Takeda’s GAMMAGARD LIQUID® Approved by U.S. FDA for Adults with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

• New Indication Delivers on Takeda’s Commitment to Expanding its Broad and Diverse Immunoglobulin (IG) Portfolio to Meet the Needs of People Living with CIDP
• Approval Supported by Phase 3 ADVANCE-CIDP Open-label Study Data Demonstrating Safety and Efficacy as an Intravenous Therapy for Adults with CIDP
• GAMMAGARD LIQUID [Immune Globulin Infusion (Human) 10% Solution] is the Only Intravenous IG (IVIG) Approved for the Treatment of Multiple Neuromuscular Disorder Indications in the U.S.

Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved GAMMAGARD LIQUID^® [Immune Globulin Infusion (Human) 10% solution] as an intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy to improve neuromuscular disability and impairment in adults with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).¹ It can be used as induction therapy, which includes an induction dose followed by maintenance doses.¹ For treatment of CIDP, GAMMAGARD LIQUID has not been studied in immunoglobulin-naive patients nor as maintenance therapy for periods longer than six months.¹

This milestone follows the recent FDA approval of HYQVIA^® [Immune Globulin Infusion 10% (Human) with Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase] for maintenance therapy to prevent the relapse of neuromuscular disability and impairment in adults with CIDP.² HYQVIA is the only combination of immunoglobulin (IG) and hyaluronidase, which makes it a facilitated subcutaneous IG infusion.²

“The approval of GAMMAGARD LIQUID for treatment of CIDP is an encouraging validation of our decades-long commitment to advancing plasma-derived therapies on behalf of people living with rare neuromuscular disorders and bringing our portfolio of differentiated IG therapies to these patients,” said Richard Ascroft, senior vice president and head of Takeda’s U.S. Plasma-Derived Therapies Business Unit. “Together with the recent HYQVIA approval in the U.S., we can now offer induction and maintenance therapy options to adults living with CIDP that may accommodate their personal treatment needs.”

The approval is based on results from a prospective, open-label, single-arm, multicenter clinical study (ADVANCE-CIDP 2) that evaluated the efficacy and safety of GAMMAGARD LIQUID in adults with CIDP who developed a relapse in the randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study evaluating efficacy, safety and tolerability of HYQVIA (ADVANCE-CIDP 1) in adults with CIDP. Efficacy in ADVANCE-CIDP 2 was based on responder rate, where a responder was defined as a subject who demonstrated an improvement of functional disability. The responder rate was 94.4% (N=18, 95% CI: 74.2% to 99.0%). Improvement in grip strength and change in Rasch-built Overall Disability Scale (R-ODS) score were recorded across participants.¹

The most common adverse reactions observed in ≥5% of clinical study patients were headache, pyrexia, anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, illness, blood creatinine increased, dizziness, migraine, somnolence, tremor, nasal dryness, abdominal pain upper, vomiting, chills, nasopharyngitis and pain in extremity.¹

CIDP is a rare, acquired, immune-mediated neuromuscular disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system.^3,4 It is characterized by progressive, symmetric symptoms such as weakness, tingling or loss of feeling in distal and proximal limbs, loss of reflexes and difficulty walking.³ Because its symptoms may overlap with other rare, neuromuscular conditions, CIDP may be misdiagnosed.⁵ The mechanism of action of immunoglobulins in the treatment of CIDP in adults has not been fully elucidated but may include immunomodulatory effects.¹

“As the standard of care for the treatment of CIDP, IG therapy is thought to help normalize compromised immune systems through immunomodulatory mechanisms,” said Dr. Mamatha Pasnoor, professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. “Because CIDP is a progressive and complex disease, multiple treatment options are needed, and clinicians now have an additional therapy that can help adults with CIDP manage their disease.”

GAMMAGARD LIQUID is the only IVIG with multiple neuromuscular disorder indications in the U.S. since it is now approved for CIDP and it is the only FDA-approved IVIG to treat multifocal motor neuropathy as a maintenance therapy to improve muscle strength and disability in adults.¹ It is also indicated in the U.S. as a replacement therapy for people two years of age or older living with primary immunodeficiency.¹

About GAMMAGARD LIQUID 

GAMMAGARD LIQUID^® [Immune Globulin Infusion (Human) 10% solution] is an intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) that is infused into the veins. GAMMAGARD LIQUID is approved in the U.S. as an IG therapy to improve neuromuscular disability and impairment in adult patients with CIDP, as a replacement therapy for primary immunodeficiency (PI) in adult and pediatric patients two years of age and older, and as a maintenance therapy to improve muscle strength and disability in adult patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). Also known as KIOVIG outside the U.S. and Canada, it is approved in 66 countries worldwide.

About HYQVIA 

HYQVIA^® [Immune Globulin Infusion 10% (Human) with Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase] is a liquid medicine containing Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase and immunoglobulin (IG) and is approved in the U.S. to treat adults and children two years of age and older with primary immunodeficiency (PI), and as maintenance therapy to prevent relapse of neuromuscular disability and impairment in adult patients with CIDP. It is also approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as a replacement therapy in adults, children and adolescents with PI and with secondary immunodeficiency (SID) who suffer from severe or recurrent infections, ineffective antimicrobial treatment, and either proven specific antibody failure (PSAF) or serum IgG level of <4 g/L. HYQVIA is infused under the skin into the fatty subcutaneous tissue. HYQVIA contains IG collected from human plasma. IG are antibodies that maintain the body’s immune system. The hyaluronidase part of HYQVIA facilitates the dispersion and absorption of IG in the subcutaneous space between the skin and the muscle. HYQVIA is infused up to once a month (every two, three or four weeks for CIDP; every three or four weeks for PI).

About ADVANCE-CIDP 2 

ADVANCE-CIDP 2 was a prospective, open-label, single-arm, multicenter clinical study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of GAMMAGARD LIQUID in adults with CIDP who developed a relapse in the randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study evaluating efficacy, safety and tolerability of HYQVIA (ADVANCE-CIDP 1) in adults with CIDP. The 18 patients who relapsed during ADVANCE-CIDP 1 were offered enrollment in ADVANCE-CIDP 2.

GAMMAGARD LIQUID was administered at an induction dose of 2 g/kg body weight, followed by maintenance infusions at every three weeks for a period of six months. The dose of GAMMAGARD LIQUID treatment could be adjusted at the investigator's discretion. Adjustments to the dosing interval of every three weeks were not allowed. All subjects completed the study. All dosed subjects were analyzed for efficacy and safety. Efficacy of ADVANCE-CIDP 2 was based on responder rate, where a responder is defined as subjects who had at least a one-point decrease in the adjusted Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) disability score at the completion of the treatment period (six months). The responder rate was 94.4% (N=18, 95% CI: 74.2% to 99.0%). The INCAT score returned to baseline values prior to joining the study in 17 of the 18 subjects (94.4%) at six months. All subjects had improvement in functional ability as defined by a composite outcome metrics that included INCAT score, grip strength, or Rasch-built Overall Disability Scale (R-ODS) score.

Further information about the ADVANCE-CIDP 2 study is available at ClinicalTrials.gov under study identifier NCT02549170.

INDICATIONS 

GAMMAGARD LIQUID is indicated as replacement therapy for Primary Humoral Immunodeficiency (PI) in adult and pediatric patients ≥2 years, as a maintenance therapy to improve muscle strength and disability in adult patients with Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN), and as a therapy to improve neuromuscular disability and impairment in adult patients with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP).

LIMITATIONS OF USE (CIDP): GAMMAGARD LIQUID has not been studied in immunoglobulin-naive patients with CIDP. GAMMAGARD LIQUID maintenance therapy in CIDP has not been studied for periods longer than 6 months. After responding during an initial treatment period, not all patients require indefinite maintenance therapy with GAMMAGARD LIQUID in order to remain free of CIDP symptoms. Individualize the duration of any treatment beyond 6 months based upon the patient’s response and demonstrated need for continued therapy.

HYQVIA is indicated for the treatment of Primary Immunodeficiency (PI) in adults and pediatric patients two years of age and older and for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) as maintenance therapy to prevent relapse of neuromuscular disability and impairment in adults.

HYQVIA is for subcutaneous use only. 

GAMMAGARD LIQUID for PI is for intravenous or subcutaneous use. 

GAMMAGARD LIQUID for MMN and CIDP is for intravenous use only.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: THROMBOSIS

HYQVIA and GAMMAGARD LIQUID

• Thrombosis may occur with immune globulin (IG) products, including HYQVIA and GAMMAGARD LIQUID. Risk factors may include advanced age, prolonged immobilization, hypercoagulable conditions, history of venous or arterial thrombosis, use of estrogens, indwelling vascular catheters, hyperviscosity, and cardiovascular risk factors. Thrombosis may occur in the absence of known risk factors.
• For patients at risk of thrombosis, administer HYQVIA and GAMMAGARD LIQUID at the minimum dose and infusion rate practicable. Ensure adequate hydration in patients before administration.
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of thrombosis and assess blood viscosity in patients at risk of hyperviscosity.

WARNING: RENAL DYSFUNCTION and ACUTE RENAL FAILURE

GAMMAGARD LIQUID

• Renal dysfunction, acute renal failure, osmotic nephrosis, and death may occur in predisposed patients with immune globulin intravenous (IGIV) products, including GAMMAGARD LIQUID. Patients predisposed to renal dysfunction include those with any degree of pre-existing renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, age greater than 65, volume depletion, sepsis, paraproteinemia, or patients receiving known nephrotoxic drugs. Renal dysfunction and acute renal failure occur more commonly in patients receiving IGIV products containing sucrose. GAMMAGARD LIQUID does not contain sucrose.

Contraindications

• HYQVIA and GAMMAGARD LIQUID are contraindicated in patients with a history of anaphylactic or severe systemic hypersensitivity reactions to human IG, and IgA-deficient patients with antibodies to IgA and a history of hypersensitivity to human IG. Anaphylaxis has been reported with intravenous (IV) use of GAMMAGARD LIQUID.
• Additionally, HYQVIA is contraindicated in patients with known systemic hypersensitivity to hyaluronidase including Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase of HYQVIA, and known systemic hypersensitivity to human albumin (in the hyaluronidase solution).

Warnings and Precautions 

Hypersensitivity: Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur, even in patients who have tolerated previous treatment with human IG. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue infusion immediately and institute appropriate treatment. IgA-deficient patients with antibodies to IgA are at greater risk of developing potentially severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Renal Dysfunction/Failure: Acute renal dysfunction/failure, acute tubular necrosis, proximal tubular nephropathy, osmotic nephrosis, and death may occur with IV use of IG products, especially those containing sucrose. Acute renal dysfunction/failure has been reported in association with infusions of GAMMAGARD LIQUID. Ensure patients are not volume depleted prior to infusion. In patients at risk due to pre-existing renal insufficiency or predisposition to acute renal failure, assess renal function before initiation and throughout treatment, and consider lower, more frequent dosing. If renal function deteriorates, consider discontinuation.

Thrombosis: Has been reported to occur following treatment with IG products, including HYQVIA and in the absence of known risk factors. In patients at risk, administer at the minimum dose and infusion rate practicable. Ensure adequate hydration before administration. Monitor for signs and symptoms of thrombosis and assess blood viscosity in patients at risk for hyperviscosity.

Aseptic Meningitis Syndrome: Has been reported with use of IG, including HYQVIA and may occur more frequently in females. Conduct a thorough neurological exam on patients exhibiting signs and symptoms, to rule out other causes of meningitis. Discontinuing IG treatment has resulted in remission within several days without sequelae. The syndrome usually begins within several hours to two days following IG treatment.

Hemolysis: HYQVIA and GAMMAGARD LIQUID contain blood group antibodies, which may cause a positive direct antiglobulin reaction and hemolysis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hemolysis and delayed hemolytic anemia and, if present, perform appropriate confirmatory lab testing.

Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury: Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema has been reported with IV-administered IG, including GAMMAGARD LIQUID. Monitor patients for pulmonary adverse reactions. If suspected, perform appropriate tests for presence of anti-neutrophil and anti-HLA antibodies in both product and patient serum. May be managed using oxygen therapy with adequate ventilatory support.

Transmittable Infectious Agents: Because HYQVIA and GAMMAGARD LIQUID are made from human plasma, they may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents (e.g., viruses, other pathogens). No confirmed cases of viral transmission of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) have been associated with GAMMAGARD LIQUID, and no cases have been associated with HYQVIA.

Interference with Lab Tests: False positive serological test results and certain assay readings, with the potential for misleading interpretation, may occur as the result of passively transferred antibodies.

Additional Warnings and Precautions for HYQVIA 

Immunogenicity of Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase (rHuPH20): Non-neutralizing antibodies to the Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase component can develop. The clinical significance of these antibodies or whether they interfere with fertilization in humans is unknown.

Spread of Localized Infection: Do not infuse HYQVIA into or around an infected area due to potential risk of spreading a localized infection.

Additional Warnings and Precautions for GAMMAGARD LIQUID 

Hyperproteinemia, increased serum viscosity, and hyponatremia may occur. It is critical to distinguish true hyponatremia from a pseudohyponatremia because certain treatments may lead to volume depletion, a further increase in serum viscosity, and a predisposition to thromboembolic events.

Adverse Reactions 

HYQVIA 

The most common adverse reactions observed in >5% of patients in the clinical trials were: 

PI: local adverse reactions including pain, erythema, edema, and pruritus, and systemic adverse reactions including, headache, antibody formation against Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase (rHuPH20), fatigue, nausea, pyrexia, and vomiting. 

CIDP: local reactions, headache, pyrexia, nausea, fatigue, erythema, pruritus, increased lipase, abdominal pain, back pain, and pain in extremity.

GAMMAGARD LIQUID 

The most serious adverse reactions observed in clinical studies in PI was aseptic meningitis, and in MMN were pulmonary embolism and blurred vision.

The most common adverse reactions observed in ≥5% of patients in the clinical trials were: 

IV administration for PI: Headache, fatigue, pyrexia, nausea, chills, rigors, pain in extremity, diarrhea, migraine, dizziness, vomiting, cough, urticaria, asthma, pharyngolaryngeal pain, rash, arthralgia, myalgia, oedema peripheral, pruritus, and cardiac murmur. 

Subcutaneous administration for PI: Infusion site (local) event (rash, erythema, edema, hemorrhage, and irritation), headache, fatigue, heart rate increased, pyrexia, abdominal pain upper, nausea, vomiting, asthma, blood pressure systolic increased, diarrhea, ear pain, aphthous stomatitis, migraine, oropharyngeal pain, and pain in extremity. 

IV administration for MMN: Headache, chest discomfort, muscle spasms, muscular weakness, nausea, oropharyngeal pain, and pain in extremity. 

IV administration for CIDP: Headache, pyrexia, anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, illness, blood creatinine increased, dizziness, migraine, somnolence, tremor, nasal dryness, abdominal pain upper, vomiting, chills, nasopharyngitis, and pain in extremity.

Drug Interactions 

Passive transfer of antibodies may transiently interfere with the immune responses to live attenuated virus vaccines (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella).

Use In Specific Populations 

Pregnancy: Limited human data are available on the use of HYQVIA during pregnancy. The effects of antibodies to the Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase on the human embryo or fetal development are unknown. It is not known whether HYQVIA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or if it can affect reproductive capacity. HYQVIA should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

For Full U.S. Prescribing Information for GAMMAGARD LIQUID, please visit: https://www.shirecontent.com/PI/PDFs/GAMLIQUID_USA_ENG.pdf

For Full U.S. Prescribing Information for HYQVIA, please visit: https://www.shirecontent.com/PI/PDFs/HYQVIA_USA_ENG.pdf

About Takeda 

Takeda is focused on creating better health for people and a brighter future for the world. We aim to discover and deliver life-transforming treatments in our core therapeutic and business areas, including gastrointestinal and inflammation, rare diseases, plasma-derived therapies, oncology, neuroscience and vaccines. Together with our partners, we aim to improve the patient experience and advance a new frontier of treatment options through our dynamic and diverse pipeline. As a leading values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, we are guided by our commitment to patients, our people and the planet. Our employees in approximately 80 countries and regions are driven by our purpose and are grounded in the values that have defined us for more than two centuries. For more information, visit www.takeda.com.

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Medical Information 

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¹ GAMMAGARD LIQUID^® [Immune Globulin Infusion (Human) 10% solution] U.S. Prescribing Information. https://www.shirecontent.com/PI/PDFs/GAMLIQUID_USA_ENG.pdf

² HYQVIA^® [Immune Globulin Infusion 10% (Human) with Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase] U.S. Prescribing Information. https://www.shirecontent.com/PI/PDFs/HYQVIA_USA_ENG.pdf

³ Dalakas MC. Nat Rev Neurol. 2011;7(9):507–17. 

⁴ GBS CIDP Foundation International. Voice of the Patient Report. August 26, 2022. www.gbs-cidp.org. Accessed August 2022. 

⁵ Broers MC, Bunschoten C, Nieboer D, Lingsma HF, Jacobs BC. Eur J Neurol. 2021;28(6):2065-2073.

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