DEXEVA

What it is

DEXEVA (denosumab) is a biosimilar medicine to Prolia. Denosumab is a human monoclonal IgG2 antibody with high affinity and specificity for RANK ligand (RANKL). DEXEVA is registered as a 70 mg/mL solution for injection vial containing 120 mg per 1.7 mL. DEXEVA is a sterile, preservative-free, clear, colourless to slightly yellowish or slightly brownish solution for injection at pH approximately 5.2.

Approved indications

— Treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, in whom DEXEVA significantly reduces the risk of vertebral, non-vertebral and hip fractures. — Treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteopaenia receiving androgen deprivation therapy for non-metastatic prostate cancer. — Treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis at increased risk of fracture. — Treatment to increase bone mass in women and men at increased risk of fracture due to long-term systemic glucocorticoid therapy.

Dosing overview

The recommended dose of DEXEVA is a single subcutaneous injection of 60 mg, once every 6 months. To reduce the risk of hypocalcaemia, patients must be adequately supplemented with calcium and vitamin D. In the major clinical trials of denosumab, daily supplementation with 1,000 mg of calcium and at least 400 IU vitamin D was recommended.

Key safety warnings

Hypocalcaemia must be corrected prior to initiating therapy with DEXEVA. In the post-marketing setting, severe symptomatic hypocalcaemia resulting in hospitalisation, life-threatening events and fatal cases has been reported, particularly in patients with severe renal impairment, receiving dialysis or treatment with other calcium lowering drugs. Clinical monitoring of calcium levels is recommended before each dose. Patients receiving DEXEVA may develop skin infections predominantly cellulitis leading to hospitalisation. Patients should be advised to seek prompt medical attention if they develop signs or symptoms of cellulitis. Osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported in patients treated with denosumab or bisphosphonates. Most cases have been in cancer patients; however some have occurred in patients with osteoporosis. ONJ has been reported rarely in clinical studies in patients receiving denosumab at a dose of 60 mg every 6 months for osteoporosis. It is important to evaluate patients for risk factors for ONJ before starting treatment. If risk factors are identified, a dental examination with appropriate preventive dentistry is recommended prior to treatment with DEXEVA. Atypical femoral fractures have been reported in patients receiving denosumab. Atypical femoral fractures may occur with little or no trauma in the subtrochanteric and diaphyseal regions of the femur and may be bilateral. Multiple vertebral fractures may occur following discontinuation of treatment with DEXEVA, particularly in patients with a history of vertebral fracture. New vertebral fractures occurred as early as 7 months after the last dose of denosumab.

Contraindications

Hypocalcaemia is a contraindication. Hypersensitivity to the active substance, to CHO-derived proteins or to any of the excipients is a contraindication. Pregnancy and in women trying to get pregnant is a contraindication.

Regulatory history

DEXEVA (denosumab 70 mg/mL solution for injection vial, 120 mg per 1.7 mL) was first listed on the ARTG on 31 October 2025. An AusPAR was published on 26 March 2026.