Tecfidera (Dimethyl Fumarate)

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Tecfidera (Dimethyl Fumarate) CENTER FOR DRUG EVALUATION AND RESEARCH Approval Package for: APPLICATION NUMBER: NDA 204063/S-10 Trade Name: Tecfidera Generic Name: Dimethyl fumarate Sponsor: Biogen IDEC Inc. Approval Date: December 03, 2014 Indications: For the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. CENTER FOR DRUG EVALUATION AND RESEARCH APPLICATION NUMBER: NDA 204063/S-10 CONTENTS Reviews / Information Included in this NDA Review. Approval Letter X Approvable Letter Labeling X Summary Review X Officer/Employee List Office Director Memo Cross Discipline Team Leader Review Medical Review(s) Chemistry Review(s) Environmental Assessment Pharmacology Review(s) Statistical Review(s) Microbiology Review(s) Clinical Pharmacology/Biopharmaceutics Review(s) Risk Assessment and Risk Mitigation Review(s) Proprietary Name Review(s) Other Review(s) X Administrative/Correspondence Document(s) X CENTER FOR DRUG EVALUATION AND RESEARCH APPLICATION NUMBER: NDA 204063/S-10 APPROVAL LETTER NDA 204063/S-003, 008, and 010 Page 2 We also acknowledge receipt of your amendments to NDA 204063/S-003 dated February 21, 2014 and November 19, 2014; NDA 204063/S-008 dated August 25, 2014, October 17, 2014, October 23, 2014, and October 29, 2014; and NDA 204063/S-010 dated November 7, 2014, November 25, 2014, November 26, 2014, and December 3, 2014. APPROVAL & LABELING We have completed our review of these supplemental applications, as amended. They are approved, effective on the date of this letter, for use as recommended in the enclosed, agreed- upon labeling text. CONTENT OF LABELING As soon as possible, but no later than 14 days from the date of this letter, submit the content of labeling [21 CFR 314.50(l)] in structured product labeling (SPL) format using the FDA automated drug registration and listing system (eLIST), as described at http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/DataStandards/StructuredProductLabeling/default.htm. Content of labeling must be identical to the enclosed labeling (text for the package insert, text for the patient package insert), with the addition of any labeling changes in pending “Changes Being Effected” (CBE) supplements, as well as annual reportable changes not included in the enclosed labeling. Information on submitting SPL files using eList may be found in the guidance for industry titled “SPL Standard for Content of Labeling Technical Qs and As at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/DrugsGuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Guidances/U CM072392.pdf. The SPL will be accessible from publicly available labeling repositories. Also within 14 days, amend all pending supplemental applications that include labeling changes for this NDA, including CBE supplements for which FDA has not yet issued an action letter, with the content of labeling [21 CFR 314.50(l)(1)(i)] in MS Word format, that includes the changes approved in these supplemental applications, as well as annual reportable changes and annotate each change. To facilitate review of your submission, provide a highlighted or marked- up copy that shows all changes, as well as a clean Microsoft Word version. The marked-up copy should provide appropriate annotations, including supplement number(s) and annual report date(s). PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS You may request advisory comments on proposed introductory advertising and promotional labeling. To do so, submit the following, in triplicate, (1) a cover letter requesting advisory comments, (2) the proposed materials in draft or mock-up form with annotated references, and (3) the package insert(s) to: Reference ID: 3666921 NDA 204063/S-003, 008, and 010 Page 3 Food and Drug Administration Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Office of Prescription Drug Promotion (OPDP) 5901-B Ammendale Road Beltsville, MD 20705-1266 You must submit final promotional materials and package insert(s), accompanied by a Form FDA 2253, at the time of initial dissemination or publication [21 CFR 314.81(b)(3)(i)]. Form FDA 2253 is available at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/ReportsManualsForms/Forms/UCM083570.pdf. Information and Instructions for completing the form can be found at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/ReportsManualsForms/Forms/UCM375154.pdf. For more information about submission of promotional materials to the Office of Prescription Drug Promotion (OPDP), see http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDER/ucm090142.htm. All promotional materials that include representations about your drug product must be promptly revised to be consistent with the labeling changes approved in these supplements, including any new safety information [21 CFR 314.70(a)(4)]. The revisions in your promotional materials should include prominent disclosure of the important new safety information that appears in the revised package labeling. Within 7 days of receipt of this letter, submit your statement of intent to comply with 21 CFR 314.70(a)(4) to the address above or by fax to 301-847-8444. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS We remind you that you must comply with reporting requirements for an approved NDA (21 CFR 314.80 and 314.81). If you have any questions, contact Laurie Kelley, PA-C, Regulatory Project Manager, via telephone at (301) 796-5068 or via email at [email protected]. Sincerely, {See appended electronic signature page} Billy Dunn, M.D. Acting Director Division of Neurology Products Office of Drug Evaluation I Center for Drug Evaluation and Research ENCLOSURE(S): Content of Labeling Reference ID: 3666921 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a representation of an electronic record that was signed electronically and this page is the manifestation of the electronic signature. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- /s/ ---------------------------------------------------- WILLIAM H Dunn 12/03/2014 Reference ID: 3666921 CENTER FOR DRUG EVALUATION AND RESEARCH APPLICATION NUMBER: NDA 204063/S-10 LABELING Tecfidera NDA 204063/S-003, S-008, S-010 FDA Approved Labeling Text 12/3/14 HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION ___________________ CONTRAINDICATIONS ___________________ These highlights do not include all the information needed to use Known hypersensitivity to dimethyl fumarate or any of the excipients of TECFIDERA safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for TECFIDERA. (4) TECFIDERA. _______________ _______________ WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS TECFIDERA® (dimethyl fumarate) delayed-release capsules, for oral use • Anaphylaxis and angioedema: Discontinue and do not restart TECFIDERA Initial U.S. Approval: 2013 if these occur. (5.1) • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): Withhold _________________ RECENT MAJOR CHANGES _________________ TECFIDERA at the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML. (5.2) Dosage and Administration, Dosing Information (2.1) 12/2014 • Lymphopenia: Obtain a CBC including lymphocyte count before initiating TECFIDERA, after 6 months, and every 6 to 12 months thereafter. Contraindications (4) 12/2014 9 Warnings and Precautions, Anaphylaxis and Angioedema (5.1) 12/2014 Consider interruption of TECFIDERA if lymphocyte counts <0 5 x 10 /L Warnings and Precautions, PML (5.2) 12/2014 persist for more than six months. (5.3) Warnings and Precautions, Lymphopenia (5.3) 12/2014 ___________________ ADVERSE REACTIONS ___________________ Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥10% and ≥2% placebo) were __________________ INDICATIONS AND USAGE _________________ flushing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. (6.1) TECFIDERA is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Biogen Idec at 1-800-456-2255 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. _______________ ______________ DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ______________ _______________ • Starting dose: 120 mg twice a day, orally, for 7 days (2.1) USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Maintenance dose after 7 days: 240 mg twice a day, orally (2.1) Pregnancy: based on animal data, may cause fetal harm. (8.1) • Swallow TECFIDERA capsules whole and intact. Do not crush, chew, or sprinkle capsule contents on food (2 1) See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA- • Take TECFIDERA with or without food (2.1) approved patient labeling Revised: 12/2014 ______________ DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS _____________ Delayed-release capsules: 120 mg and 240 mg (3) FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS* 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE 8.5 Geriatric Use 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 11 DESCRIPTION 2.1. Dosing Information 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 2.2 Blood Test Prior to Initiation of Therapy 12.1 Mechanism of Action 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS 12.2 Pharmacodynamics 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS 12.3 Pharmacokinetics 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY 5.1 Anaphylaxis and Angioedema 13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility 5.2 Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy 13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology 5.3 Lymphopenia 14 CLINICAL STUDIES 5.4 Flushing 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS *Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not 8.1 Pregnancy listed. 8.3 Nursing Mothers 8.4 Pediatric Use 1 Reference ID: 3666921 Tecfidera NDA 204063/S-003, S-008, S-010 FDA Approved Labeling Text 12/3/14 FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE TECFIDERA is indicated for the treatment of patients
Recommended publications
  • Dimethyl Fumarate Or Any of the Excipients of TECFIDERA Safely and Effectively
    HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION ___________________ CONTRAINDICATIONS ___________________ These highlights do not include all the information needed to use Known hypersensitivity to dimethyl fumarate or any of the excipients of TECFIDERA safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for TECFIDERA. (4) TECFIDERA. _______________ _______________ WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS TECFIDERA® (dimethyl fumarate) delayed-release capsules, for oral use • Anaphylaxis and angioedema: Discontinue and do not restart TECFIDERA Initial U.S. Approval: 2013 if these occur. (5.1) • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): Withhold _________________ RECENT MAJOR CHANGES _________________ TECFIDERA at the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML. (5.2) Dosage and Administration, Blood Test Prior to • Lymphopenia: Obtain a CBC including lymphocyte count before initiating TECFIDERA, after 6 months, and every 6 to 12 months thereafter. Initiation of Therapy (2.2) 1/2017 9 Warnings and Precautions, PML (5.2) 2/2016 Consider interruption of TECFIDERA if lymphocyte counts <0.5 x 10 /L Warnings and Precautions, Liver Injury (5.4) 1/2017 persist for more than six months. (5.3) • Liver injury: Obtain serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels before initiating TECFIDERA and during treatment, __________________ INDICATIONS AND USAGE _________________ as clinically indicated. Discontinue TECFIDERA if clinically significant TECFIDERA is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of liver injury induced by TECFIDERA is suspected. (5.4) multiple sclerosis (1) _______________ DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ______________ ___________________ ADVERSE REACTIONS ___________________ • Starting dose: 120 mg twice a day, orally, for 7 days (2.1) Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥10% and ≥2% placebo) were • Maintenance dose after 7 days: 240 mg twice a day, orally (2.1) flushing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.
    [Show full text]
  • COMPARISON of the WHO ATC CLASSIFICATION & Ephmra/Intellus Worldwide ANATOMICAL CLASSIFICATION
    COMPARISON OF THE WHO ATC CLASSIFICATION & EphMRA/Intellus Worldwide ANATOMICAL CLASSIFICATION: VERSION June 2019 2 Comparison of the WHO ATC Classification and EphMRA / Intellus Worldwide Anatomical Classification The following booklet is designed to improve the understanding of the two classification systems. The development of the two systems had previously taken place separately. EphMRA and WHO are now working together to ensure that there is a convergence of the 2 systems rather than a divergence. In order to better understand the two classification systems, we should pay attention to the way in which substances/products are classified. WHO mainly classifies substances according to the therapeutic or pharmaceutical aspects and in one class only (particular formulations or strengths can be given separate codes, e.g. clonidine in C02A as antihypertensive agent, N02C as anti-migraine product and S01E as ophthalmic product). EphMRA classifies products, mainly according to their indications and use. Therefore, it is possible to find the same compound in several classes, depending on the product, e.g., NAPROXEN tablets can be classified in M1A (antirheumatic), N2B (analgesic) and G2C if indicated for gynaecological conditions only. The purposes of classification are also different: The main purpose of the WHO classification is for international drug utilisation research and for adverse drug reaction monitoring. This classification is recommended by the WHO for use in international drug utilisation research. The EphMRA/Intellus Worldwide classification has a primary objective to satisfy the marketing needs of the pharmaceutical companies. Therefore, a direct comparison is sometimes difficult due to the different nature and purpose of the two systems.
    [Show full text]
  • Hpra Drug Safety 66Th Newsletter Edition
    FEBRUARY 2015 HPRA DRUG SAFETY 66TH NEWSLETTER EDITION 3 Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) and 4 Direct Healthcare Professional In this Edition Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) - New warnings Communications published on about the risks of hypogammaglobulinaemia the HPRA website since the last 1 Eligard (leuprorelin acetate depot injection) and bronchiectasis Drug Safety Newsletter - Risk of lack of efficacy due to incorrect reconstitution and administration process 4 Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) - Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) has 2 Beta interferons – Risk of thrombotic occurred in a patient with severe microangiopathy and nephrotic syndrome and prolonged lymphopenia Eligard (leuprorelin acetate depot injection) - Risk of lack of efficacy due to incorrect reconstitution and administration process Following identification of a signal and safe treatment of patients with It is available in six-monthly (45mg), of administration errors with Eligard prostate cancer. Lack of efficacy may three-monthly (22.5mg) and one- and concerns that such errors may occur due to incorrect reconstitution monthly (7.5mg) formulations. In impact on clinical efficacy, this issue of Eligard. the majority of patients, androgen was reviewed at EU level by the deprivation therapy (ADT) with Eligard Eligard is indicated for the treatment Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment results in testosterone levels below the of hormone dependent advanced Committee (PRAC). A cumulative standard castration threshold (<50ng/ prostate cancer and for the treatment review of reported global cases dL; <1.7 nmol/L); and in most cases, of high risk localised and locally identified errors related to storage, patients reach testosterone levels advanced hormone dependent preparation and reconstitution of below <20ng/dL. prostate cancer in combination Eligard.
    [Show full text]
  • Dimethyl Fumarate and Progressive Multifocal Leucoencephalopathy (PML)
    Dimethyl fumarate and progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy (PML) Introduction Dimethyl fumarate Psorinovo® is not registered through the Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB). It is a compounded drug made by GMP compounding pharmacy Mierlo Hout in the Netherlands, and used for the indication psoriasis [1]. Psorinovo® has been compounded by pharmacy Mierlo Hout for 28 years. According to Dutch law Mierlo Hout pharmacy is regarded as a supplying-pharmacy. ® Dimethyl fumarate, registered as Tecfidera , was granted marketing authorization in the Netherlands on 30 January 2014 and is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis [2]. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a severe demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by reactivation of the polyomavirus JC (JC virus). Asymptomatic primary infection with the JC virus occurs in childhood, antibodies can be found in 86% of adults. PML occurs almost exclusively in immunosuppressed individuals. There were only isolated cases reported of PML in patients without apparent immunosuppression. However, there are reports of PML affecting patients who have conditions associated with minimal or occult immunosuppression, such as hepatic cirrhosis and renal failure [3]. PML has also been reported in patients treated with drugs such as belatacept, brentuximab, efalizumab, fludarabine, glucocorticoids, infliximab, mycophenolate, rituximab, ruxolitinib and natalizumab. In some cases, these drugs were used in combination with other immunosuppressive medications (eg, cyclophosphamide, leflunomide, methotrexate). Many of the patients had an underlying hematologic malignancy or collagen vascular disease [3]. There is no specific treatment for PML. The main approach is restoring the host adaptive immune response, a strategy that appears to prolong survival.
    [Show full text]
  • Patent No.: US 8952006 B2
    USOO8952006B2 (12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8,952,006 B2 Cundy et al. (45) Date of Patent: *Feb. 10, 2015 (54) MORPHOLINOALKYL FUMARATE FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS COMPOUNDS, PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS, AND METHODS OF USE W. wo.5: 886 WO WO O2/O55063 T 2002 (71) Applicant: XenoPort, Inc., Santa Clara, CA (US) WO WO O2/O55066 T 2002 WO WOO3,087.174 10, 2003 (72) Inventors: Kenneth C. Cundy, Redwood City, CA WO WO 2005/023241 3, 2005 WO WO 2005/027899 3, 2005 (US); Suresh K. Manthati, Sunnyvale, WO WO 2006/037342 4/2006 CA (US); David J. Wustrow, Los Gatos, WO WO 2006/122652 11, 2006 CA (US) WO WO 2007/042034 4/2007 WO 2010/022177 A2 2, 2010 (73) Assignee: XenoPort, Inc., Santa Clara, CA (US) WO 2014/0964.25 A2 6, 2014 (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this OTHER PUBLICATIONS patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 20th edition (1996), vol. 2, pp. 2050 2057.* spent is Subject to a terminal dis- Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 20th edition (1996), vol. 2, pp. 1992 1996.* (21) Appl. No.: 13/761,864 Ey's statisfy it to (22) Filed: Feb. 7, 2013 com/2003/HEALTH/conditions/09/24/alzheimers.drug.ap/index. e f 9 html>. (65) Prior Publication Data Atreya et al., NF-kB in inflammatory bowel disease, J Intern Med (2008), 263(6): 591-6. US 2013/02O3753 A1 Aug. 8, 2013 Bardgett et al., NMDA receptor blockade and hippocampal neuronal loss impair fear conditioning and position habit reversal in C57B1/6 mice, Brain Res Bull (2003), 60: 131-142.
    [Show full text]
  • The Age-Related Efficacy of Dimethyl Fumarate and Natalizumab in the Real-World Management of Multiple Sclerosis
    pharmaceuticals Article The Age-Related Efficacy of Dimethyl Fumarate and Natalizumab in the Real-World Management of Multiple Sclerosis Roberto De Masi 1,2 , Stefania Orlando 1,* and Antonella De Donno 3 1 Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Multiple Sclerosis Centre, “F. Ferrari” Hospital, 73042 Casarano, Lecce, Italy; [email protected] 2 Complex Operative Unit of Neurology, “F. Ferrari” Hospital, 73042 Casarano, Lecce, Italy 3 Laboratory of Hygiene, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of the Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +39-0833-508-412 Abstract: We investigated the comparative age-related efficacy of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and natalizumab (NTZ) in clinical practice on multiple sclerosis (MS). Research in this area is lacking in the previous literature. In a three-year retrospective and clinical–paraclinical study, we compared 173 DMF patients and 94 NTZ patients with a similar average age (40 years) and disease duration (DD) (10 years). Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were higher in the NTZ group than in the DMF group at 3.5 vs. 2.5, respectively (p = 0.001). However, in both groups, age values correlated with DD (r = 0.42; p < 0.001), EDSS (r = 0.52; p < 0.001) and age at onset (r = 0.18; p < 0.001). Furthermore, age-adjusted Kaplan–Meier curves showed that NTZ-treated subjects maintained a 1.0–3.0 EDSS status score (p = 0.003) more frequently and a 3.5–7.0 score (p = 0.022) significantly less frequently compared with DMF-treated subjects.
    [Show full text]
  • CVS Specialty® Pharmacy Distribution Drug List Providing One of the Broadest Offerings of Specialty Pharmaceuticals in the Industry
    July 2021 Updated Quarterly CVS Specialty® Pharmacy Distribution Drug List Providing one of the broadest offerings of specialty pharmaceuticals in the industry The CVS Specialty Pharmacy Distribution Drug List is a guide of medications available and distributed through CVS Specialty. Our goal is to help make your life better. With more than 40 years of experience, CVS Specialty provides quality care and service. Our network of pharmacies includes certifications and accreditations from the Joint Commission, Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC), the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). These nationally recognized symbols reflect an organization’s commitment to meet highest standards of quality, compliance and safety. This list is updated quarterly. Below brand-name products are in CAPS, and generic products are shown in lowercase italics. Prospective Patients: Ready to get started? Enroll to get your medications from CVS Specialty. Health Care Providers: Visit the CVS Specialty website to download enrollment forms or call 1-800-237-2767 (TTY: 711). Therapy Class Brand Name Generic Name Acromegaly BYNFEZIA PEN octreotide acetate (SANDOSTATIN) SANDOSTATIN SANDOSTATIN LAR SOMATULINE DEPOT SOMAVERT Alcohol/Opioid Dependency PROBUPHINE IMPLANT KIT SUBLOCADE VIVITROL Allergen Immunotherapy ORALAIR PALFORZIA Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency ARALAST NP GLASSIA ZEMAIRA Amyloidosis ONPATTRO VYNDAMAX VYNDAQEL Anemia ARANESP EPOGEN PROCRIT REBLOZYL RETACRIT Asthma CINQAIR DUPIXENT FASENRA NUCALA XOLAIR Atopic Dermatitis DUPIXENT Botulinum Toxins DYSPORT MYOBLOC XEOMIN Cardiac Disorders ARCALYST dofetilide (TIKOSYN) TIKOSYN Specialty and non-specialty products distributed by CVS Specialty, as well as products covered by a member’s prescription or medical benefit plan, may change from time to time.
    [Show full text]
  • Ozanimod to Treat Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis: a Comprehensive Review of Disease, Drug Efficacy and Side Effects
    Review Ozanimod to Treat Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis: A Comprehensive Review of Disease, Drug Efficacy and Side Effects Grace Lassiter 1,*, Carlie Melancon 2, Tyler Rooney 2 , Anne-Marie Murat 2, Jessica S. Kaye 3, Adam M. Kaye 3 , Rachel J. Kaye 4, Elyse M. Cornett 5, Alan D. Kaye 5, Rutvij J. Shah 5,6, Omar Viswanath 5,7,8,9 and Ivan Urits 5,10 1 School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA 2 School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA; [email protected] (C.M.); [email protected] (T.R.); [email protected] (A.-M.M.) 3 Department of Pharmacy Practice, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA; [email protected]fic.edu (J.S.K.); akaye@pacific.edu (A.M.K.) 4 School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; [email protected] 5 Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA; [email protected] (E.M.C.); [email protected] (A.D.K.); [email protected] (R.J.S.); [email protected] (O.V.); [email protected] (I.U.) 6 Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA 7 College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85724, USA 8 Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68124, USA 9 Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants—Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA 10 Southcoast Health, Southcoast Physicians Group Pain Medicine, Wareham, MA 02571, USA * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 23 October 2020; Accepted: 1 December 2020; Published: 3 December 2020 Abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent and debilitating neurologic condition characterized by widespread neurodegeneration and the formation of focal demyelinating plaques in the central nervous system.
    [Show full text]
  • Safety of Newer Disease Modifying Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis
    Review Safety of Newer Disease Modifying Therapies in Multiple Sclerosis Georges Jalkh 1,2 , Rachelle Abi Nahed 1,2, Gabrielle Macaron 1,2,3 and Mary Rensel 3,* 1 Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Saint Joseph, Beirut B.P. 11-5076, Lebanon; [email protected] (G.J.); [email protected] (R.A.N.); [email protected] (G.M.) 2 Department of Neurology, Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital, Beirut 16-6830, Lebanon 3 Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-216-312-4219 Abstract: In the past decade, the therapeutic arsenal for multiple sclerosis has expanded greatly. Newer more potent disease modifying therapies (DMTs) with varying mechanisms of actions are increasingly used early in the disease course. These newer DMTs include oral therapies (terifluno- mide, dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, siponimod, ozanimod, and cladribine) and infusion therapies (natalizumab, alemtuzumab, and ocrelizumab), and are associated with better control of disease ac- tivity and long-term outcomes in patients with MS compared to older injectable therapies (interferon beta and glatiramer acetate). However, they are associated with safety concerns and subsequent monitoring requirements. Adverse events are initially observed in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, and further long-term data are collected in phase 3 extension studies, case series, and post-marketing reports, which highlight the need to periodically re-evaluate and adjust monitoring strategies to optimize treatment safety in an individualized approach. Keywords: multiple sclerosis; disease modifying therapies; safety; long-term outcomes Citation: Jalkh, G.; Abi Nahed, R.; 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Dimethyl Fumarate (Tecfidera)
    Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) This factsheet is about dimethyl fumarate, a MRI scans that MS is active. These signs include disease modifying therapy (DMT) for relapsing new ‘lesions’ (areas of damage) in your brain. multiple sclerosis (MS). At the end of this So you can take dimethyl factsheet you’ll find out where you can get more information on this drug, other drugs for fumarate if you have: MS and the benefits of early treatment. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: • relapsing MS and you’ve had a recent relapse This factsheet doesn’t cover everything about and/or MRI scans show new signs that your this drug and shouldn’t be used in place of MS is active (you have new ‘lesions’) advice from your MS specialist team. For more information speak to them and read the In England you can have this drug if: online information from the drug’s makers (see • you’ve had two relapses in the last two years the section More information and support). Whether you’ll be offered this drug depends on if you qualify for it based on guidelines used by your neurologist. These come from What is dimethyl the Association of British Neurologists (ABN) and NICE. In England there are rules from NHS fumarate? England about who can have the different DMTs In 2012 a trial showed that a drug called BG-12 and when. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland used for psoriasis, a skin problem, also worked also have their own guidelines for many DMTs. against MS. If you can have a drug also depends on whether In 2013 it was given the new name of dimethyl the NHS where you live will pay for it.
    [Show full text]
  • Tecfidera (Dimethyl Fumarate)
    <Date> Tecfidera® (dimethyl fumarate): Updated recommendations in the light of cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in the setting of mild lymphopenia Dear Healthcare Professional, In agreement with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the [National Competent Authority] Biogen Netherlands B.V. would like to inform you of important updated information to help minimise the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in patients treated with Tecfidera. Summary • Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in the setting of mild lymphopenia (lymphocyte count ≥ 0.8 ×109/L and below the lower limit of normal) have been reported in patients treated with Tecfidera; previously, PML had been confirmed only in the setting of moderate to severe lymphopenia. • Tecfidera is contraindicated in patients with suspected or confirmed PML. • Tecfidera should not be initiated in patients with severe lymphopenia (lymphocyte counts < 0.5 ×109/L). • If the lymphocyte count is below the normal range, a thorough assessment of possible causes should be completed before initiating treatment with Tecfidera. • Tecfidera should be discontinued in patients with severe lymphopenia (lymphocyte counts < 0.5 ×109/L) persisting for more than 6 months. • If a patient develops PML, Tecfidera must be permanently discontinued. • Advise patients to inform their partner or caregivers about their treatment and symptoms suggestive of PML, since they may notice symptoms of which the patient is not aware. Background on the safety concern Tecfidera is authorised in the European Union for the treatment of adults with relapsing- remitting multiple sclerosis. Tecfidera may cause lymphopenia: in clinical trials lymphocyte counts decreased by approximately 30% of baseline value during treatment.
    [Show full text]
  • Zāļu Patēriņa Statistika 2018
    fa ZĀĻU PATĒRIŅA STATISTIKA STATISTICS ON MEDICINES CONSUMPTION 2018 ZĀĻU VALSTS AĢENTŪRA STATE AGENCY OF MEDICINES 2019 Autors/ Author: Zāļu valsts aģentūra Sagatavoja/ Prepared by: A. Seilis, E. Gailīte Izdevējs/ Publisher: Zāļu valsts aģentūra/ State Agency of Medicines© 2019 Izmantojot šajā grāmatā publicētos datus, jānorāda datu avots When using or quoting the data included in this issue, please indicate the source SATURS Ievads .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Metode ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Rezultāti .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 9 1. Iedzīvotāju skaits Latvijā no 2014. līdz 2018. gadam ................................................................................................................... 9 2. Licencēto zāļu lieltirgotavu skaits ................................................................................................................................................ 9 3. Reģistrēto zāļu kopējais apgrozījums pēdējos 5 gados ..............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]