This site is intended for healthcare professionals
EMC Drug Feed
Drug information

POM
Read time: 21 mins
Last updated: 07 Mar 2019

Summary of product characteristics


1. Name of the medicinal product

JETREA 0.375 mg/0.3 mL solution for injection


2. Qualitative and quantitative composition

Each vial contains 0.375 mg of ocriplasmin* in 0.3 mL solution (1.25 mg/mL). This provides a usable amount to deliver a single dose of 0.1 mL containing 0.125 mg ocriplasmin.

*Ocriplasmin is a truncated form of human plasmin produced by recombinant DNA technology in a Pichia pastoris expression system.

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.


3. Pharmaceutical form

Solution for injection (injection).

Clear and colourless solution.


4.1. Therapeutic indications

JETREA is indicated in adults for the treatment of vitreomacular traction (VMT), including when associated with macular hole of diameter less than or equal to 400 microns (see section 5.1).


4.2. Posology and method of administration

JETREA must be administered by a qualified ophthalmologist experienced in intravitreal injections. The diagnosis of vitreomacular traction (VMT) should comprise of a complete clinical picture including patient history, clinical examination and investigation using currently accepted diagnostic tools, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Posology

JETREA 0.375 mg/0.3 mL solution for injection is a 'ready-diluted' formulation, no further dilution is required. The recommended dose is 0.125 mg in 0.1 mL of the solution administered by intravitreal injection to the affected eye once as a single dose. Each vial should only be used once and for the treatment of a single eye. Treatment with JETREA in the other eye is not recommended concurrently or within 7 days of the initial injection in order to monitor the post-injection course including the potential for decreased vision in the injected eye. Repeated administration in the same eye is not recommended (see section 4.4).

See section 4.4 for instructions on post-injection monitoring.

Special populations

Renal impairment

No formal studies have been conducted with JETREA in patients with renal impairment. No dose adjustment or special considerations are anticipated for patients with renal impairment (see section 5.2).

Hepatic impairment

No formal studies have been conducted with JETREA in patients with hepatic impairment. No dose adjustment or special considerations are anticipated for patients with hepatic impairment (see section 5.2).

Elderly

The elderly population has been studied in clinical studies. No dose adjustment is required.

Paediatric population

There is no relevant use of JETREA in children aged under 18 years for the indication of vitreomacular traction (VMT), including when associated with macular hole of diameter less than or equal to 400 microns. Currently available data on paediatric use are described in section 5.1.

Method of administration

Single use vial for intravitreal use only.

Preoperative antibiotic drops may be administered at the discretion of the treating ophthalmologist.

Precautions to be taken before handling or administering the medicinal product

The intravitreal injection procedure should be carried out under controlled aseptic conditions, which include the use of surgical hand disinfection, sterile gloves, a sterile drape, a sterile eyelid speculum (or equivalent) and the availability of sterile paracentesis (if required). The periocular skin, eyelid and ocular surface should be disinfected and adequate anaesthesia and a broad spectrum topical microbiocide should be administered prior to the injection according to standard medical practice.

Only 0.1 mL of the total 0.3 mL solution in the vial should be administered. Any excess volume should be expelled prior to injection in order to deliver a single dose of 0.1 mL containing 0.125 mg ocriplasmin. For handling of the medicinal product, see section 6.6.

The injection needle should be inserted 3.5-4.0 mm posterior to the limbus aiming towards the centre of the vitreous cavity avoiding the horizontal meridian. The injection volume of 0.1 mL is then delivered into the mid-vitreous.


4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Active or suspected ocular or periocular infections.


4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Post-injection monitoring

JETREA is administered by intravitreal injection only. Intravitreal injections have been associated with intraocular inflammation/infection, intraocular haemorrhage and increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Proper aseptic injection techniques must always be used. Following the intravitreal injection, patients should be monitored for any side effects such as (but not limited to) intraocular inflammation/infection and elevation in IOP. Transient increases in IOP including transient blindness and non-perfusion of the optic nerve have been seen within 60 minutes of injection of JETREA. Monitoring for increases in IOP may consist of a check for perfusion of the optic nerve head immediately after the injection and tonometry within 30 minutes following the injection. Intraocular inflammation/infection may be assessed using biomicroscopy between 2 and 7 days following the injection. Patients should be instructed to report symptoms suggestive of intraocular inflammation/infection or any other visual or ocular symptoms without delay. If any of the above events occur the patient should be treated according to standard medical practice.

Bilateral treatment

The safety and efficacy of JETREA administered to both eyes concurrently has not been studied. Therefore administration to both eyes concurrently is not recommended.

Repeated administration

Repeated administration of JETREA in the same eye has not been adequately studied and is therefore not recommended.

Population with no or limited data

JETREA has not been studied in patients with large diameter macular holes (> 400 microns), high myopia (> 8 dioptre spherical correction or axial length > 28 mm), aphakia, history of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, lens zonule instability, recent ocular surgery or intraocular injection (including laser therapy), proliferative diabetic retinopathy, ischaemic retinopathies, retinal vein occlusions, exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and vitreous haemorrhage. Treatment is not recommended in such patients.

There is limited experience in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy or history of uveitis (including active severe inflammation) or significant eye trauma. Caution should be exercised when treating such patients.

Other

The potential for lens subluxation or phacodonesis cannot be ruled out. If this event occurs, it should be treated according to standard medical practice. Patients should be monitored appropriately (see section 4.8 and 5.3).

The effect of ocriplasmin (particularly in inducing resolution of vitreomacular adhesion or causing total posterior vitreous detachment [PVD]) is reduced in subjects with an epiretinal membrane (ERM) or a diameter of VMA > 1500 microns (see section 5.1).

There is a risk for a significant decrease in visual acuity during the first week after the injection. Patients should be monitored appropriately (see section 4.8).

Ophthalmological examinations may be abnormal following the administration of JETREA. These include optical coherence tomography (OCT), ophthalmoscopy (foveal reflex), colour vision test (Roth 28-hue) and full-field ERG. This should be taken into consideration when using these tests for the diagnosis or monitoring of other conditions (see section 4.8).


4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No formal interaction studies have been performed.

Ocriplasmin is a proteolytic enzyme with serine protease activity which could be present in the eye for several days after intravitreal injection (see section 5.2). Administration in close temporal association with other medicinal products in the same eye may affect the activity of both medicinal products and is therefore not recommended.

There are no clinical data on concomitant use of ocriplasmin with VEGF-inhibitors (vascular endothelial growth factor) and therefore it is not recommended.

No systemic interactions are anticipated.


4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no data for the use of JETREA in pregnant women. No reproductive toxicology studies have been performed. The systemic exposure of JETREA is expected to be very low after intravitreal injection. JETREA should be used during pregnancy only if the clinical benefit outweighs the potential risks.

Breast-feeding

It is unknown whether JETREA is excreted in human milk. JETREA should be used during breast-feeding only if the clinical benefit outweighs the potential risks.

Fertility

There are no data on the effect of JETREA on fertility.


4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

The intravitreal injection of JETREA may have a moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines due to possible temporary visual disturbances (see section 4.8). In these cases, patients should not drive or use machines until the visual disturbances have resolved.


4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

Over 1400 patients have been treated with the recommended dose of 0.125 mg of JETREA in interventional clinical studies.

All adverse reactions were ocular. In 3 clinical studies with follow-up from 6 months (TG-MV-006 and TG-MV-007) to 24 months (TG-MV-014), the most commonly reported adverse reactions were vitreous floaters, eye pain, photopsia and chromatopsia as well as conjunctival haemorrhage resulting from the injection procedure. Most of the adverse reactions occurred within the first week after the injection. The majority of these reactions were non-serious, mild to moderate in intensity and resolved within 2 to 3 weeks. Information on resolution of specific events such as chromatopsia and ERG changes can be found in the relevant paragraph of the 'description of selected adverse reactions' section.

The most clinically relevant adverse reactions included blindness transient, retinal tear, retinal detachment, lens subluxation and macular hole progression.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The following table summarises the adverse reactions reported in the treated eye in clinical studies and/or from post-marketing experience.

Visual symptoms perceived in the contralateral eye or bilaterally have also been reported.

The adverse reactions with a reasonable possibility of causal relationship to the injection procedure or JETREA are listed by MedDRA system organ class and frequency using the following convention: 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) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in the order of decreasing seriousness.

Eye disorders

Very common

Vitreous floaters, eye pain, conjunctival haemorrhage, chromatopsia*

Common

Visual acuity reduced*, visual impairment1), visual field defect2), vision blurred, retinal haemorrhage, vitreous haemorrhage, macular hole*, macular degeneration, retinal degeneration, macular oedema3), retinal oedema4), retinal pigment epitheliopathy, metamorphopsia, conjunctival oedema, eyelid oedema, vitritis, anterior chamber cell, anterior chamber flare, iritis, photopsia, conjunctival hyperaemia, ocular hyperaemia, vitreous detachment, eye irritation, dry eye, foreign body sensation in eyes, eye pruritus, ocular discomfort, photophobia, lacrimation increased

Uncommon

Blindness transient, lens subluxation*, retinal tear*5), retinal detachment*5), night blindness, pupillary reflex impaired, diplopia, hyphaema, miosis, pupils unequal, corneal abrasion, anterior chamber inflammation, eye inflammation, conjunctival irritation

Investigations

Very common

Retinogram abnormal*, colour vision test abnormal

Common

Intraocular pressure increased, macular reflex abnormal, optical coherence tomography (OCT) abnormal*

* see section 'Description of selected adverse reactions'

1) including dim vision

2) including scotoma

3) including cystoid macular oedema

4) including subretinal fluid

5) events occurring pre-vitrectomy

using the Roth 28-hue colour vision test. See also section 4.4.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Visual acuity reduced

In the placebo-controlled pivotal phase III studies (TG-MV-006 and TG-MV-007), 7.7% of JETREA patients and 1.6% of placebo patients had acute ≥ 2-line (≥ 10 ETDRS letters) loss in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) during the first week after injection with no alternative explanation for the change. The visual acuity decrease had resolved by the end of the studies for the majority of JETREA patients (80.6%) but there were some patients who had not recovered despite vitrectomy. The median time to resolution was 22 days.

In study TG-MV-014, 2.8% of JETREA patients and 1.4% of sham patients had acute ≥ 2-line loss in BCVA during the first week after injection. Out of the 4 JETREA patients with acute visual acuity decrease, 3 recovered following vitrectomy. See section 4.4 for monitoring recommendations.

Chromatopsia (including dyschromatopsia and colour vision test abnormal)

Colour vision alterations (including yellowish vision and abnormal Roth 28-hue colour vision test) have been reported as a very common adverse reaction in patients injected with JETREA. The majority of events were non-serious, mild and generally resolved spontaneously. The median time to resolution was 3 months.

Retinogram abnormal

Electroretinographic (ERG) changes (a- and b-wave amplitude decrease) have been reported as a very common adverse reaction in patients injected with JETREA; in the majority of cases visual impairment and chromatopsia were also reported.

In study TG-MV-014, a sub-set of 40 patients receiving JETREA systematically underwent ERG testing; the ERG changes which had developed in 16 out of 40 patients resolved in the majority of patients (13 out of 16). The median time to resolution was 6 months. ERG changes were not predictive of negative outcomes in terms of visual acuity; visual acuity improved or was maintained in 15 out of 16 patients compared to baseline.

Retinal breaks (tears and detachment)

In the placebo-controlled pivotal phase III studies (TG-MV-006 and TG-MV-007), retinal breaks (tears and detachment) were reported in 1.9% of patients injected with JETREA vs. 4.3% injected with placebo. Most of these events occurred during or after vitrectomy in both groups. The incidence of retinal detachment that occurred pre-vitrectomy was 0.4% in the JETREA group and none in the placebo group, while the incidence of retinal tears (without detachment) that occurred pre-vitrectomy was 0.2% in the JETREA group and 0.5% in the placebo group.

In study TG-MV-014, retinal tear was reported in 1.4% of patients injected with JETREA and 6.8% of sham recipients; the incidence of retinal detachment was 1.4% in both arms. In the sham group, no events occurred prior to vitrectomy. In the JETREA group, 1 patient (0.7%) developed retinal tear and retinal detachment between Day 0 and Day 7 post-injection.

Macular hole

In the placebo-controlled pivotal phase III studies (TG-MV-006 and TG-MV-007), events of macular hole (including both progression and new onset) were reported for 6.7% of all patients injected with JETREA vs. 9.6% injected with placebo at Month 6.

In study TG-MV-014, events of macular hole (including both progression and new onset) were reported in 15.8% JETREA vs. 13.5% sham recipients at Month 24.

Early progression rates of full-thickness macular hole (until Day 7 post-injection) at RPE (retinal pigment epithelium) level were higher in the JETREA treated patients compared to sham or placebo. Progression rates after Month 6, however, were higher in sham or placebo than in those treated with JETREA. Any persistence or progression of macular hole should be treated according to usual practice.

Lens subluxation/phacodonesis

One case of lens subluxation/phacodonesis was reported in clinical studies in adults and appears to have been possibly related to treatment with JETREA. In a paediatric study evaluating JETREA as an adjunct to vitrectomy, one case of subluxation was reported in a premature infant who received a single intravitreal injection of JETREA 0.175 mg. Lens subluxation was observed in 3 animal species at ocriplasmin concentrations above the intended clinical concentration (see section 5.3).

Based on the proteolytic activity of ocriplasmin, preclinical and clinical findings, the potential for lens subluxation or phacodonesis cannot be ruled out. If this event occurs, it should be treated according to standard medical practice.

Optical coherence tomography abnormal

In study TG-MV-014, incomplete Inner Segment/Outer Segment (IS/OS) band, also referred to as Ellipsoid Zone, in the central area was very common at baseline (65.8% in the JETREA group and 62.2% in the sham group). However, after treatment, a higher proportion of patients in the JETREA group had a change from an intact IS/OS band at baseline to an incomplete IS/OS band in the central area at a later time point compared with the sham group (7.7% and 2.8%, respectively at Day 28). Beyond the central area, abnormal aspects of the IS/OS band attributed to JETREA have been observed in up to 10% of patients.

Ellipsoid Zone disruption within and outside the central area has been reported in non-interventional studies and post-marketing reports. In the majority of cases recovery occurred within 6 months. Subretinal fluid and signs and symptoms of impaired photoreceptor function including decreased visual acuity (in some cases severe) were reported in association with these events.

See section 4.4 for monitoring recommendations. Routine observation is recommended in all above situations.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via

Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.


4.9. Overdose

The clinical data on the effects of JETREA overdose are limited. One case of accidental overdose of 0.250 mg ocriplasmin (twice the recommended dose) has been reported. The patient had a decrease in BCVA of 21 ETDRS letters from baseline that returned to within 9 letters of baseline at the end of the study. The patient also developed mild conjunctival hyperaemia, eye inflammation and miosis which resolved with corticosteroid eye drops.

If an overdose occurs, close monitoring is recommended. If an adverse reaction occurs, it should be treated according to standard medical practice.


5.1. Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Ophthalmologicals, Other ophthalmologicals, ATC code: S01XA22

Mechanism of action

Ocriplasmin has a proteolytic activity against protein components of the vitreous body and the vitreoretinal interface (VRI) (e.g. laminin, fibronectin and collagen) and aims to dissolve the protein matrix responsible for the abnormal vitreomacular adhesion (VMA). The tight binding of the protein components within the macular area of the VRI contribute to vitreomacular traction (VMT), leading to visual impairment and/or macular holes.

Clinical efficacy and safety

The clinical efficacy and safety of JETREA for the treatment of vitreomacular traction (VMT) was assessed in 3 double-masked studies.

Studies TG-MV-006 and TG MV-007

The efficacy of JETREA was demonstrated in 2 pivotal multicentre, randomised, double-masked, placebo-controlled, 6-month studies in patients with VMT. A total of 652 patients (JETREA 464, placebo 188) were randomised in these 2 studies.

In both pivotal studies, the proportion of patients who achieved VMA resolution at Day 28 (primary endpoint) was significantly (p≤0.003) higher in the JETREA group compared with the placebo group. The difference continued to be statistically significant through Month 6 in each study (p≤0.024). In the integrated data, 26.5% in the JETREA group compared with 10.1% in the placebo group achieved VMA resolution at Day 28 (p<0.001). The difference was maintained from Day 7 through Month 6 (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Proportion of patients with VMA resolution up to Day 180 (Month 6) (TG-MV-006, TG-MV-007 and integrated data)

Patients with no ERM at baseline were more likely to achieve VMA resolution at Day 28 compared with those who had ERM at baseline. In the integrated data, the VMA resolution rate at Day 28 was higher in patients treated with JETREA compared to placebo in both the subgroup without ERM (37.4% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001) and with ERM (8.7% vs. 1.5%, p=0.046).

Patients with a smaller VMA diameter at baseline (≤ 1500 microns) were more likely to achieve VMA resolution at Day 28 compared with those who had a diameter > 1500 microns. In the integrated data, the VMA resolution rate at Day 28 was higher in patients treated with JETREA compared to placebo in both the subgroup with VMA ≤ 1500 microns at baseline (34.7% vs. 14.6%, p<0.001) and with VMA > 1500 microns at baseline (5.9% vs. 0%, p=0.113).

In the integrated data, full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) was present at baseline in 106/464 (22.8%) patients and 47/188 (25%) patients in the JETREA and placebo groups, respectively. Of these, the proportion of patients who achieved FTMH closure without vitrectomy at Day 28 was higher in the JETREA group than the placebo group (40.6% vs. 10.6%, respectively; p<0.001). A difference was maintained through the end of the studies (Month 6).

A significantly higher percentage of JETREA treated patients experienced total PVD at Day 28 compared to placebo treated patients (integrated data: 13.4% vs. 3.7%, respectively; p<0.001).

During the studies, vitrectomy could be performed at the discretion of the Investigator. JETREA treated patients were less likely to have had a vitrectomy by the end of the study (Month 6) compared with placebo treated patients (integrated data: 17.7% vs. 26.6%, respectively; p=0.016).

A higher proportion of JETREA treated patients gained ≥ 2 or ≥ 3 lines in BCVA (irrespective of vitrectomy) at Month 6 (28.0% and 12.3%, respectively) compared with patients treated with placebo (17.1% and 6.4%) (p=0.003 and p=0.024, respectively). Also the proportion of patients gaining ≥ 2 or ≥ 3 lines in BCVA without vitrectomy favoured JETREA at Month 6 (23.7% vs. 11.2%, p<0.001 for a gain ≥ 2 lines and 9.7% vs. 3.7%, p=0.008 for a gain ≥ 3 lines).

In the integrated analysis of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25), a numerical difference in favour of JETREA over placebo was shown in each sub-scale score, as well as the composite score. The difference for improvement in the general vision sub-scale score was statistically significant (6.1 JETREA vs. 2.1 placebo, p=0.024).

Study TG-MV-014

The efficacy of JETREA has been further confirmed in a randomised, double-masked, sham-controlled, 24-month study in patients with VMT finalised since the initial marketing authorisation approval. A total of 220 patients (JETREA 146, sham 74) were randomised in this study.

The proportion of patients who achieved VMA resolution at Day 28 (primary endpoint) was 41.7% in the JETREA group compared with 6.2% in the sham group (p<0.001). This effect was maintained over time and VMA resolution was consistently greater in the JETREA group at each post-injection study visit compared with the sham group.

In this study, FTMH was present at baseline in 50/145 (34.5%) and 26/73 (35.6%) patients in the JETREA and sham groups, respectively. Of these, 30% of JETREA treated patients and 15.4% of patients in the sham group experienced non-surgical FTMH closure at Month 24. All had done so by Month 3.

The proportion of patients who underwent vitrectomy was smaller in the JETREA group than in the sham group at all visits. At Month 24, the proportions were 48/145 (33.3%) and 32/73 (43%), respectively. The most common reason for performing vitrectomy was FTMH (in 24.8% JETREA treated patients and 23.3 % sham patients). The proportion of patients who underwent vitrectomy for an event of VMA/VMT was 8.3% in the JETREA group compared to 19.2% in the sham group.

The proportion of patients who gained ≥ 2 or ≥ 3 lines in BCVA at Month 6, irrespective of vitrectomy, was slightly higher in the JETREA group (36.2%, 18.6%) than in the sham group (28.6%, 13.1%). At Month 24, the proportion of patients with ≥ 2 lines improvement from baseline in BCVA was greater in the JETREA group than in the sham group (50.5% vs. 39.1%). The proportion of patients with ≥3 lines improvement from baseline was only greater in the JETREA group (23.4% vs. 12.8%, respectively) in the subgroup who had no FTMH at baseline. The ≥ 2 or ≥ 3 lines gain in BCVA without vitrectomy favoured JETREA over sham both at Month 6 (26.8%, 14.0%, vs. 15.62%, 6.2%, respectively) and Month 24 (31.9%, 16.8%, vs. 11,7%, 4.1%, respectively).

A greater proportion of patients in the JETREA group had a ≥ 5 points improvement in VFQ-25 composite and sub-scale scores, irrespective of vitrectomy, at all visits. At Month 24, 51.4% of JETREA patients had a ≥ 5 points improvement in VFQ-25 composite score compared to 30.1% in the sham group.

Paediatric population

The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with JETREA in all subsets of the paediatric population in the treatment of vitreomacular traction (VMT), including when associated with macular hole of diameter less than or equal to 400 microns (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use).

The safety and efficacy of ocriplasmin in paediatric subjects scheduled for vitrectomy was investigated in study TG-MV-009. A single intravitreal injection of 0.175 mg (above the recommended dose), or placebo, was injected in the mid-vitreous of 24 eyes of children aged 0 to 16 years, 30 to 60 minutes prior to the planned start of vitrectomy. The main reasons for vitrectomy were retinal detachment and retinopathy of prematurity. Treatment with ocriplasmin did not demonstrate an effect on posterior vitreous detachment rate, vitreous liquefaction grade, immediate postoperative retinal reattachment rate, development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, or stage of retinopathy of prematurity. The safety findings observed in study TG-MV-009 were consistent with the known safety profile for JETREA. Based on the results of this study, the use of JETREA as an adjunct to vitrectomy in children, to facilitate vitreous separation and removal, is not recommended.

Ethnicity

Experience is limited in groups other than Caucasians.


5.2. Pharmacokinetic properties

Ocriplasmin levels in the vitreous decrease rapidly after intravitreal administration. In a clinical study in patients scheduled for vitrectomy receiving 0.125 mg JETREA (corresponding to a theoretical start concentration of 29 µg/mL vitreous), mean ocriplasmin activity was 9% of theoretical start concentration 2-4 hours after injection and below the lower level of quantification at 7 days.

Because of the small dose administered (0.125 mg), detectable levels of ocriplasmin in systemic circulation are not expected after intravitreal injection.

When administered intravenously, ocriplasmin enters the endogenous protein catabolism pathway through which it is rapidly inactivated via its interactions with protease inhibitor α2-antiplasmin or α2-macroglobulin. The inactive ocriplasmin/α2-antiplasmin complex is cleared from the circulation with a half-life (t1/2) of several hours.

Renal impairment

No studies have been conducted to examine the pharmacokinetics of ocriplasmin in patients with renal impairment since the systemic exposure is expected to be very low after intravitreal administration.

Hepatic impairment

No studies have been conducted to examine the pharmacokinetics of ocriplasmin in patients with hepatic impairment since the systemic exposure is expected to be very low after intravitreal administration.


5.3. Preclinical safety data

The intravitreal toxicity of ocriplasmin has been evaluated in rabbits, monkeys and minipigs. Ocriplasmin induced an inflammatory response and transient ERG changes in rabbits and monkeys, while no inflammation or ERG changes were observed in minipigs. In rabbits and monkeys, the incidence of vitreous cell infiltrates tended to resolve over time. In monkeys, after administration of 125 µg/eye (68 µg/mL vitreous) the ERG was fully recovered by Day 55. Lens subluxation was observed in the 3 species at ocriplasmin concentrations at or above 41 µg/mL vitreous, a concentration above the intended clinical concentration of 29 µg/mL. This effect appeared to be dose-related and was observed in all animals administered intravitreal ocriplasmin more than once. Pathological changes related to intraocular haemorrhage were observed in rabbits and monkeys. It remains unclear if this haemorrhage is related to the injection procedure itself or administration of ocriplasmin. No systemic toxicity was observed after intravitreal administration of ocriplasmin.

The systemic toxicity of ocriplasmin has been evaluated in both rat and dog. Intravenous administration of 10 mg/kg was generally well tolerated in both rat and dog whether administered as single dose or as repeated dose.

No carcinogenicity, mutagenicity or reproductive and developmental toxicity data are available.


6.1. List of excipients

Sodium chloride (NaCl)

Mannitol

Citric acid

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (for pH adjustment)

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) (for pH adjustment)

Water for injections


6.2. Incompatibilities

In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.


6.3. Shelf life

3 years when stored in a freezer (-20 °C ± 5 °C).

After thawing

The unopened vial in the original carton protected from light may be stored in a refrigerator (2 °C to 8 °C) for up to 1 week. The new in-use expiry date should be calculated and noted on the carton before it is placed in the refrigerator.

Once removed from the freezer or refrigerator, the medicinal product may be kept below 25 °C for up to 8 hours. At the end of this period the product must be used or discarded.

Do not refreeze a vial once it has been thawed.

After opening

From a microbiological point of view, the medicinal product must be used immediately after opening. The vial and any unused portion of the solution must be discarded after single use.


6.4. Special precautions for storage

Store in a freezer (-20 °C ± 5 °C).

For storage conditions after thawing/opening of the medicinal product, see section 6.3.


6.5. Nature and contents of container

0.3 mL solution in a vial (type I glass) closed with a chlorobutyl rubber stopper and a blue polypropylene flip-off cap. Pack containing 1 vial.


6.6. Special precautions for disposal and other handling

Vials are for single use only.

JETREA 0.375 mg/0.3 mL solution for injection is a 'ready-diluted' formulation, no further dilution is required. Only 0.1 mL of the total 0.3 mL solution in the vial should be administered. Any excess volume should be expelled prior to injection in order to deliver a single dose of 0.1 mL containing 0.125 mg ocriplasmin.

Instructions for use

1. Remove the vial from the freezer and allow to thaw at room temperature (takes about 2 minutes).

2. Once completely thawed, remove the protective blue polypropylene flip-off cap from the vial.

3. Disinfect the top of the vial with an alcohol wipe.

4. Visually inspect the vial for particulate matter. Only a clear, colourless solution without visible particles should be used.

5. Using aseptic technique, withdraw all of the solution using an appropriate sterile needle (slightly incline the vial to ease withdrawal) and discard the needle after withdrawal of the vial contents. Do not use this needle for the intravitreal injection.

6. Replace the needle with an appropriate sterile needle, carefully expel the excess volume from the syringe by slowly depressing the plunger so that the plunger tip aligns with the 0.1 mL line on the syringe (corresponding to 0.125 mg ocriplasmin).

7. Inject 0.1 mL of the solution immediately into the mid-vitreous.

8. Discard the vial and any unused portion of the solution after single use.

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


7. Marketing authorisation holder

Oxurion NV

Gaston Geenslaan 1

B-3001 Leuven

Belgium


8. Marketing authorisation number(s)

EU/1/13/819/002


9. Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation

Date of first authorisation: 13 March 2013

Date of latest renewal: 8 December 2017


10. Date of revision of the text

08/01/2019

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu.

4.1 Therapeutic indications

JETREA is indicated in adults for the treatment of vitreomacular traction (VMT), including when associated with macular hole of diameter less than or equal to 400 microns (see section 5.1).

4.2 Posology and method of administration

JETREA must be administered by a qualified ophthalmologist experienced in intravitreal injections. The diagnosis of vitreomacular traction (VMT) should comprise of a complete clinical picture including patient history, clinical examination and investigation using currently accepted diagnostic tools, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Posology

JETREA 0.375 mg/0.3 mL solution for injection is a 'ready-diluted' formulation, no further dilution is required. The recommended dose is 0.125 mg in 0.1 mL of the solution administered by intravitreal injection to the affected eye once as a single dose. Each vial should only be used once and for the treatment of a single eye. Treatment with JETREA in the other eye is not recommended concurrently or within 7 days of the initial injection in order to monitor the post-injection course including the potential for decreased vision in the injected eye. Repeated administration in the same eye is not recommended (see section 4.4).

See section 4.4 for instructions on post-injection monitoring.

Special populations

Renal impairment

No formal studies have been conducted with JETREA in patients with renal impairment. No dose adjustment or special considerations are anticipated for patients with renal impairment (see section 5.2).

Hepatic impairment

No formal studies have been conducted with JETREA in patients with hepatic impairment. No dose adjustment or special considerations are anticipated for patients with hepatic impairment (see section 5.2).

Elderly

The elderly population has been studied in clinical studies. No dose adjustment is required.

Paediatric population

There is no relevant use of JETREA in children aged under 18 years for the indication of vitreomacular traction (VMT), including when associated with macular hole of diameter less than or equal to 400 microns. Currently available data on paediatric use are described in section 5.1.

Method of administration

Single use vial for intravitreal use only.

Preoperative antibiotic drops may be administered at the discretion of the treating ophthalmologist.

Precautions to be taken before handling or administering the medicinal product

The intravitreal injection procedure should be carried out under controlled aseptic conditions, which include the use of surgical hand disinfection, sterile gloves, a sterile drape, a sterile eyelid speculum (or equivalent) and the availability of sterile paracentesis (if required). The periocular skin, eyelid and ocular surface should be disinfected and adequate anaesthesia and a broad spectrum topical microbiocide should be administered prior to the injection according to standard medical practice.

Only 0.1 mL of the total 0.3 mL solution in the vial should be administered. Any excess volume should be expelled prior to injection in order to deliver a single dose of 0.1 mL containing 0.125 mg ocriplasmin. For handling of the medicinal product, see section 6.6.

The injection needle should be inserted 3.5-4.0 mm posterior to the limbus aiming towards the centre of the vitreous cavity avoiding the horizontal meridian. The injection volume of 0.1 mL is then delivered into the mid-vitreous.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Active or suspected ocular or periocular infections.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Post-injection monitoring

JETREA is administered by intravitreal injection only. Intravitreal injections have been associated with intraocular inflammation/infection, intraocular haemorrhage and increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Proper aseptic injection techniques must always be used. Following the intravitreal injection, patients should be monitored for any side effects such as (but not limited to) intraocular inflammation/infection and elevation in IOP. Transient increases in IOP including transient blindness and non-perfusion of the optic nerve have been seen within 60 minutes of injection of JETREA. Monitoring for increases in IOP may consist of a check for perfusion of the optic nerve head immediately after the injection and tonometry within 30 minutes following the injection. Intraocular inflammation/infection may be assessed using biomicroscopy between 2 and 7 days following the injection. Patients should be instructed to report symptoms suggestive of intraocular inflammation/infection or any other visual or ocular symptoms without delay. If any of the above events occur the patient should be treated according to standard medical practice.

Bilateral treatment

The safety and efficacy of JETREA administered to both eyes concurrently has not been studied. Therefore administration to both eyes concurrently is not recommended.

Repeated administration

Repeated administration of JETREA in the same eye has not been adequately studied and is therefore not recommended.

Population with no or limited data

JETREA has not been studied in patients with large diameter macular holes (> 400 microns), high myopia (> 8 dioptre spherical correction or axial length > 28 mm), aphakia, history of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, lens zonule instability, recent ocular surgery or intraocular injection (including laser therapy), proliferative diabetic retinopathy, ischaemic retinopathies, retinal vein occlusions, exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and vitreous haemorrhage. Treatment is not recommended in such patients.

There is limited experience in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy or history of uveitis (including active severe inflammation) or significant eye trauma. Caution should be exercised when treating such patients.

Other

The potential for lens subluxation or phacodonesis cannot be ruled out. If this event occurs, it should be treated according to standard medical practice. Patients should be monitored appropriately (see section 4.8 and 5.3).

The effect of ocriplasmin (particularly in inducing resolution of vitreomacular adhesion or causing total posterior vitreous detachment [PVD]) is reduced in subjects with an epiretinal membrane (ERM) or a diameter of VMA > 1500 microns (see section 5.1).

There is a risk for a significant decrease in visual acuity during the first week after the injection. Patients should be monitored appropriately (see section 4.8).

Ophthalmological examinations may be abnormal following the administration of JETREA. These include optical coherence tomography (OCT), ophthalmoscopy (foveal reflex), colour vision test (Roth 28-hue) and full-field ERG. This should be taken into consideration when using these tests for the diagnosis or monitoring of other conditions (see section 4.8).

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No formal interaction studies have been performed.

Ocriplasmin is a proteolytic enzyme with serine protease activity which could be present in the eye for several days after intravitreal injection (see section 5.2). Administration in close temporal association with other medicinal products in the same eye may affect the activity of both medicinal products and is therefore not recommended.

There are no clinical data on concomitant use of ocriplasmin with VEGF-inhibitors (vascular endothelial growth factor) and therefore it is not recommended.

No systemic interactions are anticipated.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no data for the use of JETREA in pregnant women. No reproductive toxicology studies have been performed. The systemic exposure of JETREA is expected to be very low after intravitreal injection. JETREA should be used during pregnancy only if the clinical benefit outweighs the potential risks.

Breast-feeding

It is unknown whether JETREA is excreted in human milk. JETREA should be used during breast-feeding only if the clinical benefit outweighs the potential risks.

Fertility

There are no data on the effect of JETREA on fertility.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

The intravitreal injection of JETREA may have a moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines due to possible temporary visual disturbances (see section 4.8). In these cases, patients should not drive or use machines until the visual disturbances have resolved.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

Over 1400 patients have been treated with the recommended dose of 0.125 mg of JETREA in interventional clinical studies.

All adverse reactions were ocular. In 3 clinical studies with follow-up from 6 months (TG-MV-006 and TG-MV-007) to 24 months (TG-MV-014), the most commonly reported adverse reactions were vitreous floaters, eye pain, photopsia and chromatopsia as well as conjunctival haemorrhage resulting from the injection procedure. Most of the adverse reactions occurred within the first week after the injection. The majority of these reactions were non-serious, mild to moderate in intensity and resolved within 2 to 3 weeks. Information on resolution of specific events such as chromatopsia and ERG changes can be found in the relevant paragraph of the 'description of selected adverse reactions' section.

The most clinically relevant adverse reactions included blindness transient, retinal tear, retinal detachment, lens subluxation and macular hole progression.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The following table summarises the adverse reactions reported in the treated eye in clinical studies and/or from post-marketing experience.

Visual symptoms perceived in the contralateral eye or bilaterally have also been reported.

The adverse reactions with a reasonable possibility of causal relationship to the injection procedure or JETREA are listed by MedDRA system organ class and frequency using the following convention: 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) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in the order of decreasing seriousness.

Eye disorders

Very common

Vitreous floaters, eye pain, conjunctival haemorrhage, chromatopsia*

Common

Visual acuity reduced*, visual impairment1), visual field defect2), vision blurred, retinal haemorrhage, vitreous haemorrhage, macular hole*, macular degeneration, retinal degeneration, macular oedema3), retinal oedema4), retinal pigment epitheliopathy, metamorphopsia, conjunctival oedema, eyelid oedema, vitritis, anterior chamber cell, anterior chamber flare, iritis, photopsia, conjunctival hyperaemia, ocular hyperaemia, vitreous detachment, eye irritation, dry eye, foreign body sensation in eyes, eye pruritus, ocular discomfort, photophobia, lacrimation increased

Uncommon

Blindness transient, lens subluxation*, retinal tear*5), retinal detachment*5), night blindness, pupillary reflex impaired, diplopia, hyphaema, miosis, pupils unequal, corneal abrasion, anterior chamber inflammation, eye inflammation, conjunctival irritation

Investigations

Very common

Retinogram abnormal*, colour vision test abnormal

Common

Intraocular pressure increased, macular reflex abnormal, optical coherence tomography (OCT) abnormal*

* see section 'Description of selected adverse reactions'

1) including dim vision

2) including scotoma

3) including cystoid macular oedema

4) including subretinal fluid

5) events occurring pre-vitrectomy

using the Roth 28-hue colour vision test. See also section 4.4.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Visual acuity reduced

In the placebo-controlled pivotal phase III studies (TG-MV-006 and TG-MV-007), 7.7% of JETREA patients and 1.6% of placebo patients had acute ≥ 2-line (≥ 10 ETDRS letters) loss in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) during the first week after injection with no alternative explanation for the change. The visual acuity decrease had resolved by the end of the studies for the majority of JETREA patients (80.6%) but there were some patients who had not recovered despite vitrectomy. The median time to resolution was 22 days.

In study TG-MV-014, 2.8% of JETREA patients and 1.4% of sham patients had acute ≥ 2-line loss in BCVA during the first week after injection. Out of the 4 JETREA patients with acute visual acuity decrease, 3 recovered following vitrectomy. See section 4.4 for monitoring recommendations.

Chromatopsia (including dyschromatopsia and colour vision test abnormal)

Colour vision alterations (including yellowish vision and abnormal Roth 28-hue colour vision test) have been reported as a very common adverse reaction in patients injected with JETREA. The majority of events were non-serious, mild and generally resolved spontaneously. The median time to resolution was 3 months.

Retinogram abnormal

Electroretinographic (ERG) changes (a- and b-wave amplitude decrease) have been reported as a very common adverse reaction in patients injected with JETREA; in the majority of cases visual impairment and chromatopsia were also reported.

In study TG-MV-014, a sub-set of 40 patients receiving JETREA systematically underwent ERG testing; the ERG changes which had developed in 16 out of 40 patients resolved in the majority of patients (13 out of 16). The median time to resolution was 6 months. ERG changes were not predictive of negative outcomes in terms of visual acuity; visual acuity improved or was maintained in 15 out of 16 patients compared to baseline.

Retinal breaks (tears and detachment)

In the placebo-controlled pivotal phase III studies (TG-MV-006 and TG-MV-007), retinal breaks (tears and detachment) were reported in 1.9% of patients injected with JETREA vs. 4.3% injected with placebo. Most of these events occurred during or after vitrectomy in both groups. The incidence of retinal detachment that occurred pre-vitrectomy was 0.4% in the JETREA group and none in the placebo group, while the incidence of retinal tears (without detachment) that occurred pre-vitrectomy was 0.2% in the JETREA group and 0.5% in the placebo group.

In study TG-MV-014, retinal tear was reported in 1.4% of patients injected with JETREA and 6.8% of sham recipients; the incidence of retinal detachment was 1.4% in both arms. In the sham group, no events occurred prior to vitrectomy. In the JETREA group, 1 patient (0.7%) developed retinal tear and retinal detachment between Day 0 and Day 7 post-injection.

Macular hole

In the placebo-controlled pivotal phase III studies (TG-MV-006 and TG-MV-007), events of macular hole (including both progression and new onset) were reported for 6.7% of all patients injected with JETREA vs. 9.6% injected with placebo at Month 6.

In study TG-MV-014, events of macular hole (including both progression and new onset) were reported in 15.8% JETREA vs. 13.5% sham recipients at Month 24.

Early progression rates of full-thickness macular hole (until Day 7 post-injection) at RPE (retinal pigment epithelium) level were higher in the JETREA treated patients compared to sham or placebo. Progression rates after Month 6, however, were higher in sham or placebo than in those treated with JETREA. Any persistence or progression of macular hole should be treated according to usual practice.

Lens subluxation/phacodonesis

One case of lens subluxation/phacodonesis was reported in clinical studies in adults and appears to have been possibly related to treatment with JETREA. In a paediatric study evaluating JETREA as an adjunct to vitrectomy, one case of subluxation was reported in a premature infant who received a single intravitreal injection of JETREA 0.175 mg. Lens subluxation was observed in 3 animal species at ocriplasmin concentrations above the intended clinical concentration (see section 5.3).

Based on the proteolytic activity of ocriplasmin, preclinical and clinical findings, the potential for lens subluxation or phacodonesis cannot be ruled out. If this event occurs, it should be treated according to standard medical practice.

Optical coherence tomography abnormal

In study TG-MV-014, incomplete Inner Segment/Outer Segment (IS/OS) band, also referred to as Ellipsoid Zone, in the central area was very common at baseline (65.8% in the JETREA group and 62.2% in the sham group). However, after treatment, a higher proportion of patients in the JETREA group had a change from an intact IS/OS band at baseline to an incomplete IS/OS band in the central area at a later time point compared with the sham group (7.7% and 2.8%, respectively at Day 28). Beyond the central area, abnormal aspects of the IS/OS band attributed to JETREA have been observed in up to 10% of patients.

Ellipsoid Zone disruption within and outside the central area has been reported in non-interventional studies and post-marketing reports. In the majority of cases recovery occurred within 6 months. Subretinal fluid and signs and symptoms of impaired photoreceptor function including decreased visual acuity (in some cases severe) were reported in association with these events.

See section 4.4 for monitoring recommendations. Routine observation is recommended in all above situations.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via

Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Learning Zones

The Learning Zones are an educational resource for healthcare professionals that provide medical information on the epidemiology, pathophysiology and burden of disease, as well as diagnostic techniques and treatment regimens.

 

 

Disclaimer

The drug SPC information (indications, contra-indications, interactions, etc), has been developed in collaboration with eMC (www.medicines.org.uk/emc/). Medthority offers the whole library of SPC documents from eMC.

Medthority will not be held liable for explicit or implicit errors, or missing data.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 

Drug Licencing

Drugs appearing in this section are approved by UK Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), & the European Medicines Agency (EMA).