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Fintepla (fenfluramine) Prior Authorization with Quantiy Limit Program Summary

Policy Number: PH-1140

 

This program applies to Blue Partner, Commercial, GenPlus, NetResults A series, SourceRx and Health Insurance Marketplace formularies.

POLICY REVIEW CYCLE                                                                                                                                                                           

Effective Date

Date of Origin 

7/1/2023

FDA APPROVED INDICATIONS AND DOSAGE

Agent(s)

FDA Indication(s)

Notes

Ref#

Fintepla®

(fenfluramine)

Oral solution

Treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in patients 2 years of age and older

 

1

See package insert for FDA prescribing information:  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/index.cfm

CLINICAL RATIONALE

Dravet Syndrome

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe form of epilepsy characterized by frequent, prolonged seizures and neurodevelopmental problems beginning in infancy. Mutations in the alpha-1 subunit of the voltage-gated sodium channel (SCN1A) gene are identified in 70-85% of patients with DS. Status epilepticus, or a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes and sometimes 30 minutes or more, is common. Additional seizure types, including myoclonic, atypical absence, and complex partial seizures, appear before age 5 years. Mortality in DS is elevated above that found in the general epilepsy population, with an estimated mortality of 15-20% by adulthood. First-line treatment is typically valproate, with clobazam added if needed. Additional agents include stiripentol, topiramate, cannabidiol, and fenfluramine. For patients with symptoms refractory to drug therapy, ketogenic diet and vagal nerve stimulation may be beneficial.(2,3,4,9)

The mechanisms by which fenfluramine exerts its therapeutic effects in the treatment of seizures associated with DS are unknown. Fenfluramine and its metabolite, norfenfluramine, increase extracellular levels of serotonin through interaction with serotonin transporter proteins, and exhibit agonist activity at serotonin 5HT-2 receptors.(1)

Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe form of epilepsy that typically becomes apparent during infancy or early childhood. The syndrome has many causes, including genetic disorders, cortical malformations, tumors, encephalopathies following hypoxic-ischemic insults, meningitis, and head injuries. Affected children experience several different types of seizures; atonic, clonic, and atypical absence seizures are the most common. Children with LGS may develop cognitive dysfunction, delays in reaching developmental milestones, and behavioral problems. LGS is difficult to treat because no specific therapy is effective in all cases, and the disorder has proven particularly resistant to most therapeutic options. Valproate is generally considered first-line therapy, and if monotherapy is ineffective another drug such as lamotrigine or rufinamide is added to valproate therapy. Alternative adjunctive antiseizure medications include topiramate, clobazam, cannabidiol, fenfluramine, or felbamate. Additional therapies combined with drug therapy, for patients who do not respond, include the ketogenic diet and vagal nerve stimulation.(7,8)

Efficacy

The effectiveness of fenfluramine for the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome in patients 2 years of age and older was established in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in patients 2 to 18 years of age. Study 1 (N = 117) compared a 0.7 mg/kg/day and a 0.2 mg/kg/day dose of fenfluramine with placebo in patients who were NOT receiving stiripentol. Study 2 (N = 85) compared a 0.4 mg/kg/day dose of fenfluramine with placebo in patients who were receiving stiripentol and either clobazam, valproate, or both. In both studies, patients had a clinical diagnosis of Dravet syndrome and were inadequately controlled on at least one antiepileptic drug (AED) or other antiseizure treatment including vagal nerve stimulation or a ketogenic diet. In Study 1, 98% of patients were taking 1-4 concomitant AEDs; in Study 2, 100% were taking 2-4 concomitant AEDs.(1,5,6)

The primary efficacy endpoint in both studies was the change from baseline in the frequency of convulsive seizures per 28 days during the treatment period. For Study 1, the percent reduction in monthly convulsive seizure frequency was 70% for the 0.7 mg/kg/day dose (p less than 0.001) and 31.7% for the 0.2 mg/kg/day dose (p=0.043); for Study 2 it was 59.5% reduction (p less than 0.001). A reduction in convulsive seizures was observed within 3-4 weeks of starting fenfluramine, and the effect remained generally consistent over the 14- or 15-week treatment period.(1,5,6)

A secondary endpoint was longest seizure-free interval, for which the median longest seizure-free intervals in the 0.7 mg/kg/day, 0.4 mg/kg/day, and 0.2 mg/kg/day groups were 25 days, 22 days, and 15 days, respectively.(5,6)

The effectiveness of fenfluramine for the treatment of seizures associated with LGS in patients 2 years of age and older was established in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients 2 to 35 years of age. Study 3 (N=263) compared a 0.7 mg/kg/day and a 0.2 mg/kg/day dose of fenfluramine with placebo in patients with a diagnosis of LGS who were inadequately controlled on at least one antiepileptic drug (AED) or other antiseizure treatment including vagal nerve stimulation and/or a ketogenic diet.(1)

The primary efficacy endpoint was the median percent change from baseline (reduction) in the frequency of seizures per 28 days during the treatment period. The median percent change from baseline (reduction) in the frequency of seizures per 28 days was significantly greater for the 0.7 mg/kg/day group compared with placebo (80%; p=0.0037). The effect remained generally consistent over the 14-week treatment period.(1)

Safety

Fintepla carries a boxed warning for valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension. There is an association between serotonergic drugs with 5-HT2B receptor agonist activity, including fenfluramine, and valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Echocardiogram assessments are required before, during, and after treatment with Fintepla; benefits versus risks of initiating or continuing must be considered based on echocardiogram findings. Because of these risks, Fintepla is available only through the Fintepla REMS program.(1)

Fintepla has the following contraindications:(1)

  • Concomitant use of, or within 14 days of the administration of, monoamine oxidase inhibitors because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • Hypersensitivity to fenfluramine or any of the excipients in Fintepla.

REFERENCES                                                                                                                                                                           

Number

Reference

1

Fintepla prescribing information. Zogenix, Inc. January 2023.

2

Wirrell EC, Laux L, Donner E, et al. Optimizing the Diagnosis and Management of Dravet Syndrome: Recommendations from a North American Consensus Panel. Pediatr Neurol. 2017;68:18-34.

3

Sullivan J, Knupp K, Wirrell E. Dravet Syndrome. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Last updated 2020. Available at https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/dravet-syndrome-spectrum/. 

4

Andrade DM, Nascimento FA, et al. Dravet Syndrome: Management and Prognosis. UpToDate. Literature review current through November 2022. Last updated December 2022. 

5

Lagae L, Sullivan J, Knupp K, et al. Fenfluramine Hydrochloride for the Treatment of Seizures in Dravet Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Lancet. 2019;394(10216):2243-2254.

6

Nabbout R, Mistry A, Zuberi S, et al. Fenfluramine for Treatment-Resistant Seizures in Patients with Dravet Syndrome Receiving Stiripentol-Inclusive Regimens: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurol. 2020;77(3):300-308.

7

Wheeless JW. Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Last updated 2020. Available at https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/lennox-gastaut-syndrome/.

8

Wilfong A, et al. Epilepsy Syndromes in Children. UpToDate. Last updated June 2022. Literature review current through December 2022.

9

International Consensus on Diagnosis and Management of Dravet Syndrome. Epilepsia. 2022 Jul;63(7):1761-1777.

 

POLICY AGENT SUMMARY PRIOR AUTHORIZATION

Target Brand Agent(s)

Target Generic Agent(s)

Strength

Targeted MSC

Available MSC

Preferred Status

Effective Date

Fintepla

fenfluramine hcl oral soln

2.2 MG/ML

M ; N ; O ; Y

N

POLICY AGENT SUMMARY QUANTITY LIMIT

Target Brand Agent Name(s)

Target Generic Agent Name(s)

Strength

QL Amount

Dose Form

Day Supply

Duration

Addtl QL Info

Allowed Exceptions

Targeted NDCs When Exclusions Exist

Effective Date

Fintepla

Fenfluramine HCl Oral Soln 2.2 MG/ML

2.2 MG/ML

360

MLS

30

DAYS

CLIENT SUMMARY – PRIOR AUTHORIZATION

Target Brand Agent Name(s)

Target Generic Agent Name(s)

Strength

Client Formulary

Fintepla

fenfluramine hcl oral soln

2.2 MG/ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

CLIENT SUMMARY – QUANTITY LIMITS

Target Brand Agent Name(s)

Target Generic Agent Name(s)

Strength

Client Formulary

Fintepla

Fenfluramine HCl Oral Soln 2.2 MG/ML

2.2 MG/ML

Blue Partner ; Commercial ; GenPlus ; Health Insurance Marketplace ; NetResults A Series ; SourceRx

PRIOR AUTHORIZATION CLINICAL CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL

Module

Clinical Criteria for Approval

Initial Evaluation

Target Agent(s) will be approved when ALL of the following are met:

  1. ONE of the following:
    1. ALL of the following:
      1. ONE of the following:
        1. Information has been provided that indicates the patient has been treated with the requested agent within the past 180 days OR
        2. The prescriber states the patient has been treated with the requested agent within the past 180 days AND is at risk if therapy is changed AND
      2. The patient has an FDA labeled indication for the requested agent AND
      3. If the patient has a diagnosis of seizure associated with Dravet syndrome (DS) or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), the requested agent will NOT be used as monotherapy for seizure management OR
    2. ONE of the following:
      1. If the patient has a diagnosis of Dravet syndrome (DS), BOTH of the following:
        1. ONE of the following:
          1. The patient has tried and had an inadequate response to TWO generic antiseizure agents used in the treatment of DS (e.g., valproate, clobazam, stiripentol, topiramate) OR
          2. The patient has an intolerance or hypersensitivity to therapy with generic antiseizure agents used in the treatment of DS OR
          3. The patient has an FDA labeled contraindication to ALL generic antiseizure agents used in the treatment of DS AND
        2. The requested agent will NOT be used as monotherapy for seizure management OR
      2. If the patient has a diagnosis of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), BOTH of the following:
        1. ONE of the following:
          1. The patient has tried and had an inadequate response to TWO generic antiseizure agents used in the treatment of LGS (e.g., valproate, lamotrigine, rufinamide, topiramate, clobazam, felbamate) OR
          2. The patient has an intolerance or hypersensitivity to therapy with generic antiseizure agents used in the treatment of LGS OR
          3. The patient has an FDA labeled contraindication to ALL generic antiseizure agents used in the treatment of LGS AND
        2. The requested agent will NOT be used as monotherapy for seizure management OR
      3. The patient has another FDA approved indication for the requested agent and route of administration AND
  2. If the patient has an FDA approved indication, ONE of the following:
    1. The patient’s age is within FDA labeling for the requested indication for the requested agent OR
    2. The prescriber has provided information in support of using the requested agent for the patient’s age for the requested indication AND
  3. An echocardiogram assessment will be obtained before and during treatment with the requested agent, to evaluate for valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension AND
  4. The prescriber is a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis (e.g., neurologist) or the prescriber has consulted with a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis AND
  5. The patient does NOT have any FDA labeled contraindications to the requested agent

Length of Approval:  12 months

NOTE: If Quantity Limit applies, please refer to Quantity Limit Criteria.


Renewal Evaluation

Target Agent(s) will be approved when ALL of the following are met:

  1. The patient has been previously approved for the requested agent through the plan’s Prior Authorization process AND
  2. ONE of the following:
    1. The patient has a diagnosis of DS or LGS AND has had clinical benefit with the requested agent (e.g., decreased seizure activity) OR
    2. The patient has another FDA approved indication for the requested agent and route of administration AND has had clinical benefit with the requested agent AND
  3. If using for seizure management, the requested agent will NOT be used as monotherapy AND
  4. An echocardiogram assessment will be obtained during treatment with the requested agent, to evaluate for valvular heart disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension AND
  5. The prescriber is a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis (e.g., neurologist) or the prescriber has consulted with a specialist in the area of the patient’s diagnosis AND
  6. The patient does NOT have any FDA labeled contraindications to the requested agent

Length of Approval:  12 months

NOTE: If Quantity Limit applies, please refer to Quantity Limit Criteria.

QUANTITY LIMIT CLINICAL CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL

Module

Clinical Criteria for Approval

Target Agent(s) will be approved when ONE of the following is met:

  1. The requested quantity (dose) does NOT exceed the program quantity limit OR
  2. ALL of the following:
    1. The requested quantity (dose) is greater than the program quantity limit AND
    2. The requested quantity (dose) does NOT exceed the maximum FDA labeled dose for the requested indication AND
    3. The requested quantity (dose) cannot be achieved with a lower quantity of a higher strength that does NOT exceed the program quantity limit

Length of Approval: 12 months 

This pharmacy policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits or a contract. Eligibility and benefits are determined on a case-by-case basis according to the terms of the member’s plan in effect as of the date services are rendered. All pharmacy policies are based on (i) information in FDA approved package inserts (and black box warning, alerts, or other information disseminated by the FDA as applicable); (ii) research of current medical and pharmacy literature; and/or (iii) review of common medical practices in the treatment and diagnosis of disease as of the date hereof. Physicians and other providers are solely responsible for all aspects of medical care and treatment, including the type, quality, and levels of care and treatment.

The purpose of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s pharmacy policies are to provide a guide to coverage. Pharmacy policies are not intended to dictate to physicians how to practice medicine. Physicians should exercise their medical judgment in providing the care they feel is most appropriate for their patients.

Neither this policy, nor the successful adjudication of a pharmacy claim, is guarantee of payment.

Commercial _ PS _ Fintepla (fenfluramine) Prior Authorization with Quantity Limit _ProgSum_ 7/1/2023