hemlibra
hemlibra Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
hemlibra is a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody that mimics the function of the coagulation Factor VIII and it has the capacity to bind simultaneously to activated Factor IX and Factor X. The ability of hemlibra to bind to all these three different factors allows it to overcome immunogenicity and unstable hemostatic efficacy produced by previous Factor VII agents. hemlibra was originated as an improved form of hBS23 and it was approved on November 16, 2017. It was created by Chugai Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. and co-developed with Roche and Genentech.
hemlibra mimics the function of coagulation factor VIII, therefore it binds to the activated form of Factor IX (Factor IXa). This binding forms a complex that will later bind to the X factor of the coagulation factor. The ability of hemlibra to interact with both factors (Factor IXa and Factor X) activates the coagulation cascade that will subsequently lead to the segmentation of fibrinogen into fibrin and the formation of blood clots. The effect of hemlibra is translated into the restoration of the blood coagulation process and, therefore, in the reduction of hemorrhagic episodes. The activity of emicizumab can also produce changes in activated clotting time (ACT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and one-step Factor VIII activity. In addition, the unique bispecific structure of hemlibra prevents the formation of Factor VIII inhibitors or their effect.
In the first clinical trials, emicizumab was tried on previously treated adult and pediatric patients of hemophilia A with FVIII inhibitors. In this trials, the annualized bleeding rate requiring treatment with coagulation factors was reduced by 87% when compared to untreated patients.
| Trade Name | hemlibra |
| Availability | Prescription only |
| Generic | Emicizumab |
| Emicizumab Other Names | Emicizumab, emicizumab-kxwh |
| Related Drugs | tranexamic acid, desmopressin, DDAVP, antihemophilic factor, Cyklokapron, Hemlibra |
| Weight | 150mg/ml, 30mg/ml, |
| Type | Solution, Injection, Subcutaneous Solution |
| Formula | C6434-H9940-N1724-O2047-S45 |
| Weight | 145637.0 Da |
| Protein binding | As emicizumab is a monoclonal antibody acting on the bloodstream, the determination of protein binding studies is not required. |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | Roche, Roche Products Limited |
| Available Country | Saudi Arabia, Australia, United Kingdom, United States, |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
hemlibra is an antibody against Factor IXa and Factor X used to treat hemophilia A.
The main function of hemlibra is the prevention of bleeding episodes. Thus, hemlibra is approved for the routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes of adult and pediatric patients with hemophilia A with or without Factor VIII inhibitors.
Hemophilia A is a deficiency of coagulation Factor VIII which causes a serious bleeding disorder. The standard treatment is done with the administration of recombinant or serum-deriver Factor VIII which induces the formation of anti-factor VIII alloantibodies (Factor VIII inhibitors) and renders the standard treatment ineffective.
hemlibra is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Bleeding caused by Hemophilia A
How hemlibra works
hemlibra exerts its action by performing the function of the coagulation Factor VIII without presenting a structural homology. It presents a dual specificity which allows it to bind to both the Factor IXa and Factor X, performing the required bridging activity for the launch of the coagulation cascade.
Toxicity
The administration of hemlibra has reported cases of microangiopathy and thrombotic events with concomitant use of activated prothrombin complex concentrate at doses higher of 100 U/kg/24 hours. There are also reports of injection site reaction, headaches and arthralgia.
Genotoxicity and carcinogenicity studies have not been performed as it is not expected that emicizumab can have any interaction with DNA, or chromosomal material.
Food Interaction
No interactions found.Volume of Distribution
The apparent volume of distribution is 11.4 L when administered subcutaneously and there are reports indicating that this value can increase with increasing body weight. When emicizumab is administered intravenously, the volume of distribution at steady state is 106 ml/kg.
Elimination Route
Subcutaneous administration of hemlibra presents a very high bioavailability ranging from 80.4% to 93.1% when administered subcutaneously in a dose of 1 mg/kg. In clinical trials, at the same dose, hemlibra presented a linear exposure which concentration peaked 1-2 weeks after administration and presented a profile framed by a Cmax of 5.92 mcg/ml and an AUC of 304 mcg day/ml.
After subcutaneous administration, the absorption half-life was 1.7 days and the pharmacokinetic profile seemed to be shared when the medication was administered in the abdomen, upper arm, and thigh.
Half Life
Emcicizumab presents a long half-life ranging from 27.8 to 34.4 days.
Clearance
The apparent clearance is 0.24 L/day when administered in multiple subcutaneous injections and there are reports indicating that this value can increase with increasing body weight.
Elimination Route
The elimination of hemlibra was monophasic in clinical trials.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here hemlibra
