CSL Behring, Leader in Rare Diseases, Showcases Innovations in Neuromuscular Medicine (NMM) at the 2018 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting

- CSL Behring will host an industry therapeutic update highlighting findings from the PATH trial, the largest clinical trial in CIDP, and present key poster presentations featuring advances in the field of NMM

- Exhibition booth (#846) will feature interactive simulation exercises allowing attendees to experience typical CIDP symptoms

- CSL Behring is now the only company to offer a portfolio of biologics to address the unique needs of CIDP patients in the US - Hizentra®, the first and only subcutaneous immunoglobulin option for CIDP patients and Privigen®, the No.1 intravenous immunoglobulin used in hospitals is now available for CIDP patients

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CSL Behring

Apr 20, 2018, 08:30 ET

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., April 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Global biotherapeutics leader CSL Behring today announced that it will host an Industry Therapeutic Update at the 2018 annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) which will focus on neuromuscular medical research from the PATH (Polyneuropathy and Treatment with Hizentra) study, the largest ever CIDP trial. In addition, CSL Behring will support two scientific poster presentations and host an exhibit booth, #846, where attendees will have the opportunity to go through a simulation to understand some common CIDP symptoms from a patient perspective.

Privigen Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), 10% Liquid

"CSL Behring has a long history in delivering on its promise to develop immunoglobulin replacement therapies that treat rare conditions related to the immune system and we are committed to bringing those treatments to neurologists," said Debra Bensen-Kennedy, MD, Vice President for Medical Affairs, North America, CSL Behring. "Our significant presence at this year's AAN meeting signals our formal entry into the field of Neurology in the US, with a specific focus on neuromuscular medicine."

During Monday's Industry Therapeutic Update, "A PATH FORWARD IN PERIPHERAL NEUROIMMUNOLOGY: A Subcutaneous Alternative for Patients With Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)" (April 23, 7 p.m. PDT, Orpheum Ballroom, Hotel Indigo Los Angeles) leading expert Ericka Simpson, M.D., will share highlights from the PATH study. She will be joined by Chafic Karam, M.D., and CIDP patient and advocate Elizabeth Thirtyacre as they share their experiences with the CIDP patient journey and treatment approach. The program will also include a live demonstration of a subcutaneous infusion by infusion science specialist Melody Bullock, BS, BSN, MS, IgCN, CRNI.

Posters summarizing research supported by CSL Behring will be presented during the meeting, including:

Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) IgPro10 in CIDP: the PRIMA and PATH studies. (Mielke, Van Schaik, et al.) Poster P1.153 (Poster Session 1, Sunday, April 22, 4:00-5:30 p.m.)
Electrophysiological Testing in Patients With Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Treated With Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin: The PATH Study (Bril, Van Schaik, et al.) Poster P1.433 (Poster Session 1, Sunday, April 22, 4:00-5:30 p.m.)

About CIDP
In CIDP, a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nerves (those outside the brain and spinal cord), the myelin sheath, the protective covering of the nerves, is damaged. This may result in numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, fatigue, and other symptoms. CIDP effects can worsen over time, leading to significant activity limitations and a decreased quality of life. CIDP can occur at any age and is more common in men than in women. Approximately 30 percent of CIDP patients will progress to wheelchair dependence if not treated. In the U.S., it is estimated that the incidence of CIDP is up to two patients per 100,000 people each year,[i] with a prevalence of 40,000 people affected.^{^[ii]}

About Hizentra^®Hizentra (Immune Globulin Subcutaneous [Human] 20% Liquid), the first 20 percent subcutaneous immunoglobulin developed for subcutaneous use, is registered in over 51 countries and approved to treat certain immune deficiencies. Hizentra, the world's most prescribed subcutaneous immunoglobulin, has a proven track record of safety, efficacy, and tolerability and has over 4.8 million exposures worldwide since 2010.

Important Safety Information for the U.S.
Hizentra^®, Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human), 20% Liquid, is indicated for:

Treatment of primary immunodeficiency (PI) in adults and pediatric patients 2 years and older.
Maintenance therapy in adults with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) to prevent relapse of neuromuscular disability and impairment.

Limitation of use: Maintenance therapy in CIDP has been systematically studied for 6 months and for a further 12 months in a follow-up study. Continued maintenance beyond these periods should be individualized based on patient response and need for continued therapy.

For subcutaneous infusion only.

WARNING: Thrombosis may occur with immune globulin products, including Hizentra. 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.
For patients at risk of thrombosis, administer Hizentra 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 for hyperviscosity.

Hizentra is contraindicated in patients with a history of anaphylactic or severe systemic reaction to human immune globulin (Ig) or components of Hizentra (eg, polysorbate 80), as well as in patients with immunoglobulin A deficiency with antibodies against IgA and a history of hypersensitivity. Because Hizentra contains L-proline as stabilizer, use in patients with hyperprolinemia is contraindicated.

IgA-deficient patients with anti-IgA antibodies are at greater risk of severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions. Thrombosis may occur following treatment with Ig products, including Hizentra.

Monitor patients for aseptic meningitis syndrome (AMS), which may occur following treatment with Ig products, including Hizentra. In patients at risk of acute renal failure, monitor renal function, including blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and urine output. In addition, monitor patients for clinical signs of hemolysis or pulmonary adverse reactions (eg, transfusion-related acute lung injury [TRALI]).

Hizentra is derived from human blood. The risk of transmission of infectious agents, including viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent and its variant (vCJD), cannot be completely eliminated.

The most common adverse reactions (observed in ≥5% of study subjects) were local infusion-site reactions, as well as headache, diarrhea, fatigue, back pain, nausea, extremity pain, cough, upper respiratory tract infection, rash, pruritus, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, migraine, arthralgia, pain, fall, and nasopharyngitis.

The passive transfer of antibodies can interfere with response to live virus vaccines and lead to misinterpretation of serologic test results.

Full Hizentra prescribing information can be found at http://labeling.cslbehring.com/PI/US/Hizentra/EN/Hizentra-Prescribing-Information.pdf.

About Privigen^®Privigen^® (Immune Globulin Intravenous [Human] 10% Liquid) is the first and only 10 percent, ready to use, room-temperature stored, liquid intravenous immunoglobulin stabilized with proline. A naturally occurring amino acid, proline has been shown to reduce IgG aggregation and dimer formation. Privigen has been approved to treat CIDP in Europe since 2013. In the U.S., Privigen is also approved for primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI) and chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in patients age 15 years and older. It is available in 80 countries around the world for treating these and other rare diseases.

Important Safety Information for the U.S.
Privigen^®,Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), 10% Liquid, is indicated for the treatment of:

Primary humoral immunodeficiency (PI)
Chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in patients age 15 years and older
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in adults

Limitation of use: maintenance therapy in CIDP has not been studied for periods longer than 6 months. Individualize duration of treatment beyond 6 months based on patient response.

WARNING: THROMBOSIS, RENAL DYSFUNCTION AND ACUTE RENAL FAILURE

Thrombosis may occur with immune globulin products, including Privigen. 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.
Renal dysfunction, acute renal failure, osmotic nephrosis, and death may occur with immune globulin intravenous (IGIV) products in predisposed patients. Renal dysfunction and acute renal failure occur more commonly in patients receiving IGIV products that contain sucrose. Privigen does not contain sucrose.
For patients at risk of thrombosis, renal dysfunction or renal failure, administer Privigen 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 for hyperviscosity.

See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Privigen is contraindicated in patients with history of anaphylactic or severe systemic reaction to human immune globulin, in patients with hyperprolinemia, and in IgA-deficient patients with antibodies to IgA and a history of hypersensitivity.

In patients at risk of developing acute renal failure, monitor urine output and renal function, including blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine.

Hyperproteinemia, increased serum viscosity, or hyponatremia can occur with Privigen. Infrequently, aseptic meningitis syndrome (AMS) may occur—especially with high doses or rapid infusion.

Hemolysis, either intravascular or due to enhanced red blood cell sequestration, may occur. Risk factors include non-O blood group and high doses. Closely monitor patients for hemolysis and hemolytic anemia.

During and shortly following Privigen infusion, elevations of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (including cases of hypertensive urgency) have been observed. These elevations resolved or significantly improved within hours with oral anti-hypertensive therapy or observation alone. Check patients for a history of hypertension and monitor blood pressure during this period.

Consider relative risks and benefits before prescribing high-dose regimen for chronic ITP and CIDP in patients at increased risk of thrombosis, hemolysis, acute kidney injury or volume overload. Monitor patients for pulmonary adverse reactions (transfusion-related acute lung injury [TRALI]).

Privigen is derived from human plasma. The risk of transmission of infectious agents, including viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent and its variant (vCJD), cannot be completely eliminated.

In clinical studies of patients with PI, the most common adverse reactions to Privigen, observed in >5% of subjects, were headache, fatigue, nausea, chills, vomiting, back pain, pain, elevated body temperature, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, stomach discomfort, chest pain, joint swelling/effusion, influenza-like illness, pharyngolaryngeal pain, urticaria, and dizziness. Serious adverse reactions were hypersensitivity, chills, fatigue, dizziness, and increased body temperature.

In clinical studies of patients being treated for chronic ITP, the most common adverse reactions, seen in >5% of subjects, were laboratory findings consistent with hemolysis, headache, elevated body temperature, anemia, nausea, and vomiting. A serious adverse reaction was aseptic meningitis syndrome.

In clinical studies of patients being treated for CIDP, the most common reactions, observed in >5% of subjects, were headache, asthenia, hypertension, nausea, pain in extremity, hemolysis, influenza-like illness, leukopenia, and rash. Serious adverse reactions were hemolysis, exacerbation of CIDP, acute rash, increased diastolic blood pressure, hypersensitivity, pulmonary embolism, respiratory failure, and migraine.

Treatment with Privigen might interfere with a patient's response to live virus vaccines and could lead to misinterpretation of serologic testing. In patients over 65 and those at risk of renal insufficiency, do not exceed recommended dose and infuse at the minimum rate practicable.

Full Privigen prescribing information, including the complete boxed warning, can be found at http://www.privigen.com/prescribing-information.

About CSL Behring
CSL Behring is a global biotherapeutics leader driven by its promise to save lives. Focused on serving patients' needs by using the latest technologies, we develop and deliver innovative therapies that are used to treat coagulation disorders, primary immune deficiencies, hereditary angioedema, inherited respiratory disease, and neurological disorders. The company's products are also used in cardiac surgery, organ transplantation, burn treatment and to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn.

CSL Behring operates one of the world's largest plasma collection networks, CSL Plasma. The parent company, CSL Limited (ASX:CSL), headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, employs nearly 20,000 people, delivering its life-saving therapies to people in more than 60 countries. For more information visit www.cslbehring.com and follow us on www.Twitter.com/CSLBehring.

ⁱ Laughlin R.S. et al. Incidence and prevalence of CIDP and the association of diabetes mellitus. Neurology. 7;73(1):39-45.
ⁱⁱ American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (2017). Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. http://www.aanem.org/Patients/Disorders/Chronic-Inflammatory-Demyelinating-Polyneuropathy. Accessed March 2018.

SOURCE CSL Behring