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AMELUZ

RxNorm 1806645· AMINOLEVULINIC ACID HYDROCHLORIDE· TOPICAL

Biofrontera Inc.

Indications and usage

1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE AMELUZ, in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) using BF-RhodoLED ® or RhodoLED ® XL lamp, a narrowband, red light illumination source, is indicated for lesion-directed and field-directed treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs) of mild-to-moderate severity on the face and scalp. AMELUZ, a porphyrin precursor, in combination with photodynamic therapy using BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL lamp, is indicated for the lesion-directed and field-directed treatment of actinic keratoses (AK) of mild-to-moderate severity on the face and scalp ( 1 ).

Dosage and administration

2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer AMELUZ only by a health care provider ( 2.1 ). AMELUZ is for topical use only ( 2.1 ). Use AMELUZ in combination with red light photodynamic therapy (PDT). See BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL user manual for detailed lamp safety and operating instructions ( 2.1 ). Photodynamic therapy with AMELUZ involves preparation of lesions, application of the product, occlusion and illumination with BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL lamp ( 2.3 ). Apply an approximately 1 mm thick layer of AMELUZ to skin lesion(s). Cover individual lesions or the entire AK-field with AMELUZ. Include approximately 5 mm of the surrounding skin. Do not exceed an application area of 60 cm 2 . Do not use more than 6 grams of AMELUZ (3 tubes) at one time ( 2.2 ). Retreat lesions that have not completely resolved 3 months after the initial treatment ( 2.2 ). 2.1 Important Administration Information AMELUZ, in conjunction with lesion preparation, is only to be administered by a health care provider. AMELUZ is for topical use only. Not for ophthalmic, oral, or intravaginal use. Treat single lesions or an entire field affected by multiple lesions with AMELUZ, in combination with red light photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT requires administration of both AMELUZ and BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL light. Refer to BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL user manual for detailed lamp safety and operating instructions. Adhere to all safety instructions for both patient and medical personnel while conducting the PDT. 2.2 Recommended Dosage Apply an approximately 1-mm thick layer of AMELUZ to skin lesion(s). Cover individual lesions or the entire AK-field with AMELUZ. Include approximately 5 mm of the surrounding skin. Do not exceed an application area of 60 cm 2 . Do not use more than 6 grams of AMELUZ (3 tubes) at one time. Retreat lesions that have not completely resolved after 3 months after the initial treatment. 2.3 Administration Instructions PDT is a multi-stage process: Step 1. Preparation of Lesions Before applying AMELUZ, carefully wipe all lesions with an ethanol or isopropanol-soaked cotton pad to ensure degreasing of the skin. Figure 1A: Degreasing the skin Thereafter, remove any scaling and crusts and gently roughen all lesion surfaces, taking care to avoid bleeding. Figure 1B: Removal of scales and crusts Step 2. Application of AMELUZ Apply AMELUZ using glove protected fingertips or a spatula. Use sufficient amount of gel to cover individual lesions or the entire field: Lesion-directed treatment: Apply gel approximately 1 mm thick to one or more individual AK lesions and include approximately 5 mm of the surrounding healthy skin. Field-directed treatment: Apply gel approximately 1 mm thick to the treatment field. Apply gel to the lesions and the skin in-between the lesions. Additionally, cover approximately 5 mm of the surrounding healthy area. Do not exceed an application area of 60 cm 2 and do not use more than 6 grams of AMELUZ (3 tubes) at one time. The gel can be applied to healthy skin around the lesions. Avoid application near mucous membranes such as the eyes, nostrils, mouth, and ears (keep a distance of 1 cm from these areas). In case of accidental contact with mucous membranes, thoroughly rinse with water [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]. Allow the gel to dry for approximately 10 minutes before applying occlusive dressing. Figure 2: Drug application Step 3. Occlusion for 3 Hours Cover the area where the gel has been applied with a light-blocking, occlusive dressing. Following 3 hours of occlusion, remove the dressing and wipe off any remaining gel. Figure 3: Occlusion Step 4. Illumination with Red Light For patient and medical personnel, wear suitable protective eyewear during illumination. Avoid staring directly into the light source [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Illuminate the treatment area with the BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL lamp immediately after removing occlusion and any remaining gel. BF-RhodoLED and RhodoLED XL la…

Warnings

5. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with the use of AMELUZ prior to photodynamic therapy (PDT). If allergic reaction occurs, wash off AMELUZ and institute appropriate therapy ( 5.1 ). Transient Amnestic Episodes: Transient amnestic episodes have been reported with use of AMELUZ in combination with PDT. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if amnesia or confusion occurs after treatment ( 5.2 ). Risk of BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL Lamp Induced Eye Injury: Patients and healthcare providers must wear protective eyewear before operating BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL lamp ( 5.3 ). Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions: Avoid direct contact of AMELUZ with the eyes ( 5.4 ). Increased Photosensitivity: Protect treated lesions from sunlight exposure for 48 hours post treatment ( 5.5 ). Risk of Bleeding in Patients with Coagulation Disorders: Take special care to avoid bleeding during lesion preparation in patients with inherited or acquired coagulation disorders ( 5.6 ). Mucous Membrane Irritation: Avoid direct contact of AMELUZ with the mucous membranes ( 5.7 ). 5.1 Hypersensitivity Several cases of hypersensitivity were reported during postmarketing use of AMELUZ prior to PDT illumination [ see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. If allergic reactions occur, clean the area of skin where the product was applied and institute appropriate therapy. Inform patients and their caregivers that AMELUZ may cause hypersensitivity, potentially including severe courses (anaphylaxis). 5.2 Transient Amnestic Episodes Transient amnestic episodes have been reported during postmarketing use of AMELUZ in combination with photodynamic therapy. Inform patients and their caregivers that AMELUZ in combination with photodynamic therapy may cause transient amnestic episodes. Advise them to contact the healthcare provider if the patient develops amnesia after treatment. 5.3 Risk of BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL Lamp Induced Eye Injury BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL lamp may cause eye irritation, glare, or injury. Before operating the lamp, personnel must refer to the user manual for specific warnings, cautions, and instructions. Eye exposure to the BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL light must be prevented. Protective eye equipment must be used by patient, healthcare providers and any person present during the illumination period. Avoid staring directly into the light source. 5.4 Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions Eyelid edema and dry eyes have occurred after PDT with AMELUZ. PDT with AMELUZ can cause ophthalmic adverse reactions. Avoid direct contact of AMELUZ with the eyes. Rinse eyes with water in case of accidental contact. 5.5 Increased Photosensitivity AMELUZ increases photosensitivity. Avoid sunlight, prolonged or intense light (e.g., tanning beds, sun lamps) on lesions and surrounding skin treated with AMELUZ for approximately 48 hours following treatment, whether exposed to illumination or not. Concomitant use of AMELUZ with other known photosensitizing agents may increase the risk of phototoxic reaction to PDT [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . 5.6 Risk of Bleeding in Patients with Coagulation Disorders AMELUZ has not been tested on patients with inherited or acquired coagulation disorders. Take special care to avoid bleeding during lesion preparation in such patients [ see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Any bleeding must be stopped before application of the gel. 5.7 Risk of Mucous Membrane Irritation AMELUZ can cause mucous membrane irritation. AMELUZ is intended for topical use only. Avoid direct contact of AMELUZ to the mucous membranes. Rinse with water in case of accidental contact.

Contraindications

4. CONTRAINDICATIONS AMELUZ is contraindicated in patients with: Known hypersensitivity to porphyrins. Known hypersensitivity to any of the components of AMELUZ, which includes soybean phosphatidylcholine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Porphyria. AMELUZ use may cause uncontrolled phototoxic effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Photodermatoses. PDT may worsen the phototoxic or photoallergic reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Known hypersensitivity to porphyrins ( 4 ). Known hypersensitivity to any component of AMELUZ, which includes soybean phosphatidylcholine ( 4 ). Porphyria ( 4 ). Photodermatoses ( 4 ).

Drug interactions

7. DRUG INTERACTIONS There have been no formal studies of the interaction of AMELUZ with other drugs. It is possible that concomitant use of other known photosensitizing agents such as St. John’s wort, griseofulvin, thiazide diuretics, sulfonylureas, phenothiazines, sulphonamides, quinolones and tetracyclines may enhance the phototoxic reaction to PDT [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Concomitant use of the following medications may enhance the phototoxic reaction to photodynamic therapy: St. John’s wort, griseofulvin, thiazide diuretics, sulfonylureas, phenothiazines, sulphonamides, quinolones, and tetracyclines ( 7 ).

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on AMELUZ use in pregnant women to inform a drug associated risk. Animal reproduction studies were not conducted with aminolevulinic acid. Systemic absorption of aminolevulinic acid in humans is negligible following topical administration of AMELUZ under maximal clinical use conditions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . It is not expected that maternal use of AMELUZ will result in fetal exposure to the drug. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Adverse events

Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.

  • drug ineffective307
  • wrong technique in product usage process182
  • poor quality product administered177
  • product quality issue153
  • off label use149
  • erythema116
  • product dose omission issue114
  • application site pain94
  • application site erythema84
  • accidental exposure to product80
  • pain75
  • product physical issue62
  • blister52
  • eye irritation36
  • skin exfoliation36
  • product packaging quantity issue34

Adverse reactions (label)

6. ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: ​ Hypersensitivity [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Transient Amnestic Episodes [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Risk of BF-RhodoLED or RhodoLED XL Lamp Induced Eye Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Increased Photosensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Most common adverse reactions (≥10%) were application site erythema, pain/burning, irritation, edema, pruritus, exfoliation, scab, induration, and vesicles ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Biofrontera Inc. at 1-844-829-7434 or FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The clinical program for AMELUZ included three double-blind and placebo-controlled phase 3 trials (Trials 1, 2, and 3), enrolling a total of 299 subjects that were treated with narrow band light. Trial subjects were adults greater than or equal to 49 years of age, and the majority had Fitzpatrick skin type I, II, or III. No subjects had Fitzpatrick skin type V or VI. Approximately 86% of subjects were male, and all subjects were White. For all three phase 3 trials, the enrolled subjects had mild to moderate AKs (Olsen grade 1 and 2) with 4 to 8 lesions on the face and scalp. Overall, 212 AMELUZ-treated subjects (n=32, n=55, and n=125) and 87 subjects receiving placebo (n=16, n=32, n=39) were illuminated with BF-RhodoLED or similar narrow spectrum lamps. For these trials, the maximal dose was one tube of AMELUZ (2 g) and the size of the application area was up to 20 cm 2 . Local skin reactions at the application site were observed in about 99.5% of subjects treated with AMELUZ and narrow spectrum lamps. The most frequent adverse reactions during and after PDT were application site erythema, pain, burning, irritation, edema, pruritus, exfoliation, scab, induration, and vesicles. Most adverse reactions occurred during illumination or shortly afterwards, were generally of mild or moderate intensity, and lasted for 1 to 4 days in most cases; in some cases, however, they persisted for 1 to 2 weeks or even longer. Severe pain/burning occurred in up to 30% of subjects. In one case, the adverse reactions required interruption or discontinuation of the illumination. Table 1 presents the incidence of common (≥1%, <10%) and very common (≥10%) adverse reactions at the application site in randomized, multicenter trials which evaluated a maximal dose of one tube of AMELUZ (2 g) and an application area up to 20 cm 2 . Table 1: Incidence of Adverse Reactions Occurring at ≥1% of the AMELUZ Group and More Frequently than the Vehicle Group in Actinic Keratosis Trials 1, 2, and 3 at the Application Site Adverse reaction Vehicle n=87 AMELUZ n=212 Adverse reactions at the application site Erythema Pain/Burning Irritation Edema Pruritus Exfoliation Scab Induration Vesicles Paresthesia Hyperalgesia Reaction Discomfort Erosion Discharge Bleeding Pustules 34 (39%) 26 (30%) 17 (20%) 3 (3%) 14 (16%) 4 (5%) 2 (2%) 0 (0%) 1 (1%) 2 (2%) 0 (0%) 2 (2%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 0 (0%) 195 (92%) 195 (92%) 153 (72%) 75 (35%) 72 (34%) 41 (19%) 41 (19%) 26 (12%) 25 (12%) 18 (9%) 13 (6%) 8 (4%) 7 (3%) 6 (3%) 4 (2%) 3 (1%) 3 (1%) Common (≥1%, <10%) adverse reactions not at the application site for AMELUZ maximal dose of one tube (2 g) and application area up to 20 cm 2 were headache, skin exfoliation, chills and eyelid edema. Less common (≥0.1%, <1%) adverse reactions at the application site for AMELUZ maximal dose of one tube (2 g) and application area up to 20 cm 2 were hemorrhage and swelling. The adverse re…