ULTOMIRIS Solution for injection Ref.[10182] Active ingredients: Ravulizumab

Source: FDA, National Drug Code (US)  Revision Year: 2020 

12.1. Mechanism of Action

Ravulizumab-cwvz is a terminal complement inhibitor that specifically binds to the complement protein C5 with high affinity, thereby inhibiting its cleavage to C5a (the proinflammatory anaphylatoxin) and C5b (the initiating subunit of the terminal complement complex [C5b-9]) and preventing the generation of the terminal complement complex C5b9. ULTOMIRIS inhibits terminal complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis in patients with PNH and complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in patients with aHUS.

12.2. Pharmacodynamics

Complete inhibition of serum free C5 (concentration of less than 0.5 mcg/mL) was observed by the end of the first ULTOMIRIS infusion and sustained throughout the entire 26-week treatment period in all adult patients with PNH and in the majority (93%) of adult and pediatric patients with aHUS.

The extent and duration of the pharmacodynamic response in patients with PNH and aHUS were exposure-dependent for ULTOMIRIS. Free C5 levels of <0.5 mcg/mL were correlated with maximal intravascular hemolysis control and complete terminal complement inhibition in patients with PNH.

Complete terminal complement inhibition following initiation of ULTOMIRIS treatment led to normalization of serum LDH by week 4 in complement-inhibitor naïve patients with PNH, and maintained LDH normalization in patients previously treated with eculizumab with PNH [see Clinical Studies (14)].

12.3. Pharmacokinetics

Ravulizumab-cwvz pharmacokinetics increase proportionally over a dose range of 200 to 5400 mg. Ravulizumab-cwvz Cmax and Ctrough parameters are presented in Table 11 and Table 12.

Table 11. Mean (%CV) Pharmacokinetic Parameters of ULTOMIRIS in Patients with PNH who are Complement Inhibitor-Naïve and Patients Previously Treated with Eculizumab:

  NComplement Inhibitor-Naïve
(ALXN1210-PNH-301)
N Previously Treated with Eculizumab
(ALXN1210-PNH-302)
Cmax (mcg/mL) LD 125 771 (21.5) 95 843 (24.1)
MD 124 1,379 (20.0) 95 1,386 (19.4)
Ctrough (mcg/mL) LD 125 391 (35.0) 96 405 (29.9)
MD 124 473 (33.4) 95 501 (28.6)

LD = Loading Dose; MD = Maintenance Dose

Table 12. Mean (%CV) Pharmacokinetic Parameters of ULTOMIRIS in Patients with aHUS:

  Pediatric Patients
(ALXN1210-aHUS-312)
Adult Patients
(ALXN1210-aHUS-311)
  N <20 kg MD Q4W N ≥20 to <40 kg MD Q8W N ≥40 kg MD Q8W
Cmax (mcg/mL) LD 8 656 (38.1) 4 600 (17.3) 52 754 (35.2)
MD 7 1,467 (37.8) 6 1,863 (15.3) 46 1,458 (17.6)
Ctrough (mcg/mL) LD 9 241 (52.1) 5 186 (16.5) 55 313 (33.9)
MD 7 683 (46.1) 6 549 (34.1) 46 507 (42.5)

LD = Loading Dose; MD = Maintenance Dose; Q4W = Every 4 Weeks; Q8W = Every 8 Weeks

Distribution

The mean (%CV) volume of distribution at steady state was 5.34 (17.2) L and 5.22 (35.4) L in patients with PNH and aHUS, respectively.

Elimination

The mean (%CV) terminal elimination half-life of ravulizumab-cwvz in patients with PNH and aHUS are 49.7 (18.0) days and 51.8 (31.3) days, respectively. The mean (%CV) clearance of ravulizumab-cwvz in patients with PNH and aHUS are 0.08 (29.5) L/day and 0.08 (53.3) L/day, respectively.

Specific Populations

No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of ravulizumab-cwvz were observed based on sex, age (10 months to 83 years), race, hepatic impairment, or any degree of renal impairment, including patients with proteinuria or receiving dialysis.

Body weight was a clinically significant covariate on the pharmacokinetics of ravulizumab-cwvz.

13.1. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term animal carcinogenicity studies of ravulizumab-cwvz have not been conducted.

Genotoxicity studies have not been conducted with ravulizumab-cwvz.

Effects of ravulizumab-cwvz upon fertility have not been studied in animals. Intravenous injections of male and female mice with a murine anti-C5 antibody at up to 0.8-2.2 times the equivalent of the clinical dose of ULTOMIRIS had no adverse effects on mating or fertility.

14. Clinical Studies

14.1 Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)

The safety and efficacy of ULTOMIRIS in patients with PNH was assessed in two open-label, randomized, active-controlled, non-inferiority Phase 3 studies: PNH Study 301 and PNH Study 302. Study 301 enrolled patients with PNH who were complement inhibitor naïve and had active hemolysis. Study 302 enrolled patients with PNH who were clinically stable after having been treated with eculizumab for at least the past 6 months.

In both studies, ULTOMIRIS was dosed intravenously in accordance with the weight-based dosing described in Section 2.2 (4 infusions of ULTOMIRIS over 26 weeks) above. Eculizumab was administered on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22, followed by maintenance treatment with 900 mg of eculizumab on Day 29 and every 2 weeks (q2w) thereafter for a total of 26 weeks of treatment, according to the approved dosing regimen of eculizumab which was the standard-of-care for PNH at the time of studies.

Patients were vaccinated against meningococcal infection prior to or at the time of initiating treatment with ULTOMIRIS or eculizumab, or received prophylactic treatment with appropriate antibiotics until 2 weeks after vaccination. Prophylactic treatment with appropriate antibiotics beyond 2 weeks after vaccination was at the discretion of the provider.

Study in Complement-Inhibitor Naïve Patients with PNH

The Complement-Inhibitor Naïve Study [ALXN1210-PNH-301; NCT02946463] was a 26-week, multicenter, open-label, randomized, active-controlled, non-inferiority Phase 3 study conducted in 246 patients naïve to complement inhibitor treatment prior to study entry.

Patients with PNH with flow cytometric confirmation of at least 5% PNH cells were randomized 1:1 to either ULTOMIRIS or eculizumab. The mean total PNH granulocyte clone size was 85%, the mean total PNH monocyte clone size was 88%, and the mean total PNH RBC clone size was 39%. Ninety-eight percent of patients had a documented PNH-associated condition diagnosed prior to enrollment on the trial: anemia (85%), hemoglobinuria (63%), history of aplastic anemia (32%), history of renal failure (12%), myelodysplastic syndrome (5%), pregnancy complications (3%), and other (16%). Major baseline characteristics were balanced between treatment groups.

Table 13. Baseline Characteristics in the Complement-Inhibitor Naïve Study:

ParameterStatisticsULTOMIRIS (N=125) Eculizumab (N=121)
Age (years) at first infusion in study Mean (SD) 44.8 (15.2) 46.2 (16.2)
Min, max 18, 83 18, 86
Sex    
Male n (%) 65 (52.0) 69 (57.0)
Race n (%)   
Asian  72 (57.6) 57 (47.1)
White  43 (34.4) 51 (42.1)
Black or African American  2 (1.6) 4 (3.3)
American Indian or Alaska Native  1 ( 0.8) 1 ( 0.8)
Other  4 (3.2) 4 (3.3)
Not reported  3 ( 2.4) 4 ( 3.3)
Pre-treatment LDH levels (U/L) Median 1513.5 1445.0
Min, max (378.0, 3759.5) (423.5, 3139.5)
Units of pRBC/whole blood transfused within 12 months prior to first dose Median 6.0 6.0
Min, max(1, 44) (1, 32)
Antithrombotic agents used within 28 days prior to first dose n (%) 22 (17.6) 22 (18.2)
Patients with a history of MAVE* n (%) 17 (13.6) 25 (20.7)
Patients with a history of thrombosis n (%) 17 (13.6) 20 (16.5)
Patients with concomitant anticoagulant treatment n (%) 23 (18.4) 28 (23.1)

* MAVE = major adverse vascular event

Efficacy was established based upon transfusion avoidance and hemolysis as directly measured by normalization of LDH levels. Transfusion avoidance was defined as patients who did not receive a transfusion and not meet the protocol specified guidelines for transfusion from baseline up to Day 183. Supportive efficacy data included the percent change from baseline in LDH levels, the proportion of patients with breakthrough hemolysis defined as at least one new or worsening symptom or sign of intravascular hemolysis in the presence of elevated LDH ≥2 × ULN, after prior LDH reduction to <1.5 × ULN on therapy and the proportion of patients with stabilized hemoglobin.

Non-inferiority of ULTOMIRIS to eculizumab was demonstrated across endpoints in the complement inhibitor naïve treatment population described in the table below.

Table 14. Efficacy Results in the Complement-Inhibitor Naïve Study:

 ULTOMIRIS (N=125) Eculizumab (N=121) Statistic for Comparison Treatment Effect (95% CI)
Transfusion avoidance rate 73.6% 66.1% Difference in rate 6.8 (-4.66, 18.14)
LDH normalization 53.6% 49.4% Odds ratio 1.19 (0.80, 1.77)
LDH percent change -76.84% -76.02% Difference in % change from baseline -0.83 (-5.21, 3.56)
Breakthrough hemolysis 4.0% 10.7% Difference in rate -6.7 (-14.21, 0.18)
Hemoglobin stabilization 68.0% 64.5% Difference in rate 2.9 (-8.80, 14.64)

Note: LDH = lactate dehydrogenase; CI = confidence interval
For the transfusion avoidance endpoint, treatment differences (95% CIs) are based on estimated differences in percent with 95% CI. For the lactate dehydrogenase normalization endpoint, the adjusted prevalence within each treatment is displayed.

There was no observable difference in fatigue between ULTOMIRIS and eculizumab after 26 weeks of treatment compared to baseline as measured by the FACIT-fatigue instrument. Patient-reported fatigue may be an under-or over-estimation, because patients were not blinded to treatment assignment.

14.1.126 SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION

Study in Eculizumab-Experienced Patients with PNH

The study in eculizumab-experienced patients [ALXN1210-PNH-302; NCT03056040] was a 26-week, multicenter, open-label, randomized, active-controlled, non-inferiority Phase 3 study conducted in 195 patients with PNH who were clinically stable after having been treated with eculizumab for at least the past 6 months.

Patients who demonstrated clinically stable disease after being treated with eculizumab for at least the prior 6 months were randomized 1:1 to either continue eculizumab or to switch to ULTOMIRIS. The mean total PNH granulocyte clone size was 83%, the mean total PNH monocyte clone size was 86%, and the mean total PNH RBC clone size was 60%. Ninety five percent of patients had a documented PNH-associated condition diagnosed prior to enrollment on the trial: anemia (67%), hematuria or hemoglobinuria (49%), history of aplastic anemia (37%), history of renal failure (9%), myelodysplastic syndrome (5%), pregnancy complication (7%), and other (14%). Major baseline characteristics were balanced between the two treatment groups.

Table 15. Baseline Characteristics in Eculizumab-Experienced Patients with PNH:

Parameter Statistics ULTOMIRIS (N=97) Eculizumab (N=98)
Age (years) at first infusion in study Mean (SD) 46.6 (14.41) 48.8 (13.97)
 Min, max 18, 79 23, 77
Race n (%)   
White  50 (51.5) 61 (62.2)
Asian  23 (23.7) 19 (19.4)
Black or African American 5 (5.2) 3 (3.1)
Other  2 (2.1) 1 (1.0)
Not reported  13 (13.4) 13 (13.3)
Unknown  3 (3.1) 1 (1.0)
Multiple  1 (1.0) 0
Sex n (%)   
Male 50 (51.5) 48 (49.0)
Pre-treatment LDH levels (U/L) Median 224.0 234.0
Min, max 135.0, 383.5 100.0, 365.5
Units of pRBC/whole blood transfused within 12 months prior to first dose Median 4.0 2.5
Min, max (1, 32) (2, 15)
Antithrombotic agents used within 28 days prior to first dose n (%) 20 (20.6) 13 (13.3)
Patients with a history of MAVE* n (%) 28 (28.9) 22 (22.4)
Patients with a history of thrombosis n (%) 27 (27.8) 21 (21.4)
Patients with concomitant anticoagulant treatment n (%) 22 (22.7) 16 (16.3)

* MAVE = major adverse vascular event

Efficacy was established based on hemolysis as measured by LDH percent change from baseline to Day 183 and supportive efficacy data was transfusion avoidance, proportion of patients with stabilized hemoglobin, and the proportion of patients with breakthrough hemolysis through Day 183.

Non-inferiority of ULTOMIRIS to eculizumab was demonstrated across endpoints in the patients with PNH previously treated with eculizumab described in the table below.

Table 16. Efficacy Results in the Eculizumab-Experienced Patients with PNH Eculizumab-Experienced Study:

 ULTOMIRIS N=97 Eculizumab N=98 Statistic for Comparison Treatment Effect (95% CI)
LDH Percent change -0.82% 8.4% Difference in % change from baseline 9.2 (-0.42, 18.8)
Breakthrough hemolysis 0% 5.1% Difference in rate 5.1 (-8.9, 19.0)
Transfusion avoidance 87.6 % 82.7% Difference in rate 5.5 (-4.3, 15.7)
Hemoglobin stabilization 76.3% 75.5% Difference in rate 1.4 (-10.4, 13.3)

Note: CI = confidence interval

There was no observable difference in fatigue between ULTOMIRIS and eculizumab after 26 weeks of treatment compared to baseline as measured by the FACIT-fatigue instrument. Patient-reported fatigue may be an under-or over-estimation, because patients were not blinded to treatment assignment.

14.2 Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS)

The efficacy of ULTOMIRIS in patients with aHUS was assessed in 2 open-label, single-arm studies. Study ALXN1210-aHUS-311 enrolled adult patients who displayed signs of TMA. In order to qualify for enrollment, patients were required to have a platelet count ≤150 × 109/L, evidence of hemolysis such as an elevation in serum LDH, and serum creatinine above the upper limits of normal or required dialysis.

Study ALXN1210-aHUS-312 enrolled pediatric patients who displayed signs of TMA. In order to qualify for enrollment, patients were required to have a platelet count ≤150 × 109/L, evidence of hemolysis such as an elevation in serum LDH, and serum creatinine level ≥97.5% percentile at screening or required dialysis. In both studies, enrollment criteria excluded patients presenting with TMA due to a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) deficiency, Shiga toxin Escherichia coli related hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) and genetic defect in cobalamin C metabolism. Patients with confirmed diagnosis of STEC-HUS after enrollment were excluded from the efficacy evaluation.

14.2.127 SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION

Study in Adult Patients with aHUS

The adult study [ALXN1210-aHUS-311; NCT02949128] was conducted in patients who were naïve to complement inhibitor treatment prior to study entry. The study consisted of a 26-week Initial Evaluation Period and patients were allowed to enter an extension period for up to 4.5 years.

A total of 56 patients with aHUS were evaluated for efficacy. Ninety-three percent of patients had extra-renal signs (cardiovascular, pulmonary, central nervous system, gastrointestinal, skin, skeletal muscle) or symptoms of aHUS at baseline. At baseline, 71.4% (n = 40) of patients had Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Fourteen percent had a medical history of kidney transplant and 51.8% were on dialysis at study entry. Eight patients entered the study with evidence of TMA for > 3 days after childbirth (ie, postpartum).

Table 17 presents the demographics and baseline characteristics of the 56 adult patients enrolled in Study ALXN1210-aHUS-311 that constituted the Full Analysis Set.

Table 17. Demographics and Baseline Characteristics in Study ALXN1210-aHUS-311:

ParameterStatisticsULTOMIRIS (N=56)
Age at time of first infusion (years) Mean (SD) 42.2 (14.98)
Min, max 19.5, 76.6
Sex   
Female n (%) 37 (66.1)
Race* n (%)  
White  29 (51.8)
Asian  15 (26.8)
Unknown  8 (14.3)
Other  4 (7.1)
Platelets (109/L) blood n 56
[normal range 130 to 400 × 109/L] Median (min,max) 95.25 (18, 473)
Hemoglobin (g/L) blood n 56
[normal range 115 to 160 g/L (female), 130 to 175 g/L (male)] Median (min,max) 85.00 (60.5, 140)
LDH (U/L) serum n 56
[normal range 120 to 246 U/L] Median (min,max) 508.00 (229.5, 3249)
eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) n (%) 55
[normal range ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²] Mean (SD) 15.86 (14.815)
Median (min,max) 10.00 (4, 80)

Note: Percentages are based on the total number of patients.
Abbreviations: eGFR = estimated glomerular filtration rate; LDH = lactate dehydrogenase; max = maximum; min = minimum.
* Patients can have multiple races selected.

The efficacy evaluation was based on Complete TMA Response during the 26-week Initial Evaluation Period, as evidenced by normalization of hematological parameters (platelet count and LDH) and ≥25% improvement in serum creatinine from baseline. Patients had to meet each Complete TMA Response criteria at 2 separate assessments obtained at least 4 weeks (28 days) apart, and any measurement in between.

Complete TMA Response was observed in 30 of the 56 patients (54%) during the 26-week Initial Evaluation Period as shown in Table 18.

Table 18. Efficacy Results in aHUS during the 26-Week Initial Evaluation Period (ALXN1210-aHUS-311):

 Total Responder
 n Proportion (95% CI)*
Complete TMA Response 56 30 0.54 (0.40, 0.67)
Components of Complete TMA Response    
Platelet count normalization 56 47 0.84 (0.72, 0.92)
LDH normalization 56 43 0.77 (0.64, 0.87)
≥25% improvement in serum creatinine from baseline 56 33 0.59 (0.45, 0.72)
Hematologic normalization 56 41 0.73 (0.60, 0.84)

Abbreviations: CI = confidence interval; LDH = lactate dehydrogenase; TMA = thrombotic microangiopathy.
* 95% CIs for the proportion were based on exact confidence limits using the Clopper-Pearson method.

One additional patient had a Complete TMA Response that was confirmed after the 26-week Initial Evaluation Period. Complete TMA Response was achieved at a median time of 86 days (range: 7 to 169 days). The median duration of Complete TMA Response was 7.97 months (range: 2.52 to 16.69 months). All responses were maintained through all available follow-up.

Other endpoints included platelet count change from baseline, dialysis requirement, and renal function as evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

An increase in mean platelet count was observed after commencement of ULTOMIRIS, increasing from 118.52 × 109/L at baseline to 240.34 ×109/L at Day 8 and remaining above 227 × 109/L at all subsequent visits in the Initial Evaluation Period (26 weeks).

Renal function, as measured by eGFR, was improved or maintained during ULTOMIRIS therapy. The mean eGFR (+/- SD) increased from 15.86 (14.82) at baseline to 51.83 (39.16) by 26 weeks. In patients with Complete TMA Response, renal function continued to improve after the Complete TMA Response was achieved .

Seventeen of the 29 patients (59%) who required dialysis at study entry discontinued dialysis by the end of the available follow-up and 6 of 27 (22%) patients were off dialysis at baseline were on dialysis at last available follow-up.

Study in Pediatric Patients with aHUS

The Pediatric Study [ALXN1210-aHUS-312; NCT03131219] is a 26-week ongoing, multicenter, single-arm, study conducted in 16 pediatric patients.

A total of 14 eculizumab-naïve patients with documented diagnosis of aHUS were enrolled and included in this interim analysis. The median age at the time of first infusion was 5.2 years (range 0.9, 17.3 years). The overall mean weight at Baseline was 19.8 kg; half of the patients were in the baseline weight category ≥10 to <20 kg. The majority of patients (71%) had pretreatment extra-renal signs (cardiovascular, pulmonary, central nervous system, gastrointestinal, skin, skeletal muscle) or symptoms of aHUS at baseline.

At baseline, 35.7% (n=5) of patients had a CKD Stage 5. Seven percent had history of prior kidney transplant and 35.7% were on dialysis at study entry.

Table 19 presents the baseline characteristics of the pediatric patients enrolled in Study ALXN1210-aHUS-312.

Table 19. Demographics and Baseline Characteristics in Study ALXN1210-aHUS-312:

Parameter Statistics ULTOMIRIS (N=14)
Age at time of first infusion (years) category n (%)  
Birth to <2 years  2 (14.3)
2 to <6 years  7 (50.0)
6 to <12 years  4 (28.6)
12 to <18 years  1 (7.1)
Sex n (%)  
Female  9 (64.3)
Race* n (%)  
White  7 (50.0)
Asian  4 (28.6)
Black or African American  2 (14.3)
American Indian or Alaskan Native  1 (7.1)
Unknown  1 (7.1)
Platelets (109/L) blood [normal range 229 to 533 × 109/L] Median (min, max) 64.00 (14, 125)
Hemoglobin (g/L) blood [normal range 107 to 131 g/L] Median (min, max) 74.25 (32, 106)
LDH (U/L) serum [normal range 165 to 395 U/L] Median (min, max) 2077.00 (772, 4985)
eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) [normal range ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m²] Mean (SD) 28.4 (23.11)
Median (min, max) 22.0 (10, 84)

Note: Percentages are based on the total number of patients.
Abbreviations: eGFR = estimated glomerular filtration rate; LDH = lactate dehydrogenase; max = maximum; min = minimum.
* Patients can have multiple races selected.

Efficacy evaluation was based upon Complete TMA Response during the 26-week Initial Evaluation Period, as evidenced by normalization of hematological parameters (platelet count and LDH) and ≥25% improvement in serum creatinine from baseline. Patients had to meet all Complete TMA Response criteria at 2 separate assessments obtained at least 4 weeks (28 days) apart, and any measurement in between.

Complete TMA Response was observed in 10 of the 14 patients (71%) during the 26-week Initial Evaluation Period as shown in Table 20.

Table 20. Efficacy Results in aHUS during the 26-Week Initial Evaluation Period (ALXN1210-aHUS-312):

 Total Responder
 n Proportion (95% CI)*
Complete TMA Response 14 10 0.71 (0.42, 0.92)
Components of Complete TMA Response    
Platelet count normalization 14 13 0.93 (0.66, 0.99)
LDH normalization 14 12 0.86 (0.57, 0.98)
≥25% improvement in serum creatinine from baseline 14 11 0.79 (0.49, 0.95)
Hematologic normalization 14 12 0.86 (0.57, 0.98)

Note: 1 patient withdrew from study after receiving 2 doses of ravulizumab.
Abbreviations: CI = confidence interval; LDH = lactate dehydrogenase; TMA = thrombotic microangiopathy.
* 95% CIs for the proportion were based on exact confidence limits using the Clopper-Pearson method.

Complete TMA Response during the Initial Evaluation Period was achieved at a median time of 30 days (range:15 to 88 days). The median duration of Complete TMA Response was 5.08 months (range: 3.08 to 5.54 months). All responses were maintained through all available follow-up.

Other endpoints included platelet count change from baseline, dialysis requirement, and renal function as evaluated by eGFR.

An increase in mean platelet count was observed after commencement of ULTOMIRIS, increasing from 60.50 × 109/L at baseline to 296.67 × 109/L at Day 8 and remained above 296 × 109/L at all subsequent visits in the Initial Evaluation Period (26 weeks). The mean eGFR (+/- SD) increased from 28.4 (23.11) at baseline to 108.0 (63.21) by 26 weeks.

Four of the 5 patients who required dialysis at study entry were able to discontinue dialysis after the first month in study and for the duration of ULTOMIRIS treatment. No patient started dialysis during the study.

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