pegcetacoplan at a glance
Medicine class
C3 complement inhibitor
Licensed uses
PNH with haemolytic anaemia; C3 glomerulopathy or primary IC-MPGN in eligible adults and adolescents
Administration
Subcutaneous infusion using a compatible infusion pump or on-body delivery system
Key precaution
Vaccination and continued vigilance for serious bacterial infection are essential
What is pegcetacoplan used for?
UK-licensed uses represented by the selected product are:
Monotherapy for adults with PNH who have haemolytic anaemia.
Treatment of adults and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with C3 glomerulopathy or primary immune-complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, alongside a renin–angiotensin system inhibitor unless that treatment is unsuitable.
How does pegcetacoplan work?
Pegcetacoplan binds complement proteins C3 and C3b, reducing activation of the complement cascade. This limits complement-driven destruction of red blood cells in PNH and reduces harmful C3 deposits involved in the licensed kidney diseases.
pegcetacoplan preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 1080 mg
How to take pegcetacoplan
Pegcetacoplan is infused under the skin. A patient or caregiver may administer it at home only after assessment and training by the specialist team.
Follow the supplied pump or on-body device instructions.
Rotate infusion sites and avoid tender, bruised, red or hardened skin, tattoos, scars and stretch marks.
Allow the refrigerated vial to reach room temperature before preparation.
Do not use solution that is cloudy, contains particles or is dark yellow.
The vial is single-use and preservative-free; prepare and administer it as instructed by the clinical team.
pegcetacoplan side effects
Common or expected effects
- Infusion-site redness, itching, swelling, bruising, pain or firmness
- Upper respiratory infections
- Headache
- Diarrhoea or nausea
- Abdominal, joint, back or limb pain
- Fever, fatigue, cough or dizziness
Get urgent medical advice
- Serious infection, including sepsis, meningitis or pneumonia
- Severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis
- Haemolysis, especially in PNH after treatment interruption or withdrawal
- Acute kidney injury
- Markedly reduced platelets or neutrophils
pegcetacoplan in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited, and pegcetacoplan is not recommended during pregnancy. Anyone pregnant, planning pregnancy or able to become pregnant should discuss treatment and contraception with the specialist prescriber; effective contraception is advised during treatment and for the specified period after stopping.
pegcetacoplan while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether pegcetacoplan enters human milk or could affect a breastfed child. The UK product information recommends stopping breastfeeding during treatment, so feeding options should be discussed with the specialist team.
pegcetacoplan interactions
Formal medicine-interaction studies have not been performed, although laboratory data suggest a low potential for conventional drug interactions. The specialist team should still review all prescribed, non-prescribed and complementary products.
Silica-based coagulation assay reagents
Pegcetacoplan can cause a falsely prolonged aPTT result; laboratories should use an appropriate alternative method.
Common questions about pegcetacoplan
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What conditions is pegcetacoplan licensed to treat in the UK?
It is licensed for adults with PNH and haemolytic anaemia, and for eligible adults and adolescents with C3 glomerulopathy or primary IC-MPGN.
How does pegcetacoplan reduce red blood cell destruction?
It blocks C3 and C3b, reducing complement processes that destroy red blood cells both inside and outside blood vessels.
Can pegcetacoplan be administered at home?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.