What is Adbry®?
Adbry® is a biologic medication. The generic name for Adbry is tralokinumab-ldrm. It is a drug class known as a monoclonal antibody.
Adbry is approved to treat moderate-to-severe eczema in adults and children 12 years of age or older. It is given as an injection into the skin. Patients have the option of taking Adbry in a doctor’s office or clinic or self-administering it at home using an injectable pen or pre-filled syringe.
Adbry is designed to stop inflammation on the skin before it can start. The medication can prevent moderate to severe eczema symptoms.
What is Adbry used for?
Adbry is used to treat moderate-to-severe eczema. It is approved for adults and children 12 years of age or older whose eczema is not sufficiently controlled using other prescription creams or ointments, or for people who cannot use those treatments.
How does Adbry work?
Adbry works by targeting the protein called interleukin-13 (IL-13), which promotes inflammation in the body. IL-13 plays a crucial role in skin inflammation that contributes to eczema symptoms. Adbry neutralizes IL-13 and keeps it from binding and interacting with cell surface receptors that cause inflammation.
Adbry can be used as an add-on treatment, meaning that it can be taken alongside other prescribed medications. Your doctor may recommend you take topical corticosteroids or a topical calcineurin inhibitor along with Adbry, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
If you’re prescribed Adbry, work together with your doctor on a treatment plan. Follow it closely, as the combination of medications you are prescribed may vary based on the severity of your condition. Regular appointments and open communication with your doctor can ensure your treatment plan is effective.
Is Adbry a biologic medication?
Yes. Adbry is a biologic medication known as a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody.
Biologics are made from living organisms such as cells or proteins, rather than from chemicals. Scientists produce a particular type of biologic known as a monoclonal antibody by replicating a single type of antibody multiple times. The term “monoclonal” originates from “mono,” which means one kind of protein, and “clonal,” referring to the fact that it’s a clone of the original antibody.
Adbry is a monoclonal antibody that targets IL-13, a specific protein that causes inflammation. It helps treat atopic dermatitis.
Does Adbry have steroids?
Adbry is not a steroid, cream, ointment, pill, or topical corticosteroid. It is a biologic medication that works by targeting a specific protein in the body (IL-13) to help reduce the inflammation that causes eczema. Adbry is an injectable medication.
What is the difference between Adbry and Dupixent?
Adbry and Dupixent are both biologic medications used to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, but they have some key differences.
Target Population and Approved Uses: Adbry is approved for people 12 years of age and older for moderate-to-severe eczema. Dupixent is approved for people as young as 6 months for eczema and has additional approvals for asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and prurigo nodularis.
Mechanism of Action: Adbry specifically targets and blocks IL-13 to reduce inflammation. Dupixent targets both IL-4 and IL-13, which are involved in Type 2 inflammation, making it useful for a wider range of conditions.
What is the normal dosage for Adbry?
Adbry dosing starts with a loading dose to help build up the medication in your body and work faster.
The loading dose for adults is 600 mg (four prefilled syringes or two auto-injectors). After the loading dose, the recommended adult maintenance dose is 300 mg (two prefilled syringes or one auto-injector) every two weeks. After four months of treatment, if your skin is clear or almost clear and you weigh under 220 pounds, your healthcare professional may adjust your dosage to every four weeks.
The initial loading dose for pediatric patients 12 years and older is 300 mg (two prefilled syringes). The maintenance dose is 150 mg (one prefilled syringe) every two weeks.
How do you administer Adbry?
Adbry can be taken in a doctor’s office or clinic, or it can be self-administered at home by the patient or a caregiver. Your healthcare provider will typically administer the first dose, known as the loading dose, and provide instructions on properly using the medication.
Adbry is administered by subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected under the skin. Adbry comes in two options: a single-dose auto-injector or a single-dose prefilled syringe.
- Auto-injector: This is for use in adults only. It’s a device that automatically delivers the medication when you press it against your skin, making it easier for those uncomfortable with needles.
- Prefilled Syringe: This is for adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older. It requires more manual handling, as you need to inject the medication by pressing down on the plunger head.
Pediatric patients must always receive the injections under the supervision of an adult.
The injection can be given in the thigh or abdomen, avoiding the area within 2 inches (5 cm) around the navel. It is possible to inject it into the upper arm. However, this cannot be done by a patient and should be administered by a caregiver who has been trained to do so.
Avoid injecting the biologic into the same site each time. This can cause sensitivity, pain and scarring. Adbry should never be injected into tender, damaged, bruised, or scarred skin.
Self-administration gives patients the freedom and empowerment to take the medication on their own schedule without the hassle of going to the doctor’s office every 2-4 weeks. Follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Get training from your doctor on how to correctly administer the injection, know the proper injection sites, and use the right technique. Talk with your doctor regularly to make sure you are injecting Adbry safely and effectively.
How long can Adbry be at room temperature?
Adbry should be kept refrigerated at 36° F to 46° F (2° C to 8° C) in its original carton to protect it from light. When you are ready to take Adbry, remove it from the refrigerator and wait until it’s at room temperature. If necessary, Adbry can be kept at room temperature (up to 86° F or 30° C) for a maximum of 14 days.
Once Adbry has reached room temperature, do not put it back in the refrigerator. If you permanently remove Adbry from the refrigerator, write the removal date on the outer carton and use it within 14 days, or discard it. Do not expose Adbry to heat or direct sunlight.
What are the ingredients in Adbry?
Adbry is a clear to opalescent, colorless to pale yellow solution. It is preservative free. Both the auto-injector and the prefilled syringes are latex-free.
The active ingredient in Adbry is tralokinumab-ldrm. Tralokinumab-ldrm is made using a technology called recombinant DNA in mouse cells. It contains 1326 amino acids, and has a molecular weight of about 147 kilodaltons.
For the auto-injector, the inactive ingredients are acetic acid (0.6 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.2 mg), sodium acetate trihydrate (12 mg), sodium chloride (10 mg), and water.
For the prefilled syringe, the inactive ingredients are acetic acid (0.3 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.1 mg), sodium acetate trihydrate (6 mg), sodium chloride (5 mg), and water.
What are the side effects of Adbry?
Adbry side effects are generally mild, but some may be serious. Discuss the following potential side effects with your healthcare provider.
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infections. Symptoms may include a sore throat, runny nose, and coughing, similar to those of the common cold.
- Eye and Eyelid Inflammation. This includes redness, swelling, and itching around the eyes or eyelids.
- Injection Site Reactions. You may experience pain, redness, or swelling at the spot where the injection is administered.
- Eosinophilia. This is an increase in a specific type of white blood cell, which could be noticed during routine blood tests.
While serious side effects are less common, they can occur and may require immediate medical attention. It’s important to be aware of these potential risks.
Allergic Reactions: Some people may have a severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, after taking Adbry. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Symptoms to watch for: Difficulty breathing. Swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue. Hives and severe itching. Fainting, dizziness, or feeling lightheaded. Skin rash.
- Action: Seek emergency medical help right away if you have a severe allergic reaction. Your doctor or healthcare provider will administer epinephrine as the first line of treatment. If you take Adbry at home, you will need a prescription for epinephrine. Take it at the first sign of symptoms.
Eye Problems: Adbry may cause new or worsening eye conditions.
- Symptoms to watch for: Eye pain. Changes in vision, such as blurred vision.
- Action: Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your eyes.
Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are recommended to track any side effects and ensure the medication is working safely and effectively.
Before taking Adbry, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions. Provide a list of any other medications you’re taking that could cause drug interactions. Do not stop taking other medications unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.
How much does Adbry cost?
Biologics are expensive medications due to their complex production process. The list price for Adbry ranges from $2,030.75 to $4,052.00, depending on the dosage. Most people do not pay the full price thanks to several programs that help reduce costs.
The Adbry Advocate™ Program offers financial assistance, including copay support for people with commercial insurance. Under the copay program, they would be reimbursed for the costs of the medication, paying as little as $0 per dose. The maximum amount available is $13,000.
Adbry’s Bridge Care™ Program helps eligible, commercially insured people whose insurance does not yet cover Adbry. They can get a maximum of six months of Adbry within a 2-year time period or until insurance covers Adbry.
If you have financial need or limited or no prescription coverage, you may be able to obtain Adbry at no cost under a Patient Assistance Program. Find out if you qualify by calling 844-MY-ADBRY (844-692-3279).
Adbry may be covered under Medicare Part B if it is given in a doctor’s office or clinic. Contact your Medicare plan provider to find out coverage. If you’re denied the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) through Medicare Part D, you may still qualify for the Adbry Patient Assistance Program, which provides Adbry for free. However, this program does not count toward Medicare Part D out-of-pocket costs like deductibles or co-pays, and reimbursement through Medicare is not allowed.
Charitable organizations such as The Assistance Fund, Inc., Patient Advocate Foundation and The HealthWell Foundation are dedicated to offering financial support to patients with specific medical conditions, irrespective of their chosen treatment. People with commercial or public insurance, including those under Medicare and Medicaid, can reach out directly to these foundations for financial assistance.