in the every 12 week treatment arms was significantly higher than the every 4 week treatment arms resulting in the early discontinuation of the every 12 week arms. Due to the exploratory nature of this study, no formal efficacy comparisons were made.

 

DELIVER clinical study (subcutaneous formulation, natalizumab naïve population)

 

The efficacy and safety of natalizumab for subcutaneous administration in the natalizumab naïve MS population was evaluated in a phase 1 randomised, open-label, dose-ranging study (DELIVER). 12 subjects with RRMS and 14 subjects with secondary progressive MS were enrolled in the subcutaneous treatment arms. The study’s primary objective was to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of single subcutaneous or intramuscular 300-mg doses of natalizumab with intravenous infusion 300-mg doses of natalizumab in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Secondary objectives included investigation of the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of repeated subcutaneous and intramuscular natalizumab doses. An exploratory endpoint of this study included the number of new Gd+ lesions on brain MRI from baseline to Week 32.  None of the subjects treated with natalizumab had any Gd+ lesions post-baseline, regardless of their disease stage (RRMS or secondary progressive MS), assigned route of administration, or the presence of Gd+ lesions at baseline. Across the RRMS and secondary progressive MS populations, 2 patients in the natalizumab 300 mg subcutaneous group experienced relapses compared to 3 patients in the natalizumab 300 mg intravenous infusion group. Small sample sizes and inter- and intra-patient variability prevent meaningful comparisons of efficacy data between groups.

The pharmacokinetics of natalizumab after subcutaneous administration was evaluated in 2 studies. DELIVER was a phase 1, randomised, open-label, dose-ranging study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous and intramuscular natalizumab in subjects with MS (RRMS or secondary progressive MS) (n = 76). (see section 5.1 for a description of the REFINE study).

 

An updated population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted consisting of 11 studies (conducted with subcutaneously and intravenously administered natalizumab) and data with serial PK sampling as measured by an industry standard assay. It included over 1,286 subjects receiving doses ranging from 1 to 6 mg/kg and fixed doses of 150/ 300 mg.

 

Absorption

 

The absorption from the injection site to systemic circulation following SC administration was characterised by first order absorption with a model estimated delay of 3 hours. No covariates were identified.

 

The bioavailability of natalizumab after subcutaneous administration was 82% as estimated using the updated population pharmacokinetic analysis. After SC administration of 300 mg natalizumab, peak values (Cmax) were reached by approximately 1 week (tmax: 5.8 days, range from 2 to 7.9 days).

 

 The mean Cmax for RRMS participants was 35.44 μg/mL (range 22.0 to 47.8 μg/mL) being 33% of the peak values achieved following IV administration.

 

Multiple subcutaneous doses of 300 mg administered every 4 weeks resulted in comparable C_trough to 300 mg administered intravenously every 4 weeks. The predicted time to steady-state was approximately 24 weeks. In both intravenous and subcutaneous administration of natalizumab (every 4 weeks) C_trough values resulted in comparable α4β1 integrin binding.

 

Distribution

 

Both intravenous and subcutaneous routes of administration shared the same disposition PK parameters (CL, V_ss and t_½) and same sets of covariates as described in the updated population pharmacokinetic analysis.

 

Median steady-state volume of distribution was 5.58 L (5.27-5.92 L, 95% confidence interval).

 

Elimination

 

Population median estimate for linear clearance was 6.21 mL/h (5.60-6.70 mL/h, 95% confidence interval) and the estimated median half-life was 26.8 days. The 95^th percentile interval of the terminal half-life is from 11.6 to 46.2 days.

 

The population analysis of 1,286 patients explored the effects of selected covariates including body weight, age, gender, presence of anti-natalizumab antibodies and formulation on pharmacokinetics. Only body weight, the presence of anti-natalizumab antibodies and the formulation used in phase 2 studies were found to influence natalizumab disposition. Natalizumab clearance increased with body weight in a less than proportional manner, such that a +/-43% change in body weight resulted in only a -38% to 36% change in clearance. The presence of persistent anti-natalizumab antibodies increased natalizumab clearance approximately 2.54-fold, consistent with reduced serum natalizumab concentrations observed in persistently antibody-positive patients.

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity and genotoxicity.

 

Consistent with the pharmacological activity of natalizumab, altered trafficking of lymphocytes was seen as white blood cell increases as well as increased spleen weights in most in vivo studies. These changes were reversible and did not appear to have any adverse toxicological consequences.

 

In studies conducted in mice, growth and metastasis of melanoma and lymphoblastic leukaemia tumour cells was not increased by the administration of natalizumab.

 

No clastogenic or mutagenic effects of natalizumab were observed in the Ames or human chromosomal aberration assays. Natalizumab showed no effects on in vitro assays of α4‑integrin‑positive tumour line proliferation or cytotoxicity.

 

Reductions in female guinea pig fertility were observed in one study at doses in excess of the human dose; natalizumab did not affect male fertility.

 

The effect of natalizumab on reproduction was evaluated in 5 studies, 3 in guinea pigs and 2 in cynomolgus monkeys. These studies showed no evidence of teratogenic effects or effects on growth of offspring. In one study in guinea pigs, a small reduction in pup survival was noted. In a study in monkeys, the number of abortions was doubled in the natalizumab 30 mg/kg treatment groups versus matching control groups. This was the result of a high incidence of abortions in treated groups in the first cohort that was not observed in the second cohort. No effects on abortion rates were noted in any other study. A study in pregnant cynomolgus monkeys demonstrated natalizumab‑related changes in the foetus that included mild anaemia, reduced platelet counts, increased spleen weights and reduced liver and thymus weights. These changes were associated with increased splenic extramedullary haematopoiesis, thymic atrophy and decreased hepatic haematopoiesis. Platelet counts were also reduced in offspring born to mothers treated with natalizumab until parturition, however there was no evidence of anaemia in these offspring. All changes were observed at doses in excess of the human dose and were reversed upon clearance of natalizumab.

 

In cynomolgus monkeys treated with natalizumab until parturition, low levels of natalizumab were detected in the breast milk of some animals.

Sodium phosphate, monobasic, monohydrate

Sodium phosphate, dibasic, heptahydrate

Sodium chloride

Polysorbate 80 (E 433)

Water for injections

In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.

2 years

Store in a refrigerator (2˚C ‑ 8˚C).

Do not freeze.

Keep the syringe in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

 

The pre-filled syringes (PFS) can be kept in their original packaging for up to 24 hours at room temperature (up to 25^o C). The PFS must not be returned to refrigeration. Do not use external heat sources such as hot water to warm the PFS.

Each PFS consists of a pre-filled syringe made of glass (Type 1A) with a rubber stopper and thermoplastic rigid needle shield, containing 1 mL of solution. A 27 gauge needle is pre-affixed to the syringe. Each PFS has a needle guard system that will automatically cover the exposed needle when the plunger is fully depressed.

 

Pack size of two PFS per carton.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local

requirements.