DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–February 18, 2020 — Horizon Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: HZNP) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Procysbi® (cysteamine bitartrate) delayed-release oral granules in packets for adults and children one year of age and older living with nephropathic cystinosis. This new dosage form provides another option for people living with cystinosis, in addition to the currently available Procysbi capsules.

Both the capsules and the packets contain the same Procysbi granules, also called microbeads, that provide 12 hours of cystine control. Providing oral granules in packets offers a tear-open option for those living with cystinosis who may have difficulty swallowing, need to sprinkle the granules on certain foods or liquids, or administer medication through a gastrostomy tube (g-tube). Families living with cystinosis are often challenged with managing multiple, different medications on daily basis and the oral granules in tear-open packets will provide an alternative option for accessing Procysbi day-to-day.

“We would like to thank the families and health professionals in the cystinosis community who provided feedback and guidance as the packets were developed and helped to ensure this alternative to opening individual capsules to remove the granules provides meaningful benefit,” said Jeffrey D. Kent, M.D., FACG, FACP, executive vice president, medical affairs and outcomes research, Horizon. “Having two options will allow families and physicians to select what is best for them and reflects our continued commitment to invest in creating solutions for patients and families based on their needs.”

Procysbi oral granules in packets in 75 mg and 300 mg strengths are expected to be available in the first half of the year. Procysbi capsules will continue to be available in 25 mg and 75 mg strengths.

About Nephropathic Cystinosis

Nephropathic cystinosis is a rare, life-threatening metabolic lysosomal storage disorder that causes toxic accumulation of cystine in all cells, tissues, and organs in the body. If untreated, elevated cystine accumulation leads to progressive, irreversible tissue damage and multi-organ failure, including kidney failure, blindness, muscle wasting and premature death. It is estimated that only about 2,000 people worldwide are currently diagnosed with nephropathic cystinosis. Nephropathic or “classic infantile” cystinosis – the most common and most severe form of the disease – is typically diagnosed in infancy and requires lifelong cystine depleting therapy.¹

About Procysbi

Procysbi (cysteamine bitartrate) delayed-release capsules and delayed-release oral granules is a cystine-depleting agent indicated for the treatment of nephropathic cystinosis in adults and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Patients with serious hypersensitivity reaction, including anaphylaxis to penicillamine or cysteamine.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

• Ehlers-Danlos-like Syndrome: Skin and bone lesions that resemble clinical findings for Ehlers-Danlos-like syndrome have been reported in patients treated with high doses of immediate-release cysteamine bitartrate or other cysteamine salts. Monitor patients for development of skin or bone lesions and reduce Procysbi dosing if patients develop these lesions.
• Skin Rash: Severe skin rashes such as erythema multiforme bullosa or toxic epidermal necrolysis have been reported in patients receiving immediate-release cysteamine bitartrate. Discontinue use if severe skin rash occurs.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) Ulcers and Bleeding: GI ulceration and bleeding have been reported in patients receiving immediate-release cysteamine bitartrate. Monitor for GI symptoms and consider decreasing the dose if severe symptoms occur.
• Central Nervous System (CNS) Symptoms: CNS symptoms such as seizures, lethargy, somnolence, depression, and encephalopathy have been associated with immediate-release cysteamine. Monitor for CNS symptoms; interrupt or reduce the dose for severe symptoms or those that persist or progress.
• Leukopenia and/or Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Levels: Cysteamine has been associated with reversible leukopenia and elevated alkaline phosphatase levels. Monitor white blood cell counts and alkaline phosphatase levels; decrease or discontinue the dose until values revert to normal.
• Benign Intracranial Hypertension: Benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri; PTC) and/or papilledema has been reported in patients receiving immediate-release cysteamine bitartrate treatment. Monitor for signs and symptoms of PTC; interrupt or reduce the dose for signs/symptoms that persist, or discontinue if diagnosis is confirmed.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions reported in Procysbi clinical trials (≥ 5%): were:

• Patients 2 years of age and older previously treated with cysteamine: vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, conjunctivitis, influenza, gastroenteritis, nasopharyngitis, dehydration, ear infection, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, arthralgia, cough, and pain in extremity.
• Patients 1 year of age and older naïve to cysteamine treatment: vomiting, gastroenteritis/viral gastroenteritis, diarrhea, breath odor, nausea, electrolyte imbalance, headache.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

• Drugs that increase gastric pH may alter the pharmacokinetics of cysteamine due to the premature release of cysteamine from Procysbi and increase WBC cystine concentration. Monitor WBC cystine concentration with concomitant use.
• Consumption of alcohol with Procysbi may increase the rate of cysteamine release and/or adversely alter the pharmacokinetic properties, as well as the effectiveness and safety of Procysbi.
• Procysbi can be administered with electrolyte (except bicarbonate) and mineral replacements necessary for management of Fanconi Syndrome as well as vitamin D and thyroid hormone.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

• Lactation: Because of the potential risk for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children from cysteamine, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Procysbi.

Please see Full Prescribing Information.

About Horizon

Horizon is focused on researching, developing and commercializing medicines that address critical needs for people impacted by rare and rheumatic diseases. Our pipeline is purposeful: we apply scientific expertise and courage to bring clinically meaningful therapies to patients. We believe science and compassion must work together to transform lives. For more information on how we go to incredible lengths to impact lives, please visit www.horizontherapeutics.com, follow us @HorizonNews on Twitter, like us on Facebook or explore career opportunities on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the potential benefits and timing of availability of Procysbi® (cysteamine bitartrate) delayed-release oral granules in packets. These forward-looking statements are based on management expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release, and actual results may differ materially from those in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These factors include Horizon’s ability to successfully launch and market Procysbi® (cysteamine bitartrate) delayed-release oral granules in packets and the availability of reimbursement and payor coverage, as well as those described in Horizon’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including those factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in those filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and Horizon does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these statements, except as may be required by law.

References

1. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/cystinosis. Accessed July 16, 2019.

Source: Horizon Therapeutics plc

Posted: February 2020

Related Articles:

• FDA Approves Expanded Label for Procysbi to Treat Children Aged 2-6 Years With Nephropathic Cystinosis – August 17, 2015
• FDA Approves Procysbi for Nephropathic Cystinosis – April 30, 2013
• Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. Provides Update on Procysbi NDA Review – December 27, 2012
• Raptor Pharmaceutical Announces FDA Acceptance of New Drug Application for RP103 for the Potential Treatment of Nephropathic Cystinosis – June 15, 2012
• Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. Submits New Drug Application for RP103 for the Potential Treatment of Nephropathic Cystinosis – April 2, 2012

Procysbi (cysteamine bitartrate) FDA Approval History

Source: Read Full Article