Subcutaneous immunoglobulins: product characteristics and their role in primary immunodeficiency disease

Research on the role of subcutaneous immunoglobulin in primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD) is ongoing. We analyzed pivotal studies for four subcutaneous immunoglobulin products: IGSC 10% (Gammagard(®) Liquid), IGIV-C 10% (Gamunex(®)-C), IGSC 16% (Vivaglobin(®)) and IGSC 20% (Hizentra(®)). To identify similarities and differences between products, we examined infusion parameters, adverse event profiles and improvements in tolerability over time. Maximum volume infused was 30 mL/site for IGSC 10%, 34 mL/site for IGIV-C 10%, 15 mL/site for IGSC 16% and 25 mL/site for IGSC 20%. Maximum number of simultaneous infusion sites was 10 for IGSC 10%, 8 for IGIV-C 10%, 6 for IGSC 16% and 4 for IGSC 20%. Local adverse reaction rate per infusion was 0.02 for IGSC 10%, 0.59 for IGIV-C, 0.49 for IGSC 16% and 0.58 for IGSC 20%. IGSC products have similar efficacy profiles; however, their tolerability profiles vary. Reasons for these differences are unknown and warrant further research.