Bemfola^®

MIMS Revision Date: 01 December 2022

1 Name of Medicine

Follitropin alfa (rch).

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Bemfola is a biosimilar medicinal product, i.e. a medicine that has been demonstrated to be similar in quality, safety and efficacy to the reference medicinal product Gonal-f.
Bemfola contains the active ingredient follitropin alfa (rch). This is produced by a Chinese Hamster Ovary cell line transfected with the human FSH subunit genes (i.e. by recombinant DNA technology).
Clear glass cartridges containing Bemfola solution for injection are designed for subcutaneous injection pre-assembled in a disposable pen. Bemfola is available as solution for injection, containing follitropin alfa (rch) 75 IU/0.125 mL (5.5 microgram/0.125 mL), 150 IU/0.25 mL (11 microgram/0.25 mL), 225 IU/0.375 mL (16.5 microgram/0.375 mL), 300 IU/0.5 mL (22 microgram/0.5 mL) or 450 IU/0.75 mL (33 microgram/0.75 mL) in pre-filled pens.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Bemfola is a clear, colourless solution for injection for subcutaneous injection pre-assembled in a disposable pen.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

In adult women. Bemfola is indicated for the treatment of anovulatory infertility in women who have been unresponsive to clomiphene citrate or where clomiphene citrate is contraindicated.
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.
Bemfola in association with a luteinising hormone (LH) preparation is recommended for the stimulation of follicular development in women with severe LH and FSH deficiency. In clinical trials these patients were defined by an endogenous serum LH level < 1.2 IU/L.
In adult men. Bemfola is indicated with concomitant human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) therapy for the stimulation of spermatogenesis in gonadotrophin deficient men in whom hCG alone is ineffective.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

Treatment with Bemfola should be initiated under the supervision of a physician experienced in the treatment of fertility disorders.
Bemfola should be administered subcutaneously. The injection site should be alternated daily to prevent lipoatrophy. Self administration of Bemfola should only be performed by patients who are well motivated, adequately trained and who have access to expert advice.
The solution should not be administered if it contains particles or is not clear.
Women with anovulatory infertility (WHO group II). The objective of Bemfola therapy is to develop a single mature Graafian follicle from which the ovum will be liberated after the administration of hCG.
Bemfola may be given as a course of daily injections. In menstruating patients treatment should commence within the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle. Treatment should be tailored to the individual patient's response as assessed by measuring 1) follicle size by ultrasound and/or 2) oestrogen secretion. A commonly used regimen commences at 75-150 IU (5.5 to 11 microgram) FSH daily and is increased in increments of 37.5 IU (2.75 microgram) up to 75 IU (5.5 microgram) at 7 or 14 day intervals if necessary, to obtain an adequate, but not excessive response. If a patient fails to respond adequately after 5 weeks of treatment, that cycle should be abandoned. The Bemfola Pen provides treating physicians with capability of 12.5 IU increments to adapt patient's dose with flexibility.
When an optimal response is obtained, a single injection of 250 microgram r-hCG or 5000 IU up to 10,000 IU urinary human chorionic gonadotropin (u-hCG) should be administered 24-48 hours after the last Bemfola injection. The patient is recommended to have coitus on the day of, and the day following hCG administration.
If an excessive response is obtained, treatment should be stopped and hCG withheld (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Treatment should recommence in the next cycle at a dosage lower than that of the previous cycle.
Women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. A commonly used regimen for superovulation involves the administration of 150 IU (11 microgram) to 225 IU (16.5 microgram) of Bemfola daily, commencing on days 2 or 3 of the cycle. Treatment is continued until adequate follicular development has been achieved (as assessed by monitoring of serum oestrogen concentrations and/or ultrasound examination), with the dose adjusted according to the patient's response, to usually not higher than 450 IU (33 microgram) daily.
A single injection of 250 microgram r-hCG or 5000 IU up to 10,000 IU u-hCG is administered 24-48 hours after the last Bemfola injection to induce final follicular maturation. In clinical trials, final follicular maturation was judged to be when at least two follicles were ≥ 16 mm mean diameter and when E₂ levels were within the physician's acceptable range for the number of follicles present.
Downregulation with either a GnRH agonist or antagonist is now commonly used in order to suppress the endogenous LH surge and to control tonic levels of LH. Dosage regimes should be customised in order to achieve the desired result. In a commonly used protocol Bemfola is started approximately 2 weeks after the start of agonist treatment, both being continued until adequate follicular development is achieved. For example, following two weeks treatment with an agonist, 225 IU (16.5 microgram) Bemfola is administered (subcutaneously) for the first 7 days. The dose is then adjusted according to the ovarian response.
Women with anovulation resulting from severe LH and FSH deficiency. In LH and FSH deficient women (hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism), the objective of Bemfola therapy in association with lutropin alfa is to develop a single mature Graafian follicle from which the oocyte will be liberated after the administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Follitropin alfa should be given as a course of daily injections simultaneously with lutropin alfa. Since these patients are amenorrhoeic and have low endogenous oestrogen secretion, treatment can commence at any time.
A recommended regimen commences at 75 IU of lutropin alfa daily with 75-150 IU FSH. Treatment should be tailored to the individual patient's response as assessed by measuring follicle size by ultrasound and oestrogen response.
If an FSH dose increase is deemed appropriate, dose adaptation should preferably be after 7-14 day intervals and preferably by 37.5-75 IU increments. It may be acceptable to extend the duration of stimulation in any one cycle to up to 5 weeks.
When an optimal response is obtained, a single injection of 250 microgram r-hCG or 5,000 IU up to 10,000 IU hCG should be administered 24-48 hours after the last follitropin alfa and lutropin alfa injections. The patient is recommended to have coitus on the day of, and on the day following, hCG administration.
Alternatively, IUI may be performed.
Luteal phase support may be considered since lack of substances with luteotrophic activity (LH/hCG) after ovulation may lead to premature failure of the corpus luteum.
If an excessive response is obtained, treatment should be stopped and hCG withheld. Treatment should recommence in the next cycle at a dose of FSH lower than that of the previous cycle.
Men with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Prior to combined therapy with Bemfola and hCG, pretreatment should begin with hCG alone at the appropriate dosage to achieve masculinisation and serum testosterone level within the eugonadal range (> 9-10 nanomol/L). This starting dose should be increased to the necessary dosage in order to obtain normal testosterone values. If after an inadequate trial of hCG alone (usually 6 months) at effective doses, Bemfola should be given concomitantly at the dosage of 150 IU (11 microgram) three times a week. This regimen should be continued for a minimum of 4 months. If after this period, the patient has not responded, the combination treatment (hCG plus Bemfola 150 IU (11 microgram) 3 times a week) may be continued. Current clinical experience indicates that prolonged treatment for up to 18-24 months may be necessary to achieve spermatogenesis or fertility.

4.3 Contraindications

Bemfola is contraindicated for safety reasons in:
cases of prior hypersensitivity to follitropin alfa, or to any excipients of Bemfola;
tumours of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
FSH therapy is contraindicated for safety reasons where the following exist:
In women. Pregnancy and lactation;
ovarian enlargement or ovarian cyst of unknown aetiology;
gynaecological haemorrhages of unknown aetiology;
ovarian, uterine or breast carcinoma.
FSH is contraindicated when an effective response cannot be obtained, such as:
In women. Primary ovarian failure as indicated by high levels of FSH (ovarian dysgenesis, premature menopause);
malformations of sexual organs incompatible with pregnancy;
fibroid tumours of the uterus incompatible with pregnancy.
In men. Elevated gonadotrophin levels that indicate primary testicular failure;
infertility disorders other than hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism.
Use in elderly and children. Bemfola should not be used in the elderly or children.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Bemfola is a potent gonadotrophic substance capable of causing mild to severe adverse reactions, and should only be used by physicians who are thoroughly familiar with infertility problems and their management.
Gonadotrophin therapy requires a certain time commitment by physicians and supportive health professionals, as well as the availability of appropriate monitoring facilities. In women, safe and effective use of Bemfola calls for monitoring of ovarian response with ultrasound, alone or preferably in combination with measurement of serum oestradiol levels, on a regular basis. There may be a degree of interpatient variability in response to FSH administration, with a poor response to FSH in some patients and exaggerated response in others. The lowest effective dose in relation to the treatment objective should be used in both men and women.
Before starting treatment, the couple's infertility should be assessed as appropriate and putative contraindications for pregnancy evaluated. In particular, patients should be evaluated for hypothyroidism, adrenocortical deficiency, hyperprolactinaemia, and appropriate specific treatment given.
Bemfola should be used with caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to gonadotrophin presentations that do not contain FSH, due to the risk of cross sensitivity. The first injection of Bemfola in such patients must be performed under direct medical supervision.
Self administration of Bemfola should only be performed by patients who are well motivated, adequately trained and with access to expert advice. During training of the patient for self administration, special attention should be given to specific instructions for the use of the prefilled pen.
Treatment in women. Patients should be selected carefully according to the following guidelines: a thorough gynaecological and endocrinological evaluation must be performed; presence of early pregnancy should be ruled out; aetiology of any abnormal vaginal bleeding should be established before starting Bemfola therapy; evaluation of semen quality of the partner should be performed; or other appropriate investigations should be performed as required.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Mild to moderate uncomplicated ovarian enlargement, which may be accompanied by abdominal distension and/or abdominal pain, occurs in approximately 20% of those treated with follitropin and hCG, and generally regresses without treatment within two or three weeks. In the presence of marked ovarian enlargement, treatment should be discontinued.
Patients undergoing superovulation are at an increased risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in view of the excessive oestrogen response and multiple follicular development. Distinct from uncomplicated ovarian enlargement, OHSS is a condition that can manifest itself with increasing degrees of severity. It comprises marked ovarian enlargement, high serum sex steroids and an increase in vascular permeability which can result in an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal, pleural and, rarely, in the pericardial cavities.
OHSS can become a serious complication of human gonadotrophin therapy and sometimes leads to fatal complications if not adequately treated.
Mild manifestations of OHSS include abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort and distension, and enlarged ovaries. Moderate OHSS may additionally present with nausea, vomiting, ultrasound evidence of ascites and marked ovarian enlargement. Severe OHSS further includes symptoms such as severe ovarian enlargement, weight gain, dyspnoea or oliguria. Clinical evaluation may reveal hypovolaemia, haemoconcentration, electrolyte imbalances, ascites, pleural effusions or acute pulmonary distress. Rarely, severe OHSS may be complicated by ovarian torsion or thromboembolic events, such as pulmonary embolism, ischaemic stroke or myocardial infarction.
Independent risk factors for developing OHSS have been reported to include young age, lean body mass, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), higher doses of exogenous gonadotrophins, high absolute or rapidly rising serum oestradiol levels and previous episodes of OHSS, large number of developing ovarian follicles and large number of oocytes retrieved in ART cycles.
Careful monitoring of ovarian response with ultrasound alone or preferably in combination with measurement of oestradiol levels is recommended prior to and during stimulation therapy, especially in patients with PCOS.
OHSS may progress rapidly (within 24 hours) or over several days to become a serious medical event. It most often occurs after treatment with follitropin or hCG has been discontinued, reaching its maximum at about seven to ten days following treatment. Therefore, patients should be followed for at least two weeks after follitropin or hCG administration.
If there are any symptoms or signs of OHSS, the patient must be evaluated, investigated, and monitored. Adherence to recommended Bemfola dosage and regimen of administration can minimise the risk of OHSS. Monitoring of stimulation cycles by ultrasound scans as well as oestradiol measurements are recommended to identify risk factors early.
Excessive oestrogenic response seldom gives rise to significant hyperstimulation unless hCG is administered to induce ovulation. Cases of OHSS are more common, more severe and more protracted if pregnancy occurs. Therefore, if signs of OHSS occur, it is recommended that hCG be withheld and the physician should advise the patient to refrain from intercourse for at least 4 days. Intercourse should be prohibited in those patients in whom significant ovarian enlargement occurs after ovulation because of the danger of haemoperitoneum resulting from ruptured ovarian cysts.
Mild or moderate OHSS requires careful monitoring and may resolve spontaneously. Worsening of symptoms suggests progression of OHSS and requires prompt clinical reassessment. If necessary, the physician should recommend cessation of treatment or withholding hCG injection, and closely monitor the ovarian response. Severe OHSS requires admission to hospital and commencement of appropriate therapy in addition to cessation of gonadotrophins treatment. Treatment of OHSS is primarily symptomatic, consisting of bed rest, fluid and electrolyte management, and analgesics if needed.
The phenomenon of haemoconcentration associated with fluid loss into the peritoneal cavity, pleural cavity and pericardial cavity has been seen to occur and should be thoroughly assessed in the following manner: 1) fluid intake and output, 2) weight, 3) haematocrit, 4) serum and urinary electrolytes, 5) urine specific gravity, 6) BUN and creatinine, and 7) abdominal girth. These determinations are to be performed daily or more often if the need arises. Appropriate imaging examination, especially ultrasound, should also be used for identifying, localising and quantifying fluid loss.
There is an increased risk of injury to the ovary with OHSS. The ascitic, pleural and pericardial fluids should not be removed unless absolutely necessary to relieve symptoms such as pulmonary distress or cardiac tamponade. Pelvic examination may cause rupture of an ovarian cyst, which may result in haemoperitoneum and should therefore be avoided. If this does occur, and if bleeding becomes such that surgery is required, the surgical treatment should be designed to control bleeding and to retain as much ovarian tissue as possible.
Thromboembolic events. Thromboembolic events, including thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, stroke and arterial occlusion both in association with, and separate from OHSS, have been reported following gonadotrophin therapy. In rare cases, thromboembolic events have resulted in death.
In women with recent or ongoing thromboembolic disease or women with generally recognised risk factors for thromboembolic events, such as personal or family history, treatment with gonadotrophins may further increase the risk for aggravation or occurrence of such events. In these women, the benefits of gonadotrophin administration need to be weighed against the risks. It should be noted, however, that pregnancy itself, as well as OHSS, also carries an increased risk of thromboembolic events.
Multiple pregnancies. In patients undergoing induction of ovulation, the incidence of multiple pregnancy is increased compared with natural conception. The majority of multiple conceptions are twins. Multiple pregnancies, especially higher order, carry an increased risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. The patient should be advised of the potential risk of multiple births before starting treatment.
To minimise the risk of twins or higher order multiple pregnancy, careful monitoring of ovarian response is recommended. Appropriate management, such as cycle cancellation, should be considered in line with current clinical practice. The incidence of multiple pregnancy can be minimised by using the recommended dose and schedule of administration (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).
In patients undergoing ART procedures, the risk of multiple pregnancy is related mainly to the number of embryos replaced, their quality and the patient's age. Single embryo transfer in good prognosis cycles substantially reduces the risk of multiple pregnancy with little effect on live birth rates.
Pregnancy loss. The incidence of pregnancy loss by miscarriage or abortion is higher in patients undergoing stimulation of follicular growth for ovulation induction or ART than following natural conception, but comparable with the rates found in women with other fertility problems.
Congenital anomalies. The prevalence of congenital anomalies after the use of ART may be slightly higher than after spontaneous conceptions. Possible contributing factors include aspects inherent in the couple's infertility, ovulation induction agents, other medicines used in treatment and the ART procedures. While there is no specific evidence from clinical trials or postmarketing data implicating gonadotrophin use in adverse effects on pregnancy, embryonal or fetal development, parturition or postnatal development, ovulation induction agents cannot be excluded as a contributing factor.
Treatment in men. Elevated endogenous FSH levels are indicative of primary testicular failure. Such patients are unresponsive to Bemfola/hCG therapy. Semen analysis is recommended in assessing the response to treatment.
Paediatric use. Bemfola should not be used in the paediatric population (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).
Use in the elderly. Bemfola should not be used in the elderly population (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).
Porphyria. In patients with porphyria or a family history of porphyria, Bemfola may increase the risk of an acute attack. Deterioration or a first appearance of this condition may require cessation of treatment.
Effects on laboratory tests. No data available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

No clinically significant drug interactions have been reported during Bemfola therapy. Concomitant use of Bemfola with other agents used to stimulate ovulation may potentiate the follicular response, whereas concurrent use of a GnRH agonist or antagonist to induce pituitary desensitisation may increase the dosage of Bemfola needed to elicit an adequate ovarian response.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility. Bemfola is indicated for use in infertility (see Section 4.1 Therapeutic Indications).
Use in pregnancy. (Category D)
Follitropin alfa is not intended for use during pregnancy (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). In rats and rabbits, follitropin alfa caused dystocia and marked postimplantation loss at subcutaneous doses of greater than 5 IU/kg/day, indicating that it is embryotoxic and fetotoxic. Follitropin alfa was not teratogenic at subcutaneous doses up to 320 IU/kg/day in rats or 5 IU/kg/day in rabbits.
Use in lactation. It is not known whether follitropin alfa is excreted in human milk. In lactating rats, follitropin alfa at doses up to 40 IU/kg did not influence lactation or have any effects on the postnatal growth and development of the offspring. Follitropin alfa was measured in the milk in early lactation.
Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the nursing infant from Bemfola, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, adverse effect of Bemfola included dizziness which could affect the ability to drive or use machines (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

The reactions reported below are classified according to frequency of occurrence as follows:
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.
Treatment in general. Immune system disorders. Very rare: mild to severe hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions and shock.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders. Very rare: exacerbation or aggravation of asthma.
General disorders and administration site conditions. Very common: injection site reactions (e.g. pain, erythema, haematoma, swelling and/or irritation at the site of injection).
Treatment in women. The following adverse events have been reported during gonadotrophin therapy:
Reproductive system and breast disorders. Very common: ovarian cyst, mild to moderate ovarian enlargement. Common: mild or moderate OHSS (including symptomatology), intermenstrual bleeding. Uncommon: severe OHSS (including symptomatology). Rare: complications of severe OHSS, ectopic pregnancy, adnexal torsion associated with ovarian enlargement.
Gastrointestinal disorders. Common: abdominal pain, abdominal distension, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting.
Nervous system disorders. Very common: headache, dizziness.
Vascular disorders. Very rare: thromboembolism.
See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use for information on symptoms and management of OHSS.
Treatment in men. Reproductive system and breast disorders. Common: gynaecomastia.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders. Common: acne.
Investigations. Common: weight gain.
Reporting suspected adverse reactions. Reporting suspected adverse events after registration 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 at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

The effects of an overdose of Bemfola are unknown, nevertheless, there is the possibility that OHSS may occur (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Advise your patients to immediately contact their doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (in Australia telephone 131 126, in New Zealand telephone 0800 764 766) if they are concerned that they have given themselves too much Bemfola.

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

In females, the most important effect resulting from parenteral administration of FSH is the development of mature Graafian follicles. To complete follicular maturation and to stimulate ovulation in the absence of an endogenous luteinising hormone (LH) surge, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is given once monitoring of the patient indicates that sufficient follicular development has occurred. There may be a degree of interpatient variability in response to FSH administration, with lack of response to FSH in some patients. In males, FSH stimulates spermatogenesis without significant effect on the androgen secreting interstitial cells.
Clinical trials. WHO group II anovulatory infertile women. In a controlled study involving 222 randomised patients, cumulative ovulation rate was not significantly different between follitropin alfa and urofollitropin or urinary derived hFSH (u-hFSH) groups whether analysed on an intention to treat or evaluable patient basis. The ovulation rate in each cycle was also not different between the two medicines.
Superovulation in assisted reproduction techniques (ART). Study 21884. The safety and efficacy of follitropin alfa (r-hFSH; filled by mass) versus u-hFSH and its equivalence as compared to follitropin alfa old formulation (filled by bioactivity), all administered subcutaneously, were assessed in a multicentre, randomised, single blind, phase III study in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and embryo transfer. All patients underwent pituitary desensitisation (downregulation) with a gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist prior to and during stimulation of multiple follicular development with one of the three study treatments. Randomisation occurred when pituitary downregulation was confirmed by an E₂ level of ≤ 50 picogram/mL.
The primary efficacy parameter in this study was the number of fertilised oocytes retrieved per patient. 837 patients entered the study, of whom 713 were randomised. Of these, 711 received at least one dose of FSH: 237 patients received follitropin alfa (r-hFSH; filled by mass), 237 patients received u-hFSH, and 237 patients received follitropin alfa old formulation (filled by bioactivity). The number of oocytes retrieved was similar in all treatment groups. The efficacy of follitropin alfa (r-hFSH; filled-by-mass) although not superior, led to statistically higher response rates in the number of fertilised oocytes as compared to u-hFSH. The efficacy results are summarised in Tables 1 and 2.

441 of 713 patients experienced 1474 adverse events: 145 patients in the follitropin alfa (r-hFSH; filled by mass) group, 143 patients in the u-hFSH group and 153 patients in the old follitropin alfa (filled by bioactivity) group. Most of the reported events were less in the follitropin alfa (r-hFSH; filled by mass) group when compared to the old follitropin alfa (filled by bioactivity) group. Overall, the pattern of adverse events was similar between treatment groups and was consistent with the profile of events reported in this indication.
Men with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Male hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH) is a rare condition therefore study sizes are limited. Two phase III (open and noncomparative) studies were conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of follitropin alfa in combination with hCG in inducing spermatogenesis in men with HH. The primary efficacy endpoint was the achievement of a mature sperm density of ≥ 1.5 x 10⁶/mL. Follitropin alfa was administered subcutaneously at a dosage of 150 IU three times a week in combination with hCG (≥ 2000 IU twice weekly) for up to 18 months.
The first study was conducted in university clinical centres in France, Germany and UK. A total of 32 patients with complete, primary isolated HH were recruited into this study. They were azoospermic before entering the study, remained so after the pretreatment phase and none had prior treatment with FSH or GnRH. In the pretreatment phase, the patients were treated with hCG alone (2000 IU twice weekly for 3-6 months) to first normalise serum testosterone levels before initiating the treatment with follitropin alfa. Of 26 patients who received follitropin alfa, 19 patients were found to be eligible for efficacy evaluation.
The primary endpoint of a sperm density of ≥ 1.5 x 10⁶/mL was achieved in 12/19 (63%) patients. Overall 15/19 (79%) patients achieved some spermatogenesis. The median time to initiate spermatogenesis was 9 months.
The second study was conducted in 2 university clinical centres in Australia. A total of 10 patients with severe HH entered the study, but only 8 patients completed the follitropin alfa treatment phase. Similar results to the first study were obtained.
The primary endpoint of a sperm density of ≥ 1.5 x 10⁶/mL were achieved in 5/8 (63%) patients. Overall 7/8 (88%) patients achieved some spermatogenesis. The median time to initiate spermatogenesis was 6 months. The studies also demonstrated that follitropin alfa has a good safety profile and is well tolerated over the treatment period of up to 18 months.
Comparability of Bemfola with Gonal-f. Therapeutic equivalence of Bemfola and Gonal-f was demonstrated in a multinational, multicentre, randomised, controlled, assessor blind, parallel group study in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the number of oocytes retrieved. Equivalence of Bemfola and Gonal-f was considered to be shown if the two sided 95% CI for the difference in the number of oocytes retrieved was within the equivalence range [-2.9 oocytes, +2.9 oocytes].
The secondary endpoints 'total r-hFSH dose', 'number of days of r-hFSH stimulation', 'mean number of follicles on stimulation day 8 and day of hCG administration', 'median estradiol levels on stimulation day 8', and 'number of patients with cycle cancellation' were comparable between both treatment groups.
Differences were noted in the first treatment cycle in the 'proportion of patients requiring dose reductions due to risk of imminent OHSS' and 'median estradiol levels on the day of hCG administration'. However, these differences are considered small, i.e. 3.3% difference between Bemfola and Gonal-f in proportion of patients with dose reductions. Further, the difference in median estradiol levels is also considered small considering the range in estradiol concentrations.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Absorption/ distribution/ metabolism/ excretion. Following intravenous administration, follitropin alfa is distributed to the extracellular fluid space with an initial half-life of around 2 hours and eliminated from the body with a terminal half-life of about 1 day. The steady-state volume of distribution and total clearance are 10 L (0.17 L/kg) and 0.6 L/h (0.01 L/h/kg), respectively. One-eighth of the follitropin alfa dose is excreted in the urine.
Following subcutaneous administration, the absolute bioavailability is about 70%. Following repeated administration, follitropin alfa accumulates 3-fold at steady state within 3-4 days. In women whose endogenous gonadotrophin secretion is suppressed, follitropin alfa has nevertheless been shown to effectively stimulate follicular development and steroidogenesis, despite unmeasurable LH levels.
A phase I (study IMP 23572), open, randomised, 2 way crossover study to assess the relative bioavailability and the tolerability of r-hFSH of a reference follitropin alfa as a monodose freeze dried formulation and a new multidose liquid formulation, administered subcutaneously in male and premenopausal female volunteers with pituitary gonadotrope cell downregulation was conducted. The pharmacokinetic parameters from this study can be seen in Table 3.

Following the subcutaneous administration of both formulations, the 90% confidence intervals of the mean ratios for the bioavailability metrics, C_max and AUC_last lie within the predefined limits of 0.8-1.25 showing bioequivalence of liquid (test) and freeze dried (reference) formulations. Because the observed variability (< 10%) was much lower than expected a priori, the study allowed the detection of a small difference between the two formulations in rate (about 8%) and extent (about 5%). Suppression of endogenous FSH production was incomplete, probably more so in period 2 compared to period 1 and this probably explains the significant period effect observed. The significant difference seen on t_max is probably a function of the diverse mechanisms by which the drug enters the systemic circulation. In subjects where the diffusion processes from the subcutis to the adjacent small blood vessels dominate, earlier t_max is observed, whereas, in subjects where flow of FSH through the lymph to the systemic circulation is dominant, a later t_max probably occurs. This latter process may be nonlinear generating an apparent zero order input over sustained periods in some subjects. The mixture of these processes in the population leads to very high variability in t_max so a larger study would be necessary to truly assess the relative magnitude of this parameter for the two formulations.
Comparability of Bemfola with Gonal-f. Equivalent pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of Bemfola and Gonal-f have been demonstrated in a randomised, open label, two period, two treatment crossover study in 23 healthy female volunteers, with a duration of 11 weeks. The pharmacokinetic parameters are summarized in Table 4.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity. Follitropin alfa showed no genotoxic activity in a series of assays performed to evaluate its potential to cause gene mutations (Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Chinese hamster lung cells) and chromosomal damage (human lymphocytes and mouse micronucleus test).
Carcinogenicity. Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of follitropin alfa.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Sucrose, methionine, phosphoric acid, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, polaxamer and water for injections.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). In New Zealand, information on the shelf-life can be found on the pubic Medsafe Product Detail information. The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Storage. Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C). Do not freeze.
Before opening and within its shelf life, the medicinal product may be removed from the refrigerator, without being refrigerated again, for up to 3 months at or below 25°C. The product must be discarded if it has not been used after 3 months.
Store in the original package in order to protect from light.
Each Bemfola Pen is for individual patient use only. Discard used pen and needle immediately after injection.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Solution for injection in 1.5 mL cartridge (clear type I glass), with a plunger stopper (halobutyl rubber) and an aluminium crimp cap with a rubber inlay.
Bemfola is available in packs of 1, 5 and 10 pre-filled pens. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Each pack also contains the corresponding number of needles to be used with the pen for administration.
Bemfola Pens are not designed to allow the cartridge to be removed.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

Any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Human follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is a glycoprotein (MW about 30,000) and is characterised by two amino acid chains known as α and β. The β-chain confers biological activity. The α-chain is common to all gonadotrophins with specificity residing in the β-chain.
Chemical structure. The 92-amino-acid FSH alpha subunit in humans has the following sequence:
NH₂-Ala-Pro-Asp-Val-Gln-Asp-Cys-Pro-Glu-Cys-Thr-Leu-Gln-Glu-Asn-Pro-Phe-Phe-Ser-Gln-Pro-Gly-Ala-Pro-Ile-Leu-Gln-Cys-Met-Gly-Cys-Cys-Phe-Ser-Arg-Ala-Tyr-Pro-Thr-Pro-Leu-Arg-Ser-Lys-Lys-Thr-Met-Leu-Val-Gln-Lys-Asn-Val-Thr-Ser-Glu-Ser-Thr-Cys-Cys-Val-Ala-Lys-Ser-Tyr-Asn-Arg-Val-Thr-Val-Met-Gly-Gly-Phe-Lys-Val-Glu-Asn-His-Thr-Ala-Cys-His-Cys-Ser-Thr-Cys-Tyr-Tyr-His-Lys-Ser-OH.
Note: The carbohydrate moiety is linked to the asparagine at positions 52 and 78.
The 111-amino-acid FSH beta subunit in humans has the following sequence:
NH₂-Asn-Ser-Cys-Glu-Leu-Thr-Asn-Ile-Thr-Ile-Ala-Ile-Glu-Lys-Glu-Glu-Cys-Arg-Phe-Cys-Ile-Ser-Ile-Asn-Thr-Thr-Trp-Cys-Ala-Gly-Tyr-Cys-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Asp-Leu-Val-Tyr-Lys-Asp-Pro-Ala-Arg-Pro-Lys-Ile-Gln-Lys-Thr-Cys-Thr-Phe-Lys-Glu-Leu-Val-Tyr-Glu-Thr-Val-Arg-Val-Pro-Gly-Cys-Ala-His-His-Ala-Asp-Ser-Leu-Tyr-Thr-Tyr-Pro-Val-Ala-Thr-Gln-Cys-His-Cys-Gly-Lys-Cys-Asp-Ser-Asp-Ser-Thr-Asp-Cys-Thr-Val-Arg-Gly-Leu-Gly-Pro-Ser-Tyr-Cys-Ser-Phe-Gly-Glu-Met-Lys-Glu-OH.
Note: The carbohydrate moiety is linked to the asparagine at positions 7 and 24.
CAS number. 146479-72-3.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Schedule 4 Prescription Medicine.

Date of First Approval

27 November 2015

Date of Revision

21 October 2022

Summary Table of Changes