Journavx Drug Information

Generic name: SUZETRIGINE

Sodium Channel Blocker [EPC]

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Uses of Journavx

is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain, including postoperative pain, in adults. JOURNAVX is a sodium channel blocker indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain, including postoperative pain, in adults.

Dosage & Administration of Journavx

Severe HI (Child-Pugh Class C)Avoid use [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Moderate HI (Child-Pugh Class B)Dose 1: The recommended starting dose of JOURNAVX is 100 mg taken orally. Take the starting dose on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Clear liquids may be consumed during this time (e.g., water, apple juice, vegetable broth, tea, black coffee). Doses 2, 3, and 4: Starting 12 hours after the initial dose, take 50 mg of JOURNAVX orally every 12 hours. Take these doses with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Dose 5 and Subsequent Doses: Starting 12 hours after Dose 4, take 50 mg of JOURNAVX orally every 24 hours. Take these dose(s) with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Mild HI (Child-Pugh Class A)The recommended dosage is the same as in those with normal hepatic function [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

Side Effects of Journavx

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. The safety profile of JOURNAVX is primarily based on data from the pooled, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled trials in 874 adult patients with moderate to severe acute pain following full abdominoplasty (Trial 1) and bunionectomy (Trial 2) , with supportive safety data from one single arm trial in 256 adult patients with moderate to severe acute pain in a broad range of acute pain conditions (Trial 3). In Trials 1 and 2, 874 patients received at least one dose of JOURNAVX. The proportion of patients in Trials 1 and 2 who discontinued study drug prematurely due to adverse events was: 0.6% in JOURNAVX-treated patients (postprocedural hematoma, hypotension, syncope ), 0.6% in hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen (HB/APAP)-treated patients (hypotension/orthostatic hypotension, migraine, intra-abdominal hematoma, nausea, pyrexia ), and 0.2% in placebo-treated patients (hypotension, tachycardia ). The safety profile of JOURNAVX was also evaluated by the following subgroup analyses: age (≥ 18 to < 65 years and ≥ 65 years), sex, and race. Since most patients enrolled in the clinical trials were ≥ 18 to < 65 years of age, female, and white, there was insufficient data to detect differences in safety signals between these subgroups.

Table 2 displays adverse reactions that occurred more frequently in JOURNAVX-treated patients than placebo-treated patients in the pooled Trials 1 and 2. Table 2: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥1% of JOURNAVX-Treated Patients and Greater than Rate of Placebo in Two 48-hour Trials in Moderate to Severe Acute Pain (Trials 1 and 2, Pooled) Adverse Reactions (Preferred Term) Placebo (N = 438) n (%) JOURNAVX (N = 874) n (%) HB/APAP Patients received 5 mg/325 mg of oral hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen (HB/APAP) every 6 hours. (N = 879) n (%) Pruritus 7 18 30 Muscle spasms 2 11 6 Increased blood creatine phosphokinase 2 10 7 Rash 2 10 6 Nausea and Vomiting In Trial 1, the incidence of patients who experienced either nausea or vomiting was 20% in JOURNAVX-treated patients, 33% in HB/APAP-treated patients, and 25% in placebo-treated patients. In Trial 2, the incidence of patients who experienced either nausea or vomiting was 9% in JOURNAVX-treated patients, 16% in HB/APAP-treated patients, and 12% in placebo-treated patients. Laboratory Abnormalities Creatine Phosphokinase Elevations: In Trials 1 and 2, 2.9% of JOURNAVX-treated patients and 1.2% of placebo-treated patients had a creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level > 3 times the upper limit of normal.

The incidence of increased blood CPK was 1.1% in JOURNAVX-treated patients and 0.5% in placebo-treated patients. All reports of CPK elevations occurred in the post-surgical setting. There were no associated signs or symptoms, no serious adverse reactions, and no patients required treatment discontinuation or interruption.

Decreased Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate: In Trials 1 and 2, 2.5% of JOURNAVX-treated patients and 0.9% of placebo-treated patients had a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≥ 25% but < 50%. Follow-up eGFR data for these controlled trials was not available after treatment discontinuation. Similar decreases in eGFR also occurred in Trial 3 (the open-label Phase 3 study) and appeared to resolve to baseline by the final safety follow-up visit. There was no control arm for comparison.

There were no adverse reactions of eGFR decrease in JOURNAVX-treated patients. Adverse Reactions from the Open-Label Study (Trial 3) In an open-label study of patients with moderate to severe acute pain following a surgical procedure or nonsurgical condition, a total of 256 adult patients received at least one dose of JOURNAVX. Patients received 100 mg as a first dose, then 50 mg every 12 hours and continued to receive JOURNAVX for up to 14 days or until their pain resolved. Rescue medication of 650 mg of acetaminophen and 400 mg of ibuprofen together every 6 hours was permitted as needed for pain relief.

The patients' perceptions of pain control was captured by patient global assessment (PGA). The mean duration of treatment with JOURNAVX was 9.6 days. The majority of patients were female (68%), and the median age was 43 years (range: 18 to 78). In Trial 3, a total of 222 (87%) patients received JOURNAVX for post-surgical pain; orthopedic surgery was the most common (e.g., ligament operation, arthrodesis), followed by plastic surgery (e.g., liposuction, mammoplasty), otorhinolaryngologic surgery (e.g., nasal septal operation, turbinoplasty), and general and urologic surgery (e.g., inguinal hernia repair). Thirty-four (13%) patients received JOURNAVX for non-surgical pain (e.g., arthralgias, limb pain, and sprains/strains). The proportion of patients who discontinued study drug prematurely was 2% due to adverse events (arrhythmia, nausea, somnolence, rash ) and 1.6% due to lack of efficacy. The safety profile of JOURNAVX in Trial 3 was consistent with that observed in Trials 1 and 2.

Warnings & Cautions for Journavx

Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions with

Concomitant Use with Strong or Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors Strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors increase suzetrigine and M6-SUZ (active metabolite) exposures which may cause JOURNAVX adverse reactions. Concomitant use of JOURNAVX with strong CYP3A inhibitors is contraindicated . Reduce the JOURNAVX dosage with moderate CYP3A inhibitors .

Risk of Drug Interactions with Certain

CYP3A Substrates Suzetrigine is an inducer of CYP3A. If JOURNAVX is used concomitantly with sensitive CYP3A substrates or CYP3A substrates where minimal concentration changes may lead to loss of efficacy, refer to the Prescribing Information for the CYP3A substrates for dosing instructions. Dosage adjustment of the concomitant CYP3A substrates may be required when initiating or discontinuing JOURNAVX.

Risk of Drug Interactions with Certain Hormonal Contraceptives

JOURNAVX-treated patients taking concomitant hormonal contraceptives containing progestins other than levonorgestrel and norethindrone should use additional nonhormonal contraceptives (such as condoms) or use alternative contraceptives (e.g., a combined oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol as the estrogen and levonorgestrel or norethindrone as the progestin, an intrauterine system) during JOURNAVX treatment and for 28 days after discontinuation of JOURNAVX.

Risk of Adverse Reactions in Patients with Moderate and Severe Hepatic Impairment

Patients with moderate hepatic impairment have higher systemic exposures of suzetrigine and M6-SUZ (active metabolite) than those with normal hepatic function which may increase the risk of JOURNAVX related adverse reactions . Avoid use of JOURNAVX in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C). The recommended JOURNAVX dosage is lower in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B) than those with normal hepatic function.

Drug Interactions with Journavx

Effect of Other Drugs on

JOURNAVX Table 3 describes drug interactions where concomitant use of another drug affects the use of JOURNAVX. Table 3: Drug Interactions: Concomitant Use of Other Drugs that Affect the Use of JOURNAVX Strong and Moderate Food or drink containing grapefruit should be avoided during treatment with JOURNAVX. CYP3A Inhibitors Prevention or Management Strong CYP3A inhibitors: Concomitant use of JOURNAVX with strong CYP3A inhibitors is contraindicated . Moderate CYP3A inhibitors: Reduce the JOURNAVX dosage . Mechanism and Clinical Effect(s) Suzetrigine and M6-SUZ are CYP3A substrates. Strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors increase suzetrigine and M6-SUZ (active metabolite of suzetrigine) exposures, which may cause JOURNAVX adverse reactions. Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inducers Prevention or Management Avoid concomitant use of JOURNAVX with strong and moderate CYP3A inducers.

Mechanism and Clinical Effect(s) Suzetrigine and M6-SUZ are CYP3A substrates. Concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A inducers results in reduced exposures of suzetrigine and M6-SUZ, which may result in reduced JOURNAVX efficacy .

Effect of

JOURNAVX on Other Drugs CYP3A Substrates If JOURNAVX is used concomitantly with sensitive CYP3A substrates or CYP3A substrates where minimal concentration changes may lead to loss of efficacy, refer to the Prescribing Information for the CYP3A substrates for dosing instructions. Dosage modification of the concomitant CYP3A substrates may be required when initiating or discontinuing JOURNAVX . Suzetrigine is an inducer of CYP3A. Concomitant use with JOURNAVX may reduce the exposure of sensitive CYP3A substrates which may decrease the efficacy of these substrates. Discontinuation of JOURNAVX may increase the exposure of sensitive CYP3A substrates . Hormonal Contraceptives JOURNAVX-treated patients using hormonal contraceptives containing progestins other than levonorgestrel and norethindrone should use additional nonhormonal contraceptives (such as condoms), or use alternative contraceptives (such as a combined oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol as the estrogen and levonorgestrel or norethindrone as the progestin, or an intrauterine system) during treatment with JOURNAVX and for 28 days after discontinuation of JOURNAVX . JOURNAVX did not result in clinically significant changes in the pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel when used concomitantly with an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel .

Pregnancy Safety for Journavx

Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on the use of JOURNAVX during pregnancy to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies in rats, effects on implantation and maintenance of pregnancy occurred at oral suzetrigine doses of ≥ 2.2-times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) when administered during early embryonic development or throughout organogenesis. In a pre- and postnatal development study, reduced mean gestation length and increased postnatal pup mortality were observed at maternal rat exposures of 1.6-times the MRHD and decreased rat pup body weights were observed during the period of birth to weaning at maternal exposures of 2.2-times the MRHD. No malformations were observed when suzetrigine was administered orally to rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 2.2- and 5.9-times, respectively, the MRHD. The clinical relevance of these findings is unclear.

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in patients with moderate to severe acute pain is 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 Suzetrigine was administered orally to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day (approximately 1.6-, 3.1-, and 5.9-times, respectively, the steady state MRHD exposure based on AUC). Increased post-implantation loss and lower fetal body weight were observed at 200 mg/kg/day, which is a dose that also caused maternal toxicity. No adverse embryofetal effects were observed at doses up to 100 mg/kg. Suzetrigine was administered orally to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.57-, 1.6-, and 2.2-times, respectively, the steady state MRHD exposure based on AUC). Increased post-implantation loss and lower number of live fetuses were observed at 15 mg/kg/day.

No adverse embryofetal effects were observed at doses up to 10 mg/kg. Placental transfer of suzetrigine was observed in pregnant rats. In a pre- and postnatal development study, suzetrigine was administered orally to pregnant rats at doses of 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.57-, 1.6-, and 2.2-times, respectively, the steady state MRHD exposure based on AUC) from Gestation Day 6 through Lactation Day 20. Reduced mean gestation length and increased postnatal pup mortality between birth and Postnatal Day 4 were observed at ≥ 10 mg/kg and increased incidences of fully resorbed litters, lower live newborn pups, and reductions in pup body weights were observed at 15 mg/kg.

No effects on learning and memory or sexual maturation were observed at dose up to 15 mg/kg/day. The effects on implantation, maintenance of pregnancy, reduced mean gestation length, and increased postnatal pup mortality in rats are of uncertain relevance to humans.

Pediatric Use of Journavx

Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of JOURNAVX has not been established in pediatric patients.

Contraindications for Journavx

Concomitant use of JOURNAVX with strong CYP3A inhibitors is contraindicated . Concomitant use with strong CYP3A inhibitors is contraindicated.

Overdosage Information for Journavx

No specific antidote is available for overdose with JOURNAVX. Treatment of overdose consists of general supportive measures including monitoring of vital signs and observation of the clinical status of the patient. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.

Clinical Studies of Journavx

Overview of Clinical Studies

The efficacy of JOURNAVX in the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain in adults was established in two randomized, double-blind, placebo and active-controlled trials of acute pain, one following full abdominoplasty (Trial 1) and the other following bunionectomy (Trial 2) . In each trial, pain intensity was measured using a patient-reported 11-point numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), ranging from 0 to 10, where zero corresponds to no pain and 10 corresponds to the worst pain imaginable. Patients were eligible for study participation if they had moderate to severe pain on the verbal categorical rating system (VRS) and a pain score of ≥ 4 on the NPRS, within 4 hours of the abdominoplasty completion (Trial 1) or during the 9-hour period after discontinuation of regional anesthesia following bunionectomy (Trial 2). Once eligible, patients were randomized to receive oral JOURNAVX, placebo, or hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen (HB/APAP) for a duration of 48 hours. For the JOURNAVX treatment regimen, patients received an initial loading dose of 100 mg JOURNAVX, followed by 50 mg every 12 hours.

For the HB/APAP-control regimen, patients received 5 mg/325 mg every 6 hours. For both studies, 400 mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours, as needed for pain relief, was permitted as a rescue medication.

Moderate to Severe Acute Pain Following Full Abdominoplasty Trial 1 evaluated the

efficacy of JOURNAVX over 48 hours in 1,118 adult patients with moderate to severe acute pain following a full abdominoplasty procedure (JOURNAVX n = 447, placebo n = 223, and hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen (HB/APAP) n = 448). The majority of patients were female (98%), and the mean age was 42 years (range: 18 to 69). The study population consisted of 70% White participants, 27% Black or African American participants, 1% Asian participants, 0.8% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander participants, 0.5% American Indian or Alaska Native participants, and 0.9% Other or Multiracial participants, among which 34% identified as Hispanic or Latino. The mean pain score at baseline was 7.4 (range: 4 to 10). All baseline characteristics, including NPRS, VRS, and BMI were generally balanced across treatment arms. In Trial 1, 89% of patients in the JOURNAVX group completed the treatment period (compared to 75% of patients in the placebo group and 85% of patients in the HB/APAP group), and 9% of patients in the JOURNAVX group discontinued due to lack of efficacy (compared to 22% of patients in the placebo group and 13% of patients in the HB/APAP group). Efficacy was evaluated by the time-weighted sum of the pain intensity difference from 0 to 48 hours (SPID48) in the JOURNAVX group compared to the placebo group and then to the HB/APAP group.

Treatment with JOURNAVX demonstrated statistically significant superior reduction in pain compared to treatment with placebo (see Table 5 ). In an exploratory analysis, the time-weighted sum of the pain intensity difference from 0 to 24 hours (SPID24) reported using the least square mean was 48.0 for the JOURNAVX group and 24.2 for the placebo group. The mean pain intensities over time are depicted for the JOURNAVX, placebo, and HB/APAP groups in Figure 1. Table 5: SPID48 Results in Adults with Moderate to Severe Acute Pain Following Full Abdominoplasty (Trial 1) Efficacy Measure JOURNAVX N = 447 Placebo N = 223 HB/APAP HB/APAP = hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen N = 448 LS: Least Squares; CI: Confidence Interval LS mean A larger value of LS mean indicates better efficacy measured by SPID48. 118.4 70.1

LS Mean Difference vs placebo (95% CI) P value 48.4 < 0.0001

- - LS Mean Difference vs HB/APAP (95% CI) 6.6 (-5.4, 18.7) - - Figure 1: Mean Pain Intensity Over Time in Adults with Moderate to Severe Acute Pain Following Full Abdominoplasty (Trial 1) Note: Pre-rescue pain scores were carried forward for 6 hours following the use of rescue medication. HB/APAP = hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen Figure 1 Time to Onset of Pain Relief The median time to meaningful pain relief (defined as a ≥ 2-point reduction in NPRS) was 119 minutes for patients in the JOURNAVX group and 480 minutes for patients in the placebo group. The median time to onset of perceptible pain relief (defined as a ≥ 1-point reduction in NPRS) for patients in the JOURNAVX group was 34 minutes.

Moderate to Severe Acute Pain Following Bunionectomy Trial 2 evaluated the efficacy

of JOURNAVX over 48 hours in 1,073 adult patients with moderate to severe acute pain following bunionectomy (JOURNAVX n = 426, placebo n = 216, and HB/APAP n = 431). The majority of patients were female (85%), and the mean age was 48 years (range: 18 to 75). The study population consisted of 71% White participants, 24% Black or African American participants, 2% Asian participants, 0.2% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander participants, 1% American Indian or Alaska Native participants, and 1% Other or Multiracial participants, and 0.3% with race missing, among which 34% identified as Hispanic or Latino. The mean pain score at baseline was 6.8 (range: 4 to 10). All baseline characteristics, including NPRS, VRS, and BMI were generally balanced across treatment arms. In Trial 2, 87% of patients in the JOURNAVX group completed the treatment period (compared to 82% of patients in the placebo group and 90% of patients in the HB/APAP group), and 12% of patients in the JOURNAVX group discontinued due to lack of efficacy (compared to 16% of patients in the placebo group and 8% of patients in the HB/APAP group). Efficacy was evaluated by the time-weighted sum of the pain intensity difference from 0 to 48 hours (SPID48) in the JOURNAVX group compared to the placebo group and then to the HB/APAP group.

Treatment with JOURNAVX demonstrated statistically significant superior reduction in pain compared to treatment with placebo (see Table 6 ). In an exploratory analysis, the time-weighted sum of the pain intensity difference from 0 to 24 hours (SPID24) reported using the least square mean was 30.6 in the JOURNAVX group and 19.8 in the placebo group. The mean pain intensities over time are depicted for the JOURNAVX, placebo, and HB/APAP groups in Figure 2. Table 6: SPID48 Results in Adults with Moderate to Severe Acute Pain Following Bunionectomy (Trial 2) Efficacy Measure JOURNAVX N = 426 Placebo N = 216 HB/APAP HB/APAP = hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen N = 431 LS: Least Squares; CI: Confidence Interval LS mean A larger value of LS mean indicates better efficacy measured by SPID48. 99.9 70.6

LS Mean Difference vs placebo (95% CI) P value 29.3 0.0002 -

- LS Mean Difference vs HB/APAP (95% CI) -20.2 (-32.7, -7.7) - - Figure 2: Mean Pain Intensity Over Time in Adults with Moderate to Severe Acute Pain Following Bunionectomy (Trial 2) Note: Pre-rescue pain scores were carried forward for 6 hours following the use of rescue medication. HB/APAP = hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen Figure 2 Time to Onset of Pain Relief The median time to meaningful pain relief (defined as ≥ 2-point reduction in NPRS) was 240 minutes for patients in the JOURNAVX group and 480 minutes in the placebo group. The median time to onset of perceptible pain relief (defined as a ≥ 1-point reduction in NPRS) for patients in the JOURNAVX group was 60 minutes.

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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