SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Optivate (human factor VIII) 100 IU/mL, a powder for solution for injection.

2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Optivate is a concentrate of human coagulation factor VIII with associated von Willebrand Factor (VWF) (the natural stabiliser for FVIII). There are no added proteins as stabilisers. The product is obtained from blood from screened donors. These donors are selected from the USA.

Each vial contains nominally 250 IU, 500 IU or 1000 IU of human coagulation factor VIII. One mL of Optivate contains approximately 100 IU of human coagulation factor VIII after reconstitution with 2.5 mL (250 IU), 5 mL (500 IU) or 10 mL (1000 IU) of Sterilised Water for Injections, Ph.Eur..

The factor VIII potency (IU) is determined using the European Pharmacopoeia chromogenic assay. The factor VIII specific activity of Optivate is approximately 800 IU/mg protein when VWF is discounted and approximately 43 IU/mg protein when the presence of VWF is considered in the calculation.

The product contains approximately 172 IU VWF:RCo per mL when reconstituted with Sterilised Water for Injections as described above.

The specific activity of Optivate is approximately 75 IU of VWF:RCo/mg protein.

The VWF potency (IU) is measured according to Ristocetin Cofactor activity (VWF:RCo), compared to the International Standard for von Willebrand Factor concentrate (WHO).

The label on each vial states the assayed amounts of factor VIII and VWF Ristocetin Cofactor activities.

For a full list of excipients, see 6.1.

3    PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Powder for solution for injection.

CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Treatment and prophylaxis of bleeding in patients with haemophilia A (congenital factor VIII deficiency).

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Treatment should be initiated under the supervision of a physician experienced in the treatment of haemophilia.

The dosage and duration of the substitution therapy depend on the severity of the FVIII deficiency, on the location and extent of the bleeding and the patient’s clinical condition.

Posology

On demand treatment

The number of units of factor VIII administered is expressed in International Units (IU), which are related to the current WHO standard for factor VIII products. Factor VIII activity in plasma is expressed either as a percentage (relative to normal human plasma) or in International Units (relative to an international standard for factor VIII in plasma).

One International Unit (IU) of factor VIII activity is equivalent to that quantity of factor VIII in one mL of normal human plasma. The calculation of the required dosage of factor VIII is based on the empirical finding that 1 IU factor VIII per kg body weight raises the plasma factor VIII activity by 2.2% - 2.7% of normal activity (2.2-2.7 IU/dL). The required dosage is determined using the following formula:

Required units = body weight x desired factor x    0.4

(kg)    VIII rise (%)

(IU/dL)

The amount to be administered and the frequency of administration should always be orientated to the clinical effectiveness in the individual case.

In the case of the following haemorrhagic events, the factor VIII activity should not fall below the given plasma activity level (in % of normal IU/dL) in the corresponding period. The following table can be used to guide dosing in bleeding episodes and surgery:

Haemorrhage
Early haemarthrosis, muscle bleeding or oral bleeding.	20-40	Repeat every 12 to 24 hours. At least 1 day, until the bleeding episode as indicated by pain is resolved or healing is achieved.
More extensive haemarthrosis, muscle bleeding or haematoma.	30-60	Repeat infusion every 12 to 24 hours for 3 to 4 days or more until pain and acute disability are resolved.
Life threatening haemorrhages.	60-100	Repeat infusion every 8 to 24 hours until threat resolved.
Surgery
Minor surgery Including tooth extraction.	30-60	Every 24 hours, at least 1 day, until healing is achieved.
Major surgery	80-100 (pre- and postoperative)	Repeat infusion every 8 to 24 hours until adequate wound healing, then therapy for at least another 7 days to maintain a factor VIII activity of 30% to 60% (IU/dL).

Prophylaxis

For long term prophylaxis against bleeding in patients with severe haemophilia A, the usual doses are 20 to 40 IU of factor VIII per kg body weight at intervals of 2 to 3 days. In some cases, especially in younger patients, shorter dosage intervals or higher doses may be necessary.

During the course of treatment, appropriate determination of factor VIII levels is advised to guide the dose to be administered and the frequency of repeated infusions. In the case of major surgical interventions in particular, precise monitoring of the substitution therapy by means of coagulation analysis (plasma factor VIII activity) is indispensable. Individual patients may vary in their response to factor VIII, achieving different levels of in vivo recovery and demonstrating different half-lives.

Paediatric patients

Optivate is indicated for use in children, including those less than 6 years of age. The usual dose is 17 to 30 IU/kg. This can be given up to 3 times a week to prevent bleeding. In the clinical trials the median doses in children <6 years of age were 24.7 IU/kg for routine prophylaxis and 27.6 IU/kg to treat a bleed.

Patients should be monitored for the development of factor VIII inhibitors. If the expected factor VIII activity plasma levels are not attained, or if bleeding is not controlled with an appropriate dose, an assay should be performed to determine if a factor VIII inhibitor is present. In patients with high levels of inhibitor, factor VIII therapy may not be effective and other therapeutic options should be considered. Management of such patients should be directed by physicians with experience in the care of patients with haemophilia.

See also 4.4.

Method of administration

Dissolve the preparation as described in 6.6. The product should be administered via the intravenous route at a rate not exceeding 3 mL per minute (note that increasing the rate of administration may result in side effects).

If it is necessary to receive more than one vial, the contents of all the vials may be drawn up into a syringe of appropriate size. A separate sterile filter needle/Mix2Vial should be used for each vial because sterile filter needles/Mix2Vials are intended to filter the contents of a single vial of the Optivate.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

As with any intravenous protein product, allergic type hypersensitivity reactions are possible. The product contains traces of human proteins other than factor VIII and VWF. Patients should be informed of the early signs of hypersensitivity reactions including hives, generalised urticaria, tightness of the chest, wheezing, hypotension and anaphylaxis. If these symptoms occur, they should be advised to discontinue use of the product immediately and contact their physician.

In case of shock, standard medical treatment for shock should be implemented.

Standard measures are implemented to prevent infections resulting from the use of medicinal products prepared from human blood or plasma include selection of donors, screening of individual donations and plasma pools for specific markers of infection and the inclusion of effective manufacturing steps for the inactivation/removal of viruses. Despite this, when medicinal products prepared from human blood or plasma are administered, the possibility of transmitting infective agents cannot be totally excluded. This also applies to unknown or emerging viruses and other pathogens.

The measures taken are considered effective for enveloped viruses such as HIV, HBV and HCV, and for non-enveloped viruses HAV and parvovirus B19.

It is strongly recommended that every time that Optivate is administered to a patient, the name and batch number of the product are recorded in order to maintain a link between the patient and the batch of the product.

The formation of neutralising antibodies (inhibitors) to factor VIII is a known complication in the management of individuals with haemophilia A. These inhibitors are usually IgG immunoglobulins directed against the factor VIII procoagulant activity, which are quantified in Bethesda Units (BU) per mL of plasma using the modified assay. The risk of developing inhibitors is correlated to the exposure to anti-haemophilic factor VIII, this risk being highest within the first 20 exposure days. Rarely, inhibitors may develop after the first 100 exposure days.

Cases of recurrent inhibitor (low titre) have been observed after switching from one FVIII product to another in previously treated patients with more than 100 exposure days who have a previous history of inhibitor development. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor patients carefully for inhibitor occurrence following any product switch.

In general, all patients treated with human coagulation factor VIII should be carefully monitored for the development of inhibitors by appropriate clinical observations and laboratory tests.

See also 4.8 Undesirable effects.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No interactions of human coagulation factor VIII products with other medicinal products have been reported.

4.6 Pregnancy and lactation

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with factor VIII. Based on the rare occurrence of haemophilia A in women, experience regarding the use of factor VIII during pregnancy and breast-feeding is not available. Therefore, factor VIII should be used during pregnancy and lactation only if clearly indicated.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Optivate has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

4.8 Undesirable effects

The following adverse reactions have been reported from 96 patients in clinical studies. Approximately 10% of patients can be expected to experience adverse reactions on long-term treatment. Frequencies are defined as: 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):

MedDRA Standard System Organ Class	Adverse Reactions	Frequency
Nervous System Disorders	Headache	Common
	Somnolence	Common
Ear and Labyrinth Disorders	Vertigo (dizziness)	Common
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders	Rash	Common
	Pruritus	Common
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders	Muscle and joint stiffness	Common
General Disorders and Administration Site Disorders	Infusion site erythema, rash or pain	Common
	Oedema peripheral	Common
	Shivering (rigors)	Common
	Fever (pyrexia)	Common

In post-marketing experience, the following additional undesirable effects have been reported: sneezing, cough, throat irritation, abdominal pain and malaise.

Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions (which may include angioedema, burning and stinging at the infusion site, chills, flushing, generalised urticaria, headache, hives, hypotension, lethargy, nausea, restlessness, tachycardia, tightness of the chest, tingling, vomiting and wheezing) have been observed infrequently, and may in some cases progress to severe anaphylaxis.

Patients with haemophilia A may develop neutralising antibodies (inhibitors) to factor VIII. If such inhibitors occur, the condition will manifest itself as an insufficient clinical response. In such cases, it is recommended that a specialised haemophilia centre be contacted. One previously untreated patient (PUP) has been treated in the clinical development programme. Neither he nor any of the 95 previously treated patients (PTPs) in the clinical trials has developed inhibitors. The median number of exposure days in these patients was 97 days (range 2 to 408 days).

For information on viral safety see 4.4.

4.9    Overdose

No case of overdose has been reported.

5    PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic Group :

Antihaemorrhagics: blood coagulation factor VIII. ATC code: B02BD02.

The factor VIII/von Willebrand Factor complex consists of two molecules (factor VIII and von Willebrand Factor) with different physiological functions. When infused into a haemophiliac patient, factor VIII binds to von Willebrand Factor in the patient’s circulation. Activated factor VIII acts as a cofactor for activated factor IX, accelerating the conversion of factor X to activated factor X. Activated factor X converts prothrombin into thrombin. Thrombin then converts fibrinogen into fibrin and a clot can be formed. Haemophilia A is a sex-linked hereditary disorder of blood coagulation due to decreased levels of factor VIII:C and results in profuse bleeding into joints, muscles or internal organs, either spontaneously or as a result of accidental or surgical trauma. By replacement therapy the plasma levels of factor VIII are increased, thereby enabling a temporary correction of the factor deficiency and correction of the bleeding tendencies.

In addition to its role as a factor VIII protecting protein, von Willebrand Factor mediates platelet adhesion to sites of vascular injury and plays a role in platelet aggregation.

From clinical trial experience, young children using prophylactic Optivate experienced less bleeds than those only using it on demand. For doses in children see 4.2.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

The pharmacokinetics of Optivate have been evaluated in 15 patients with severe haemophilia A after bolus doses of 50 IU/kg. The mean results were as follows:

Non-compartmental terminal half-life 12.4 hours

Non-compartmental terminal half-life 95%CI

Mean Residence Time 95%CI

Clearance

95%CI

Area under curve (AUC_0-48h)

95%CI

Area under curve (AUC_0-inf)

95%CI

Volume of distribution 95%CI

Alpha half-life 95%CI

Beta half-life 95%CI

Incremental recovery 95%CI

IU/kg

12.4    hours

10.94-13.83 hours

17.5    hours

15.99-18.92 hours

3.1    mL/kg/h

2.71-3.51 mL/kg/h

16.1    h.IU/mL

13.97- 18.28 h.IU/mL 17.31 h.IU/mL

14.98- 19.65 h.IU/mL 53.4 mL/kg

46.2-60.52 mL/kg

2.2 hours

I. 48-2.88 hours

12.6    hours

II. 33-13.92 hours 2.5 IU/dL per IU/kg

2.22-2.74 IU/dL per

During the clinical trials, there were 309 assessments of incremental recovery, all based on the maximum FVIII:C in the first hour (ISTH 2001). These assessments have involved 27 batches of Optivate and 70 adults with severe haemophilia A. The overall values of incremental recovery were as follows:

Mean: 2.7 IU/dL per IU/kg 95%CI 2.53-2.80 IU/dL per IU/kg Median: 2.6 IU/dL per IU/kg.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

The factor VIII and von Willebrand Factor in Optivate are normal constituents of human plasma and act in the same way as the endogenous proteins, therefore, safety testing is not relevant.

However an acute toxicity study and a repeated dose toxicity study in mice indicated that the Optivate formulation was not toxic, even at levels up to 20 times that likely to be used in man. In these studies, the various constituents of the product were administered to the test animals in different, greater, amounts for each excipient, compared to that in a clinical dose.

It is scientifically inappropriate to conduct genotoxicity or carcinogenicity studies with plasma coagulation factor VIII with or without its natural stabiliser, VWF.

6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1    List of excipients

The reconstituted solution contains:

Sodium chloride Sodium citrate Calcium chloride Polysorbate 20 Trehalose

Solvent

Sterilised water for injections (diluent)

6.2    Incompatibilities

In the absence of compatibility studies, this mixed with other medicinal products.

Only the recommended injection/infusion

treatment failure can occur as a consequence of human plasma coagulation factor VIII adsorption to the internal surfaces of some infusion equipment.

6.3 Shelf life

Unopened powder in vials: 3 years. Solvent: 4 years

On reconstitution: Use within one hour.

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Unopened powder in vials

Store at 2°C - 25°C, in the outer container to protect from light.

Once reconstituted store at room temperature. Solvent

Store between 2°C - 25°C. Do not freeze.

6.5    Nature and contents of container

The product is presented as a 250 IU, 500 IU or 1000 IU presentation in Type I, Ph. Eur., glass vials. These vials are stoppered with a halobutyl rubber freeze-drying stopper under vacuum and then oversealed with a snap-off polypropylene cap and aluminium lacquered skirt.

The diluent, Sterilised Water for Injection, Ph. Eur., is presented in either 5 mL Type I, Ph. Eur., glass vials (for the 2.5 mL and 5 mL fill volumes) or 10 mL Type I, Ph. Eur., glass vials with Type I halobutyl rubber stoppers or plastic ampoules (5 mL).

6.6    Special precautions for disposal and other handling

The reconstitution is performed as follows:

Optivate should only be reconstituted with Sterilised Water for Injections, Ph.Eur. provided with the product. The 250 IU, 500 IU and 1000 IU presentations should be reconstituted using 2.5 mL, 5 mL and 10 mL Sterilised Water for Injections, Ph.Eur., respectively.

The container of Optivate and Sterilised Water for Injections, Ph.Eur. should be brought to

between 20°C and 30°C prior to the removal of the flip-off closure from the product vial.

Remove the cap from the vial of Optivate and clean the stopper with a spirit swab. Either of the following methods of reconstitution can then be used:

Filter Needle or Mix2Vial - only one of either will be supplied with the product.

Using a Filter Needle (where supplied):

a)    Carefully, open the container of water then, using a sterile disposable needle

and syringe, draw up the required volume of Sterilised Water for Injections, Ph.Eur., and transfer to the vial of the factor VIII. On piercing the seal of the factor VIII vial, the water will be drawn into the vial, which is under vacuum. NB:    THE FILTER NEEDLE PROVIDED MUST NOT BE USED TO

DRAW UP

THE WATER FOR INJECTIONS. or

b)    Remove the cover guard from one end of a double-ended transfer needle and insert through the stopper into the vial of Sterilised Water for Injections, Ph.Eur., Remove the other end of the needle guard, invert the water vial over the product vial and insert the free end of the needle through the stopper into the vial of factor VIII. On piercing the seal of the product vial, the water will be drawn into the vial, which is under vacuum. A small amount of water will remain in the water vial.

If the water to be used for reconstitution is not drawn into the vial containing factor VIII this indicates loss of vacuum. If the vial does not contain a vacuum or if reconstituted factor VIII is turbid or forms a gel or a clot the vial must not be used.

The container should be agitated to wet the product and the vacuum then released by removing the syringe from the needle before removing the needle from the Optivate vial.

Continue to agitate gently until dissolution is complete. A clear or slightly opalescent solution should usually be obtained within 2 to 2U minutes up to a maximum of 5 minutes. The solution should be clear or slightly opalescent. Do not use solutions that are cloudy or have deposits. Reconstituted products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Infuse the product as soon as possible after reconstitution and certainly within one hour.

When dissolved, draw up the solution using the filter needle attached to a syringe. Use a new filter needle for each vial of Optivate if the dose is more than one vial; but the contents of all vials can be drawn up into the same syringe.

Using a Mix2Vial (where supplied):

	it.		Step 1 •Remove the cap from the product vial and clean the top of the stopper with an alcohol swab. •Repeat this step with the sterile water vial. •Peel back the top of the Transfer Device package but leave the device in the package.
			Step 2 •Place the blue end of the Transfer Device on the water vial and push straight down until the spike penetrates the rubber stopper and snaps into place. •Remove the plastic outer packaging from the Transfer Device and discard it, taking care not to touch the exposed end of the device.
	1 w		Step 3 •Turn the water vial upside down with the device still attached. •Place the clear end of the Transfer Device on the product vial and push straight down until the spike penetrates the rubber stopper and snaps into place.
	s		Step 4 •The sterile water will be pulled into the product vial by the vacuum contained within it. •Gently swirl the vial to make sure the product is thoroughly mixed. Do not shake the vial. •A clear or slightly pearl-like solution should be obtained, usually in about 2 to 2 'A minutes (5 minutes maximum).
	1		Step 5 •Separate the empty water vial and blue part from the clear part by unscrewing anti-clockwise. •Draw air into the syringe by pulling the plunger to the required volume of water added. •Connect the syringe to the white filter. •Push the air in the syringe into the vial.
			Step 6 •Immediately invert the vial of solution which will be drawn into the syringe. •Disconnect the filled syringe from the device. •The product is now ready for administration. Follow the normal safety practices for administration. Use the product immediately after reconstitution, the product must not be stored.

Note: If you have more than one vial to make up your dose, repeat Steps 1 through 6 withdrawing the solution in the vial into the same syringe.

The Transfer Device supplied with the product is sterile and cannot be used more than once. When the reconstitution process is complete, dispose of in the ‘sharps box’.

The solution should be clear or slightly opalescent. Do not use solutions that are cloudy or have deposits. Reconstituted products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discolouration prior to administration. Infuse the product as soon as possible after reconstitution and certainly within one hour.

Disposal

Any unused product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Bio Products Laboratory Limited

Dagger Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire, WD6 3BX

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8957 2200

Email: info@bpl.co.uk

8    MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL08801/0055

9    DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

27/05/2010

10    DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

29/12/2014