Akynzeo Drug Information

Generic name: NETUPITANT AND PALONOSETRON

Serotonin-3 Receptor Antagonist [EPC] Substance P/Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonist [EPC]

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Uses of Akynzeo

capsules is indicated in combination with dexamethasone in adults for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of cancer chemotherapy, including, but not limited to, highly emetogenic chemotherapy. AKYNZEO capsules is a combination of palonosetron and netupitant: palonosetron prevents nausea and vomiting during the acute phase and netupitant prevents nausea and vomiting during both the acute and delayed phase after cancer chemotherapy. AKYNZEO for injection and AKYNZEO injection are indicated in combination with dexamethasone in adults for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy.

AKYNZEO for injection is a combination of palonosetron and fosnetupitant, a prodrug of netupitant: palonosetron prevents nausea and vomiting during the acute phase and fosnetupitant prevents nausea and vomiting during both the acute and delayed phase after cancer chemotherapy. Limitations of Use AKYNZEO for injection and AKYNZEO injection have not been studied for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide chemotherapy. AKYNZEO capsules is indicated in combination with dexamethasone in adults for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of cancer chemotherapy, including, but not limited to, highly emetogenic chemotherapy.

AKYNZEO for injection and AKYNZEO injection are indicated in combination with dexamethasone in adults for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy. Limitations of Use AKYNZEO for injection and AKYNZEO injection have not been studied for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide chemotherapy. AKYNZEO is a combination of palonosetron, a serotonin-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist, and netupitant or fosnetupitant, substance P/neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonists: palonosetron prevents nausea and vomiting during the acute phase and netupitant/fosnetupitant prevents nausea and vomiting during both the acute and delayed phase after cancer chemotherapy.

Dosage & Administration of Akynzeo

Treatment RegimenDay 1
Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy, including Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy
AKYNZEO capsules1 capsule of AKYNZEO
Dexamethasone 12 mg30 minutes before chemotherapy
AKYNZEO for injection and AKYNZEO injection1 vial of AKYNZEO
Dexamethasone 12 mg30 minutes before chemotherapy
Anthracyclines and Cyclophosphamide-Based Chemotherapy and Chemotherapy Not Considered Highly Emetogenic
AKYNZEO capsules1 capsule of AKYNZEO
Dexamethasone 12 mg30 minutes before chemotherapy

Side Effects of Akynzeo

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. AKYNZEO Capsules The overall safety of AKYNZEO capsules was evaluated in 1538 cancer patients and healthy subjects in clinical trials. The data described below reflect exposure to AKYNZEO in 1169 cancer patients, receiving at least one cycle of cancer chemotherapy in 3 active-controlled trials , including 782 exposed to AKYNZEO for at least 4 cycles and 321 exposed for at least 6 cycles, up to a maximum of 12 cycles of chemotherapy.

The median age was 55, 79% were female, 83% were White, 13% were Asian, and 4% were Hispanic. All patients received a single oral dose of AKYNZEO 1 hour prior to the start of each chemotherapy cycle. In all studies, dexamethasone was co-administered with AKYNZEO. Cisplatin Based Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy In a single-cycle study of patients receiving cisplatin based highly emetogenic chemotherapy, 136 patients were treated with AKYNZEO. Table 5 shows adverse reactions reported at an incidence of at least 3% and for which the AKYNZEO rate exceeded palonosetron alone.

Table 5: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥3% of Cancer Patients Receiving AKYNZEO capsules and Cisplatin Based Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy (Cycle 1) Adverse Reactions AKYNZEO netupitant 300 mg/ palonosetron 0.5 mg (N=136) Palonosetron 0.5 mg (N=136) Dyspepsia 4% 2% Fatigue 4% 2% Constipation 3% 1% Erythema 3% 2% Anthracyclines and Cyclophosphamide Based Chemotherapy In a study of patients receiving anthracycline and cyclophosphamide based chemotherapy, 725 patients were treated with AKYNZEO capsules during Cycle 1, and 635 of these patients continued for up to 8 cycles in a multiple-cycle extension. Table 6 shows adverse reactions reported at an incidence of at least 3% and for which the AKYNZEO capsules rate exceeded palonosetron alone during Cycle 1. The adverse reaction profile in subsequent cycles was similar to that observed in Cycle 1. Table 6: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥3% of Cancer Patients Receiving AKYNZEO capsules and Anthracyclines and Cyclophosphamide Based Chemotherapy (Cycle 1) Adverse Reactions AKYNZEO netupitant 300 mg/ palonosetron 0.5 mg (N=725) Palonosetron 0.5 mg (N=725) Headache 9% 7% Asthenia 8% 7% Fatigue 7% 5% In addition to the adverse reactions shown above, there were reports of concomitant elevations of transaminases greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal and total bilirubin in both arms of the two trials that compared AKYNZEO capsules to oral palonosetron, and the frequency of these elevations was comparable between treatment groups. See Table 7. Table 7: Liver Function Laboratory Abnormalities ULN = upper limit of normal Laboratory Changes AKYNZEO netupitant 300 mg/ palonosetron 0.5 mg N=861 Palonosetron 0.5 mg N=861 AST > 3 x ULN and/or ALT > 3 x ULN with Total Bilirubin > ULN 3 (0.3%) 5 (0.6%) AST > 10 x ULN and/or ALT > 10 x ULN with Total Bilirubin > ULN - 2 (0.2%) AST > 3 x ULN and/or ALT > 3 x ULN with Total Bilirubin ≥ 2 x ULN 1 (0.1%) 1 (0.1%) In a multi-cycle safety study of 412 patients, the safety profile of AKYNZEO capsules (n = 308) was comparable to aprepitant and palonosetron (n = 104) in patients undergoing initial and repeat cycles (median 5 cycles, range of 1-14 cycles) of chemotherapy, including carboplatin, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, and doxorubicin regimens.

There were no reports of concomitant elevations of transaminases greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal and total bilirubin in this study in either arm. In a randomized, clinical non-inferiority study, that compared oral palonosetron 0.5 mg to intravenous palonosetron 0.25 mg in cancer patients scheduled to receive highly emetogenic cisplatin (greater than or equal to 70 mg/m 2 ) based chemotherapy, there were two patients (0.5%; 2/369) in the intravenous palonosetron arm who had concomitant elevations of transaminases and total bilirubin. Neither experienced transaminase elevations greater than 10 times the upper limit of normal.

AKYNZEO for Injection The safety of AKYNZEO for injection was evaluated in 203 patients in an active-controlled multi-cycle (median 4 cycles, range of 1-4 cycles) safety clinical study in patients receiving HEC regimens, not including anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide, (e.g., cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, carmustine, dacarbazine and mechlorethamine) compared to 201 patients receiving AKYNZEO capsules ( NCT02517021 ). The median age was 60 years, 46% were female, 99.5 % were White, 0.3% were Asian, and 0.3% were Hispanic. All patients received a single dose of AKYNZEO for injection 30 minutes prior to the start of each chemotherapy cycle; dexamethasone was co-administered with AKYNZEO. The safety profile of AKYNZEO for injection was generally similar to that seen with AKYNZEO capsules.

Warnings & Cautions for Akynzeo

Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients treated with

palonosetron, one of the components of AKYNZEO, with or without known hypersensitivity to other 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists.

Serotonin Syndrome

The development of serotonin syndrome has been reported with 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists. Most reports have been associated with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, mirtazapine, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, and intravenous methylene blue). Some of the reported cases were fatal. Serotonin syndrome occurring with overdose of another 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist alone has also been reported.

The majority of reports of serotonin syndrome related to 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist use occurred in a post-anesthesia care unit or an infusion center. Symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome may include the following combination of signs and symptoms: mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, and hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, and incoordination), seizures, with or without gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Patients should be monitored for the emergence of serotonin syndrome, especially with concomitant use of AKYNZEO and other serotonergic drugs. If symptoms of serotonin syndrome occur, discontinue AKYNZEO and initiate supportive treatment.

Patients should be informed of the increased risk of serotonin syndrome, especially if AKYNZEO is used concomitantly with other serotonergic drugs .

Drug Interactions with Akynzeo

Effects of

AKYNZEO on Other Drugs Interaction with CYP3A4 Substrates Netupitant is a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4. AKYNZEO should be used with caution in patients receiving concomitant medications that are primarily metabolized through CYP3A4. A single oral dose of netupitant 300 mg significantly inhibits CYP3A4 for 6 days. Avoid concomitant use of drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates for one week, if feasible. If not avoidable, consider dose reduction of CYP3A4 substrates.

Dexamethasone A single oral dose of netupitant 300 mg or a single fosnetupitant infusion of 235 mg increased the systemic exposure of concomitant dexamethasone more than 2-fold on Days 2 and 4. Administer a reduced dose of dexamethasone with AKYNZEO . Midazolam When administered with netupitant, the systemic exposure to midazolam was significantly increased. Consider the potential effects of increased plasma concentrations of midazolam or other benzodiazepines metabolized via CYP3A4 (alprazolam, triazolam) when administering these drugs with AKYNZEO . Chemotherapeutic Agents The systemic exposure of chemotherapy agents metabolized by CYP3A4 can increase when administered with AKYNZEO. Chemotherapy agents that are known to be metabolized by CYP3A4 include docetaxel, paclitaxel, etoposide, irinotecan, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, imatinib, vinorelbine, vinblastine, and vincristine . Caution and monitoring for chemotherapeutic related adverse reactions are advised in patients receiving chemotherapy agents metabolized primarily by CYP3A4. Oral Contraceptives There is no clinically significant effect of AKYNZEO on the efficacy of oral contraceptives containing levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol . Warfarin Although it was predicted that co-administration of intravenous AKYNZEO with warfarin would not substantially increase the systemic exposure to S-warfarin (CYP2C9 substrate), the active enantiomer, the effects of AKYNZEO for injection and AKYNZEO capsules on INR and prothrombin time have not been studied. Monitor INR and adjust the dosage of warfarin, as needed with concomitant use of AKYNZEO, to maintain the target INR range.

Effects of Other Drugs on

AKYNZEO Netupitant is mainly metabolized by CYP3A4. Palonosetron is mainly metabolized by CYP2D6 and to a lesser extent by CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. CYP3A4 Inducers Avoid concomitant use of AKYNZEO in patients who are chronically using a strong CYP3A4 inducer such as rifampin. A strong CYP3A inducer can decrease the efficacy of AKYNZEO by substantially reducing plasma concentrations of the netupitant component . CYP3A4 Inhibitors Concomitant use of AKYNZEO with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (e.g., ketoconazole) can increase the systemic exposure to the netupitant component of AKYNZEO. However, no dosage adjustment is necessary for single dose administration of AKYNZEO .

Serotonergic Drugs

Serotonin syndrome (including altered mental status, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular symptoms) has been described following the concomitant use of 5-HT 3 receptor antagonists and other serotonergic drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). If symptoms occur, discontinue AKYNZEO and initiate supportive treatment.

Pregnancy Safety for Akynzeo

Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited available data with AKYNZEO use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug- associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. In animal reproduction studies with netupitant, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed following daily oral administration in pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 3.7 times the human AUC (area under the plasma concentration-time curve) at the recommended single dose to be given with each cycle of chemotherapy. However, a dose-dependent increase in adverse effects on embryo-fetal development was observed following daily oral administration of netupitant in pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis with doses at least 0.2 times the human AUC at the recommended single dose to be given with each cycle of chemotherapy.

Daily oral administration of netupitant in rats up to 3.7 times the human AUC at the recommended dose during organogenesis through lactation produced no adverse effects in the offspring (see Data). In animal reproduction studies with fosnetupitant, delayed ossification of pubis occurred after intravenous administration in rats during the period of organogenesis at a dose 3 times the human AUC for netupitant at the recommended single dose to be given with each cycle of chemotherapy. In pregnant rabbits, an increase in resorptions was observed with daily intravenous administration of fosnetupitant during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 9 times the human AUC for fosnetupitant and 0.4 times the human AUC for netupitant at the recommended single dose to be given with each cycle of chemotherapy. Daily intravenous administration of fosnetupitant (3 times the human AUC for netupitant at the recommended single dose to be given with each cycle of chemotherapy) in rats during organogenesis through lactation produced lower bodyweight in offspring at birth through maturation, and delayed physical development (see Data). In animal reproduction studies with palonosetron, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed following oral administration during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 921 and 1841 times the recommended oral dose in rats and rabbits, respectively (see Data). Based on animal data from netupitant studies, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Data Animal Data Netupitant Daily oral administration of up to 30 mg/kg netupitant in rats (3.7 times the human AUC at the recommended single dose to be given with each cycle of chemotherapy) during the period of organogenesis produced no effects on embryo-fetal development. However, an increased incidence of external and skeletal abnormalities in rabbit fetuses was observed following daily oral administration of netupitant in rabbits at 10 mg/kg/day and higher (0.2 times the human AUC at the recommended single dose to be given with each cycle of chemotherapy) during the period of organogenesis. These abnormalities included positional abnormalities in the limbs and paws, and fused sternebrae.

Reduction in fetal rabbit weight occurred at 30 mg/kg/day. Maternal toxicity in rabbits (i.e., loss of bodyweight during the treatment period) was also observed at 30 mg/kg/day. Daily oral administration of up to 30 mg/kg netupitant (3.7 times the human AUC at the recommended dose) in rats during organogenesis through lactation produced no adverse effects in the offspring.

Fosnetupitant Daily intravenous administration of 39 mg/kg/day fosnetupitant in rats (3 times the human AUC for netupitant at the recommended single dose to be given with each cycle of chemotherapy) during the period of organogenesis produced delayed ossification of pubis. No effects on embryo-fetal development were observed with daily administration of up to 13 mg/kg fosnetupitant in rats (2 times the human AUC for netupitant at the recommended single dose to be given with each cycle of chemotherapy). Due to the limited systemic exposure to fosnetupitant in pregnant rats, it is not possible to provide an AUC-based comparison of fosnetupitant exposure in rats and humans. An increase in resorptions was observed with daily intravenous administration of fosnetupitant at 6 mg/kg/day and higher in rabbits (9 times the human AUC for fosnetupitant and 0.4 times the human AUC for netupitant at the recommended single dose to be given with each cycle of chemotherapy) during the period of organogenesis.

No effects were observed in rabbits at 3 mg/kg/day (5.4 times the human AUC for fosnetupitant and 0.4 times the human AUC for netupitant at the recommended single dose to be given with each cycle of chemotherapy). Daily intravenous administration of 39 mg/kg fosnetupitant in rats (3 times the AUC for netupitant at the recommended single dose to be given with each cycle of chemotherapy) during organogenesis through lactation produced lower bodyweight in offspring at birth through maturation, and delayed physical development (pinna detachment, eye opening, and preputial separation). These effects were associated with maternal toxicity (reduced weight gain and food consumption). No effects occurred in offspring or dams at 13 mg/kg/day (2 times the human AUC for netupitant at the recommended single dose to be given with each cycle of chemotherapy). Palonosetron In animal reproduction studies with palonosetron, no effects on embryo-fetal development were observed in pregnant rats given oral doses up to 60 mg/kg/day (921 times the recommended oral dose based on body surface area) or pregnant rabbits given oral doses up to 60 mg/kg/day (1841 times the recommended oral dose based on body surface area) during the period of organogenesis.

Pediatric Use of Akynzeo

Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of AKYNZEO in patients below the age of 18 years have not been established.

Overdosage Information for Akynzeo

In the event of overdose, AKYNZEO should be discontinued and general supportive treatment and monitoring should be provided. Because of the antiemetic activity of AKYNZEO, drug- induced emesis may not be effective. Dialysis studies have not been performed; due to the large volume of distribution, dialysis is unlikely to be an effective treatment for AKYNZEO overdose.

A total of 33 adult cancer patients were administered oral palonosetron at a dose of 90 mcg/kg (approximately 12 times the recommended dose in AKYNZEO capsules), as part of a dose ranging study and had a similar incidence of adverse reactions compared to lower doses. A single dose of 600 mg (2 times the recommended dose in AKYNZEO capsules) of oral netupitant was administered to 49 healthy subjects and a similar incidence of adverse reactions was observed when compared to lower doses of netupitant in cancer patients and healthy subjects.

Clinical Studies of Akynzeo

Study 1 In a multicenter, randomized, parallel, double-blind, controlled clinical trial of 694 patients, the efficacy and safety of a single dose of oral netupitant in combination with oral palonosetron was compared with a single oral dose of palonosetron in cancer patients receiving a chemotherapy regimen that included cisplatin (median dose of 75 mg/m 2 ). The efficacy of AKYNZEO was assessed in 135 patients who received AKYNZEO capsules (300 mg netupitant and 0.5 mg palonosetron) and 136 patients who received oral palonosetron 0.5 mg. Treatment regimens for the AKYNZEO and palonosetron arms are summarized in Table 16. Table 16: Oral Antiemetic Treatment Regimen in Study 1 Treatment Regimen Day 1 Days 2 to 4 AKYNZEO AKYNZEO capsules: 300 mg neupitant/ 0.5 mg palonosetron Dexamethasone 12 mg Dexamethasone 8 mg once a day Palonosetron Palonosetron 0.5 mg Dexamethasone 20 mg Dexamethasone 8 mg twice a day Of the 135 patients who received AKYNZEO, 43% were women, and all patients were White. The age ranged from 19 to 77 years, with a median age of 53 years.

During the study, 86% of the 135 treated patients in the AKYNZEO arm received a concomitant chemotherapeutic agent in addition to protocol-mandated cisplatin. The most common chemotherapeutic agents and the proportion of patients exposed were cyclophosphamide (34%), fluorouracil (24%), etoposide (21%), and doxorubicin (16%). The key efficacy endpoints were complete response (CR) (defined as no emetic episode and no use of rescue medication) for the 25 to 120 hour interval (delayed phase), CR for the 0 to 24 hour interval (acute phase), and CR within 120 hours (overall phase) after the start of the chemotherapy administration. A summary of the key results from this study is shown in Table 17. Table 17: Proportion of Patients Responding by Treatment Group and Phase in Study 1 AKYNZEO Capsules 300 mg netupitant/ 0.5 mg palonosetron (N=135) Palonosetron 0.5 mg (N=136) p-value Adjusted p-values for multiple comparisons using Cochran Mantel Haenszel test, stratified by gender.

COMPLETE RESPONSE Delayed Phase Delayed phase: 25 to 120 hours post-cisplatin treatment. 90.4 80.1 0.032 Acute Phase Acute phase: 0 to 24 hours post-cisplatin treatment. 98.5 89.7 0.002 Overall Phase Overall: 0 to 120 hours post-cisplatin treatment. 89.6 76.5 0.003 Study 2 ( NCT01339260 ) In a multicenter, randomized, parallel, double-blind, active controlled, superiority trial, the efficacy and safety of a single oral dose of AKYNZEO was compared with a single oral dose of palonosetron 0.5 mg in cancer patients scheduled to receive the first cycle of an anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC) regimen for the treatment of a solid malignant tumor (Study 2). All patients received a single oral dose of dexamethasone. Treatment regimens for the AKYNZEO and palonosetron arms are summarized in Table 18. Table 18: Oral Antiemetic Treatment Regimen in Study 2 Treatment Regimen Day 1 Days 2 to 3 AKYNZEO AKYNZEO capsules: 300 mg netupitant/ 0.5 mg palonosetron Dexamethasone 12 mg No antiemetic treatment Palonosetron Palonosetron 0.5 mg Dexamethasone 20 mg No antiemetic treatment After completion of cycle 1, patients had the option to participate in a multiple-cycle extension, receiving the same treatment as assigned in cycle 1. There was no pre-specified limit of the number of repeat consecutive cycles for any patient. A total of 1455 patients were randomized to the AKYNZEO arm or palonosetron arm.

A total of 1450 patients (AKYNZEO n=725; palonosetron n=725) received study medication: of these, 1438 patients (99%) completed cycle 1 and 1286 patients (88%) continued treatment in the multiple‑cycle extension. A total of 907 patients (62%) completed the multiple‑cycle extension up to a maximum of eight treatment cycles. Of the 725 patients who received AKYNZEO, 711 (98%) were women; 79% were White, 14% Asian, 6% Hispanic, and <1% were Black or Other.

Age ranged from 22 to 79 years, with a median age of 54 years. A total of 724 patients (99.9%) were treated with cyclophosphamide. All patients were additionally treated with either doxorubicin (68%) or epirubicin (32%). During the first cycle, 32% of the 725 patients treated with AKYNZEO received a concomitant chemotherapeutic agent in addition to protocol-mandated regimens, with the most common chemotherapeutic being fluorouracil (28%) and docetaxel (3%). The primary efficacy endpoint was the CR rate in the delayed phase, 25 to120 hours after the start of chemotherapy administration.

Major secondary efficacy endpoints included CR for the acute and overall phases. A summary of key results from Study 2 is shown in Table 19. Table 19: Proportion of Patients Responding by Treatment Group and Phase Cycle 1 in Study 2 AKYNZEO Capsules 300 mg netupitant/ 0.5 mg palonosetron N=724 % Palonosetron 0.5 mg N=725 % p-value p-value from Cochran Mantel Haenszel test, stratified by age class and region. PRIMARY ENDPOINT COMPLETE RESPONSE Delayed Phase Delayed phase: 25 to 120 hours after anthracycline and cyclophosphamide regimen. 76.9 69.5 0.001 MAJOR SECONDARY ENDPOINTS COMPLETE RESPONSE Acute Phase Acute phase: 0 to 24 hours after anthracycline and cyclophosphamide regimen. 88.4 85.0 0.047 Overall Phase Overall: 0 to 120 hours after anthracycline and cyclophosphamide regimen. 74.3 66.6 0.001 Multiple Cycles Patients continued into the Multiple-Cycle extension for up to 7 additional cycles of chemotherapy.

The proportion of patients with complete response in the delayed phase by treatment group at each cycle (cycles 2 to 6) is displayed in Figure 1. A limited number of patients received treatment beyond cycle 6. During all cycles the CR rate in the delayed phase was higher for AKYNZEO than for palonosetron. Antiemetic activity of AKYNZEO was maintained throughout repeat cycles for those patients continuing in each of the multiple cycles. Figure 1: Proportion of Patients with Complete Response in the Delayed Phase by Treatment Group and Cycle in Study 2 Additional clinical trials (Study 3 and Study 4) were conducted to support the efficacy of AKYNZEO. Study 3 ( NCT01376297 ) In a separate study, 309 patients undergoing initial and repeat cycles of chemotherapy (including carboplatin, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, and doxorubicin regimens) received AKYNZEO; efficacy was maintained throughout all cycles.

Study 4 ( NCT01363479 ) In a multicenter, multinational, randomized, active‑controlled, double‑blind, double‑dummy, parallel group, clinical non-inferiority study, the efficacy and safety of a single dose of oral palonosetron 0.5 mg was compared to intravenous palonosetron 0.25 mg in cancer patients scheduled to receive highly emetogenic cisplatin ( > 70 mg/m 2 ) based chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that oral palonosetron 0.5 mg contributes to the efficacy of AKYNZEO during the acute phase (first 24 hours after cancer chemotherapy) in the setting of cisplatin based chemotherapy. A total of 739 patients (oral palonosetron n=370; intravenous palonosetron n=369) received study medication.

The primary efficacy endpoint was complete response (CR) (defined as no emetic episode and no use of rescue medication) within 24 hours (acute phase) after the start of cisplatin-based chemotherapy administration. In the oral palonosetron arm, 89.4% of patients achieved a CR in the acute phase compared to 86.2% of patients in the intravenous palonosetron arm, with a difference of 3.2% (99% CI: ‑2.7% to 9.2%). Non‑inferiority of oral palonosetron versus intravenous palonosetron was demonstrated since the lower limit of the two‑sided 99% CI for the difference in proportions of patients with CR was greater (i.e., closer to zero) than the pre‑defined non‑inferiority margin set at ‑15%. Study 5 ( NCT02557035 ) In a multicenter, multinational, randomized, active controlled, double blind, double dummy, parallel group, clinical non-inferiority study, the efficacy and safety of a single dose of intravenous palonosetron 0.25 mg administered over 30 minutes (infusion) was compared to intravenous palonosetron 0.25 mg administered over 30 seconds (bolus) in cancer patients scheduled to receive a HEC chemotherapy regimen that included cisplatin administered as a single IV dose of 70 mg/m 2, cyclophosphamide 1500 mg/m 2, carmustine (BCNU) >250mg/m 2, dacarbazine (DTIC) and mechloretamine (nitrogen mustard). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that intravenous palonosetron 0.25 mg administered over 30 minutes was non-inferior to administration of intravenous palonosetron 0.25 mg administered over 30 seconds for prevention of nausea and vomiting during the acute phase (first 24 hours after cancer chemotherapy) in the HEC setting. A total of 425 patients (intravenous palonosetron infusion n=214; intravenous palonosetron bolus n=211) received study medication and HEC and completed the 0-24 h study period with no major protocol violations and were included in the Per Protocol Population.

The primary efficacy endpoint was complete response (CR defined as no emetic episode and no use of rescue medication) in the 24 hours (acute phase) after the start of the scheduled chemotherapy. In the intravenous palonosetron infusion group, 82.7% of patients achieved CR in the acute phase compared to 86.3% of patients in the intravenous palonosetron bolus group, with a difference of -3.4% (99% CI: - 12.0% to 5.2%). Non-inferiority of administration of intravenous palonosetron over 30 minutes compared to administration of intravenous palonosetron over 30 seconds was demonstrated since the lower limit of the two-sided 99% CI for the difference in proportions of patients with CR was greater (i.e., closer to zero) than the pre-defined non inferiority margin set at -15%. image description

Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.

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