Mononine

Description

Coagulation Factor IX (Human), Mononine® (coagulation factor ix human) , is a sterile, stable, lyophilized concentrate of Factor IX prepared from pooled human plasma and is intended for use in therapy of Factor IX deficiency, known as Hemophilia B or Christmas disease. Mononine® (coagulation factor ix human) is purified of extraneous plasma-derived proteins, including Factors II, VII and X, by use of immunoaffinity chromatography. A murine monoclonal antibody to Factor IX is used as an affinity ligand to isolate Factor IX from the source material. Factor IX is then dissociated from the mon-oclonal antibody, recovered, purified further, formulated and provided as a sterile, lyophilized powder. The immunoaffinity protocol utilized results in a highly pure Factor IX preparation. It shows predominantly a single component by SDS polyacrylamide electrophoretic evaluation and has a specific activity of not less than 190 Factor IX units per mg total protein.

All Source Plasma used in the manufacture of this product was tested by FDA-licensed Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT) for HCV and HIV-1 and found to be nonreactive (negative).

An investigational NAT for HBV was also performed on all Source Plasma used in the manufacture of this product and found to be nonreactive (negative). The aim of the HBV test is to detect low levels of viral mate-rial, however, the significance of a nonreactive (negative) result has not been established.

This concentrate has been processed by monoclonal antibody immunoaffinity chromatography during its manufacture, which has been shown to be capable of reducing the risk of viral transmission. Additionally, a chemical treatment protocol and two sequential ultrafiltration steps used in its manufacture have also been shown to be capable of significant virus reductions. However, no procedure has been shown to be totally effective in removing the risk of viral infectivity from coagulation factor concentrates (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and WARNINGS).

Mononine® (coagulation factor ix human) is a highly purified preparation of Factor IX. When stored as directed, it will maintain its labeled potency for the period indicated on the container label.

Each vial contains the labeled amount of Factor IX activity expressed in International Units (IU). One IU represents the activity of Factor IX present in 1 mL of normal, pooled plasma. When reconstituted as recommended, the resulting solution is a clear, colorless, isotonic preparation of neutral pH, containing approximately 100 times the Factor IX potency found in an equal volume of plasma. Each mL of the reconstituted concentrate contains approximately 100 IU of Factor IX and non-detectable levels of Factors II, VII and X ( < 0.0025 IU per Factor IX unit using standard coagulation assays). Each vial also contains histidine (approx. 10mM), sodium chloride (approx. 0.066M), mannitol (approx. 3%) and polysorbate 80 (approx. 0.0075%). Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been used to adjust pH. Mononine® (coagulation factor ix human) also contains trace amounts ( ≤ 50 ng mouse protein/100 Factor IX activity units) of the murine monoclonal antibody used in its purification (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).

Mononine (coagulation factor ix human) ® is to be administered only intravenously.

Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) , is indicated for the prevention and control of bleeding in Factor IX deficiency, also known as Hemophilia B or Christmas disease.

Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) is not indicated in the treatment or prophylaxis of Hemophilia A patients with inhibitors to Factor VIII.

Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) , contains non-detectable levels of Factors II, VII and X ( < 0. 0025 IU per Factor IX unit using standard coagulation assays) and is, therefore, not indicated for replacement therapy of these clotting factors. Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) is also not indicated in the treatment or reversal of coumarin-induced anticoagulation or in a hemorrhagic state caused by hepatitis-induced lack of production of liver dependent coagulation factors.

Dosage And Administration

Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) is intended for intravenous administration only. It should be reconstituted with the volume of Sterile Water for Injection, USP supplied with the lot, and administered within three hours of reconstitution. Do not refrigerate after reconstitution. After administration, any unused solution and the administration equipment should be discarded.

As a general rule, 1 IU of Factor IX activity per kg can be expected to increase the circulating level of Factor IX by 1% [IU/dL] of normal. The following formula provides a guide to dosage calculations:

Number of Factor IX required (IU) = Body Weight (in kg) x desired Factor IX increase (% or IU/dL normal) x 1.0 IU/kg IU [per IU/dL]

The amount of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) to be infused, as well as the frequency of infusions, will vary with each patient and with the clinical situation. ^11,12

As a general rule, the level of Factor IX required for treatment of different conditions is as follows:

Recovery of the loading dose varies from patient to patient. Doses administered should be titrated to the patient’s response. Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) administered in doses of ≥ 75 IU/kg were well tolerated (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).

In the presence of an inhibitor to Factor IX, higher doses of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) might be necessary to overcome the inhibitor (see PRECAUTIONS). No data on the treatment of patients with inhibitors to Factor IX with Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) are available.

For information on rate of administration, see Rate of Administration, below.

Reconstitution

1. Warm both the diluent and Coagulation Factor IX (Human), Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) , in unopened vials to room temperature [not above 37°C (98°F)].
2. Remove the caps from both vials to expose the central portions of the rubber stoppers.
3. Treat the surface of the rubber stoppers with antiseptic solution and allow them to dry.
4. Using aseptic technique, insert one end of the double-end needle into the rubber stopper of the dilu-ent vial. Invert the diluent vial and insert the other end of the double-end needle into the rubber stopper of the Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) vial. Direct the diluent, which will be drawn in by vacuum, over the entire surface of the Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) cake. (In order to assure transfer of all the diluent, adjust the position of the tip of the needle in the diluent vial to the inside edge of the diluent stopper.) Rotate the vial to ensure complete wetting of the cake during the transfer process.
5. Remove the diluent vial to release the vacuum, then remove the double-end needle from the Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) vial.
6. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is dissolved and the solution is ready for administration. The concentrate routinely and easily reconstitutes within one minute. To assure sterility, Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) should be administered within three hours after reconstitution.
7. Product should be filtered prior to use as described under Administration. Parenteral drug preparations should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

Administration

Intravenous Injection

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

Plastic disposable syringes are recommended with Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) solution. The ground glass surfaces of all-glass syringes tend to stick with solutions of this type. Please note, this concentrate is supplied with a SELF-VENTING filter spike.

1. Using aseptic technique, attach the vented filter spike to a sterile diposable syringe.
   CAUTION: The use of other, non-vented filter needles or spikes without the proper procedure may result in an air lock and prevent the complete transfer of the concentrate.
   CAUTION: DO NOT INJECT AIR INTO THE MONONINE® (coagulation factor ix (human)) VIAL. The self-venting feature of the vented filter spike precludes the need to inject air in order to facilitate withdrawal of the reconstituted solution. The injection of air could cause partial product loss through the vent filter.
2. Insert the vented filter spike into the stopper of the Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) vial, invert the vial, and position the filter spike so that the orifice is at the inside edge of the stopper.
3. Withdraw the reconstituted solution into the syringe.
4. Discard the filter spike. Perform venipuncture using the enclosed winged needle with microbore tubing. Attach the syringe to the luer end of the tubing.
   CAUTION: Use of other winged needles without microbore tubing, although compatible with the concentrate, will result in a larger retention of solution within the winged infusion set.

Rate of Administration

The rate of administration should be determined by the response and comfort of the patient; intravenous dosage administration rates of up to 225 IU/minute have been regularly tolerated without incident. When reconstituted as directed, i. e. , to approximately 100 IU/mL, Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) should be administered at a rate of approximately 2. 0 mL per minute.

Storage

When stored at refrigerator temperature, 2-8°C (36-46°F), Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) is stable for the period indicated by the expiration date on its label. Within this period, Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) may be stored at room temperature not to exceed 25°C (77°F), for up to one month.

Avoid freezing, which may damage container for the diluent.

How Supplied

Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) is supplied in a single dose vial with Sterile Water for Injection, USP, double-ended needle for reconstitution, vented filter spike for withdrawal, winged infusion set and alcohol swabs. Factor IX activity in IU is stated on the label of each vial.

The following strengths are available:

NDC 0053-7668-02 in 10 mL vials containing approximately 500 IU (Dosage-MID)
NDC 0053-7668-04 in 20 mL vials containing approximately 1,000 IU (Dosage-HIGH)

REFERENCES

11. Kasper CK, Dietrich SL. Comprehensive Management of Hemophilia. ClinHaematol 14(2):489-512, 1985.

12. JohnsonAJ, AronsonDL, WilliamsWJ. Preparationandclinicaluseofplasma and plasma fractions. Chap 167 in Hematology3rdEdition, WilliamsWJ, BeutlerE, Erslev AJ, Lichtman MA (Eds.), McGraw Hill Book Co. New York: pp 1563-1583, 1983.

Manufactured by: CSL Behring LLC, Kankakee, IL 60901 USA. Revised January, 2007.

As with the intravenous administration of other plasma-derived products, the following reactions may be observed following administration: headache, fever, chills, flushing, nausea, vomiting, tingling, lethargy, hives, stinging or burning at the infusion site or manifestations of allergic reactions. In a clinical study with Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) in previously untreated hemophilia Bpatients, five patients experienced ALTelevations. Serologic tests for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus were negative.

The following adverse reactions have been spontaneously reported during post-marketing use of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) as well as other Factor IX products:anaphylaxis, angioedema, cyanosis, dyspnea, hypotension, thrombosis, inadequate therapeutic response, and inhibitor development.

There is a potential risk of thromboembolic episodes following the administration of Mononine® (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS).

The patient should be monitored closely during the infusion of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) to observe for the development of any reaction. If any reaction takes place that is thought to be related to the administration of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) , the rate of infusion should be decreased or the infusion stopped, as dictated by the response of the patient. Should evidence of an acute hypersensitivity reaction be observed, the infusion should be stopped promptly and appropriate countermeasures and supportive therapy should be administered.

Drug Interactions

No information provided.

Mononine® is made from human plasma. Products made from human plasma may contain infectious agents, such as viruses, that can cause disease. Because Mononine® is made from human blood, it may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, e.g., viruses, and theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent. The risk that such products will transmit an infectious agent has been reduced by screening plasma donors for prior exposure to certain viruses, by testing for the presence of certain current viral infections and by inactivating and/or removing certain viruses during manufacture (see DESCRIPTION section for virus reduction measures). The manufacturing procedure for Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) includes processing steps designed to reduce further the risk of virus transmission. Stringent procedures, utilized at plasma collection centers, plasma testing laboratories, and fractionation facilities are designed to reduce the risk of virus transmission. The primary virus reduction step of the Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) manufacturing process is the use of two sequential virus retentive ultrafilter membranes designed to separate viruses from Factor IX. In addition, the purification procedure (several chromatography steps) used in the manufacture of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) also provides virus reduction capacity. Despite these measures, such products may still potentially contain human pathogenic agents, including those not yet known or identified. Thus the risk of transmission of infectious agents cannot be totally eliminated. Any infections thought by a physician possibly to have been transmitted by this product should be reported by the physician or other healthcare provider to ZLBBehring at 800-504-5434 (in the U. S. and Canada). The physician should discuss the risks and benefits of this product with the patient.

Individuals who receive infusions of blood or plasma products may develop signs and/or symptoms of some viral infections, particularly nonA, nonB hepatitis. (See INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS.)

Since the use of Factor IX Complex concentrates has historically been associated with the development of thromboembolic complications, the use of Factor IX-containing products may be potentially hazardous in patients with signs of fibrinolysis and in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Hypersensitivity and allergic type hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported for all factor IX products. Frequently, these events have occurred in close temporal association with the development of factor IX inhibitors. Patients should be informed of the early symptoms and signs of hypersensitivity reactions, including hives, generalized urticaria, angioedema, chest tightness, dyspnea, wheezing, faint-ness, hypotension, tachycardia, and anaphylaxis. Patients should be advised to discontinue use of product and contact their physician and/or seek immediate emergency care, depending on the severity of the reac-tion, if any of these symptoms occur.

Preliminary information suggests a relationship may exist between the presence of major deletion mutations in the factor IX gene and an increased risk of inhibitor formation and of acute hypersensitivity reactions. Patients known to have major deletion mutations of the factor IX gene should be observed closely for signs and symptoms of acute hypersensitivity reactions, particularly during the early phases of initial exposure to product.

Nephrotic syndrome has been reported following attempted immune tolerance induction with factor IX products in Hemophilia B patients with factor IX inhibitors and a history of severe allergic reactions to factor IX. The safety and efficacy of using Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) in attempted immune tolerance induction has not been established.

Extensive clinical experience suggests that there is a lower risk of thromboembolic complications with the use of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) than with prothrombin complex concentrates. However, as with all products containing Factor IX, caution should be exercised when administering Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) to patients with liver disease, to patients post-operatively, to neonates, or to patients at risk of thromboembolic phenomena or DIC. ^{8, 9} In each of these situations, the potential benefit of treatment with Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) should be weighed against the potential risk of these complications.

Coagulation Factor IX (Human), Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) , should be administered intravenously at a rate that will permit observation of the patient for any immediate reaction. Rates of infusion of up to 225 IU per minute have been regularly tolerated with no adverse reactions. If any reaction takes place that is thought to be related to the administration of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) , the rate of infusion should be decreased or the infusion stopped, as dictated by the response of the patient. The infusion should be stopped promptly and appropriate countermeasures and supportive therapy should be administered should evidence of an acute hypersensitivity reaction be observed. Patients known to have major deletion mutations of the factor IXgene may be at increased risk for inhibitor formation and acute hypersensitivity reactions. (See WARNINGS.)

During the course of treatment, determination of daily Factor IX levels is advised to guide the dose to be administered and the frequency of repeated infusions. Individual patients may vary in their response to Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) , achieving different levels of in vivo recovery and demonstrating different half-lives.

The use of high doses of Factor IX Complex concentrates has been reported to be associated with instances of myocardial infarction, disseminated intravascular coagulation, venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Generally a Factor IX level of 25-50% [IU/dL] is considered adequate for hemostasis, including major hemorrhages and surgery. Attempting to maintain Factor IX levels of > 75-100% [IU/dL] during treatment is not routinely recommended nor required. To achieve Factor IX levels that will remain above 25% [IU/dL] between once a day administrations, each daily dose should attempt to raise the 30-minute post-infusion Factor IX level to 50-60% [IU/dL] (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

No controlled studies have been available regarding the use of ε-amino caproic acid or other antifibrinolyt-ic agents following an initial infusion of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) for the prevention or treatment of oral bleeding following trauma or dental procedures such as extractions.

Pregnancy Category C

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) . It is also not known whether Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Pediatric Use

Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) treatment in 51 pediatric patients between the ages of 1 day and 20 years, as a part of virus safety trials and trials for surgery, trauma or spontaneous bleeding, showed that excellent hemostasis was achieved with no thrombotic complications. ¹⁰ Included in the experience with patients aged birth to 20 years are two long-term virus safety studies demonstrating lack of virus transmission. Dosing in children is based on body weight and is generally based on the same guidelines as for adults (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. As for all patients, dosing for geriatric patients should be appropriate to their overall situation.

REFERENCES

8. Aledort LM: Factor IX and Thrombosis. Scand J Haematology Suppl. 30:40, 1977.

9. Cederbaum AI, Blatt PM, Roberts HR. Intravascular coagulation with useof human prothrombin complex concentrates. Ann Intern Med 84:683-687, 1976.

10. Kurczynski E, Lusher JM, Pitel P, Shapiro AD, Bergman GE, the Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) StudyGroup. Safetyand efficacyofmonoclonal antibody-purified factor IX concentrate for management of bleeding and surgical prophylaxis in previously treated children with hemophilia B. Int J Ped Hemat/Oncol 2:211-216, 1995.

No information provided.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to mouse protein is a contraindication to Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) .

Hemophilia B, or Christmas disease, is an X-linked recessively inherited disorder of blood coagulation characterized by insufficient or abnormal synthesis of the clotting protein Factor IX. Factor IX is a vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor which is synthesized in the liver. Factor IX is activated by Factor XIa in the intrinsic coagulation pathway. Activated Factor IX (IXa), in combination with Factor VIII: C, activates Factor X to Xa, resulting ultimately in the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin and the formation of a fibrin clot. The infusion of exogenous Factor IX to replace the deficiency present in Hemophilia B temporarily restores hemostasis. Depending upon the subject’s level of biologically active Factor IX, clinical symptoms range from moderate skin bruising or excessive hemorrhage after trauma or surgery to spontaneous hemorrhage into joints, muscles or internal organs including the brain. Severe or recurring hemorrhages can produce death, organ dysfunction or orthopedic deformity.

Infusion of Factor IX Complex concentrates that contain varying but significant amounts of the other liver-dependent blood coagulation proteins (Factors II, VII and X) into subjects with Hemophilia B, results in Factor IX recoveries ranging from approximately 0. 57-1. 1 IU/dL rise per IU/kg body weight infused with plasma half-lives for Factor IX ranging from approximately 23 hours to 31 hours.^1,2 Infusion of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) into ten subjects with severe or moderate Hemophilia B has shown a mean recovery of 0. 67 IU/dL rise per IU/kg body weight infused and a mean half-life of 22.6 hours.³ After six months of experience with repeated infusions performed on the nine subjects who remained in the study, it was shown that the half-life and recovery was maintained at a level comparable to that found with the initial infusion. The six-month data showed a mean recovery of 0. 68 IU/dL rise per IU/kg body weight infused and a mean half-life of 25.3 hours.³ The data show no statistically significant differences between the initial and six-month values.

Two studies were conducted to provide Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) for treatment of hemophilia B subjects who required extensive Factor IX replacement for surgery, trauma, or spontaneous bleeding (73 unique subjects and eight subjects enrolled twice for a total of 81 subjects), as well as to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) . The overall mean recovery during treatment was determined to be 1.23 ± 0.42 IU/dL rise/IU/kg (K) (range = 0.59 to 2.92 K) among the 55 subjects included in recovery analyses in the one study and to be 1. 12 ± 0.52 K (range = 0.61 to 2.08 K) among 10 subjects included in these analyses in the second study. Five (5/81,6%) subjects reported adverse events attributed to Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) across the two studies. In these stud-ies, 100 doses of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) were administered at what are considered high doses for a Factor IX concen-trate, a range of 71 to 161 IU/kg to a total of 36 subjects. Sixty-seven (67) of these infusions were the subject of recovery analyses. Mean recovery tended to decrease as the dose of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) increased:1.09 ± 0.52 K at doses > 75-95 IU/kg (n=38), 0.98 ± 0.45 K at doses > 95-115 IU/kg (n=21), 0.70 ± 0.38 K at doses > 115-135 IU/kg (n=2), 0.67 K at doses > 135-155 IU/kg (n=1), and 0. 73 ± 0. 34 K at doses > 155 IU/kg (n=5). Among the 36 subjects who received these high doses, only one (2. 8%) reported an adverse experience with a possible relationship to Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) (“difficulty in concentrating”; subject recovered). In no subjects were thrombogenic complications observed or reported.⁴

The manufacturing procedure for Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) includes multiple processing steps that have been designed to reduce the risk of virus transmission. Validation studies of the monoclonal antibody (MAb) immunoaffinity chromatography/chemical treatment step and two sequential ultrafiltration steps used in the production of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) document the virus reduction capacity of the processes employed. These studies were conducted using the relevant viruses Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis AVirus (HAV), the specific model viruses Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Canine Parvovirus (CPV) for Human Parvovirus B19, and the non-specific model virus Pseudorabies Virus (PRV). The results of these virus validation studies utilizing a wide range of viruses with different physicochemical properties are summarized in Table 1 below:

Table1 in vitroVirus Reduction Studies

Clinical Studies

The virus safety of Coagulation Factor IX (Human), Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) , has been studied in clinical trials of two cohorts of hemophilia B subjects previously unexposed to blood or blood products.⁵ One cohort of subjects included those with moderate to severe factor IX deficiency requiring chronic replacement therapy (41 subjects were dosed); the second cohort included subjects with a mild deficiency requiring factor IX replacement for surgical procedures (10 subjects were dosed).

These subjects were followed for serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations, as well as for a range of viral serologies. Thirty-seven (37) subjects (30 with moderate to severe deficiency and seven with a mild deficiency) were evaluable for assessment of virus hepatitis safety by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis-Scientific and Standardization Committee criteria. None of these subjects showed evidence of transmission of hepatitis A, B, C, or HIV.

Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) contains trace amounts of the murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) used in its purification ( ≤ 50 ng mouse protein/100 IU). While the levels of mouse protein are extremely low, infusion of such proteins might theoretically induce human anti-mouse antibody (HAMA) responses. To test this possibility, human IgG, IgM, and IgE antibodies to mouse IgG were assessed by immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) in 11 hemophilia B subjects who received Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) and were previously untreated with other blood products. HAMAs were evaluated prior to the first infusion and at 2 to 42 months after initial treatment. Human IgE antibodies to mouse IgG were below the level of detectability at all time points for all subjects, and there were no statistically significant increases in either human IgG antibodies or human IgM antibodies to mouse protein. ⁶

In clinical studies of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) , subjects were monitored for evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. In six subjects evaluated after infusion, fibrinogen levels and platelet counts were unchanged, and fibrin degradation products did not appear.³ In further clinical evaluations of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) , in a crossover study with a Factor IX Complex concentrate, Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) was not associated with the formation of prothrombin activation fragment (F1+2) whereas the Factor IX Complex was associated with the formation of prothrombin activation fragment (F1+2).^3,7 Prothrombin activation fragment (F1+2) is indicative of activation of prothrombin.

During the period from 1992 to 1996, five subjects showed transient ALTelevations that were greater than twice the upper normal limit. These subjects were investigated thoroughly and none of the ALTelevations was associated with seroconversion. In three of the five subjects, a single ALTelevation greater than 2 times the upper limit of normal was recorded during the course of the study. No concomitant symptoms occurred and the virus hepatitis serology tests did not reveal any abnormalities. In addition, in one of these three subjects with single ALTelevations, a relationship to Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) could be excluded due to a span of 18 months between the infusion of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) and occurrence of the elevated ALTlevel. In one of the two remaining subjects, the ALTlevel had been elevated prior to the first infusion of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) and normalized thereafter. Subsequently, this subject’s ALTlevels were elevated intermittently over a period of 24 months, which appeared to be temporally related to the administration of concomitant medications: acetaminophen, amoxicillin, cephalosporins, and halothane. These medications are known to cause liver enzyme elevations. Further, there were no clinical signs of viral hepatitis, nor any other viral disease in these four subjects. The remaining subject of the five was found to have recurring ALTelevations that persisted for a period of five months, gradually decreasing to normal levels. Approximately three days after his first Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) infusion this subject received hepatitis Bimmune globulin and his first injection of hepatitis Bvaccine. At that time, the subject’s ALTlevel was slightly above the upper limit of normal (55 IU/L, upper limit of normal:35). Five days later, the subject experienced flu-like symptoms, nausea and vomiting, which were treated with ampicillin and promethazine. The ALT value recorded eight days thereafter (approximately 13 days after the Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) infusion) was found to be clearly elevated at 629 IU/L. ALTlevels subsequently decreased again and were in the range of 160 to 220 IU/Lfor the next four to five months, with mildly elevated aspartate aminotransferase and creatinine phosphokinase values. Serology for hepatits A, B, and C remained negative (except for the expected positive serology of anti-HBs due to the vaccination against hepatitis B). As a result, there was no serological evidence of hepatitis A, B, or C. This subject’s idiosyncratic spikes in aminotrans-ferase values and gastrointestinal symptoms were not considered to be of viral origin. However, a causal relationship between prior administration of Mononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) and these aminotransferase elevations and mild symptoms could not be ruled out.

REFERENCES

1. Zauber NP, Levin J. Factor IX levels in patients with hemophilia B (Christmas disease) following transfusion with concentrates of Factor IX orfresh frozen plasma (FFP). Medicine (Baltimore) 56(3): 213-24, 1977.

2. Smith KJ, Thompson AR. Labeled Factor IX Kinetics in Patients withHemophilia-B. Blood 58(3): 625-629, 1981.

3. Kim HC, McMillan CW, White GC, Bergman GE, Horton MW, Saidi P. Purified Factor IX Using Monoclonal Immunoaffinity Technique: ClinicalTrials in Hemophilia B and Comparison to Prothrombin ComplexConcentrates. Blood 79(3): 568-575, 1992.

4. Warrier I, Kasper CK, White II GC, Shapiro AD, Bergman GE, theMononine® (coagulation factor ix (human)) Study Group. Safety of high doses of a monoclonal antibody-purified factor IX concentrate. Am J Hematol 49:92-94, 1995.

5. Shapiro AD, Ragni MV, Lusher JM, Culbert S, Koerper MA, Bergman GE, Hannan MM. Safety and Efficacy of Monoclonal Antibody Purified FactorIX Concentrate in Previously Untreated Patients with Hemophilia B. Thrombosis and Haemostasis 75:30-35, 1996.

6. Davis HM, Nash DW, Clymer MD, Frigo ML, Bergman GE. Lack of immune response to mouse IgG in previously untreated haemophilia A andhaemophilia B patients treated with monoclonal antibody purified factor VIIIand factor IX preparations. Haemophilia 3(2): 102-107, April 1997.

7. Kim HC, Matts L, Eisele J, Czachur M, Saidi P. Monoclonal AntibodyPurified Factor IX – Comparative Thrombogenicity to ProthrombinComplex Concentrate. Seminars in Hematology 28 (Suppl. 6tono. 3): 15-20, July 1991.