Pegfilgrastim Biosimilars in US Supportive Oncology: A Narrative Review of Administration Options and Economic Considerations to Maximize Patient Benefit

Human Factors Validation of a Wearable, On-Body Infusor for Subcutaneous Administration of Furosemide

Purpose

Furoscix® (subcutaneous furosemide) is administered using a wearable On-Body Infusor (OBI) and is approved for the treatment of congestion associated with heart failure (HF). The purpose of this study was to assess the safe and effective use of the OBI and Instructions for Use (IFU) by patients with HF, caregivers, and healthcare practitioners (HCPs).

Methods

Sixty participants (patients, n=30; caregivers, n=15; HCPs, n=15) were evaluated on completion of OBI use tasks and IFU knowledge tasks in a simulated use environment. Fifteen of the patients received OBI/IFU training before evaluation.

Results

Overall, 893/900 (99.2%) use tasks and 2211/2220 (99.6%) knowledge tasks were completed successfully, without differences due to training. The most common (n=6) use error was failure to wipe skin or cartridge tip with an alcohol wipe. Errors were due to forgetfulness/misinterpretation rather than IFU clarity.

Conclusion

The subcutaneous furosemide OBI can be safely and effectively used by patients, caregivers, and HCPs, regardless of training.

A Randomized, Open-Label Study Conducted to Evaluate the Bioequivalence of Pegfilgrastim-cbqv On-Body Injector Versus Prefilled Syringe in Healthy Male Participants

INTRODUCTION

To help prevent febrile neutropenia, pegfilgrastim-cbqv (UDENYCA®; Coherus BioSciences), a pegfilgrastim (NEULASTA®; Amgen) biosimilar, is administered 24-96 h after myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Delivery of pegfilgrastim-cbqv using an on-body injector (OBI) provides an alternative method of administration, affording options in drug delivery. This study aimed to establish pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) bioequivalence and assess the safety of pegfilgrastim-cbqv administered using an OBI compared with a prefilled syringe (PFS).

METHODS

In this open-label, two-period crossover study, healthy adult male participants (N = 189) were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive pegfilgrastim-cbqv 6 mg subcutaneously using an OBI (n = 92) or a PFS (n = 95) in period 1 and then an injection via the other method in period 2. Primary PK end points were area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity, area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to the last quantifiable concentration, and maximum plasma concentration. Secondary PD end points, safety, immunogenicity, and tolerability were also assessed.

RESULTS

The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric mean ratios for the PK and PD end points fell within the predetermined range (80-125%), indicating PK and PD bioequivalence between pegfilgrastim-cbqv OBI and pegfilgrastim-cbqv PFS. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 87.8% and 75.8% of participants in the OBI and PFS groups, respectively. Most TEAEs were musculoskeletal effects. The most common OBI-related TEAE was injection site erythema (31.7%), which was mild, transient, and self-limiting. The incidence of treatment-emergent antidrug antibodies (ADAs) was similar between the OBI and PFS. ADAs had no apparent impact on PK, PD, or safety. Neutralizing antibodies were not detected in any participant.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of the study showed PK and PD bioequivalence of pegfilgrastim-cbqv administered using OBI compared with PFS. OBI and PFS administration had similar safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity profiles. No unexpected safety signals were identified. Graphical Abstract available for this article.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Bioequivalence of Pegfilgrastim-cbqv Delivered via a Prefilled Autoinjector and Prefilled Syringe in Healthy Male Participants

INTRODUCTION

Pegfilgrastim-cbqv (UDENYCA®; Coherus BioSciences, Redwood City, CA, USA) is a pegfilgrastim (Neulasta®; Amgen, Thousand Oaks, CA, USA) biosimilar approved for administration by prefilled syringe (PFS). The recently approved pegfilgrastim-cbqv prefilled autoinjector (AI) was developed as another method of self-administration and to aid in-office use, providing flexibility in drug delivery. The objectives of the study were to assess the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) to determine bioequivalence of the prefilled AI and the PFS for administration of pegfilgrastim-cbqv and to assess the safety profile of the prefilled AI.

METHODS

During this open-label, two-period crossover study, healthy adult males (N = 155) were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive a subcutaneous injection of pegfilgrastim-cbqv using a prefilled AI (n = 76) or a PFS (n = 79) in period 1. During period 2, participants received an injection using the other method. Primary PK and secondary PD parameters were calculated to assess the bioequivalence of the treatment as administered by the two delivery methods. Safety and immunogenicity were also assessed.

RESULTS

The 90% CIs of the geometric mean ratios for the PK and PD parameters were within the required range (80-125%), demonstrating bioequivalence between the pegfilgrastim-cbqv prefilled AI and PFS. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported by 75% and 74.1% of participants in the prefilled AI and PFS groups, respectively. The most common TEAEs in both treatment groups were myalgia, bone pain, and headache. AI-device-related TEAEs were injection site pain (1.4%) and injection site bruising (0.7%). The incidence of antidrug antibodies and neutralizing antibodies was low and was similar in both treatment sequences.

CONCLUSIONS

The bioequivalence of pegfilgrastim-cbqv administered using a prefilled AI and a PFS was established. The safety, including immunogenicity profiles, of pegfilgrastim-cbqv administered using the prefilled AI and the PFS were similar, with no new safety findings.

The impact of new and emerging agents on outcomes for febrile neutropenia: addressing clinical gaps

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

While chemotherapy treatment options for patients with solid and hematologic malignancies have dramatically improved over recent years, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) and febrile neutropenia (FN) remain major barriers to delivering treatment at full doses and optimal timing. Despite concurrent advances in granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration, multiple barriers to the administration of and disparities in the access to these agents remain. The introduction of new, emerging agents, including biosimilars and novel therapies show promise in improving outcomes for CIN.

RECENT FINDINGS

The introduction of biosimilar filgrastim products has improved access to G-CSF administration by driving marketplace competition and has reduced costs for both patients and healthcare systems without sacrificing efficacy. Emerging therapies to address similar issues include long-acting G-CSF products, efbemalenograstim alfa and eflapegrastin-xnst, as well as agents with novel mechanisms of action, plinabulin and trilaciclib. These agents have shown efficacy and cost-saving benefits in certain populations and disease groups.

SUMMARY

Multiple emerging agents show promise in decreasing the burden of CIN. Use of these therapies will reduce access disparities and will improve outcomes for patients with cancer receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy. Many ongoing trials are underway to evaluate the roles of these agents for more widespread use.