FDA Approves Hizentra

CSL Behring announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Hizentra (Immune Globulin Subcutaneous [Human] 20% Liquid) as the first and only subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) for the treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) as maintenance therapy to prevent relapse of neuromuscular disability and impairment. The approval was based on data from the Phase III PATH (Polyneuropathy and Treatment with Hizentra) study, which is the largest controlled clinical study in CIDP patients to date. CIDP is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nerves and may cause permanent nerve damage.

"This new FDA approval for Hizentra marks a pivotal milestone for patients struggling with the disabling neurological effects of CIDP," said Dr. Andrew Cuthbertson, Chief Scientific Officer and R&D Director, CSL Limited. "As the first and only subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapy approved to treat CIDP, and studied in the largest controlled clinical trial for CIDP, Hizentra offers patients a more convenient treatment option with proven efficacy and the flexibility and freedom to self-infuse at home. CSL Behring is deeply committed to delivering innovative therapies to patients with rare and serious diseases like CIDP, and today we are proud to now offer a portfolio of immunoglobulin therapies for CIDP."

The PATH study demonstrated that the percentage of patients experiencing CIDP relapse or withdrawal for any other reason during SCIg treatment was significantly lower with Hizentra (38.6 percent on low-dose Hizentra [0.2 g/kg weekly]; 32.8 percent on high-dose Hizentra [0.4 g/kg weekly]; p values = 0.007 and <0.001 respectively) than with placebo (63.2 percent). Additionally, the PATH study demonstrated that patients on Hizentra reported fewer systemic adverse reactions (ARs) per infusion compared to IVIg treatment (2.7 percent versus 9.8 percent, respectively). In fact, 93 percent of the 4,225 total Hizentra infusions were free of any ARs.

In CIDP, the myelin sheath, or the protective covering of the nerves, is damaged, which may result in numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, fatigue, and other symptoms. The effects of CIDP can worsen over time, leading to significant activity limitations and a decreased quality of life. Approximately 30 percent of CIDP patients will progress to wheelchair dependence if not treated.

Hizentra is currently approved in 51 countries for the treatment of certain immune deficiencies. For more information about Hizentra, including the U.S. prescribing information, visit www.hizentra.com.

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, with a prevalence of 40,000 people affected.

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