Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Onasemnogene abeparvovec may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
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What Zolgensma is Zolgensma is a type of medicine called a 'gene therapy'. It contains the active substance onasemnogene abeparvovec, which contains human genetic material. What Zolgensma is used for Zolgensma is used to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare, serious inherited disease. How Zolgensma works SMA occurs when there is a missing or abnormal version of a gene needed to make an essential protein called 'Survival Motor Neuron' (SMN) protein. Lack of SMN protein causes nerves that control muscles (motor neurons) to die. This results in muscles becoming weak and wasting away, with eventual loss of movement. This medicine works by supplying a fully functioning copy of the SMN gene which then helps the body produce enough SMN protein. The gene is delivered into the cells where it is needed using a modified virus that does not cause disease in humans. 2.
What you need to know before your child is given Zolgensma
Do NOT use Zolgensma
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Warnings and precautions Your child's doctor will check for antibodies before treatment to help decide if this medicine is suitable for your child. Infusion-related reactions and serious allergic reactions Infusion-related side effects and serious allergic reactions can occur during, and/or shortly after, your child is given Zolgensma. Possible signs you need to look out for include itchy rash, pale skin, vomiting, swelling of face, lips, mouth or throat (which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing) and/or changes in heart rate and blood pressure. Tell your child's doctor or nurse immediately if you notice your child develops these or any other new signs or symptoms during, and/or shortly after, Zolgensma treatment. Before your child is discharged, the doctor will provide you with information on what to do in case your child experiences new side effects or side effects which come back once you leave the medical facility. Liver problems Talk to your child's doctor or nurse before this medicine is given if your child has had any liver problems. This medicine can lead to an increase in enzymes (proteins found within the body) produced by the liver or injury to the liver. Injury to the liver can lead to serious outcomes, including liver failure and death. Possible signs you need to look out for after your child is given this medicine include vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or of the whites of the eyes), or reduced alertness (see section 4 for more information). Tell your child's doctor straightaway if you notice your child develops any symptoms suggestive of injury to the liver. Your child will have a blood test to check how well the liver is working before starting treatment with Zolgensma. Your child will also have regular blood tests for at least 3 months after treatment to monitor for increases in liver enzymes. Infection An infection (e.g. cold, flu or bronchiolitis) before or after Zolgensma treatment may lead to more serious complications. Caregivers and close contacts with the patient should follow infection prevention practices (e.g. hand hygiene, coughing/sneezing etiquette, limiting potential contacts). You need to look out for signs of an infection such as coughing, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat or fever. Tell your child's doctor straightaway if you notice your child develops any symptoms suggestive of infection before or after Zolgensma treatment. Regular blood tests This medicine can lower blood-platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). You need to look out for possible signs of a low blood-platelet count after your child is given Zolgensma such as abnormal bruising or bleeding (see section 4 for more information). Most of the reported cases of a low blood-platelet count occurred within the first three weeks after the child was given Zolgensma. Before starting treatment with Zolgensma, your child will have a blood test to check the amount of blood cells (including red blood cells and platelets), as well as troponin-I level in their body. They will also have a blood test to check their creatinine level, which is an indicator of how the kidneys are working. Your child will also have regular blood tests for a period of time after treatment to monitor for changes in platelet levels. Increased levels of troponin-I (a heart protein) Zolgensma can raise levels of a heart protein called troponin-I. This can be shown in laboratory tests that your child's doctor will perform as needed. Abnormal clotting of blood in small blood vessels (thrombotic microangiopathy) There have been reports of patients developing thrombotic microangiopathy generally within the first two weeks after Zolgensma treatment. Thrombotic microangiopathy is accompanied by a decrease in red blood cells and cells involved in clotting (platelets) and can be fatal. These blood clots could affect your child's kidneys. Your child's doctor may want to check your child's blood (platelet counts) and 2
blood pressure. Possible signs you need to look out for after your child is given Zolgensma include bruising easily, seizures (fits) or decrease in urine output (see section 4 for more information). Seek urgent medical attention if your child develops any of these signs. Blood, organ, tissue and cell donation After your child has been treated with Zolgensma, they will not be able to donate blood, organs, tissues or cells. This is because Zolgensma is a gene therapy medicine. Other medicines and Zolgensma Tell your child's doctor or nurse if your child is taking, has recently taken or might take any other medicines. Prednisolone Your child will also be given a corticosteroid medicine such as prednisolone for about 2 months or longer (see also section 3) as part of Zolgensma treatment. The corticosteroid medicine will help manage any increase in liver enzymes that your child could develop after being given Zolgensma. Vaccinations As corticosteroids can affect the body's immune (defence) system, your child's doctor may decide to delay giving some vaccinations while your child is receiving corticosteroid treatment. Talk to your child's doctor or nurse if you have any questions. Zolgensma contains sodium This medicine contains 4.6 mg sodium per mL, equivalent to 0.23% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult. Each 5.5-mL vial contains 25.3 mg sodium, and each 8.3-mL vial contains 38.2 mg sodium. Additional information for parents/caregiver Advanced SMA Zolgensma can rescue living motor neurons but does not rescue dead motor neurons. Children with less severe symptoms of SMA (such as absent reflexes or reduced muscle tone) may have sufficient living motor neurons to benefit significantly from Zolgensma treatment. Zolgensma may not work as well in children with severe muscle weakness or paralysis, breathing problems or who are not able to swallow, or in children who have significant malformations (such as heart defects), including patients with SMA Type 0, as there may be limited potential improvement after treatment with Zolgensma. Your child's doctor will decide if your child should be given this medicine. Risk of tumours associated with potential insertion into the DNA There is a possibility that therapies such as Zolgensma can insert into the DNA of human body cells. As a consequence, Zolgensma could contribute to a risk of tumours because of the nature of the medicine. You should discuss this with your child's doctor. In the event of a tumour, your child's doctor may take a sample for further evaluation. Hygiene care The active substance in Zolgensma may temporarily be excreted through your child's bodily waste; this is called 'shedding'. Parents and caregivers should follow good hand-hygiene for up to 1 month after your child is given Zolgensma. Wear protective gloves when coming into direct contact with your child's bodily fluids or waste and wash hands thoroughly afterwards with soap and warm running water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Double bags should be used to dispose of soiled nappies and other waste. Disposable nappies may still be disposed of in household waste. You should continue to follow these instructions for at least 1 month after your child's treatment with Zolgensma. Talk to your child's doctor or nurse if you have any questions.
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3.
Zolgensma will be given by a doctor or nurse trained in the management of your child's condition. The doctor will work out the amount of Zolgensma your child will receive according to your child's weight. Zolgensma is given intravenously (into a vein) by a single infusion (drip) over about 1 hour. Zolgensma will be given to your child ONCE only. Your child will also be given prednisolone (or another corticosteroid) by mouth, starting 24 hours before being given Zolgensma. The dose of corticosteroid will also depend on your child's weight. Your child's doctor will work out the total dose to give. Your child will be given corticosteroid treatment daily for about 2 months after the dose of Zolgensma, or until your child's liver enzymes decrease to an acceptable level. The doctor will slowly reduce the dose of corticosteroid until treatment can be fully stopped. If you have any further questions, ask your child's doctor or nurse. 4.
Like all medicines, this medicine can have side effects, although not everybody gets them. Seek urgent medical attention if your child develops any of the following serious side effects: Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) • bruising or bleeding for longer than usual if your child has been hurt – these may be signs of a low blood-platelet count. Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) • vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or of the whites of the eyes) or reduced alertness these may be signs of injury to the liver (including liver failure). • bruising easily, seizures (fits), decrease in urine output – these may be signs of thrombotic microangiopathy. • infusion-related reaction (see section 2, "Warnings and precautions"). Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1 000 people) • serious allergic reactions (see section 2, "Warnings and precautions"). Talk to your child's doctor or nurse if your child develops any other side effects. These can include: Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) • increases in liver enzymes seen in blood tests. Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): • vomiting • fever. • increases in troponin-I (a heart protein) seen in blood tests. Reporting of side effects If your child gets any side effects, talk to your child's doctor or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 4
5.
Zolgensma
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. The following information is for healthcare professionals who will prepare and give the medicine. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the vial label and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Vials will be transported frozen (at or below -60oC). Upon receipt vials should be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C immediately, and in the original carton. Zolgensma therapy should be initiated within 14 days of receipt of vials. This medicine contains genetically-modified organisms. Unused medicine or waste material must be disposed of in compliance with the local guidelines on handling of biological waste. As this medicine will be given by a doctor, the doctor is responsible for the correct disposal of the product. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.
What Zolgensma contains The active substance is onasemnogene abeparvovec. Each vial contains onasemnogene abeparvovec with a nominal concentration of 2 × 1013 vector genomes/mL. The other ingredients are tromethamine, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, poloxamer 188, hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment) and water for injections. What Zolgensma looks like and contents of the pack Zolgensma is a clear to slightly opaque, colourless to faint white solution for infusion. Zolgensma may be supplied in vials containing a nominal fill volume of either of 5.5 mL or 8.3 mL. Each vial is for single use only. Each carton will contain between 2 to 14 vials. Marketing Authorisation Holder Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited 2nd Floor, The WestWorks Building, White City Place 195 Wood Lane London W12 7FQ United Kingdom Manufacturer Novartis Pharmaceutical Manufacturing GmbH Biochemiestraße 10 6336 Langkampfen Austria For any information about this medicine, please contact the Marketing Authorisation Holder. This leaflet was last revised on 23rd May 2025 ————————————————————————————————————————-5
The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: Important: Please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) before using. Each vial is for single use only. This medicinal product contains genetically-modified organisms. Local guidelines on handling of biological waste should be followed. Handling • Zolgensma should be handled aseptically under sterile conditions. • Personal protective equipment (including gloves, safety goggles, laboratory coat and sleeves) should be worn while handling or administering Zolgensma. Personnel should not work with Zolgensma if skin is cut or scratched. • All spills of Zolgensma must be wiped with absorbent gauze pads and the spill area must be disinfected using a bleach solution followed by alcohol wipes. All clean-up materials must be double bagged and disposed of in accordance with local guidelines on handling of biological waste. • All materials that may have come in contact with Zolgensma (e.g. vial, all materials used for injection, including sterile drapes and needles) must be disposed of in accordance with local guidelines on handling of biological waste. Accidental exposure Accidental exposure to Zolgensma must be avoided. In case of accidental exposure to skin, the affected area must be thoroughly cleansed with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. In case of accidental exposure to eyes, the affected area must be thoroughly flushed with water for at least 15 minutes. Storage Vials will be transported frozen (at or below -60oC). Upon receipt vials should be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C immediately, and in the original carton. Zolgensma therapy should be initiated within 14 days of receipt of vials. The date of receipt should be marked on the original carton before the product is stored in the refrigerator. Preparation Vials should be thawed before use: • For packs containing up to 9 vials – thaw for approximately 12 hours in the refrigerator (2oC to 8oC) or 4 hours at room temperature (20°C to 25°C). • For packs containing up to 14 vials – thaw for approximately 16 hours in the refrigerator (2oC to 8oC) or 6 hours at room temperature (20°C to 25°C). Do not use Zolgensma unless thawed. Once thawed, the medicinal product should not be re-frozen. After thawing, gently swirl Zolgensma. Do NOT shake. Do not use this medicine if you notice any particles or discoloration once the frozen product has thawed and prior to administration. After thawing, Zolgensma should be given as soon as possible. Administration Zolgensma should be given to patients ONCE only. 6
The dose of Zolgensma and exact number of vials required for each patient is calculated according to the patient's weight (see SmPC sections 4.2 and 6.5). To administer Zolgensma, draw the entire dose volume into the syringe. Once the dose volume is drawn into the syringe it must be administered within 8 hours. Remove any air in the syringe before administering to the patient via intravenous infusion through a venous catheter. Insertion of a secondary ('back-up') catheter is recommended in case of blockage in the primary catheter. Zolgensma should be administered with the syringe pump as a single intravenous infusion with a slow infusion of approximately 60 minutes. It should be administered as an intravenous infusion only. It should not be administered as a rapid intravenous injection or bolus. Following completion of infusion, the line should be flushed with sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection. Disposal Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local guidelines on handling of biological waste. Temporary Zolgensma shedding may occur, primarily through bodily waste. Caregivers and patient's families should be advised on the following instructions for the proper handling of patients' bodily fluids and waste: • Good hand-hygiene (wearing protective gloves and washing hands thoroughly afterwards with soap and warm running water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser) is required when coming into direct contact with patient's bodily fluids and waste for a minimum of 1 month after Zolgensma treatment. • Disposable nappies should be sealed in double plastics bags and can be disposed of in household waste.
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Zolgensma 2 x 10^13 vector genomes/mL solution for infusion comes as infusion. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Zolgensma 2 x 10^13 vector genomes/mL solution for infusion is onasemnogene abeparvovec.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Zolgensma 2 x 10^13 vector genomes/mL solution for infusion, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Zolgensma is indicated for the treatment of:
- patients with 5q spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with a bi-allelic mutation in the SMN1 gene and a clinical diagnosis of SMA Type 1, or
- patients with 5q SMA with a bi-allelic mutation in the SMN1 gene and up to 3 copies of the SMN2 gene.
Treatment should be initiated and administered in clinical centres and supervised by a physician experienced in the management of patients with SMA.
Before administration of onasemnogene abeparvovec, baseline laboratory testing is required, including, but not limited to:
• AAV9 antibody testing using an appropriately validated assay,
• liver function: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and international normalised ratio (INR),
• creatinine,
• complete blood count (including haemoglobin and platelet count), and
• troponin-I.
The need for close monitoring of liver function and platelet count after administration and the need for corticosteroid treatment are to be considered when establishing the timing of onasemnogene abeparvovec treatment (see section 4.4).
Due to the increased risk of serious systemic immune response, it is recommended that patients are clinically stable in their overall health status (e.g. hydration and nutritional status, absence of infection) prior to onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion. In case of acute or chronic uncontrolled active infections, treatment should be postponed until the infection has resolved and the patient is clinically stable (see sub-sections 4.2 'Immunomodulatory regimen' and 4.4 'Systemic immune response').
Posology
For single-dose intravenous infusion only.
Patients will receive a dose of nominal 1.1 x 1014 vg/kg onasemnogene abeparvovec. The total volume is determined by patient body weight.
Table 1 gives the recommended dosing for patients who weigh 2.6 kg to 21.0 kg.
Table 1 Recommended dosing based on patient body weight
Patient weight range (kg)
Dose (vg)
Total volume of dose a (mL)
2.6 – 3.0
3.3 × 1014
16.5
3.1 – 3.5
3.9 × 1014
19.3
3.6 – 4.0
4.4 × 1014
22.0
4.1 – 4.5
5.0 × 1014
24.8
4.6 – 5.0
5.5 × 1014
27.5
5.1 – 5.5
6.1 × 1014
30.3
5.6 – 6.0
6.6 × 1014
33.0
6.1 – 6.5
7.2 × 1014
35.8
6.6 – 7.0
7.7 × 1014
38.5
7.1 – 7.5
8.3 × 1014
41.3
7.6 – 8.0
8.8 × 1014
44.0
8.1 – 8.5
9.4 × 1014
46.8
8.6 – 9.0
9.9 × 1014
49.5
9.1 – 9.5
1.05 × 1015
52.3
9.6 – 10.0
1.10 × 1015
55.0
10.1 – 10.5
1.16 × 1015
57.8
10.6 – 11.0
1.21 × 1015
60.5
11.1 – 11.5
1.27 × 1015
63.3
11.6 – 12.0
1.32 × 1015
66.0
12.1 – 12.5
1.38 × 1015
68.8
12.6 – 13.0
1.43 × 1015
71.5
13.1 – 13.5
1.49 × 1015
74.3
13.6 – 14.0
1.54 × 1015
77.0
14.1 – 14.5
1.60 × 1015
79.8
14.6 – 15.0
1.65 × 1015
82.5
15.1 – 15.5
1.71 × 1015
85.3
15.6 – 16.0
1.76 × 1015
88.0
16.1 – 16.5
1.82 × 1015
90.8
16.6 – 17.0
1.87 × 1015
93.5
17.1 – 17.5
1.93 × 1015
96.3
17.6 – 18.0
1.98 × 1015
99.0
18.1 – 18.5
2.04 × 1015
101.8
18.6 – 19.0
2.09 × 1015
104.5
19.1 – 19.5
2.15 × 1015
107.3
19.6 – 20.0
2.20 × 1015
110.0
20.1 – 20.5
2.26 × 1015
112.8
20.6 – 21.0
2.31 × 1015
115.5
a NOTE: Number of vials per kit and required number of kits is weight-dependent. Dose volume is calculated using the upper limit of the patient weight range.
Immunomodulatory regimen
An immune response to the AAV9 capsid will occur after administration of onasemnogene abeparvovec (see section 4.4). This can lead to elevations in liver aminotransferases, elevations of troponin I, or decreased platelet counts (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). To dampen the immune response immunomodulation with corticosteroids is recommended. Where feasible, the patient's vaccination schedule should be adjusted to accommodate concomitant corticosteroid administration prior to and following onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion (see section 4.5).
Prior to initiation of the immunomodulatory regimen and prior to administration of onasemnogene abeparvovec, the patient must be checked for signs and symptoms of active infectious disease of any nature.
Starting 24 hours prior to infusion of onasemnogene abeparvovec it is recommended to initiate an immunomodulatory regimen following the schedule below (see Table 2). If at any time patients do not respond adequately to the equivalent of 1 mg/kg/day oral prednisolone, based on the patient's clinical course, prompt consultation with a paediatric gastroenterologist or hepatologist and adjustment to the recommended immunomodulatory regimen, including increased dose, longer duration or prolongation of corticosteroid taper, should be considered (see section 4.4). If oral corticosteroid therapy is not tolerated intravenous corticosteroid may be considered as clinically indicated.
Table 2 Pre- and post-infusion immunomodulatory regimen
Pre-infusion
24 hours prior to onasemnogene abeparvovec
Prednisolone orally 1 mg/kg/day (or equivalent if another corticosteroid is used)
Post-infusion
30 days (including the day of administration of onasemnogene abeparvovec)
Prednisolone orally 1 mg/kg/day (or equivalent if another corticosteroid is used)
Followed by 28 days:
For patients with unremarkable findings (normal clinical exam, total bilirubin, and whose ALT and AST values are both below 2 × upper limit of normal (ULN) at the end of the 30 days period:
or
For patients with liver function abnormalities at the end of the 30 days period: continuing until the AST and ALT values are below 2 × ULN and all other assessments (e.g. total bilirubin) return to normal range, followed by tapering over 28 days or longer if needed.
Systemic corticosteroids should be tapered gradually.
Tapering of prednisolone (or equivalent if another corticosteroid is used), e.g. 2 weeks at 0.5 mg/kg/day and then 2 weeks at 0.25 mg/kg/day oral prednisolone
Systemic corticosteroids (equivalent to oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day)
Systemic corticosteroids should be tapered gradually.
Liver function (ALT, AST, total bilirubin) should be monitored at regular intervals for at least 3 months following onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion (weekly in the first month and during the entire corticosteroid taper period, followed by every two weeks for another month), and at other times as clinically indicated. Patients with worsening liver function test results and/or signs or symptoms of acute illness should be promptly clinically assessed and monitored closely (see section 4.4).
If another corticosteroid is used by the physician in place of prednisolone, similar considerations and approach to taper the dose after 30 days should be taken as appropriate.
Special populations
Renal impairment
The safety and efficacy of onasemnogene abeparvovec have not been established in patients with renal impairment and onasemnogene abeparvovec therapy should be carefully considered. A dose adjustment should not be considered.
Hepatic impairment
Patients with ALT, AST, total bilirubin levels (except due to neonatal jaundice) >2 × ULN or positive serology for hepatitis B or hepatitis C have not been studied in clinical studies with onasemnogene abeparvovec. Onasemnogene abeparvovec therapy should be carefully considered in patients with hepatic impairment (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). A dose adjustment should not be considered.
0SMN1/1SMN2 genotype
No dose adjustment should be considered in patients with a bi-allelic mutation of the SMN1 gene and only one copy of SMN2 (see section 5.1).
Anti-AAV9 antibodies
No dose adjustment should be considered in patients with baseline anti-AAV9 antibody titres above 1:50 (see section 4.4).
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of onasemnogene abeparvovec in premature neonates before reaching full-term gestational age have not been established. No data are available. Administration of onasemnogene abeparvovec should be carefully considered because concomitant treatment with corticosteroids may adversely affect neurological development.
There is limited experience in patients 2 years of age and older or with body weight above 13.5 kg. The safety and efficacy of onasemnogene abeparvovec in these patients have not been established. Currently available data are described in section 5.1. A dose adjustment should not be considered (see Table 1).
Method of administration
For intravenous use.
Onasemnogene abeparvovec is administered as a single-dose intravenous infusion. It should be administered with a syringe pump as a single intravenous infusion with a slow infusion of approximately 60 minutes. It must not be administered as an intravenous push or bolus.
Insertion of a secondary ('back-up') catheter is recommended in case of blockage in the primary catheter. Following completion of infusion, the line should be flushed with sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection.
Precautions to be taken before handling or administering the medicinal product
This medicinal product contains a genetically-modified organism. Healthcare professionals should therefore take appropriate precautions (use of gloves, safety goggles, laboratory coat and sleeves) when handling or administering the product (see section 6.6).
For detailed instructions on the preparation, handling, accidental exposure and disposal (including proper handling of bodily waste) of onasemnogene abeparvovec, see section 6.6.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Traceability
In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.
Pre-existing immunity against AAV9
Anti-AAV9 antibody formation can take place after natural exposure. There have been several studies on the prevalence of AAV9 antibodies in the general population that show low rates of prior exposure to AAV9 in the paediatric population. Patients should be tested for the presence of AAV9 antibodies prior to infusion with onasemnogene abeparvovec. Re-testing may be performed if AAV9 antibody titres are reported as above 1:50. It is not yet known whether or under what conditions onasemnogene abeparvovec can be safely and effectively administered in the presence of anti-AAV9 antibodies above 1:50 (see sections 4.2 and 5.1).
Advanced SMA
Since SMA results in progressive and non-reversible damage to motor neurons, the benefit of onasemnogene abeparvovec in symptomatic patients depends on the degree of disease burden at the time of treatment, with earlier treatment resulting in potential higher benefit. While advanced symptomatic SMA patients will not achieve the same gross motor development as unaffected healthy peers they may clinically benefit from gene replacement therapy, dependent on the advancement of disease at the time of treatment (see section 5.1).
The treating physician should consider that the benefit is seriously reduced in patients with profound muscle weakness and respiratory failure, patients on permanent ventilation, and patients not able to swallow.
The benefit/risk profile of onasemnogene abeparvovec in patients with advanced SMA, kept alive through permanent ventilation and without the ability to thrive, is not established.
Infusion-related reactions and anaphylactic reactions
Infusion-related reactions, including anaphylactic reactions, have occurred during, and/or shortly after, infusion of onasemnogene abeparvovec (see section 4.8). Patients should be monitored for clinical signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions. If a reaction occurs, the infusion should be interrupted, and treatment should be provided as needed. Based on clinical evaluation and standard practices, administration may be cautiously resumed.
Immunogenicity
An immune response to the AAV9 capsid and T-cell mediated immune response, will occur after infusion of onasemnogene abeparvovec, including antibody formation against the AAV9 capsid despite the immunomodulatory regimen recommended in section 4.2 (see also sub-section 'Systemic immune response' below).
Hepatotoxicity
Immune mediated hepatotoxicity is generally manifested as elevated ALT and/or AST levels. Acute serious liver injury and acute liver failure, including fatal cases, have been reported with onasemnogene abeparvovec use, typically within 2 months after infusion and despite receiving corticosteroids before and after infusion. Immune mediated hepatotoxicity may require adjustment of the immunomodulatory regimen including longer duration, increased dose, or prolongation of the corticosteroid taper. (see section 4.8).
• The risks and benefits of onasemnogene abeparvovec therapy should be carefully considered in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment.
• Patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or acute hepatic viral infection may be at higher risk of acute serious liver injury (see section 4.2).
• Data from a small study in children weighing ≥8.5 kg to ≤21 kg (aged approximately 1.5 to 9 years), indicate a higher frequency of AST or ALT elevations (in 23 out of 24 patients) compared with frequencies of AST/ALT elevations observed in other studies in patients weighing <8.5 kg (in 31 out of 99 patients) (see section 4.8).
• Administration of AAV vector often results in aminotransferase elevations.
• Acute serious liver injury and acute liver failure have occurred with onasemnogene abeparvovec. Cases of acute liver failure with fatal outcome have been reported (see section 4.8).
• Prior to infusion, liver function of all patients should be assessed by clinical examination and laboratory testing (see section 4.2).
• In order to mitigate potential aminotransferase elevations, a systemic corticosteroid should be administered to all patients before and after onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion (see section 4.2).
• Liver function should be monitored at regular intervals for at least 3 months after infusion, and at other times as clinically indicated (see section 4.2).
• Patients with worsening liver function test results and/or signs or symptoms of acute illness should be promptly clinically assessed and monitored closely.
• In case hepatic injury is suspected, prompt consultation with a paediatric gastroenterologist or hepatologist, adjustment of the recommended immunomodulatory regimen and further testing is recommended (e.g. albumin, prothrombin time, PTT, and INR).
AST/ALT/total bilirubin should be assessed weekly for the first month after onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion and during the entire corticosteroid taper period. Tapering of prednisolone should not be considered until AST/ALT levels are less than 2 × ULN and all other assessments (e.g. total bilirubin) return to normal range (see section 4.2). If the patient is clinically stable with unremarkable findings at the end of the corticosteroid taper period, liver function should continue to be monitored every two weeks for another month.
Thrombocytopenia
Transient decreases in platelet counts, some of which met the criteria for thrombocytopenia, were observed in onasemnogene abeparvovec clinical studies. In most cases, the lowest platelet value occurred the first week following onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion.
Post-marketing cases with platelet count <25 x 109/L have been reported to occur within three weeks following administration.
Platelet counts should be obtained before onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion and should be closely monitored within the first three weeks following infusion and on a regular basis afterwards, at least weekly for the first month and every other week for the second and third months until platelet counts return to baseline.
Data from a small study in children weighing ≥8.5 kg to ≤21 kg (aged approximately 1.5 to 9 years), indicate a higher frequency of thrombocytopenia (in 20 out of 24 patients) compared with frequencies of thrombocytopenia observed in other studies in patients weighing <8.5 kg (in 22 out of 99 patients) (see section 4.8).
Elevated troponin I
Increases in cardiac troponin I levels following infusion with onasemnogene abeparvovec were observed (see section 4.8). Elevated troponin-I levels found in some patients may indicate potential myocardial tissue injury. Based on these findings and the observed cardiac toxicity in mice, troponin I levels should be obtained before onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion and monitored as clinically indicated. Consider consultation with a cardiac expert as needed.
Thrombotic microangiopathy
Several cases of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) have been reported with onasemnogene abeparvovec (see section 4.8). Cases generally occurred within the first two weeks after onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion. TMA is an acute and life-threatening condition, which is characterised by thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia. Fatal outcomes have been reported. Acute kidney injury has also been observed. In some cases, concurrent immune system activation (e.g. infections, vaccinations) has been reported (see sections 4.2 and 4.5 for information on administration of vaccinations).
Thrombocytopenia is a key feature of TMA, therefore platelet counts should be closely monitored within the first three weeks following infusion and on a regular basis afterwards (see sub-section 'Thrombocytopenia'). In case of thrombocytopenia, further evaluation including diagnostic testing for haemolytic anaemia and renal dysfunction should be undertaken promptly. If patients show clinical signs, symptoms or laboratory findings consistent with TMA, a specialist should be consulted immediately to manage TMA as clinically indicated. Caregivers should be informed about signs and symptoms of TMA and should be advised to seek urgent medical care if such symptoms occur.
Systemic immune response
Due to the increased risk of serious systemic immune response, it is recommended that patients are clinically stable in their overall health status (e.g. hydration and nutritional status, absence of infection) prior to onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion. Treatment should not be initiated concurrently to active infections, either acute (such as acute respiratory infections or acute hepatitis) or uncontrolled chronic (such as chronic active hepatitis B), until the infection has resolved and the patient is clinically stable (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).
The immunomodulatory regimen (see section 4.2) might also impact the immune response to infections (e.g. respiratory), potentially resulting in more severe clinical courses of the infection. Patients with infection were excluded from participation in clinical trials with onasemnogene abeparvovec. Increased vigilance in the prevention, monitoring, and management of infection is recommended before and after onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion. Seasonal prophylactic treatments, that prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, are recommended and should be up to date. Where feasible, the patient's vaccination schedule should be adjusted to accommodate concomitant corticosteroid administration prior to and following onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion (see section 4.5).
If the duration of corticosteroid treatment is prolonged or the dose is increased, the treating physician should be aware of the possibility of adrenal insufficiency.
Risk of tumourigenicity as a result of vector integration
There is a theoretical risk of tumourigenicity due to integration of AAV vector DNA into the genome.
Onasemnogene abeparvovec is composed of a non-replicating AAV9 vector whose DNA persists largely in episomal form. Rare instances of random vector integration into human DNA are possible with recombinant AAV. The clinical relevance of individual integration events is unknown, but it is acknowledged that individual integration events could potentially contribute to a risk of tumourigenicity.
So far, no cases of malignancies associated with onasemnogene abeparvovec treatment have been reported. In the event of a tumour, the marketing authorisation holder should be contacted for guidance on collecting patient samples for testing.
Shedding
Temporary onasemnogene abeparvovec shedding occurs, primarily through bodily waste. Caregivers and patient families should be advised on the following instructions for the proper handling of patient stools:
• Good hand-hygiene is required when coming into direct contact with patient bodily waste for a minimum of 1 month after onasemnogene abeparvovec treatment.
• Disposable nappies can be sealed in double plastic bags and disposed of in household waste. (see section 5.2)
Blood, organ, tissue and cell donation
Patients treated with Zolgensma should not donate blood, organs, tissues or cells for transplantation.
Sodium content
This medicinal product contains 4.6 mg sodium per mL, equivalent to 0.23% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult. Each 5.5 mL vial contains 25.3 mg sodium, and each 8.3 mL vial contains 38.2 mg sodium.
No interaction studies have been performed.
Experience with use of onasemnogene abeparvovec in patients receiving hepatotoxic medicinal products or using hepatotoxic substances is limited. Safety of onasemnogene abeparvovec in these patients have not been established.
Experience with use of concomitant 5q SMA targeting agents is limited.
Vaccinations
Where feasible, the patient's vaccination schedule should be adjusted to accommodate concomitant corticosteroid administration prior to and following onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion (see sections 4.2 and 4.4). Seasonal RSV prophylaxis is recommended (see section 4.4). Live vaccines, such as MMR and varicella, should not be administered to patients on an immunosuppressive steroid dose (i.e., ≥ 2 weeks of daily receipt of 20 mg or 2 mg/kg body weight of prednisolone or equivalent).
Human data on use during pregnancy or lactation are not available and animal fertility or reproduction studies have not been performed.
Onasemnogene abeparvovec has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Summary of the safety profile
The safety of onasemnogene abeparvovec was evaluated in 99 patients who received onasemnogene abeparvovec at the recommended dose (1.1 x 1014 vg/kg) in 5 open-label clinical studies. The most frequently reported adverse reactions following administration were hepatic enzyme increased (24.2%), hepatotoxicity (9.1%), vomiting (8.1%), thrombocytopenia (6.1%), troponin increased (5.1%), and pyrexia (5.1%) (see section 4.4).
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The adverse reactions identified with onasemnogene abeparvovec in all patients treated with intravenous infusion at the recommended dose with a causal association to treatment are presented in Table 3. Adverse reactions are classified according to MedDRA system organ classification and frequency. Frequency categories are derived according to the following conventions: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Table 3 Tabulated list of adverse reactions to onasemnogene abeparvovec
Adverse Reactions by MedDRA SOC/PT and Frequency
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Common
Thrombocytopenia1)
Uncommon
Thrombotic microangiopathy2)3)
Immune system disorders
Rare
Anaphylactic reactions
Gastrointestinal disorders
Common
Vomiting
Hepatobiliary disorders
Common
Hepatotoxicity4)
Uncommon
Acute liver failure2)3)
General disorders and administration site conditions
Common
Pyrexia
Uncommon
Infusion-related reactions
Investigations
Very common
Hepatic enzyme increased5)
Common
Troponin increased6)
1)Thrombocytopenia includes thrombocytopenia and platelet count decreased.
2)Treatment-related adverse reactions reported outside of pre-marketing clinical studies, including in the post-marketing setting.
3)Includes fatal cases.
4)Hepatotoxicity includes hepatic steatosis and hypertransaminasaemia.
5)Hepatic enzyme increased includes: alanine aminotransferase increased, ammonia increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, hepatic enzyme increased, liver function test increased and transaminases increased.
6)Troponin increased includes troponin increased, troponin-T increased, and troponin-I increased (reported outside of clinical studies, including in the post-marketing setting).
Description of selected adverse reactions
Hepatobiliary disorders
In the clinical development program (see section 5.1), elevated transaminases > 2 × ULN (and in some cases > 20 × ULN) were observed in 31% of patients treated at the recommended dose. These patients were clinically asymptomatic and none of them had clinically significant elevations of bilirubin. Serum transaminase elevations usually resolved with prednisolone treatment and patients recovered without clinical sequelae (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).
In the post-marketing setting, there have been reports of children developing signs and symptoms of acute liver failure (e.g. jaundice, coagulopathy, encephalopathy) typically within 2 months of treatment with onasemnogene abeparvovec, despite receiving corticosteroids before and after infusion. Cases of acute liver failure with fatal outcome have been reported.
In a study (COAV101A12306) including 24 children weighing ≥8.5 kg to ≤21 kg (aged approximately 1.5 to 9 years; 21 discontinued previous SMA treatment) increased transaminases were observed in 23 out of 24 patients. The patients were asymptomatic and there were no elevations of bilirubin. The AST and ALT elevations were managed with the use of corticosteroids, typically with prolonged duration (at Week 26, 17 patients were continuing prednisolone, at Week 52, 6 patients were still receiving prednisolone) and/or a higher dose.
Transient thrombocytopenia
In the clinical development program (see section 5.1) transient thrombocytopenia, was observed at multiple time points post-dose and normally resolved within two weeks. Decreases in platelet counts were more prominent during the first week of treatment (see section 4.4). Post-marketing cases with transient decrease in platelet count to levels <25 x 109/L within three weeks of administration have been reported (see section 4.4).
In a study (COAV101A12306) including 24 children weighing ≥8.5 kg to ≤21 kg (aged approximately 1.5 to 9 years), thrombocytopenia was observed in 20 out of 24 patients.
Increases in troponin-I levels
Increases in cardiac troponin-I levels up to 0.2 mcg/L following onasemnogene abeparvovec infusion were observed. In the clinical study program, there were no clinically apparent cardiac findings observed following administration of onasemnogene abeparvovec (see section 4.4).
Immunogenicity
Pre- and post-gene therapy titres of anti-AAV9 antibodies were measured in the clinical studies (see section 4.4). All patients that received onasemnogene abeparvovec had anti-AAV9 titres at or below 1:50 before treatment. Mean increases from baseline in AAV9 titre were observed in all patients at all but 1 time-point for antibody titre levels to AAV9 peptide, reflecting normal response to non-self viral antigen. Some patients experienced AAV9 titres exceeding the level of quantification, however most of these patients did not have potentially clinically significant adverse reactions. Thus, no relationship has been established between high anti-AAV9 antibody titres and the potential for adverse reactions or efficacy parameters.
In the AVXS-101-CL-101 clinical study, 16 patients were screened for anti-AAV9 antibody titre: 13 had titres less than 1:50 and were enrolled in the study; three patients had titres greater than 1:50, two of whom were retested following cessation of breast-feeding and their titres were measured at less than 1:50 and both were enrolled in the study. There is no information on whether breastfeeding should be restricted in mothers who may be seropositive for anti-AAV9 antibodies. Patients all had less than or equal to 1:50 AAV9 antibody titre prior to treatment with onasemnogene abeparvovec and subsequently demonstrated an increase in anti-AAV9 antibody titres to at least 1:102,400 and up to greater than 1:819,200.
The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. In addition, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralising antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medicinal products and underlying disease.
No onasemnogene abeparvovec-treated patient demonstrated an immune response to the transgene.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
No data from clinical studies are available regarding overdose of onasemnogene abeparvovec. Adjustment of the dose of prednisolone, close clinical observation and monitoring of laboratory parameters (including clinical chemistry and haematology) for systemic immune response are recommended (see section 4.4).
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