Mepact

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ANNEX I

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS



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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

MEPACT 4 mg powder for concentrate for dispersion for infusion

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Each vial contains 4 mg mifamurtide*.
After reconstitution, each mL of suspension in the vial contains 0.08 mg mifamurtide. 

*fully synthetic analogue of a component of Mycobacterium sp. cell wall. 

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Powder for concentrate for dispersion for infusion

White to off-white homogeneous cake or powder. 

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

MEPACT is indicated in children, adolescents and young adults for the treatment of high-grade 
resectable non-metastatic osteosarcoma after macroscopically complete surgical resection. It is 
used in combination with post-operative multi-agent chemotherapy. Safety and efficacy have been 
assessed in studies of patients 2 to 30 years of age at initial diagnosis (see section 5.1).

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Mifamurtide treatment should be initiated and supervised by specialist physicians experienced in 
the diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma.

Posology

The recommended dose of mifamurtide for all patients is 2 mg/m2 body surface area. It should be 
administered as adjuvant therapy following resection: twice weekly at least 3 days apart for 
12 weeks, followed by once-weekly treatments for an additional 24 weeks for a total of 
48 infusions in 36 weeks.

Special populations

Adults > 30 years
None of the patients treated in the osteosarcoma studies were 65 years or older and in the phase III 
randomised study, only patients up to the age of 30 years were included. Therefore, there are not 
sufficient data to recommend the use of MEPACT in patients > 30 years of age. 

Renal or hepatic impairment
There are no clinically meaningful effects of mild to moderate renal (creatinine clearance 
(CrCL) ≥ 30 mL/min) or hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A or B) on the pharmacokinetics of 
mifamurtide; therefore, dose adjustments are not necessary for these patients. However, as the 
variability in pharmacokinetics of mifamurtide is greater in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment 
(see section 5.2), and safety data in patients with moderate hepatic impairment is limited, caution 
when administering mifamurtide to patients with moderate hepatic impairment is recommended. 



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As no pharmacokinetic data of mifamurtide is available in patients with severe renal or hepatic 
impairment, caution when administering mifamurtide to these patients is recommended. Continued 
monitoring of the kidney and liver function is recommended if mifamurtide is used beyond 
completion of chemotherapy until all therapy is completed.

Paediatric population < 2 years
The safety and efficacy of mifamurtide in children aged 0 to 2 years have not been established. No 
data are available.

Method of administration 

MEPACT is administered by intravenous infusion over a period of 1 hour. 

MEPACT must not be administered as a bolus injection.

For further instructions on reconstitution, filtering using the filter provided and dilution of the 
medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Concurrent use with ciclosporin or other calcineurin inhibitors (see section 4.5).

Concurrent use with high-dose non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, cyclooxygenase 
inhibitors) (see section 4.5).

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Respiratory distress

In patients with a history of asthma or other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, consideration 
should be given to administration of bronchodilators on a prophylactic basis. Two patients with 
pre-existing asthma developed mild to moderate respiratory distress associated with the treatment
(see section 4.8). If a severe respiratory reaction occurs, administration of mifamurtide should be 
discontinued and appropriate treatment initiated.

Neutropenia

Administration of mifamurtide was commonly associated with transient neutropenia, usually when 
used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Episodes of neutropenic fever should be monitored and 
managed appropriately. Mifamurtide may be given during periods of neutropenia, but subsequent 
fever attributed to the treatment should be monitored closely. Fever or chills persisting for more 
than 8 hours after administration of mifamurtide should be evaluated for possible sepsis.

Inflammatory response

Association of mifamurtide with signs of pronounced inflammatory response, including 
pericarditis and pleuritis, was uncommon. It should be used with caution in patients with a history 
of autoimmune, inflammatory or other collagen diseases. During mifamurtide administration, 
patients should be monitored for unusual signs or symptoms, such as arthritis or synovitis, 
suggestive of uncontrolled inflammatory reactions.

Cardiovascular disorders

Patients with a history of venous thrombosis, vasculitis or unstable cardiovascular disorders 
should be closely monitored during mifamurtide administration. If symptoms are persistent and 



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worsening, administration should be delayed or discontinued. Haemorrhage was observed in 
animals at very high doses. These are not expected at the recommended dose, however monitoring 
of clotting parameters after the first dose and once again after several doses is recommended. 

Allergic reactions

Occasional allergic reactions have been associated with mifamurtide treatment, including rash, 
shortness of breath and grade 4 hypertension (see section 4.8). It may be difficult to distinguish 
allergic reactions from exaggerated inflammatory responses, but patients should be monitored for 
signs of allergic reactions.

Gastrointestinal toxicity

Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite are very common adverse reactions to mifamurtide (see 
section 4.8). Gastrointestinal toxicity may be exacerbated when mifamurtide is used in 
combination with high dose, multi-agent chemotherapy and was associated with an increased use 
of parenteral nutrition.

MEPACT contains sodium

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dosage unit.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Limited studies of the interaction of mifamurtide with chemotherapy have been conducted. 
Although these studies are not conclusive, there is no evidence of interference of mifamurtide with 
the anti-tumour effects of chemotherapy and vice versa. 

It is recommended to separate the administration times of mifamurtide and doxorubicin or other 
lipophilic medicinal products if used in the same chemotherapy regimen. 

The use of mifamurtide concurrently with ciclosporin or other calcineurin inhibitors is 
contraindicated due to their hypothesised effect on splenic macrophages and mononuclear 
phagocytic function (see section 4.3). 

Also, it has been demonstrated in vitro that high-dose NSAIDs (cyclooxygenase inhibitors) can 
block the macrophage activating effect of liposomal mifamurtide. Therefore, the use of high-dose 
NSAIDs is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

Because mifamurtide acts through stimulation of the immune system, the chronic or routine use of 
corticosteroids should be avoided during treatment with mifamurtide.

In vitro interaction studies showed that liposomal and non-liposomal mifamurtide do not inhibit 
the metabolic activity of cytochrome P450 in pooled human liver microsomes. Liposomal and 
non-liposomal mifamurtide do not induce the metabolic activity or the transcription of cytochrome 
P450 in primary cultures of freshly isolated human hepatocytes. Mifamurtide is, therefore, not 
expected to interact with the metabolism of substances that are hepatic cytochrome P450 
substrates.

In a large controlled randomised study, mifamurtide used at the recommended dose and schedule 
with other medicinal products that have known renal (cisplatin, ifosfamide) or hepatic (high-dose 
methotrexate, ifosfamide) toxicities did not exacerbate those toxicities and there was no need to 
adjust mifamurtide dose.



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4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no data from the use of mifamurtide in pregnant women. Animal studies are insufficient 
with respect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Mifamurtide is not recommended for use during 
pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception.

Breast-feeding

It is unknown whether mifamurtide is excreted in human milk. The excretion of mifamurtide in 
milk has not been studied in animals. A decision on whether to continue/discontinue 
breast-feeding or to continue/discontinue therapy should be made taking into account the benefit 
of breast-feeding to the child and the benefit of mifamurtide therapy to the woman.

Fertility

No dedicated fertility studies have been conducted with mifamurtide (see section 5.3).

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

MEPACT has a moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Dizziness, vertigo, 
fatigue and blurred vision have shown as very common or common undesirable effects of 
mifamurtide treatment.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

Mifamurtide was studied as a single agent in 248 patients with mostly advanced malignancies during 
the early, single arm phase I and II clinical studies. The most frequent adverse reactions are chills, 
pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, tachycardia and headache. Many of the very commonly reported adverse 
reactions as shown in the following summary table are thought to be related to the mechanism of 
action of mifamurtide (see table 1). The majority of these events were reported as either mild or 
moderate.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Adverse reactions are classified according to system organ class and frequency. Frequency 
groupings are defined according to the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10), common 
(≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each 
frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Table 1. Adverse reactions

System organ class Frequency category Adverse reaction (preferred term)

Infections and infestations Common Sepsis, Cellulitis, Nasopharyngitis, 
Catheter site infection, Upper 
respiratory tract infection, Urinary tract 
infection, Pharyngitis, Herpes simplex
infection

Neoplasms benign, malignant 
and unspecified (incl. cysts and 
polyps)

Common Cancer pain



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System organ class Frequency category Adverse reaction (preferred term)

Blood and lymphatic system 
disorders

Very Common Anaemia

Common Leukopenia, Thrombocytopenia, 
Granulocytopenia, Febrile neutropenia

Metabolism and nutrition 
disorders

Very common Anorexia

Common Dehydration, Hypokalaemia, Decreased 
appetite

Psychiatric disorders Common Confusional state, Depression, 
Insomnia, Anxiety

Nervous system disorders Very common Headache, Dizziness

Common Paraesthesia, Hypoaesthesia, Tremor, 
Somnolence, Lethargy

Eye disorders Common Blurred vision

Ear and labyrinth disorders Common Vertigo, Tinnitus, Hearing loss

Cardiac disorders Very common Tachycardia

Common Cyanosis, Palpitations

Not known Pericardial effusion

Vascular disorders Very common Hypertension, Hypotension

Common Phlebitis, Flushing, Pallor

Respiratory, thoracic and 
mediastinal disorders

Very common Dyspnoea, Tachypnoea, Cough

Common Pleural effusion, Exacerbated dyspnoea, 
Productive cough, Haemoptysis, 
Wheezing, Epistaxis, Exertional 
dyspnoea, Sinus congestion, Nasal 
congestion, Pharyngolaryngeal pain

Gastrointestinal disorders Very common Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Constipation, 
Abdominal pain, Nausea

Common Upper abdominal pain, Dyspepsia, 
Abdominal distension, Lower 
abdominal pain

Hepatobiliary disorders Common Hepatic pain

Skin and subcutaneous tissue 
disorders

Very common Hyperhidrosis

Common Rash, Pruritis, Erythema, Alopecia, Dry 
skin

Musculoskeletal and connective 
tissue disorders

Very common Myalgia, Arthralgia, Back pain, Pain in 
extremity

Common Muscle spasms, Neck pain, Groin pain, 
Bone pain, Shoulder pain, Chest wall 
pain, Musculoskeletal stiffness

Renal and urinary disorders Common Haematuria, Dysuria, Pollakiuria

Reproductive system and breast 
disorders

Common Dysmenorrhoea



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System organ class Frequency category Adverse reaction (preferred term)

General disorders and 
administration site conditions

Very common Fever, Chills, Fatigue, Hypothermia, 
Pain, Malaise, Asthenia, Chest pain

Common Peripheral oedema, Oedema, Mucosal 
inflammation, Infusion site erythema, 
Infusion site reaction, Catheter site pain, 
Chest discomfort, Feeling cold

Investigations Common Weight decreased

Surgical and medical 
procedures

Common Post-procedural pain

Description of selected adverse reactions

Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Anaemia has very commonly been reported when mifamurtide is used in conjunction with 
chemotherapeutic agents. In a randomised controlled study, the incidence of myeloid malignancy 
(acute myeloid leukaemia/myelodysplastic syndrome) was the same in patients receiving 
MEPACT plus chemotherapy as in patients receiving only chemotherapy (2.1%).

Metabolism and nutritional disorders
Anorexia (21%) was very commonly reported in phase I and II studies of mifamurtide 

Nervous system disorders
Consistent with other generalised symptoms, the very common nervous system disorders were 
headache (50%) and dizziness (17%). One patient in the phase III study experienced 2 episodes of 
grade 4 seizure while on study therapy with chemotherapy and mifamurtide. The second episode 
involved multiple grand mal seizures over the course of days. Mifamurtide treatment was 
continued for the remainder of the study without seizure recurrence.

Ear and labyrinth disorders
Although hearing loss may be attributable to ototoxic chemotherapy, like cisplatin, it is unclear 
whether MEPACT in conjunction with multi-agent chemotherapy may increase hearing loss.
A higher percentage of objective and subjective hearing loss was observed overall in patients who 
received MEPACT and chemotherapy (12% and 4%, respectively) in the phase III study (see 
section 5.1 for a description of the study) compared to those patients that received only 
chemotherapy (7% and 1%). All patients received a total dose of cisplatin of 480 mg/m2 as part of 
their induction (neoadjuvant) and/or maintenance (adjuvant) chemotherapy regimen. 

Cardiac and vascular disorders
Mild-moderate tachycardia (50%), hypertension (26%) and hypotension (29%) were very
commonly reported in uncontrolled studies of mifamurtide. One serious incident of subacute 
thrombosis was reported in early studies, but no serious cardiac events were associated with 
mifamurtide in a large randomised controlled study (see section 4.4).

Respiratory disorders
Respiratory disorders, including dyspnoea (21%), cough (18%) and tachypnoea (13%) were very 
commonly reported, and 2 patients with pre-existing asthma developed mild to moderate 
respiratory distress associated with MEPACT treatment in a phase II study.

Gastrointestinal disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders were frequently associated with mifamurtide administration, including 
nausea (57%) and vomiting (44%) in about half of patients, constipation (17%), diarrhoea (13%) 
and abdominal pain (see section 4.4). 



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Skin and subcutaneous disorders
Hyperhidrosis (11%) was very common in patients receiving mifamurtide in uncontrolled studies.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Low grade pain was very common in patients receiving mifamurtide, including myalgia (31%), 
back pain (15%), extremity pain (12%) and arthralgia (10%). 

General disorders and administration site conditions 
The majority of patients experience chills (89%), fever (85%) and fatigue (53%). These are 
typically mild to moderate, transient in nature and generally respond to palliative treatment (e.g., 
paracetamol for fever). Other generalised symptoms that were typically mild to moderate and very 
common included hypothermia (23%), malaise (13%), pain (15%), asthenia (13%) and chest pain 
(11%). Oedema, chest discomfort, local infusion or catheter site reactions and ‘feeling cold’ were 
less frequently reported in these patients, mostly with late stage malignant disease.

Investigations
An osteosarcoma patient in a phase II study who had high creatinine level at enrolment showed an
increase in blood urea and blood creatinine which was associated with mifamurtide use.

Immune system disorders
In a phase I study, there was one report of severe allergic reaction occurring after the first infusion 
of mifamurtide at 6 mg/m2 dose level. The patient experienced shaking, chills, fever, nausea, 
vomiting, uncontrollable coughing, shortness of breath, cyanotic lips, dizziness, weakness, 
hypotension, tachycardia, hypertension and hypothermia leading to study discontinuation. There 
was also one report of a grade 4 allergic reaction (hypertension) requiring hospitalization in the 
phase III study (see section 4.4). 

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation 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 via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V.

4.9 Overdose

The maximum tolerated dose in phase I studies was 4-6 mg/m2 with a high variability of adverse 
reactions. Signs and symptoms that were associated with higher doses and/or were dose limiting 
were not life-threatening, and included fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache and hypo-
or hypertension.

A healthy adult volunteer accidentally received a single dose of 6.96 mg mifamurtide and experienced 
a reversible treatment-related event of orthostatic hypotension.

In the event of an overdose, it is recommended that appropriate supportive treatment be initiated. 
Supportive measures should be based on institutional guidelines and the clinical symptoms 
observed. Examples include paracetamol for fever, chills and headache and anti-emetics (other 
than steroids) for nausea and vomiting.

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Immunostimulants, Other immunostimulants, ATC code: L03AX15



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Mechanism of action

Mifamurtide (muramyl tripeptide phosphatidyl ethanolamine, MTP-PE) is a fully synthetic 
derivative of muramyl dipeptide (MDP), the smallest naturally-occurring immune stimulatory 
component of cell walls from Mycobacterium sp. It has similar immunostimulatory effects as 
natural MDP. MEPACT is a liposomal formulation specifically designed for in vivo targeting to 
macrophages by intravenous infusion. 

MTP-PE is a specific ligand of NOD2, a receptor found primarily on monocytes, dendritic cells 
and macrophages. MTP-PE is a potent activator of monocytes and macrophages. Activation of 
human macrophages by mifamurtide is associated with production of cytokines, including tumour 
necrosis factor (TNF-), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12 and adhesion molecules, 
including lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and intercellular adhesion 
molecule-1 (ICAM-1). In vitro-treated human monocytes killed allogeneic and autologous tumour 
cells (including melanoma, ovarian, colon, and renal carcinoma), but had no toxicity towards 
normal cells. 

In vivo administration of mifamurtide resulted in the inhibition of tumour growth in mouse and rat 
models of lung metastasis, skin and liver cancer, and fibrosarcoma. Significant enhancement of 
disease-free survival was also demonstrated in the treatment of dog osteosarcoma and 
hemangiosarcoma with mifamurtide as adjuvant therapy. The exact mechanism by which 
mifamurtide activation of monocytes and macrophages leads to anti-tumour activity in animals 
and humans is not yet known.

Clinical safety and efficacy

The safety of liposomal mifamurtide has been assessed in more than 700 patients with various 
kinds and stages of cancer and in 21 healthy adult subjects (see section 4.8). 

In a randomised phase III study of 678 patients (age range from 1.4 to 30.6 years) with 
newly-diagnosed resectable high-grade osteosarcoma, the addition of adjuvant mifamurtide to 
chemotherapy (either doxorubicin cisplatin and methotrexate with or without ifosfamide),
significantly increased the 6-year overall survival and resulted in a relative reduction in the risk of 
death by 28% (p = 0.0313, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53, 0. 97]). 

Paediatric population

Based on the prevalence of the disease, children and young adults were studied in the pivotal trial. 
However, no specific subset analyses for efficacy are available in patients < 18 years of age and 
≥ 18 years of age.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

The pharmacokinetics of mifamurtide have been characterised in healthy adult subjects following 
a 4 mg intravenous infusion and in paediatric and adult patients with osteosarcoma following a 
2 mg/m2 intravenous infusion.

In 21 healthy adult subjects mifamurtide was cleared rapidly from serum (minutes) with a half-life 
of 2.05 ± 0.40 hours, resulting in a very low serum concentration of total (liposomal and free) 
mifamurtide. The mean area under the curve (AUC) was 17.0 ± 4.86 h x nM and Cmax (maximum 
concentration) was 15.7 ± 3.72 nM. 

In 28 osteosarcoma patients aged 6 to 39 years serum total (liposomal and free) mifamurtide 
concentrations declined rapidly with a mean half-life of 2.04 ± 0.456 hours. BSA-normalised 
clearance and half-life were similar across the age range and consistent with that determined in 
healthy adult subjects, supporting the recommended dose of 2 mg/m2.



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In a separate study in 14 patients, mean serum concentration-time curves of total and free 
mifamurtide that were assessed after the first infusion of mifamurtide and after a last infusion 
11 or 12 weeks later, were almost superimposable and the mean AUC values of the free 
mifamurtide after the first and last infusion were similar. These data indicate that neither total nor 
free mifamurtide accumulated during the treatment period.

At 6 hours after injection of radiolabelled liposomes containing 1 mg mifamurtide, radioactivity 
was found in liver, spleen, nasopharynx, thyroid, and, to a lesser extent, in lung. The liposomes 
were phagocytosed by cells of the reticuloendothelial system. In 2 of 4 patients with lung 
metastases, radioactivity was associated with lung metastases. 

Metabolism of liposomal MTP-PE has not been studied in humans.

After injection of radiolabelled liposomes containing mifamurtide, mean half-life of radiolabelled 
material was biphasic with an α-phase of about 15 minutes and a terminal half-life of approximately 
18 hours.

Special populations 

Renal impairment 
The pharmacokinetics of a single 4 mg dose of mifamurtide following a 1 hour intravenous 
infusion were evaluated in adult volunteers with mild (n = 9) or moderate (n = 8) renal impairment 
and in age-, sex-, and weight-matched healthy adults with normal renal function (n = 16). There 
was no effect of mild (50 mL/min ≤ creatinine clearance [CLcr] ≤ 80 mL/min) or moderate 
(30 mL/min ≤ CLcr < 50 mL/min) renal insufficiency on the clearance of total MTP-PE, when 
compared with that observed in healthy adult subjects with normal renal function (CLcr 
> 80 mL/min). Additionally, the systemic exposures AUC from zero to infinity (AUCinf of free 
(non-liposome associated) MTP-PE in mild or moderate renal insufficiency were similar to those 
observed in healthy adult subjects with normal renal function.

Hepatic impairment 
The pharmacokinetics of a single 4 mg dose of mifamurtide following a 1 hour intravenous 
infusion were evaluated in adult volunteers with mild (Child-Pugh class A; n = 9) or moderate 
(Child-Pugh class B; n = 8) hepatic impairment and in age, sex-, and weight-matched healthy 
adults with normal hepatic function (n = 19). There was no effect of mild hepatic impairment on 
the systemic exposure (AUCinf) of total MTP-PE. Moderate hepatic impairment resulted in a small 
increase in AUCinf of total MTP-PE, with the geometric least square mean ratio (expressed as %) 
for moderate hepatic impairment in reference to the matched normal hepatic function group being 
119% (90% confidence interval [CI]: 94.1%-151%). Pharmacokinetic variability was higher in the 
moderate hepatic impairment group (co-efficient of variation in systemic exposure [AUCinf] was 
50% versus < 30% in the other hepatic function groups). 

Mean half-lives of total and free MTP-PE in mild hepatic impairment were 2.02 hours and 1.99 hours, 
respectively, and were comparable to those in subjects with normal hepatic function (2.15 hours and 
2.26 hours, respectively). Mean half-lives of total and free MTP-PE in moderate hepatic impairment 
were 3.21 hours and 3.15 hours, respectively. Additionally, the geometric mean plasma AUCinf of free 
(non-liposome associated) MTP-PE in mild and moderate hepatic impairment were 47% higher than 
the corresponding values in the matched normal hepatic function groups. These changes were not 
considered to be clinically meaningful as the maximum tolerated dose (4-6 mg/m2) of mifamurtide is 
2-3 times the recommended dose (2 mg/m2).

5.3 Preclinical safety data

In sensitive species (rabbit and dog) the highest daily dose of liposomal mifamurtide that did not 
cause adverse effects was 0.1 mg/kg, corresponding to 1.2 and 2 mg/m2, respectively. The 
no-adverse-effect level for mifamurtide in animals corresponds roughly to the 2 mg/m2 

recommend dose for humans.



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Data from a six-month dog study of daily intravenous injections of up to 0.5 mg/kg (10 mg/m2) 
mifamurtide provide an 8- to 19-fold cumulative exposure safety margin for overt toxicity for the 
intended clinical dose in humans. Major toxic effects associated with these high daily and 
cumulative doses of mifamurtide were mainly exaggerated pharmacological effects: pyrexia, signs 
of pronounced inflammatory response manifested as synovitis, bronchopneumonia, pericarditis 
and inflammatory necrosis of the liver and bone marrow. The following events were also 
observed: haemorrhage and prolongation of coagulation times, infarcts, morphological changes in 
the wall of small arteries, oedema and congestion of the central nervous system, minor cardiac 
effects, and slight hyponatraemia. Mifamurtide was not mutagenic and did not cause teratogenic 
effects in rats and rabbits. Embryotoxic effects were observed only at maternal toxic levels.

There were no results from general toxicity studies that suggested harmful effects on male or 
female reproductive organs. Specific studies addressing reproductive function, perinatal toxicity 
and carcinogenic potential have not been performed. 

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

1-Palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC)
1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine monosodium salt (OOPS)

6.2 Incompatibilities

This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned 
in section 6.6.

6.3 Shelf life

Unopened vial of powder

30 months

Reconstituted suspension

Chemical and physical stability has been demonstrated for 6 hours up to 25 ºC.

From a microbiological point of view, immediate use is recommended.
If not used immediately, the reconstituted, filtered and diluted solution in-use storage times and 
conditions prior to use of the reconstituted product must not be longer than 6 hours at 25 ºC.
Do not refrigerate or freeze the solution.

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Store in a refrigerator (2 C-8 C). Do not freeze.
Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

For storage conditions after reconstitution of the medicinal product, see section 6.3.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

50 mL type I glass vial with a grey butyl rubber stopper, aluminium seal and plastic flip-off cap, 
containing 4 mg of mifamurtide.



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Each carton contains 1 vial and 1 single-use, non-pyrogenic, sterile filter for MEPACT supplied in a 
PVC-grade blister.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

MEPACT must be reconstituted, filtered using the filter provided and further diluted using aseptic 
technique, prior to administration.

Each vial should be reconstituted with 50 mL of sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for 
injection. After reconstitution, each mL suspension in the vial contains 0.08 mg mifamurtide. The 
volume of reconstituted suspension corresponding to the calculated dose is extracted through the 
filter provided and further diluted with additional 50 mL sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) 
solution for injection according to the detailed instructions shown below.

The reconstituted, filtered and diluted suspension for infusion is a homogenous, white to off-white, 
opaque liposomal suspension, free of visible particles and free of foam and lipid lumps. 

Instructions for preparation of MEPACT for intravenous infusion

Materials provided in each package:
 MEPACT powder for concentrate for dispersion for infusion (vial) 
 Filter for MEPACT

Materials required but not provided:
 Sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection, 100 mL bag 
 1 single use 60 or 100 mL sterile syringe with luer lock
 2 medium (18) gauge sterile injection needles

It is recommended that the reconstitution of the liposomal suspension should be performed in a 
laminar flow cabinet utilising sterile gloves using aseptic technique.

The lyophilised powder should be allowed to reach a temperature between approximately 
20 C-25 °C prior to reconstitution, filtering using the filter provided and dilution. This should 
take approximately 30 minutes. 

1. The cap of the vial should be removed and the stopper cleaned using an alcohol pad.
2. The filter should be removed from the blister pack, and the cap removed from the filter 

spike. The spike should then be inserted into the vial septum firmly until seated. The filter 
luer connector cap should not be removed at this time.

3. The 100 mL sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection bag, needle and syringe 
should be unpacked (not provided in the pack).

4. The site of the sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection bag where the needle 
is going to be inserted should be swabbed with an alcohol pad.

5. Using the needle and syringe, 50 mL of sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for 
injection should be withdrawn from the bag.

6. After removing the needle from the syringe, the syringe should be attached to the filter by 
opening the filter luer connector cap (figure 1).



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Figure 1

7. The sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection is added to the vial by slow, 
firm depression of the syringe plunger. The filter and syringe must not be removed from 
the vial.

8. The vial should be allowed to stand undisturbed for 1 minute to ensure thorough hydration 
of the dry substance.

9. The vial should then be shaken vigorously for 1 minute while keeping the filter and 
syringe attached. During this time the liposomes are formed spontaneously (figure 2).

Figure 2

10. The desired dose may be withdrawn from the vial by inverting the vial and slowly pulling 
back on the syringe plunger (figure 3). Each mL reconstituted suspension contains 0.08 mg 
mifamurtide. The volume of suspension to be withdrawn for dose quantities is calculated as 
follows:

Volume to withdraw = [12.5 x calculated dose (mg)] mL

For convenience, the following table of concordance is provided:

Dose Volume

1.0 mg 12.5 mL

2.0 mg 25 mL

3.0 mg 37.5 mL

4.0 mg 50 mL



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Figure 3

11. The syringe should then be removed from the filter and a new needle placed on the 
suspension-filled syringe. The bag injection site should be wiped with an alcohol pad and 
the suspension in the syringe should be injected into the original bag containing the 
remaining 50 mL of sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection (figure 4).

Figure 4

12. The bag should be gently swirled to mix the solution.
13. Patient identification, time and date should be added to the label on the bag containing the 

reconstituted, filtered and diluted liposomal suspension.
14. Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 6 hours at room 

temperature (between approximately 20 C-25 °C). 
15. From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately. If not used 

immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the 
user and would normally not be longer than 6 hours at room temperature.

16. Based on the liposomal nature of the product, use of an infusion set with an in-line filter 
during administration is not recommended.

17. The liposomal suspension is infused intravenously over about 1 hour.

No special requirements for disposal.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements.

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Takeda France SAS
112 avenue Kléber



15

75116 Paris
France

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

EU/1/08/502/001

9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

Date of first authorisation: 6 March 2009
Date of latest renewal: 20 February 2019

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European
Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu.



16

ANNEX II

A. MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 
AUTHORISATION 

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT



17

A. MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 

Name and address of the manufacturers responsible for batch release

Takeda Austria GmbH
St. Peter-Straβe 25
A-4020 Linz
Austria

Delpharm Novara S.r.l.
Via Crosa, 86
28065 Cerano (NO)
Italy

The printed package leaflet of the medicinal product must state the name and address of the 
manufacturer responsible for the release of the concerned batch.

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE

Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (See Annex I: Summary of Product 
Characteristics, section 4.2).

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 
AUTHORISATION

 Periodic Safety Update Reports

The requirements for submission of periodic safety update reports for this medicinal product are set 
out in the list of Union reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 
2001/83/EC and any subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal.

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

 Risk Management Plan (RMP)

The MAH shall perform the required pharmacovigilance activities and interventions detailed in the 
agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2. of the Marketing Authorisation and any agreed subsequent 
updates of the RMP.

An updated RMP should be submitted:
 At the request of the European Medicines Agency; 
 Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information 

being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of 
an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached.



18

ANNEX III

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET



19

A. LABELLING



20

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING

OUTER PACKAGING

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

MEPACT 4 mg powder for concentrate for dispersion for infusion
mifamurtide

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

Each vial contains 4 mg of mifamurtide. After reconstitution, each mL of suspension in the vial 
contains 0.08 mg of mifamurtide. 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Excipients: Palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), 
1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine monosodium salt (OOPS)

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

Powder for concentrate for dispersion for infusion
Pack of 1 vial of powder, 1 sterile filter 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Read the package leaflet before use.
For intravenous use after reconstitution, filtering using the filter provided and further dilution. 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED 
OUT OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

8. EXPIRY DATE

EXP

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 



21

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL 
PRODUCTS OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL 
PRODUCTS, IF APPROPRIATE

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Takeda France SAS
112 avenue Kléber
75116 Paris
France

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

EU/1/08/502/001

13. BATCH NUMBER

Lot

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

Justification for not including Braille accepted

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - 2D BARCODE

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included.

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA

PC: 
SN: 
NN: 



22

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE IMMEDIATE PACKAGING 

VIAL LABEL

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

MEPACT 4 mg powder for concentrate for dispersion for infusion
mifamurtide

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S)

Each vial contains 4 mg of mifamurtide. After reconstitution, each mL of suspension in the vial 
contains 0.08 mg of mifamurtide. 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS

Excipients: Palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), 
1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine monosodium salt (OOPS)

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS

Powder for concentrate for dispersion for infusion
4 mg mifamurtide

5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION

Read the package leaflet before use.
For intravenous use after reconstitution, filtering using the filter provided and further dilution. 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED 
OUT OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY

8. EXPIRY DATE

EXP

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 



23

10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL 
PRODUCTS OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL 
PRODUCTS, IF APPROPRIATE

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Takeda France SAS
112 avenue Kléber
75116 Paris
France

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 

EU/1/08/502/001

13. BATCH NUMBER

Lot

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA



24

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET



25

Package leaflet: Information for the user

MEPACT 4 mg powder for concentrate for dispersion for infusion
mifamurtide

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains 
important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor. This includes any possible side effects not 

listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

What is in this leaflet
1. What MEPACT is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you use MEPACT
3. How to use MEPACT
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store MEPACT
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What MEPACT is and what it is used for

MEPACT contains the active substance mifamurtide, similar to a component of the cell wall of 
certain bacteria. It stimulates your immune system to help your body kill tumour cells.

MEPACT is used to treat osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in children, adolescents and young adults
(between 2 and 30 years). It is used after you have had surgery to remove the tumour and together 
with chemotherapy to kill remaining cancer cells to reduce the risk of cancer coming back.

2. What you need to know before you use MEPACT

Do not use MEPACT:
- if you are allergic to mifamurtide or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in 

section 6).
- if you are taking medicines containing ciclosporin or other calcineurin inhibitors or high 

doses of non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (see “Using other medicines” 
below).

Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor before using MEPACT:
- if you have or have had problems with your heart or blood vessels, like blood clots 

(thrombosis), bleeding (haemorrhage) or inflammation of the veins (vasculitis). You 
should be more closely monitored while receiving MEPACT treatment. If you have 
long-lasting or worsening symptoms, you should contact your doctor, as MEPACT 
treatment may need to be delayed or discontinued.

- if you have a history of asthma or other breathing disorders. Before using MEPACT, you 
should discuss with your doctor whether you should take medicine for your asthma when 
using MEPACT.

- if you have a history of inflammatory or autoimmune disease or have been treated with 
corticosteroids or other medicines that may affect your immune system.

- if you have any allergic reactions to any medicines such as rash, breathlessness and high 
blood pressure. If you have worsening symptoms, you should contact your doctor, as these 
may have been caused by MEPACT. 



26

- if you have stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting and lack of appetite. If your 
problems increase, you should contact your doctor, as these may have been caused by 
MEPACT when used with chemotherapy. 

- if you develop chills or shivering, or feel warm. You should take your temperature as you 
may have a fever. A fever with a low white blood cell count (neutropenia) may be a sign 
of serious infection. 

Detailed information on warnings and precautions relating to side effects that could occur while you 
are taking the medicine is presented in section 4.

Children 
It is not recommended to give this medicine to children below the age of 2 years because 
information on how safe and how well this medicine works is not available for this age group.

Other medicines and MEPACT
Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This
includes medicines that may be obtained without a prescription. It is especially important to tell 
your doctor if you are taking medicines containing any of the following active substances:

- ciclosporin, tacrolimus, used after a transplant to prevent rejection of transplanted organs, or 
other immunosuppressants used e.g. to treat psoriasis (a skin disease).

- Non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, or 
diclofenac, used for treatment of headaches, fever or pain. You must not use MEPACT with
high doses of NSAIDs.

- corticosteroids, used to treat inflammations, allergies or asthma. Regular use of 
corticosteroids should be avoided when using MEPACT as this may affect the way the 
medicine works.

It is recommended to separate the times of administration of MEPACT and doxorubicin or other 
medicines if used in the same chemotherapy treatment regimen.

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or planning to have a baby, ask
your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.
MEPACT has not been tested in pregnant women. Therefore, MEPACT should not be used during 
pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception. 
You should use effective contraception if you are being treated with MEPACT. 

It is not known whether MEPACT passes to human milk. If you are breast-feeding, you should 
discuss with your doctor.

Driving and using machines
Some very common and common side effects of MEPACT treatment (such as dizziness, vertigo, 
fatigue and blurred vision) may affect your ability to drive and use machines.

MEPACT contains sodium
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dosage unit, that is to say essentially 
‘sodium-free’.

3. How to use MEPACT

Dose and duration of treatment
MEPACT will be administered only under the supervision of a specialist physician. 
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor if you are 
not sure.



27

The recommended dose of MEPACT is 2 mg mifamurtide/m2 body surface area. It will be given to 
you twice a week (at least three days apart) for the first 12 weeks, then once a week for 24 more 
weeks. 

The schedule of your MEPACT treatments can be adjusted to fit with your chemotherapy 
schedule. It is not necessary to interrupt your schedule of MEPACT if your chemotherapy is 
delayed; you should complete 36 weeks (9 months) of treatment with MEPACT without an 
interruption.

How MEPACT is given
The freeze-dried powder has to be reconstituted into a liquid suspension, filtered using the filter 
provided and further diluted before use. MEPACT is then infused directly into your vein 
(intravenous) over about 1 hour. This is done by your doctor or a nurse, who will also monitor you 
during that time. You do not need to be hospitalised to receive MEPACT. It can also be 
administered as an outpatient.

If you use more MEPACT than you should
You may experience more severe side effects, including fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, 
headache and high blood pressure or low blood pressure. In the event of such an overdose, contact 
your doctor or nearest hospital.

If you stop using MEPACT
You should not stop treatment with MEPACT before finishing the course of treatment without 
discussing with your doctor first. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask 
your doctor.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, MEPACT can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 

The majority of patients experience chills, fever and fatigue especially during the first 
administration of MEPACT. These are typically mild to moderate and transient and can usually be 
treated by your doctor, e.g. with paracetamol for fever. 
Treatment with MEPACT can often cause stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting and loss of 
appetite when used with chemotherapy.

Contact your doctor immediately:
- if you have continuing fever or chills more than 8 hours after your dose of MEPACT, 

because this may be a sign of an infection, or
- if you experience rash or have any problems breathing (wheezing), or
- if you experience any stomach problems.

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
- fever, shaking/shivering, weakness, tiredness or general discomfort
- nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
- headache or dizziness
- rapid beating of the heart
- high blood pressure or low blood pressure
- no appetite for food
- sweating
- pain, including general pain, pain in your muscles and/or joints and pain in back, chest, 

abdomen, arm or leg
- cough, trouble breathing or rapid breathing
- low body temperature 
- low number of red blood cells



28

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- blue colour of tissues such as the skin or gums caused by too little oxygen
- perceptible increase in frequency or force of heartbeat
- swelling in arms or legs or other swelling
- chest discomfort
- upset stomach, decreased appetite or weight loss
- injection site or catheter site redness, swelling, infection or other local reaction
- rash or redness, inflammation of the skin, itching, dry skin, pale or transient red appearance
- inflammation of skin, tendons, muscles or similar tissues that support body structure
- inflammation of a vein 
- upper abdominal or chest wall pain; abdominal bloating or pain; indigestion or pain in your

liver
- other pain, including neck, shoulder, groin, bone or throat pain; pain after an operation
- muscle spasms or stiffness
- feeling cold
- tired feeling, drowsiness or sleepiness
- burning, pricking/tingling sensation, diminished sensitivity to sensation or feeling a 

sensation without stimulus
- involuntary shaking movement
- dehydration
- low concentration of potassium in blood 
- mucosal inflammation
- nose, throat, or sinus congestion or inflammation
- infections of the upper respiratory tract (such as a cold) or the urinary tract (such as a 

bladder infection)
- generalised infection
- Herpes simplex (virus) infection
- productive cough, wheezing or exertional or exacerbated shortness of breath
- spitting of blood or nosebleed
- fluid in the lung cavity
- blood in urine, difficulty or pain in urination or frequent urination
- difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety or confusion
- dizziness
- ears ringing
- blurred vision 
- hair loss
- difficult, painful menstruation
- hearing loss
- low number of white blood cells with or without fever, low number of platelets

Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data):
- abnormal accumulation of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this 
leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. How to store MEPACT

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the vial label and the carton after 
“EXP”. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.



29

Unopened vial
Store in a refrigerator (2 C-8 °C). Do not freeze.
Keep the vial in outer carton in order to protect from light.

Reconstituted suspension
Once reconstituted in sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution, store at room temperature 
(approximately 20ºC - 25ºC) and use within 6 hours.
Do not use this medicine if you notice any visible signs of deterioration.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What MEPACT contains
- The active substance is mifamurtide. Each vial contains 4 mg of mifamurtide. After 

reconstitution, each mL of suspension contains 0.08 mg of mifamurtide.
- The other ingredients are 1-Palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) and

1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine monosodium salt (OOPS). See section 2 
“MEPACT contains sodium”

What MEPACT looks like and contents of the pack
MEPACT is a white to off-white homogeneous cake or powder for concentrate for dispersion for 
infusion.

MEPACT is supplied in a carton that contains
- One 50 mL vial with a grey butyl stopper, aluminium seal and plastic flip-off cap.
- One sterile filter for MEPACT supplied in a blister.

Marketing Authorisation Holder
Takeda France SAS
112 avenue Kléber
75116 Paris
France

Manufacturer
Takeda Austria GmbH
St. Peter-Straβe 25
A-4020 Linz
Austria

Delpharm Novara S.r.l.
Via Crosa, 86
28065 Cerano (NO)
Italy

This leaflet was last revised in

Other sources of information

Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency website: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu.



30

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only:

Instructions for preparation of MEPACT for intravenous infusion

Materials provided in each package -
 1 vial of MEPACT (mifamurtide)
 1 Filter for MEPACT

Materials required but not provided -
 Sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection, 100 mL bag 
 1 single use 60 or 100 mL sterile syringe with luer lock
 2 medium (18) gauge sterile injection needles

It is recommended that the reconstitution of the liposomal suspension should be performed in a 
laminar flow cabinet utilising sterile gloves using aseptic technique.

The lyophilised powder should be allowed to reach a temperature between approximately 
20 C-25 °C prior to reconstitution, filtering using the filter provided and dilution. This should 
take approximately 30 minutes. 

1. The cap of the vial should be removed and the stopper cleaned using an alcohol pad.
2. The filter should be removed from the blister pack, and the cap removed from the filter 

spike. 
The spike should then be inserted into the vial septum firmly until seated. The filter luer 
connector cap should not be removed at this time.

3. The 100 mL sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection bag, needle and syringe 
should be unpacked (not provided in the pack).

4. The site of the sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection bag where the needle 
is going to be inserted should be swabbed with an alcohol pad.

5. Using the needle and syringe, 50 mL of sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for 
injection should be withdrawn from the bag.

6. After removing the needle from the syringe, the syringe should be attached to the filter by 
opening the filter luer connector cap (figure 1).

Figure 1

7. The sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection is added to the vial by slow, 
firm depression of the syringe plunger. The filter and syringe must not be removed from 
the vial.



31

8. The vial should be allowed to stand undisturbed for 1 minute to ensure thorough hydration 
of the dry substance.

9. The vial should then be shaken vigorously for 1 minute while keeping the filter and 
syringe attached. During this time the liposomes are formed spontaneously (figure 2).

Figure 2

10. The desired dose may be withdrawn from the vial by inverting the vial and slowly pulling 
back on the syringe plunger (figure 3). Each mL reconstituted suspension contains 0.08 mg 
mifamurtide. The volume of suspension to be withdrawn for dose quantities is calculated as 
follows:

Volume to withdraw = [12.5 x calculated dose (mg)] mL

For convenience, the following table of concordance is provided:

Dose Volume

1.0 mg 12.5 mL

2.0 mg 25 mL

3.0 mg 37.5 mL

4.0 mg 50 mL

Figure 3



32

11. The syringe should then be removed from the filter and a new needle placed on the 
suspension-filled syringe. The bag injection site should be wiped with an alcohol pad and 
the suspension in the syringe should be injected into the original bag containing the 
remaining 50 mL of sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection (figure 4).

Figure 4

12. The bag should be gently swirled to mix the solution.
13. Patient identification, time and date should be added to the label on the bag containing the 

reconstituted, filtered and diluted liposomal suspension.
14. Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 6 hours at room 

temperature (between approximately 20 C-25 °C).
15. From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately. If not used 

immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the 
user and would normally not be longer than 6 hours at room temperature.

No special requirements for disposal.


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET