Anthem Blue Cross California Hereditary Angioedema Agents Form
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Overview
Clinical criteria
Overview
Coding
Document history
References
This document addresses the use of drugs for the treatment or prevention of hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks. The agents are
listed in the following table.
Prophylaxis or
Treatment
Indication
Route of
Administration
Safety
Agent
Cinryze
(C1 Esterase
Inhibitor, Human)
Prophylaxis
Haegarda
(C1 Esterase
Inhibitor, Human)
Prophylaxis
Routine prophylaxis against HAE
attacks in adolescent (≥ 6 years) and
adult patients
Intravenous infusion
Routine prophylaxis against HAE
attacks (≥ 6 years)
Subcutaneous
Berinert
(C1 Esterase
Inhibitor, Human)
Treatment
Treatment of acute abdominal, facial,
or laryngeal attacks of HAE in adult
and pediatric patients (≥5 years)
Intravenous infusion
Firazyr
(icatibant)
Kalbitor
(ecallantide)
Ruconest
(C1 Esterase
Inhibitor,
Recombinant)
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment of acute attacks of HAE in
adult patients (≥ 18 years)
Subcutaneous
Treatment of acute attacks of HAE in
adult and pediatric patients (≥12
years)
Subcutaneous
Treatment of acute attacks of HAE in
adult and adolescent patients (≥13
years)
Intravenous infusion
Treatment
Note: Effectiveness not established in
patients with laryngeal attacks
Takhzyro
(lanadelumab-flyo)
Prophylaxis
Routine prophylaxis against HAE
attacks in adult and pediatric patients
(≥2 years)
Subcutaneous
Risk of serious
anaphylactic
reactions
Serious arterial
and venous
thromboembolic
events
Made from
human plasma
and may
contain
infectious
agents
Laryngeal
attacks
Black box
warning: Risk of
serious
anaphylactic
reactions
Risk of serious
anaphylactic
reactions
Serious arterial
and venous
thromboembolic
events
Adverse events
were mild to
moderate,
mainly injection-
site reactions
1
Orladeyo
(berotralstat)
Prophylaxis
Routine prophylaxis against HAE
attacks in adult and pediatric patients
(≥12 years)
Oral
QT prolongation
can occur in
those taking
more than one
capsule per day
Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) is a chronic autosomal dominant disorder associated with recurrent, unpredictable, and potentially life-
threatening acute attacks. There are three known types of HAE with types I and II being most common. Types I and II are associated
with mutations to C1-INH. C1-INH deficiency results in an overproduction of bradykinin which is a vasodilator thought to be responsible
for the characteristic HAE symptoms of localized swelling, inflammation, and pain. Mutations that cause type I HAE lead to reduced
levels of C1-INH. A serum C4 level is a useful screening test for HAE-C1INH. A normal C4 during an angioedema episode excludes the
diagnosis of HAE-C1INH. HAE with normal C1-INH (HAE-nl-C1INH), previously referred to as Type III HAE, is extremely rare and
occurs primarily in women. Treatments for HAE-nl-C1INH are not well established (Busse P, et al 2020).
The signs and symptoms associated with acute HAE attacks include intense and painful swelling of the face, larynx, gastrointestinal
(GI) tract, limbs, or genitalia. Episodic attacks of HAE produce edema in three primary areas: periphery, abdomen, and larynx.
Peripheral attacks are associated with painful disfigurement and physical disability; abdominal attacks result in severe abdominal pain,
nausea, and vomiting; and laryngeal attacks may result in death by asphyxiation. An individual with HAE may be sensitive to multiple
triggers related to HAE attacks, and it is often difficult or impossible to identify all of the triggers for a particular individual with HAE.
In the United States, plasma-derived C1-INH is a first-line long-term prophylactic agent for HAE-C1-INH without the need to have failed
or experienced side effects from other medications such as androgens or antifibrinolytics (Maurer M, et al 2018). In some other
countries, plasma-derived C1-INH may be restricted to patients who have had adverse effects to androgens or antifibrinolytics, were not
adequately controlled on these agents, or who do not wish to take these agents.
Takhzyro (lanadelumab) is approved as the first monoclonal antibody for the prevention of angioedema attacks in patients 2 years and
older. Takhzyro is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds and inhibits plasma kallikrein. The strength and dosing intervals are
dependent on patient age. In those 6 years of age or older, a dosing interval of every 4 weeks can be effective and may be considered
if the individual is well-controlled (e.g. attack free) for more than 6 months.
Orladeyo (berotralstat) for prophylaxis to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and
older. This is the first FDA-approved, orally administered, non-steroidal treatment for HAE prophylaxis. Berotralstat is a plasma
kallikrein inhibitor that binds to plasma kallikrein and inhibits its proteolytic activity. An increase in QT prolongation can occur at dosages
higher than the recommended 150 mg once-daily dosage. Additional doses or doses of Orladeyo higher than 150 mg once daily are not
recommended.
Haegarda carries the same warnings and precautions as Cinryze and Berinert related to severe hypersensitivity, thromboembolic
events, and potential transmission of infectious agents.
Kalbitor has a black box warning for the risk of anaphylaxis and must be administered by a healthcare professional for management.
Ruconest also carries warning and precautions for severe hypersensitivity and thromboembolic events. Ruconest is an intravenous
therapy for acute attacks in adults and adolescents with HAE but lacks established effectiveness to treat individuals with laryngeal
attacks.
Clinical Criteria
When a drug is being reviewed for coverage under a member’s medical benefit plan or is otherwise subject to clinical review (including
prior authorization), the following criteria will be used to determine whether the drug meets any applicable medical necessity
requirements for the intended/prescribed purpose.
Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Agents for Prophylaxis of Acute Attacks
Initial requests for Cinryze or Haegarda (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]) or Takhzyro (lanadelumab-flyo) may be approved if the
following criteria are met:
I.
II.
Individual has a diagnosis of hereditary angioedema; AND
Individual is using for prophylaxis against acute attacks of hereditary angioedema for either of the following:
A. Short-term prophylaxis prior to surgery, dental procedures or intubation; OR
B. Long-term prophylaxis to minimize the frequency and/or severity of recurrent attacks;
AND
III.
Individual is of appropriate age for the specific drug requested:
A. 6 years of age or older for Cinryze; OR
B. 6 years of age or older for Haegarda; OR
2
C. 2 years of age or older for Takhzyro;
AND
IV.
AND
V.
Documentation is provided that diagnosis is verified by a C4 level below the lower limit of normal as defined by laboratory test
AND any of the following:
A. C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) antigenic level below the lower limit of normal as defined by lab test; OR
B. C1-INH functional level below the lower limit of normal as defined by lab test; OR
C. Presence of a known HAE-causing C1-INH mutation;
Individual has a history of moderate or severe attacks such as airway swelling, severe abdominal pain, facial swelling, nausea
and vomiting, or painful facial distortion.
Requests for Cinryze, Haegarda, or Takhzyro may not be approved for the following:
I.
In combination with other HAE agents for prophylaxis of acute attacks (including but not limited to Cinryze, Haegarda, Orladeyo,
or Takhzyro); OR
II. When the above criteria are not met and for all other indications.
Approval Duration Limits:
Initial Authorization for Cinryze, Haegarda: 6 months
Initial Authorization for Takhzyro: 8 months
Continuation of use (maintenance) criteria for Cinryze, Haegarda, Takhzyro: 1 year
Requests for Cinryze or Haegarda or Takhzyro may be approved for continuation of use in prophylactic care if the following criteria are
met:
I.
Individual has had a positive clinical response defined as a clinically significant reduction in the number and/or frequency of
HAE attacks occurred.
Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Agents for Treatment of Acute Attacks
Requests for Berinert (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]), Icatibant (Firazyr, Sajazir), Ruconest (C1 esterase inhibitor [recombinant]) or
Kalbitor (ecallantide) may be approved if the following criteria are met:
I.
II.
III.
Individual has a diagnosis hereditary angioedema; AND
Individual is using for the treatment of acute attacks (not prophylaxis); AND
Individual is of appropriate age for the specific drug requested:
A. 5 years and older for Berinert; OR
B. 13 years and older for Ruconest; OR
C. 18 years and older for Icatibant (Firazyr, Sajazir); OR
D. 12 years and older for Kalbitor;
AND
IV.
AND
V.
Documentation is provided that diagnosis is verified by a C4 level below the lower limit of normal as defined by laboratory
testing AND one of the following:
A. C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) antigenic level below the lower limit of normal as defined by laboratory testing; OR
B. C1-INH functional level below the lower limit of normal as defined by the laboratory testing;
Individual has a history of moderate or severe attacks such as airway swelling, severe abdominal pain, facial swelling, nausea
and vomiting, or painful facial distortion;
Requests for Ruconest may not be approved for the following:
I.
II.
Individuals using to treat laryngeal attacks; OR
In combination with other HAE agents for acute attacks (including but not limited to Berinert, Icatibant (Firazyr, Sajazir), or
Kalbitor); OR
Individual has a known or suspected allergy to rabbits or rabbit-derived products; OR
III.
IV. When the above criteria are not met and for all other indications.
Requests for Berinert, Icatibant (Firazyr, Sajazir), or Kalbitor may not be approved for the following:
I.
II.
In combination with other HAE agents for acute attacks (including but not limited to Berinert, Icatibant (Firazyr, Sajazir),
Kalbitor, or Ruconest); OR
III. When the above criteria are not met and for all other indications.
3
Step Therapy
Note: When a hereditary angioedema agent is deemed approvable based on the clinical criteria above, the benefit plan may have
additional criteria requiring the use of a preferred1 agent or agents.
Non-Preferred Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) for Prophylaxis of Acute Attacks Agents Step Therapy
A list of the preferred hereditary angioedema agent(s) for prophylaxis of acute hereditary angioedema attacks is available here.
Requests for a non-preferred Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) acute attack agent for prophylaxis may be approved when the following
criteria are met:
I.
Individual has had a trial or intolerance to one preferred agent;
OR
II.
OR
III.
OR
IV.
Individual has a history of anaphylaxis with active or inactive ingredients in the preferred agent which is not also associated
with the requested non-preferred agent;
Cinryze or Haegarda is designated as a non-preferred agent and being requested for an individual greater than or equal to 6
years of age and less than 12 years of age;
Haegarda or Takhzyro is designated as a non-preferred agent and being requested for an individual who is unable to use
home-infusion services OR individual is unable to access alternative settings due to unreasonable distance or other
extenuating circumstances.
1Preferred, as used herein, refers to agents that were deemed to be clinically comparable to other agents in the same class or disease
category but are preferred based upon clinical evidence and cost effectiveness.
Quantity Limits
Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Acute Attack Agents
Berinert (C1 esterase inhibitor [human]) 500 IU kit
Icatibant (Firazyr, Sajazir) 30 mg prefilled syringe
Drug
Kalbitor (ecallantide) 10 mg vial
Ruconest (C1 esterase inhibitor [recombinant]) 2100 unit vial
Up to 20 IU/kg once per attack (Max: 24 kits/30 days)
Limit
Up to 3 syringes (90 mg) per attack (Max: 18 syringes/30 days)
Up to 6 vials (60 mg) per attack (Max: 36 vials/30 days)
Up to two 50 units/kg doses [max of 4200 units (2 vials) per dose]
per attack (Max: 16 vials/30 days)
Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) for Prophylaxis of Acute Attacks Agents
Drug
Cinryze 500 units/vial
Haegarda 2,000IU/vial
Haegarda 3,000 IU/vial
Takhzyro (lanadelumab-flyo) 300 mg
Takhzyro (lanadelumab-flyo) 150
Limit
20 vials per 30 days
24 vials per 28 days
16 vials per 28 days
1 syringe/vial per 28 days*
1 syringe per 28 days*
Override Criteria
*Initial authorization period for those 6 years of age or older: Requests for an additional Takhzyro syringe for a total of 2 syringes per
28 days may be approved for the initial 8 months as part of the titration period.
For Takhzyro maintenance therapy for those 6 years of age or older: if an individual is well-controlled (attack free) for the last 6 months,
continue authorization for one year with 1 syringe per 28 days. Two syringes per 28 days may be approved for one year if a provider
submits documentation providing rationale for the 2 syringes per 28 days dosing (i.e. patient has an attack in the last 6 months or
history of very severe attacks i.e. laryngeal attack) or if the provider submits supporting documentation that the member has tried and
failed 1 syringe per 28 days dosing (i.e. experiences an attack).
Coding
4
The following codes for treatments and procedures applicable to this document are included below for informational purposes. Inclusion
or exclusion of a procedure, diagnosis or device code(s) does not constitute or imply member coverage or provider reimbursement
policy. Please refer to the member's contract benefits in effect at the time of service to determine coverage or non-coverage of these
services as it applies to an individual member.
HCPCS
J0596
J0597
J0598
J0599
J1290
J1744
J0593
Injection, C-1 esterase inhibitor (recombinant), Ruconest, 10 units
Injection, C-1 esterase inhibitor (human), Berinert, 10 units
Injection, C-1 esterase inhibitor (human), Cinryze, 10 units
Injection, c-1 esterase inhibitor (human), Haegarda, 10 units
Injection, ecallantide, 1 mg [Kalbitor]
Injection, icatibant, 1 mg [Firazyr] [Sajazir]
Inj., lanadelumab-flyo, 1 mg [Takhzyro]
ICD-10 Diagnosis
D84.1
Defects in the complement system
Document History
Revised: 08/18/2023