Saphnelo (Anifrolumab-fnia) RX Form
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RX.PA.072.CCH SAPHNELO (ANIFROLUMAB-FNIA)
The purpose of this policy is to define the prior authorization process for Saphenlo (anifrolumab-fnia) for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
DEFINITIONS
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition that can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and/or nervous system
POLICY
It is the policy of the Health Plan to maintain a prior authorization process that promotes
appropriate utilization of specific drugs with potential for misuse or limited indications.
This process involves a review using Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria to
make a determination of Medical Necessity, and approval by the Medical Policy
Committee.
The drug, Saphenlo (anifrolumab-fnia), is subject to the prior authorization process.
PROCEDURE
Initial Authorization Criteria:
Must meet all the criteria listed under the respective diagnosis:
• Must be prescribed by, or in consultation with, a rheumatologist
• Must be age 18 years or older
• Must have a diagnosis of moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus
• Must have an adequate trial (of at least 3 months) of the following with an
inadequate response or significant side effects/toxicity or have a contraindication
to these therapies:
o Hydroxychloroquine AND
o Azathioprine OR Methotrexate OR Mycophenolate
• Must be on concomitant therapy with an SLE regimen comprised of any of the
following (alone or in combination): corticosteroids, antimalarials, and
immunosuppressives
• Must NOT have severe active lupus nephritis or severe active central nervous
system lupus
• Must not have evidence of active infection
• Must be up to date on all immunizations prior to initiating Saphnelo
Saphnelo (anifrolumab-fnia) POLICY NUMBER: RX.PA.072.CCH REVISION DATE: 05/2023 PAGE NUMBER: 2 of 3
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• Must not be on concomitant therapy with biologic therapies, including B-cell
targeted therapies
• Must be prescribed at a dose within the manufacturer’s dosing guidelines (based
on diagnosis, weight, etc.) listed in the FDA approved labeling
Reauthorization Criteria: All prior authorization renewals are reviewed on an annual basis to determine the Medical Necessity for continuation of therapy. Authorization may be extended at 1-year intervals based upon chart documentation from the prescriber that the member’s condition has improved based upon the prescriber’s assessment while on therapy.
Limitations:
If the established criteria are not met, the request is referred to a Medical Director for review, if required for the plan and level of request.
Codes: CPT Codes / HCPCS Codes / ICD-10 Codes Code Brand Description J0491 Saphnelo Injection, anifrolumab-fnia, 1 mg
REFERENCES
- Saphnelo (anifrolumab) [prescribing information]. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP; August 2021
Belmont HM. Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus - 2013 update. Bull Hosp Jt Dis (2013) 2013; 71:208.
Length of Authorization (if above criteria met) Initial Authorization Up to 1 year Reauthorization Same as initial
Saphnelo (anifrolumab-fnia) POLICY NUMBER: RX.PA.072.CCH REVISION DATE: 05/2023 PAGE NUMBER: 3 of 3
Proprietary and Confidential Information of Evolent Health LLC
© 2023 Evolent Health LLC All Rights Reserved
Revision History
DESCRIPTION OF REVIEW / REVISION DATE APPROVED New Policy 05/2023
Record Retention Records Retention for Evolent Health documents, regardless of medium, are provided within the Evolent Health records retention policy and as indicated in CORP.028.E Records Retention Policy and Procedure.
Disclaimer CountyCare medical payment and prior authorization policies do not constitute medical advice and are not intended to govern or otherwise influence the practice of medicine. The policies constitute only the reimbursement and coverage guidelines of CountyCare and its affiliated managed care entities. Coverage for services varies for individual members in accordance with the terms and conditions of applicable Certificates of Coverage, Summary Plan Descriptions, or contracts with governing regulatory agencies.
CountyCare reserves the right to review and update the medical payment and prior authorization guidelines in its sole discretion. Notice of such changes, if necessary, shall be provided in accordance with the terms and conditions of provider agreements and any applicable laws or regulations.
These policies are the proprietary information of Evolent Health. Any sale, copying, or dissemination of said policies is prohibited.
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