This website is intended for Healthcare Professionals in the U.S.
Search

Safety Profile

Recognizing how the immune system responds to PALYNZIQ is critical to understanding the safety, dosing, and efficacy

As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity1

Diagram showing PALYNZIQ immunogenicity and how it changes over the course of treatment,

Non–IgE-mediated anaphylaxis was observed in PALYNZIQ clinical trials1,a

Non–IgE-mediated anaphylaxis was observed in PALYNZIQ clinical trials
Non IgE stats

Anaphylaxis has been reported after administration of PALYNZIQ and may occur at any time during treatment1

  • Most episodes occurred within 1 hour after injection (81%; 34 of 42 episodes), though delayed episodes also occurred up to 48 hours after administration of PALYNZIQ1
  • Most episodes occurred within 1 year of dosing (69%; 29 of 42 episodes), but cases also occurred after 1 year of dosing and up to 1604 days (4.4 years) of total follow-up1
  • 48% of anaphylaxis episodes (20 of 42 episodes) were managed with administration of auto-injectable epinephrine1
  • Consider having an adult observer for patients who may need assistance in recognizing and managing anaphylaxis1

a 27 of 29 patients who had anaphylaxis were tested for anti–pegvaliase-pqpz IgE antibodies, which recognize the PEGylated protein product. Of those 27 patients, 26 tested negative. The one patient who screened positive for anti–pegvaliase-pqpz IgE had insufficient sample to confirm IgE positivity. This patient tested negative for anti–pegvaliase-pqpz IgE at routine visits before and after the anaphylaxis episode.1

Learn about different types of hypersensitivity

Type I vs Type III hypersensitivity

Type I vs Type III hypersensitivity chart
Type I vs Type III hypersensitivity chart

In the clinical trials, the majority of adverse reactions were mild to moderate in severity1,2

Most common adverse reactions (≥15% in an induction/titration/maintenance regimen) in clinical trials
  • 15% of patients (44 of 285) discontinued treatment due to an adverse event1
  • The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were hypersensitivity reactions (6%), including anaphylaxis (3%), angioedema (1%), arthralgia (4%), generalized skin reactions lasting at least 14 days (2%), and ISRs (1%)1

View adverse reactions by exposure-adjusted rate

The exposure-adjusted rate of adverse reactions was highest during induction and titration, and generally decreased in the maintenance phase1

Adverse reactions by exposure-adjusted rate

c Hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis.

  • The exposure-adjusted rate represents the number of episodes divided by person-years (the number of patients multiplied by the years patients were exposed to treatment)
    • It is calculated by taking the number of events divided by the number of person-years (the number of patients multiplied by the number of years they were exposed to the treatment)

Rates of the 3 most common adverse reactions decreased from induction/titration to maintenance,d despite increasing dose1,6

Comparison of exposure adjusted AE rates in induction/titration vs maintenance phases

cHypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis.
dMaintenance phase defined as when subjects reached stable dose for 8 weeks.
eHypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis.
fMaintenance, all doses includes patients on placebo and PALYNZIQ doses <20 mg.

The types and rate of adverse reactions reported during the maintenance phase were similar in patients who received 20 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg once daily.1

  • The exposure-adjusted rate of anaphylaxis was highest during induction and titration phases (0.25 episodes/person-years) and decreased in the maintenance phase (0.05 episodes/person-years)
  • The frequency of hypersensitivity reactions with PALYNZIQ is highest early in treatment when the immune response is most reactive, but may occur at any time during treatment1
  • Later in treatment, the immune response stabilizes1,3
  • The exposure-adjusted rate represents the number of episodes divided by person-years (the number of patients multiplied by the years patients were exposed to treatment)
    • It is calculated by taking the number of events divided by the number of person-years (the number of patients multiplied by the number of years they were exposed to the treatment)

In clinical trials, adverse reactions were managed with medication, dose reduction, interruption, and discontinuation1

Medicine icon

Premedication1

Premedication may be considered, based on individual patient tolerability, prior to each dose of PALYNZIQ. Most frequently administered H1- and H2-receptor antagonists and antipyretics during PRISM-2 g,h,i,j

  • ranitidine hydrochloridej
  • ibuprofen
  • fexofenadine hydrochloride
  • cetirizine hydrochloride
  • diphenhydramine hydrochloride
  • loratadine
  • acetaminophen
  • naproxen sodium
Anaphylaxis icon

Anaphylaxis1

  • Medication: managed with autoinjectable epinephrine, corticosteroids, antihistamines, and/or oxygen
  • Interruption: 4% of patients
  • Discontinuation: 3% of patients
Arthralgia icon

Arthralgia1

  • Medication: managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, and acetaminophen
  • Dose reduction: 15% of patients
  • Interruption: 13% of patients
  • Discontinuation: 4% of patients
Injection site reactions icon

Injection site reactions1

  • Medication: treated with topical antihistamine, corticosteroids
  • Dose reduction: 4% of patients
  • Interruption: 4% of patients
  • Discontinuation: 1% of patients

gPatients (n=215) may have been prescribed premedications in combination, and/or may have switched between different premedication regimens during the study period.
hThe rates of use of these medications in this population only partially reflects their use as premedications; these medications may also have been used to treat other conditions, such as seasonal allergies, headaches, etc.
iDuring PRISM-2, premedication was administered 2-3 hours prior to PALYNZIQ.
jPlease note: the FDA has advised a voluntary recall of ranitidine made by many manufacturers, due to concerns over purity. Consider substituting a different H2 blocker.

References:

  1. PALYNZIQ [package insert]. Novato, CA: BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc; 2020.
  2. Thomas J, Levy H, Amato S, et al, for the PRISM investigators. Pegvaliase for the treatment of phenylketonuria: results of a long-term phase 3 clinical trial program (PRISM). Mol Genet Metab. 2018;124(1):27-38.
  3. Gupta S, Lau K, Harding CO, et al. Association of immune response with efficacy and safety outcomes in adults with phenylketonuria administered pegvaliase in phase 3 clinical trials. EBioMedicine. 2018;37:366-373.
  4. Montañez MI, Mayorga C, Bogas G, et al. Epidemiology, mechanisms, and diagnosis of drug-induced anaphylaxis. Front Immunol. 2017;8:1-10.
  5. Hausmann O, Daha M, Longo N, et al. Pegvaliase: immunological profile and recommendations for the clinical management of hypersensitivity reactions in patients with phenylketonuria treated with this enzyme substitution therapy. Mol Genet Metab. 2019;128(1-2):84-91. doi:10.1016/j.ymgme.2019.05.006.
  6. Data on file, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc; 2017.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

BOXED WARNING: RISK OF ANAPHYLAXIS

  • Anaphylaxis has been reported after administration of PALYNZIQ and may occur at any time during treatment
  • Administer the initial dose of PALYNZIQ under the supervision of a healthcare provider equipped to manage anaphylaxis, and closely observe patients for at least 60 minutes following injection. Prior to self-injection, confirm patient competency with self-administration, and patient’s and observer’s (if applicable) ability to recognize signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and to administer auto-injectable epinephrine, if needed
  • Consider having an adult observer for patients who may need assistance in recognizing and managing anaphylaxis during PALYNZIQ treatment. If an adult observer is needed, the observer should be present during and for at least 60 minutes after PALYNZIQ administration, should be able to administer auto-injectable epinephrine, and call for emergency medical support upon its use
  • Prescribe auto-injectable epinephrine. Prior to the first dose, instruct the patient and observer (if applicable) on its appropriate use. Instruct the patient to seek immediate medical care upon its use. Instruct patients to carry auto-injectable epinephrine with them at all times during PALYNZIQ treatment
  • PALYNZIQ is available only through a restricted program called PALYNZIQ REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy). Further information, including a list of qualified pharmacies, is available at www.PALYNZIQREMS.com or by telephone at 1-855-758-REMS (1-855-758-7367)

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Anaphylaxis

  • Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis reported include syncope, hypotension, hypoxia, dyspnea, wheezing, chest discomfort/chest tightness, tachycardia, angioedema (swelling of face, lips, eyes, tongue), throat tightness, skin flushing, rash, urticaria, pruritus, and gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, nausea, diarrhea)
  • Anaphylaxis generally occurred within 1 hour after injection; however, delayed episodes occurred up to 48 hours after PALYNZIQ administration
  • Consider having an adult observer for patients who may need assistance in recognizing and managing anaphylaxis during PALYNZIQ treatment. If an adult observer is needed, the observer should be present during and for at least 60 minutes after PALYNZIQ administration, should be able to administer auto-injectable epinephrine, and call for emergency medical support upon its use
  • Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment with auto-injectable epinephrine. Prescribe auto-injectable epinephrine to all patients receiving PALYNZIQ and instruct patients to carry auto-injectable epinephrine with them at all times during PALYNZIQ treatment. Prior to the first dose, instruct the patient and observer (if applicable) on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, how to properly administer auto-injectable epinephrine, and to seek immediate medical care upon its use. Consider the risks associated with auto-injectable epinephrine use when prescribing PALYNZIQ. Refer to the auto-injectable epinephrine prescribing information for complete information
  • Consider the risks and benefits of readministering PALYNZIQ following an episode of anaphylaxis. If the decision is made to readminister PALYNZIQ, administer the first dose under the supervision of a healthcare provider equipped to manage anaphylaxis and closely observe the patient for at least 60 minutes following the dose. Subsequent PALYNZIQ dose titration should be based on patient tolerability and therapeutic response
  • Consider premedication with an H1-receptor antagonist, H2-receptor antagonist, and/or antipyretic prior to PALYNZIQ administration based upon individual patient tolerability

Other Hypersensitivity Reactions

  • Hypersensitivity reactions other than anaphylaxis have been reported in 204 of 285 (72%) patients treated with PALYNZIQ in clinical trials
  • Management of hypersensitivity reactions should be based on the severity of the reaction, recurrence of the reaction, and the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider, and may include dosage adjustment, temporary drug interruption, or treatment with antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or corticosteroids

ADVERSE REACTIONS

  • The most common adverse reactions (at least 20% of patients in either treatment phase) were injection site reactions, arthralgia, hypersensitivity reactions, headache, generalized skin reactions lasting at least 14 days, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, cough, oropharyngeal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nasal congestion, fatigue, dizziness, and anxiety
  • Of the 285 patients exposed to PALYNZIQ in an induction/titration/maintenance regimen in clinical trials, 44 (15%) patients discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions. The most common adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation were hypersensitivity reactions (6% of patients) including anaphylaxis (3% of patients), angioedema (1% of patients), arthralgia (4% of patients), generalized skin reactions lasting at least 14 days (2% of patients), and injection site reactions (1% of patients)
  • The most common adverse reactions leading to dosage reduction were arthralgia (15% of patients), hypersensitivity reactions (9% of patients), injection site reactions (4% of patients), alopecia (3% of patients), and generalized skin reactions lasting at least 14 days (2% of patients)
  • The most common adverse reactions leading to temporary drug interruption were hypersensitivity reactions (14% of patients), arthralgia (13% of patients), anaphylaxis (4% of patients), and injection site reactions (4% of patients)
  • Angioedema and serum sickness: In clinical trials, 22 out of 285 (8%) patients experienced 45 episodes of angioedema (symptoms included: pharyngeal edema, swollen tongue, lip swelling, mouth swelling, eyelid edema, and face edema) occurring independent of anaphylaxis. In clinical trials, serum sickness was reported in 7 out of 285 (2%) patients

Blood Phenylalanine Monitoring and Diet

  • Obtain blood Phe concentrations every 4 weeks until a maintenance dosage is established. Periodically monitor blood Phe concentrations during maintenance therapy
  • Counsel patients to monitor dietary protein and Phe intake, and adjust as directed by their healthcare provider

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Effect of PALYNZIQ on Other PEGylated Products

  • In a single-dose study of PALYNZIQ in adult patients with PKU, two patients receiving concomitant injections of medroxyprogesterone acetate suspension (a formulation containing PEG 3350) experienced a hypersensitivity reaction. One of the two patients experienced anaphylaxis
  • The clinical effects of concomitant treatment with different PEGylated products are unknown. Monitor patients treated with PALYNZIQ and concomitantly with other PEGylated products for hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy and Lactation

  • PALYNZIQ may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman
  • Advise women who are exposed to PALYNZIQ during pregnancy or who become pregnant within one month following the last dose of PALYNZIQ that there is a pregnancy surveillance program that monitors pregnancy outcomes. Healthcare providers should report PALYNZIQ exposure and encourage these patients to report their pregnancy to BioMarin (1-866-906-6100)
  • Monitor blood Phe levels in breastfeeding women treated with PALYNZIQ

Pediatric Use

  • The safety and effectiveness of PALYNZIQ in pediatric patients have not been established

Geriatric Use

  • Clinical studies of PALYNZIQ did not include patients aged 65 years and older

You are encouraged to report suspected adverse reactions to BioMarin at 1-866-906-6100, or to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see full Prescribing Information, with Boxed Warning for risk of anaphylaxis, and Medication Guide here.

INDICATION
PALYNZIQ is a phenylalanine (Phe)-metabolizing enzyme indicated to reduce blood Phe concentrations in adult patients with phenylketonuria who have uncontrolled blood Phe concentrations greater than 600 micromol/L on existing management.