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What is Adakveo (crizanlizumab) for?
Adakveo (crizanlizumab) is a selectin blocker indicated to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), or pain crises, in patients aged 16 years and older with sickle cell disease (SCD).[1]
The medicine can be used as an add-on treatment with hydroxycarbamide (also known as hydroxyurea) or on its own in patients who do not respond well enough to hydroxycarbamide or where it causes too many side effects.1
It is available in solution form containing 100 mg/10 mL crizanlizumab per vial.[1]
How does Adakveo (crizanlizumab) work?
SCD is a genetic disease that affects the shape of red blood cells. Healthy red blood cells are round and are able to carry oxygen to every part of the body. In SCD patients, the red blood cells are sickle-shaped, which causes them to become hard and sticky. As a result they can get stuck and clog the blood flow, causing painful crises and other serious effects.[2]
A protein that is involved in the symptoms of SCD is P-selectin, a protein that is found on the surface of endothelial cells (the cells that cover the inner walls of blood vessels) and in platelets (blood cells that are involved in clotting). P-selectin makes the sickle red blood cells stick to blood vessels, thereby causing VOCs.[2,3]
Crizanlizumab is a monoclonal antibody, a type of protein, that can bind to and inhibit P-selectin. Thereby it can help maintain normal blood flow and prevent a vaso occlusive crisis.[2,3]
Where has Adakveo (crizanlizumab) been approved?
Adakveo (crizanlizumab) was approved for the prevention of painful crises in patients with SCD by:
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on November 15, 2019.[4]
- The European Medicines Agency (EMA), on October 30, 2020.[5]
It is the first FDA-approved medicine in sickle cell disease that binds to P-selectin, which plays an important role in VOCs.[4]
Adakveo (crizanlizumab) received the designation ‘Orphan Drug’ from EMA, which is given to medicines for the treatment of rare diseases.[5]
Please note that this medicine may have also been approved in other regions than the ones we’ve listed. If you have a question about its approval in a specific country feel free to contact our support team.
How is Adakveo (crizanlizumab) taken?
The standard dosage is:[1]
- 5 mg/kg body weight given by infusion (drip) into a vein over a period of 30 minutes.
Doses are given on week 0, week 2, and thereafter every 4 weeks.[1]
Adakveo (crizanlizumab) may be given with or without hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea).[1]
Treatment should be diluted and administered by a health care professional who is experienced in treating SCD.[1]
Complete information about Adakveo (crizanlizumab) dosage (based on body weight) and administration can be found in the official prescribing information listed in our references section.[1]
Note: Please consult with your treating doctor for personalised dosing.
Are there any known adverse reactions or side effects of Adakveo (crizanlizumab)?
Common adverse reactions
The most common side effects (≥10% of patients) listed in the prescribing information include:[1]
-
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Back pain
- Fever
- Abdominal (belly) pain
Serious adverse reactions
The serious adverse effects listed in the prescribing information include:[1]
-
- Fever
Use in a specific population
Adakveo (crizanlizumab) can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman, it is advised to avoid pregnancies and breastfeeding.[1]
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