Brineura is contraindicated in patients with acute intraventricular access device-related complications and with ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Cardiovascular and hypersensitivity reactions related to Brineura may occur.
Brineura® (cerliponase alfa) injection for intraventricular use is indicated to slow the loss of ambulation in symptomatic pediatric patients 3 years of age and older with late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2), also known as tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) deficiency.
CLN2 disease is one of the most common forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs),2 also known as Batten disease.3 CLN2 disease is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder (LSD), and is associated with a predictable and rapid decline in function.2
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Pathogenic variants (mutations) in the TPP1 gene (also referred to as the CLN2 gene) result in absence of or reduced activity of the TPP1 enzyme.5 This enzyme deficiency is associated with the neuronal degeneration observed in CLN2 disease.5
Absence or reduced activity of the TPP1 enzyme is associated with an accumulation of storage material in the lysosome, which is associated with neuronal dysfunction and cell death.4,6
Brineura is taken up into target cells and translocated to the lysosomes.4
Brineura cleaves the lysosomal tripeptides and helps to clear accumulation in the cell.4
The use of intraventricular route ensures Brineura is delivered directly into the central nervous system. Intraventricular infusion has been used in clinical settings for over 50 years in adults and children, and is an established approach for delivery of drugs to the brain.7
Brineura is administered to the cerebrospinal fluid by infusion via a surgically implanted reservoir and catheter (intraventricular access device).4 The intraventricular access device must be surgically implanted prior to the first intraventricular infusion.4 It is recommended that the first dose be administered at least 5 to 7 days after device implantation.4
Brineura is contraindicated if there are signs of acute intraventricular access device-related complications. In case of intraventricular access device complications, discontinue the Brineura infusion and refer to the manufacturer’s labeling for further instructions.
Device-related adverse reactions were reported in 12 of 24 patients and included infection, delivery system–related complications, and pleocytosis. Device-related complications did not result in discontinuation of Brineura treatment.
The recommended dosage of Brineura in pediatric patients 3 years of age and older is 300 mg administered once every other week by intraventricular infusion.4 The complete Brineura infusion, including the required infusion of Intraventricular Electrolytes, is approximately 4.5 hours.4
Brineura should be administered under strict aseptic techniques. Administration protocols may vary by institution. Refer to your institution’s policies and procedures for guidance.
The care team prepares the patient and their family for infusion and what to expect during the infusion process. The child will be monitored before, during, and after the infusion. Pretreatment of patients with antihistamines with or without antipyretics or corticosteroids is recommended 30 to 60 minutes prior to the start of the infusion.
Perform electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring during infusion in patients with a history of bradycardia, conduction disorder, or with structural heart disease, as some patients with CLN2 disease may develop conduction disorders or heart disease. In patients without cardiac abnormalities, regular 12-lead ECG evaluations should be performed every 6 months.
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Indication and Important Safety Information
WARNING: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS
Patients treated with enzyme replacement therapies have experienced life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. These reactions have occurred during and up to 24 hours after completion of the Brineura infusion. Anaphylaxis has occurred during the early course of enzyme replacement therapy and after extended duration of therapy.
Administration of Brineura should be supervised by a healthcare provider knowledgeable in the management of hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis. Initiate Brineura in a healthcare setting with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures, including access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) occurs, discontinue Brineura and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment, including use of epinephrine. Inform patients of the symptoms of life- threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur.
Patients less than 3 years of age may be at increased risk for developing hypersensitivity reactions with Brineura use compared to patients 3 years of age and older.
Observe patients closely during and after the infusion. The management of hypersensitivity reactions should be based on the severity of the reaction and may include temporarily interrupting the infusion, and/or treatment with antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or corticosteroids. Consider the risks and benefits of readministration of Brineura following an anaphylactic reaction. If the decision is made to readminister Brineura after the occurrence of anaphylaxis, ensure appropriately trained personnel and equipment for emergency resuscitation (including epinephrine and other emergency medicines) are readily available during infusion. Initiate subsequent infusion at approximately one‑half the initial infusion rate at which the anaphylactic reaction occurred.
Contraindications
Brineura is contraindicated in patients with:
Recommendations Prior to Brineura Treatment
Premedication of patients with antihistamines with or without antipyretics or corticosteroids is recommended 30–60 minutes prior to the start of infusion. Brineura must only be administered via the intraventricular route using aseptic technique to reduce the risk of infection. Administer Brineura and the Intraventricular Electrolytes using the provided Administration Kit for use with Brineura components. Prior to each infusion, inspect the scalp for signs of intraventricular access device leakage or failure and for potential infection. Prior to each infusion of Brineura and when clinically indicated, send cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples for testing of cell count and culture. Replace the intraventricular access device reservoir prior to 4 years of single-puncture administrations.
Special Populations
Brineura is not recommended in patients less than 37 weeks post‑menstrual age (gestational age at birth plus post‑natal age) or those weighing less than 2.5 kg. Brineura has not been studied in pregnancy or lactation.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Meningitis and Other Intraventricular Access Device-Related Infections
Bacterial meningitis requiring antibiotic treatment and removal of the device was reported during postmarketing use of Brineura. The signs and symptoms of infections may not be readily apparent in patients with CLN2 disease. To reduce the risk of infectious complications, Brineura should be administered by, or under the supervision of, a physician
experienced in intraventricular administration.
Intraventricular Access Device-Related Complications
During the clinical trials and in postmarketing reports, intraventricular access device-related complications were reported (e.g., device leakage, device failure, extravasation of CSF fluid, or bulging of the scalp around or above the intraventricular access device). In case of intraventricular access device-related complications, discontinue the Brineura infusion and refer to the device manufacturer’s labeling for further instructions.
Material degradation of the intraventricular access device reservoir was reported after approximately 4 years of administration, which may impact the effective and safe use of the device. The intraventricular access device should be replaced prior to 4 years of single-puncture administrations, which equates to approximately 105 administrations of Brineura.
Cardiovascular Adverse Reactions
Monitor vital signs before infusion starts, periodically during infusion, and post-infusion in a healthcare setting. Perform electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring during infusion in patients with a history of bradycardia, conduction disorder, or with structural heart disease. In patients without cardiac abnormalities, regular 12-lead ECG evaluations should be performed every 6 months.
Infusion Associated Reactions (IAR) such as vomiting, seizure, rash, pyrexia, hypersensitivity, and anaphylactic reaction have been observed in patients treated with Brineura. If an IAR occurs, decreasing the infusion rate, temporarily stopping the infusion, and/or administering antihistamines and/or antipyretics may ameliorate the symptoms. Closely monitor patients who have experienced IARs when re-administering Brineura.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
In clinical trials, the most frequently reported adverse reactions (≥8%) were pyrexia, ECG abnormalities, decreased CSF protein, vomiting, seizures, device-related complications, hypersensitivity, increased CSF protein, hematoma, headache, irritability, pleocytosis, device-related infection, bradycardia, feeling jittery, and hypotension. The most frequent adverse reactions reported in patients < 3 years of age treated with Brineura were similar to those observed in patients > 3 years of age except for hypersensitivity reactions, which were reported in 5 of 8 (63%) in patients < 3 years of age at baseline compared with 0 of 6 in patients > 3 years of age at baseline. The most common manifestations of
hypersensitivity were fever and vomiting. Such symptoms resolved over time or with administration of antipyretics, antihistamines and/or corticosteroids.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. at 1-866-906-6100, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088, or go to www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information, with Boxed Warning for risk of anaphylaxis or visit www.Brineura.com.
INDICATION
Brineura® (cerliponase alfa) injection for intraventricular use is indicated to slow the loss of ambulation in pediatric patients with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2 disease), also known as tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) deficiency.