In this article, we will discuss Emapalumab-lzsg (Pharmacokinetics). So, let’s get started.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of emapalumab-lzsg were evaluated in healthy adult subjects and in patients with primary HLH.
Following a 1 mg/kg emapalumab-lzsg dose, median steady state peak concentration was 44 mcg/mL, which was 2.9 times higher than after the first dose. The median steady state trough concentration was 25 mcg/mL, which was 4.3 times higher than after the first dose.
Emapalumab-lzsg AUC increases slightly more than proportionally between 1 and 3 mg/kg doses, and less than proportionally at 3, 6, and 10 mg/kg doses.
Emapalumab-lzsg exhibits target-mediated clearance dependent on IFNγ production, which can vary between and within patients as a function of time and can affect the recommended dosage.
Emapalumab-lzsg steady state is achieved by the 7th infusion when the IFNγ production is moderate. At high IFNγ production, steady-state is reached earlier due to a shorter half-life.
Distribution
The central and peripheral volumes of distribution in a subject with body weight of 70 kg are 4.2 and 5.6 L, respectively.
Elimination
Emapalumab-lzsg elimination half-life is approximately 22 days in healthy subjects, and ranged from 2.5 to 18.9 days in HLH patients.
Emapalumab-lzsg clearance is approximately 0.007 L/h in healthy subjects.
In patients, the total clearance of emapalumab-lzsg was significantly influenced by the production of IFNγ, demonstrating target mediated clearance of emapalumab-lzsg.
Metabolism
The metabolic pathway of emapalumab-lzsg has not been characterized. Like other protein therapeutics, emapalumab-lzsg is expected to be degraded into small peptides and amino acids via catabolic pathways.
Specific Populations
Body weight (2 to 82 kg) was a significant covariate of emapalumab-lzsg pharmacokinetics, supporting body weight-based dosing.
No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of emapalumab-lzsg were observed based on age (0.02 to 56 year), sex (53% Females), race (71.4% Caucasian, 12.2% Asian and 8.2% Black), renal impairment including dialysis, or hepatic impairment (mild, moderate, and severe).
Drug Interaction Studies
No drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted with emapalumab-lzsg.