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ELAPRASE® (Idursulfase) is indicated for patients with Hunter syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis II, MPS II). ELAPRASE has been shown to improve walking capacity in patients 5 years and older.


In patients 16 months to 5 years of age, no data are available to demonstrate improvement in disease-related symptoms or long term clinical outcome; however, treatment with ELAPRASE has reduced spleen volume similarly to that of adults and children 5 years of age and older.


The safety and efficacy of ELAPRASE have not been established in pediatric patients less than 16 months of age.

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Committed to MPS II Care

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL FAQS

  1. What is Hunter syndrome?

Hunter syndrome, or mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), is a rare X-linked recessive disease caused by insufficient levels of the lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase. This enzyme cleaves the terminal 2-O-sulfate moieties from the glycosaminoglycans (GAG) dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate. Due to the missing or defective iduronate-2-sulfatase enzyme in patients with Hunter syndrome, GAG progressively accumulate in the lysosomes of a variety of cells, leading to cellular engorgement, organomegaly, tissue destruction, and organ system dysfunction.1

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  1. What is ELAPRASE?

ELAPRASE is indicated for patients with Hunter syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis II, MPS II ). ELAPRASE has been shown to improve walking capacity in patients 5 years and older. In patients 16 months to 5 years of age, no data are available to demonstrate improvement in disease-related symptoms or long-term clinical outcome; however, treatment with ELAPRASE has reduced spleen volume similarly to that of adults and children 5 years of age and older.

The safety and efficacy of ELAPRASE have not been established in pediatric patients less than 16 months of age.

Learn more about ELAPRASE

  1. How does ELAPRASE work?

ELAPRASE is designed to replace idursulfase (I2S), the enzyme that is deficient or absent in individuals with MPS II, also known as Hunter syndrome.1

Intravenous infusion with ELAPRASE provides Hunter syndrome patients with the exogenous idursulfase enzyme for uptake into cellular lysosomes. Cellular internalization of ELAPRASE is possible due to mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) residues on the oligosaccharide chains of the enzyme, which allow it to bind specifically to the M6P receptors on the cell surface. Following internalization of the ELAPRASE, the enzyme is targeted to intracellular lysosomes and subsequently catabolizes accumulated GAG.1

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  1. How is ELAPRASE dosed?

ELAPRASE is administered at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight every week by intravenous infusion. Initially, the infusion period will last 3 hours; a gradual reduction to 1 hour may be possible if no hypersensitivity reactions are observed. The dose of ELAPRASE depends on the patient’s body weight; therefore, it is important to weigh the patient before each treatment.1

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  1. Why is weight-based dosing important for ELAPRASE?

The recommended dosage regimen of ELAPRASE is 0.5 mg per kg of body weight administered once weekly as an intravenous infusion. The correct amount should be withdrawn from the ELAPRASE vials using a withdrawal needle, and the dose should not be rounded up to the nearest whole vial.

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  1. Can ELAPRASE infusions take place at home?

Infusions will initially take place at a hospital or infusion center under the supervision of a healthcare professional. For patients who tolerate ELAPRASE infusions well, physicians may consider whether home infusions could be an appropriate option. Home infusions should be performed under the surveillance of a physician or other healthcare professionals in accordance with approved labeling.

Learn more about how ELAPRASE is administered

  1. How should I store ELAPRASE?

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date that is stated on the label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store in a refrigerator at 36 °F to 46 °F (2 °C to 8 °C). Do not freeze or shake.1

ELAPRASE does not contain preservatives; therefore, after dilution with saline, the diluted solution should be used immediately. If immediate use is not possible, the diluted solution should be stored refrigerated at 36 °F to 46 °F (2 °C to 8 °C) for up to 24 hours.1

Download Dosing and Infusion Guide

  1. How should I dispose of any unused ELAPRASE?

Do not use this medicine if you notice that there is discoloration or presence of foreign particles. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. These measures will help protect the environment. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.1

Download Dosing and Infusion Guide

  1. What should be done if anaphylactic or other acute reactions occur?

If anaphylactic or other acute reactions occur, immediately discontinue the infusion of ELAPRASE and initiate appropriate medical treatment. When severe reactions have occured during clinical trials, subsequent infusions were managed with antihistamine and/or corticosteroids prior to or during infusions, a slower rate of ELAPRASE infusion, and/or early discontinuation of the ELAPRASE infusion.1

Due to the potential for severe reactions, appropriate medical support should be readily available when ELAPRASE is administered. Observe patients closely for an appropriate period of time after administration of ELAPRASE, taking into account the time to onset of anaphylaxis seen in premarketing clinical trials and postmarketing reports. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and instuct them to seek immediate medical care should signs and symptoms occur.1

Download Full Prescribing Information

  1. Is a dose adjustment required in patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency?

Because idursulfase is not cleared through renal or hepatic mechanisms, it is believed that patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency would not respond differently to treatment with ELAPRASE, and therefore would not require a dose adjustment.2

Download Full Prescribing Information

  1. Where can I find more information on patient support?

Takeda Patient Support is designed for patients who have been prescribed ELAPRASE and their caregivers. When you prescribe ELAPRASE for your patient, Takeda Patient Support is here for them. Our support specialists can help with your patient’s questions and concerns, and provide them with the information they need.

To learn more about Takeda Patient Support, visit the Takeda Patient Support website, or download this guide.

Important Safety Information
Important Safety Information

WARNING: RISK OF ANAPHYLAXIS

Life-threatening anaphylactic reactions have occurred in some patients during and up to 24 hours after ELAPRASE infusions. Anaphylaxis, presenting as respiratory distress, hypoxia, hypotension, urticaria and/or angioedema of throat or tongue have been reported to occur during and after ELAPRASE infusions, regardless of duration of the course of treatment. Closely observe patients during and after ELAPRASE administration and be prepared to manage anaphylaxis.

Important Safety Information

WARNING: RISK OF ANAPHYLAXIS

Life-threatening anaphylactic reactions have occurred in some patients during and up to 24 hours after ELAPRASE infusions. Anaphylaxis, presenting as respiratory distress, hypoxia, hypotension, urticaria and/or angioedema of throat or tongue have been reported to occur during and after ELAPRASE infusions, regardless of duration of the course of treatment. Closely observe patients during and after ELAPRASE administration and be prepared to manage anaphylaxis. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and have them seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur. Patients with compromised respiratory function or acute respiratory disease may be at risk of serious acute exacerbation of their respiratory compromise due to hypersensitivity reactions, and require additional monitoring.

Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis:

Ensure that personnel administering product are adequately trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitative measures, and have ready access to emergency medical services (EMS).

If anaphylactic or other acute reactions occur, immediately discontinue the infusion of ELAPRASE and initiate appropriate medical treatment. Observe patients closely for an appropriate period of time after administration of ELAPRASE, taking into account the time to onset of anaphylaxis seen in premarketing clinical trials and postmarketing reports. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, and instruct them to seek immediate medical care should signs and symptoms occur. When severe reactions have occurred during clinical trials, subsequent infusions were managed with antihistamine and/or corticosteroids prior to or during infusions, a slower rate of ELAPRASE infusion, and/or early discontinuation of the ELAPRASE infusion.

Risk of Hypersensitivity, Serious Adverse Reactions, and Antibody Development in Hunter Syndrome Patients with Severe Genetic Mutations:

Hunter syndrome patients aged 7 years and younger with complete gene deletion, large gene rearrangement, nonsense, frameshift or splice site mutations experienced a higher incidence of hypersensitivity reactions, serious adverse reactions and anti-idursulfase antibody development.

Risk of Acute Respiratory Complications:

Patients with compromised respiratory function or acute febrile or respiratory illness may be at higher risk of life-threatening complications from hypersensitivity reactions. Careful consideration should be given to the patient’s clinical status prior to administration of ELAPRASE and consider delaying the ELAPRASE infusion.

Risk of Acute Cardiorespiratory Failure:

Caution should be exercised when administering ELAPRASE to patients susceptible to fluid overload, or patients with acute underlying respiratory illness or compromised cardiac and/or respiratory function for whom fluid restriction is indicated. These patients may be at risk of serious exacerbation of their cardiac or respiratory status during infusions. Appropriate medical support and monitoring measures should be readily available during ELAPRASE infusion, and some patients may require prolonged observation times that should be based on the individual needs of the patient.

Adverse Reactions:

In clinical trials, the most frequent serious adverse reactions following ELAPRASE treatment were hypoxic episodes. Other notable serious adverse reactions that occurred in the ELAPRASE treated patients but not in the placebo treated patients included one case each of: cardiac arrhythmia, pulmonary embolism, cyanosis, respiratory failure, infection, and arthralgia.

The most common adverse reactions occurring in at least three patients (≥9%) aged five years and older were headache, pruritus, musculoskeletal pain, urticaria, diarrhea, and cough. The most common adverse reactions occurring in at least three patients (≥10%) aged seven years and younger were pyrexia, rash, vomiting, and urticaria. In all clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions requiring medical intervention were hypersensitivity reactions, and included rash, urticaria, pruritus, flushing, pyrexia, and headache.

Immunogenicity:

In clinical trials in patients 5 years and older, 32 of 63 (51%) patients tested positive for anti-idursulfase IgG antibodies (Ab) at least one time. Of the 32 Ab-positive patients, 23 of 32 (72%) tested positive for Ab at three or more different time points (persistent Ab). The incidence of hypersensitivity reactions was higher in patients who tested positive for Ab than those who tested negative.

Thirteen of 32 (41%) Ab-positive patients also tested positive for antibodies that neutralize idursulfase uptake into cells (neutralizing antibodies, NAb) or enzymatic activity at least one time, and 8 (25%) of Ab-positive patients had persistent NAb. There was no clear relationship between the presence of either Ab or NAb and therapeutic response.

In the clinical trial in patients 7 years and younger, 19 of 28 (68%) patients treated with ELAPRASE 0.5 mg/kg once weekly tested Ab-positive, with 16 of 19 (84%) having persistent Ab. In addition, 15 of 19 (79%) Ab-positive patients tested positive for NAb, with 14 of 15 (93%) having persistent NAb.

Postmarketing Experience:

Late-emergent symptoms and signs of anaphylactic reactions have occurred up to 24 hours after initial treatment and recovery from an initial anaphylactic reaction. In addition, patients experienced repeated anaphylaxis over a two to four month period, up to several years after initiating ELAPRASE treatment.

Serious adverse reactions that resulted in death included cardiorespiratory arrest, respiratory failure, respiratory distress, cardiac failure, and pneumonia.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Takeda at 1-877-TAKEDA-7 (1-877-825-3327) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
For additional safety information, please click here for Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.

1. ELAPRASE Prescribing Information.

2. Data on File. ELAPRASE – Use in Hepatic or Renal Impairment. Takeda, 2021.

Questions about patient support services?
Contact Takeda Patient Support: 1-866-888-0660

For more information, contact Takeda at 1-877-TAKEDA-7 (1-877-825-3327), or by email at medinfous@takeda.com

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