DEERFIELD, IL & SAN DIEGO, CA, USA I July 31, 2014 I Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) and Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., (NASDAQ:HALO) today announced that the Blood Products Advisory Committee (BPAC) of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted 15-1 that HyQvia [Immune Globulin Infusion 10% (Human) with Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase], Baxter’s investigational subcutaneous treatment for patients with primary immunodeficiency (PI), has a favorable risk/benefit profile.
HyQvia was approved in Europe in 2013 for adults (≥18 years) with primary immunodeficiency syndromes and myeloma or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) with severe secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia and recurrent infections.
Data presented at today’s advisory committee meeting included a review of the preclinical and clinical data supporting the HyQvia application. The FDA will consider the recommendation from the BPAC in its review of Baxter’s amendment to the Biologics License Application (BLA) submitted in December 2013. The company expects the FDA response in the third quarter.
”We are hopeful that the positive support for HyQvia is the next step toward providing a new treatment option for patients with primary immunodeficiency in the United States. We look forward to working closely with the FDA as it completes its review,” said Ludwig Hantson, Ph.D., president of Baxter BioScience.
”Today’s BPAC vote underscores the strength of the HyQvia data and our rHuPH20 platform,” commented Dr. Helen Torley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Halozyme. ”Our rHuPH20 platform has been studied in thousands of patients spanning multiple disease states and a number of approved products.”
HyQvia was approved by the European Commission for EU member states in 2013 and is currently being prescribed in several European countries, including Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Ireland and Italy.
About HyQvia
HyQvia is a product consisting of human normal immunoglobulin (IG 10%) and recombinant human hyaluronidase (licensed from Halozyme Therapeutics). The IG provides the therapeutic effect and the recombinant human hyaluronidase facilitates the dispersion and absorption of the IG administered subcutaneously, increasing its bioavailability. The IG is a 10% solution that is prepared from human plasma consisting of at least 98% IgG, which contains a broad spectrum of antibodies.
HyQvia is indicated in Europe as replacement therapy in adults (≥18 years) with primary immunodeficiency syndromes and in myeloma or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) with severe secondary hypogammaglobulinaemia and recurrent infections.
Important Risk Information
HyQvia should not be used by patients with a hypersensitivity to human immunoglobulins, especially in very rare cases of IgA deficiency when the patient has antibodies against IgA. HyQvia should not be used by patients with a systemic hypersensitivity to hyaluronidase or recombinant human hyaluronidase. HyQvia should not be used by patients with a hypersensitivity to any of the excipients, including glycine.
HyQvia must not be given intravenously.
HyQvia should not be used by women who are pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
Patients should be closely monitored and carefully observed for any adverse reactions throughout the infusion period, particularly patients starting with HyQvia treatment. In case of adverse reaction, either the rate of administration must be reduced or the infusion stopped. The treatment required depends on the nature and severity of the adverse reaction. In case of shock, standard medical treatment for shock should be implemented.
Thromboembolic events (e.g. myocardial infarction, cerebral vascular accident, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism), renal dysfunction/failure, aseptic meningitis syndrome, and hemolysis have been observed with IG 10% administered intravenously and cannot be excluded with use of HyQvia. Thrombotic events and haemolysis have also been reported in association with the subcutaneous administration of immunoglobulin products.
Human normal immunoglobulin and human serum albumin (stabilizer of the recombinant human hyaluronidase) are produced from human plasma and may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents.
About Baxter International Inc.
Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets products that save and sustain the lives of people with hemophilia, immune disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma and other chronic and acute medical conditions. As a global, diversified healthcare company, Baxter applies a unique combination of expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to create products that advance patient care worldwide.
About Halozyme Therapeutics
Halozyme Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative products that advance patient care. With a diversified portfolio of enzymes that target the extracellular matrix, the Company’s research focuses primarily on a family of human enzymes, known as hyaluronidases, which increase the absorption and dispersion of biologics, drugs and fluids. Halozyme’s pipeline addresses therapeutic areas, including oncology, diabetes, and dermatology that have significant unmet medical need. The Company markets Hylenex® recombinant (hyaluronidase human injection) and has partnerships with Roche, Pfizer, and Baxter. Halozyme is headquartered in San Diego. For more information on how we are innovating, please visit our corporate website at www.halozyme.com.
SOURCE: Baxter