Zepatier Drug Information
Generic name: ELBASVIR AND GRAZOPREVIR
Hepatitis C Virus NS5A Inhibitor [EPC] Hepatitis C Virus NS3/4A Protease Inhibitor [EPC]
Uses of Zepatier
® is indicated for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 or 4 infection in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older or weighing at least 30 kg. ZEPATIER is indicated for use with ribavirin in certain patient populations . ZEPATIER is a fixed-dose combination product containing elbasvir, a hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A inhibitor, and grazoprevir, an HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor, and is indicated for treatment of chronic HCV genotype 1 or 4 infection in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older or weighing at least 30 kg. ZEPATIER is indicated for use with ribavirin in certain patient populations.
Dosage & Administration of Zepatier
| Genotype 1a: Treatment-naïve or PegIFN/RBV-experienced | ZEPATIER |
|---|---|
| Genotype 1a: Treatment-naïve or PegIFN/RBV-experienced | ZEPATIER + ribavirin |
| Genotype 1b: Treatment-naïve or PegIFN/RBV-experienced | ZEPATIER |
| Genotype 1a or 1b: PegIFN/RBV/PI-experienced | ZEPATIER + ribavirin |
| Genotype 4: Treatment-naïve | ZEPATIER |
| Genotype 4: PegIFN/RBV-experienced | ZEPATIER + ribavirin |
Side Effects of Zepatier
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. If ZEPATIER is administered with ribavirin, refer to the prescribing information for ribavirin for a description of ribavirin-associated adverse reactions. Clinical Trials in Adult Subjects The safety of ZEPATIER in adult subjects was assessed based on 2 placebo-controlled trials and 7 uncontrolled Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials in approximately 1700 subjects with chronic hepatitis C virus infection with compensated liver disease (with or without cirrhosis) . Adverse Reactions with ZEPATIER in Treatment-Naïve Subjects C-EDGE TN was a Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 421 treatment-naïve (TN) subjects with HCV infection who received ZEPATIER or placebo one tablet once daily for 12 weeks.
Adverse reactions (all intensity) occurring in C-EDGE TN in at least 5% of subjects treated with ZEPATIER for 12 weeks are presented in Table 3. In subjects treated with ZEPATIER who reported an adverse reaction, 73% had adverse reactions of mild severity. The type and severity of adverse reactions in subjects with compensated cirrhosis were comparable to those seen in subjects without cirrhosis. No subjects treated with ZEPATIER or placebo had serious adverse reactions.
The proportion of subjects treated with ZEPATIER or placebo who permanently discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions was 1% in each group. Table 3: Adverse Reactions (All Intensity) Reported in ≥5% of Treatment-Naïve Subjects with HCV Treated with ZEPATIER for 12 Weeks in C-EDGE TN C-EDGE TN ZEPATIER N=316 % 12 weeks Placebo N=105 % 12 weeks Fatigue 11% 10% Headache 10% 9% C-EDGE COINFECTION was a Phase 3 open-label trial in 218 treatment-naïve HCV/HIV co-infected subjects who received ZEPATIER one tablet once daily for 12 weeks. Adverse reactions (all intensity) reported in C-EDGE COINFECTION in at least 5% of subjects treated with ZEPATIER for 12 weeks were fatigue (7%), headache (7%), nausea (5%), insomnia (5%), and diarrhea (5%). No subjects reported serious adverse reactions or discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions.
No subjects switched their antiretroviral therapy regimen due to loss of plasma HIV-1 RNA suppression. Median increase in CD4+ T-cell counts of 31 cells per mm 3 was observed at the end of 12 weeks of treatment. Adverse Reactions with ZEPATIER with or without Ribavirin in Treatment-Experienced Subjects C-EDGE TE was a Phase 3 randomized, open-label trial in treatment-experienced (TE) subjects.
Adverse reactions of moderate or severe intensity reported in C-EDGE TE in at least 2% of subjects treated with ZEPATIER one tablet once daily for 12 weeks or ZEPATIER one tablet once daily with ribavirin for 16 weeks are presented in Table 4. No subjects treated with ZEPATIER without ribavirin for 12 weeks reported serious adverse reactions or discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions. The proportion of subjects treated with ZEPATIER with ribavirin for 16 weeks with serious adverse reactions was 1%. The proportion of subjects treated with ZEPATIER with ribavirin for 16 weeks who permanently discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions was 3%. The type and severity of adverse reactions in subjects with cirrhosis were comparable to those seen in subjects without cirrhosis. Table 4: Adverse Reactions (Moderate or Severe Intensity) Reported in ≥2% of PegIFN/RBV-Experienced Subjects with HCV Treated with ZEPATIER for 12 Weeks or ZEPATIER + Ribavirin for 16 Weeks in C-EDGE TE C-EDGE TE ZEPATIER N=105 % 12 weeks ZEPATIER + Ribavirin N=106 % 16 weeks Anemia 0% 8% Headache 0% 6% Fatigue 5% 4% Dyspnea 0% 4% Rash or Pruritus 0% 4% Irritability 1% 3% Abdominal pain 2% 2% Depression 1% 2% Arthralgia 0% 2% Diarrhea 2% 0% The type and severity of adverse reactions with ZEPATIER with or without ribavirin in 10 treatment-experienced subjects with HCV/HIV co-infection were comparable to those reported in subjects without HIV co-infection.
Median increase in CD4+ T-cell counts of 32 cells/mm 3 was observed at the end of 12 weeks of treatment with ZEPATIER alone. In subjects treated with ZEPATIER with ribavirin for 16 weeks, CD4+ T-cell counts decreased a median of 135 cells per mm 3 at the end of treatment. No subjects switched their antiretroviral therapy regimen due to loss of plasma HIV-1 RNA suppression.
No subject experienced an AIDS-related opportunistic infection. C-SALVAGE was a Phase 2 open-label trial in 79 PegIFN/RBV/PI-experienced subjects. Adverse reactions of moderate or severe intensity reported in C-SALVAGE in at least 2% of subjects treated with ZEPATIER once daily with ribavirin for 12 weeks were fatigue (3%) and insomnia (3%). No subjects reported serious adverse reactions or discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions.
Adverse Reactions with ZEPATIER in Subjects with Severe Renal Impairment including Subjects on Hemodialysis The safety of elbasvir and grazoprevir in comparison to placebo in subjects with severe renal impairment (Stage 4 or Stage 5 chronic kidney disease, including subjects on hemodialysis) and chronic hepatitis C virus infection with compensated liver disease (with or without cirrhosis) was assessed in 235 subjects (C-SURFER) . The adverse reactions (all intensity) occurring in at least 5% of subjects treated with ZEPATIER for 12 weeks are presented in Table 5. In subjects treated with ZEPATIER who reported an adverse reaction, 76% had adverse reactions of mild severity. The proportion of subjects treated with ZEPATIER or placebo with serious adverse reactions was less than 1% in each treatment arm, and less than 1% and 3% of subjects, respectively, permanently discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions in each treatment arm. Table 5: Adverse Reactions (All Intensity) Reported in ≥5% of Treatment-Naïve or PegIFN/RBV-Experienced Subjects with Stage 4 or 5 Chronic Kidney Disease and HCV Treated with ZEPATIER for 12 Weeks in C-SURFER ZEPATIER N=122 % 12 weeks Placebo N=113 % 12 weeks Nausea 11% 8% Headache 11% 5% Fatigue 5% 8% Laboratory Abnormalities in Subjects Receiving ZEPATIER with or without Ribavirin Serum ALT Elevations During clinical trials with ZEPATIER with or without ribavirin, regardless of treatment duration, 1% (12/1599) of subjects experienced elevations of ALT from normal levels to greater than 5 times the ULN, generally at or after treatment week 8 (mean onset time 10 weeks, range 6-12 weeks). These late ALT elevations were typically asymptomatic.
Most late ALT elevations resolved with ongoing therapy with ZEPATIER or after completion of therapy . The frequency of late ALT elevations was higher in subjects with higher grazoprevir plasma concentrations . The incidence of late ALT elevations was not affected by treatment duration. Cirrhosis was not a risk factor for late ALT elevations. Serum Bilirubin Elevations During clinical trials with ZEPATIER with or without ribavirin, regardless of treatment duration, elevations in bilirubin at greater than 2.5 times ULN were observed in 6% of subjects receiving ZEPATIER with ribavirin compared to less than 1% in those receiving ZEPATIER alone.
These bilirubin increases were predominately indirect and generally observed in association with ribavirin co-administration. Bilirubin elevations were typically not associated with serum ALT elevations. Decreased Hemoglobin During clinical trials with ZEPATIER with or without ribavirin, the mean change from baseline in hemoglobin levels in subjects treated with ZEPATIER for 12 weeks was –0.3 g per dL and with ZEPATIER with ribavirin for 16 weeks was approximately –2.2 g per dL. Hemoglobin declined during the first 8 weeks of treatment, remained low during the remainder of treatment, and normalized to baseline levels during follow-up.
Less than 1% of subjects treated with ZEPATIER with ribavirin had hemoglobin levels decrease to less than 8.5 g per dL during treatment. No subjects treated with ZEPATIER alone had a hemoglobin level less than 8.5 g per dL. Clinical Trial in Pediatric Subjects Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Subjects 12 Years of Age and Older The safety of ZEPATIER was assessed in pediatric subjects 12 years of age and older based on data from 22 subjects, without cirrhosis, who were treated with ZEPATIER for 12 weeks in a Phase 2b, open-label clinical trial (MK-5172-079). The adverse reactions observed were consistent with those observed in clinical trials of ZEPATIER in adults . The adverse drug reactions observed in greater than or equal to 5% of subjects receiving ZEPATIER were headache (14%) and nausea (9%).
Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of ZEPATIER. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Angioedema Hepatobiliary Disorders Hepatic decompensation, hepatic failure
Warnings & Cautions for Zepatier
Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Patients Coinfected with
HCV and HBV Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation has been reported in HCV/HBV coinfected patients who were undergoing or had completed treatment with HCV direct acting antivirals, and who were not receiving HBV antiviral therapy. Some cases have resulted in fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure and death. Cases have been reported in patients who are HBsAg positive and also in patients with serologic evidence of resolved HBV infection (i.e., HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive). HBV reactivation has also been reported in patients receiving certain immunosuppressant or chemotherapeutic agents; the risk of HBV reactivation associated with treatment with HCV direct-acting antivirals may be increased in these patients.
HBV reactivation is characterized as an abrupt increase in HBV replication manifesting as a rapid increase in serum HBV DNA level. In patients with resolved HBV infection reappearance of HBsAg can occur. Reactivation of HBV replication may be accompanied by hepatitis, i.e., increases in aminotransferase levels and, in severe cases, increases in bilirubin levels, liver failure, and death can occur.
Test all patients for evidence of current or prior HBV infection by measuring HBsAg and anti-HBc before initiating HCV treatment with ZEPATIER. In patients with serologic evidence of HBV infection, monitor for clinical and laboratory signs of hepatitis flare or HBV reactivation during HCV treatment with ZEPATIER and during post-treatment follow-up. Initiate appropriate patient management for HBV infection as clinically indicated.
Increased Risk of
ALT Elevations During clinical trials with ZEPATIER with or without ribavirin, 1% of subjects experienced elevations of ALT from normal levels to greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), generally at or after treatment week 8. ALT elevations were typically asymptomatic and most resolved with ongoing or completion of therapy. Higher rates of late ALT elevations occurred in the following subpopulations: female sex (2% ), Asian race (2% ), and age 65 years or older (2% ) . Hepatic laboratory testing should be performed prior to therapy, at treatment week 8, and as clinically indicated. For patients receiving 16 weeks of therapy, additional hepatic laboratory testing should be performed at treatment week 12. Patients should be instructed to consult their healthcare professional without delay if they have onset of fatigue, weakness, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting, jaundice, or discolored feces.
Consider discontinuing ZEPATIER if ALT levels remain persistently greater than 10 times the ULN. Discontinue ZEPATIER if ALT elevation is accompanied by signs or symptoms of liver inflammation or increasing conjugated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, or International Normalized Ratio (INR).
Risk of Hepatic Decompensation/Failure in Patients with Evidence of Advanced Liver Disease
Postmarketing cases of hepatic decompensation/failure, including those with fatal outcomes, have been reported in patients treated with HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor-containing regimens, including ZEPATIER. Reported cases occurred in patients treated with HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor-containing regimens with baseline cirrhosis with and without moderate or severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh B or C) as well as some patients without cirrhosis. Because these events are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Hepatic laboratory testing should be performed in all patients.
In patients with compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A) or evidence of advanced liver disease, such as portal hypertension, more frequent hepatic laboratory testing may be warranted; and patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of hepatic decompensation such as the presence of jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and variceal hemorrhage. Discontinue ZEPATIER in patients who develop evidence of hepatic decompensation/failure. ZEPATIER is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C) or those with any history of prior hepatic decompensation .
Risks Associated with Ribavirin Combination Treatment
If ZEPATIER is administered with ribavirin, the warnings and precautions for ribavirin, including the pregnancy avoidance warning, also apply to this combination regimen. Refer to the ribavirin prescribing information for a full list of warnings and precautions for ribavirin .
Risk of Adverse Reactions or Reduced Therapeutic Effect Due to Drug Interactions
The concomitant use of ZEPATIER and certain drugs may result in known or potentially significant drug interactions, some of which may lead to: Possible clinically significant adverse reactions from greater exposure of concomitant drugs or components of ZEPATIER. Significant decrease of elbasvir and grazoprevir plasma concentrations which may lead to reduced therapeutic effect of ZEPATIER and possible development of resistance. See Tables 2 and 6 for steps to prevent or manage these known or potentially significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations .
Drug Interactions with Zepatier
Potential for Drug Interactions Grazoprevir is a substrate of
OATP1B1/3 transporters. Co-administration of ZEPATIER with OATP1B1/3 inhibitors that are known or expected to significantly increase grazoprevir plasma concentrations is contraindicated . Elbasvir and grazoprevir are substrates of CYP3A and P-gp, but the role of intestinal P-gp in the absorption of elbasvir and grazoprevir appears to be minimal. Co-administration of moderate or strong inducers of CYP3A with ZEPATIER may decrease elbasvir and grazoprevir plasma concentrations, leading to reduced therapeutic effect of ZEPATIER. Co-administration of ZEPATIER with strong CYP3A inducers or efavirenz is contraindicated.
Co-administration of ZEPATIER with moderate CYP3A inducers is not recommended. Co-administration of ZEPATIER with strong CYP3A inhibitors may increase elbasvir and grazoprevir concentrations. Co-administration of ZEPATIER with certain strong CYP3A inhibitors is not recommended .
Established and other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions
If dose adjustments of concomitant medications are made due to treatment with ZEPATIER, doses should be readjusted after administration of ZEPATIER is completed. Clearance of HCV infection with direct-acting antivirals may lead to changes in hepatic function, which may impact the safe and effective use of concomitant medications. For example, altered blood glucose control resulting in serious symptomatic hypoglycemia has been reported in diabetic patients in postmarketing case reports and published epidemiological studies.
Management of hypoglycemia in these cases required either discontinuation or dose modification of concomitant medications used for diabetes treatment. Frequent monitoring of relevant laboratory parameters (e.g., International Normalized Ratio in patients taking warfarin, blood glucose levels in diabetic patients) or drug concentrations of concomitant medications such as CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., certain immunosuppressants) is recommended to ensure safe and effective use. Dose adjustments of concomitant medications may be necessary.
Table 6 provides a listing of established or potentially clinically significant drug interactions. The drug interactions described are based on studies conducted with either ZEPATIER, the components of ZEPATIER (elbasvir and grazoprevir ) as individual agents, or are predicted drug interactions that may occur with ZEPATIER . Table 6: Potentially Significant Drug Interactions: Alteration in Dose May Be Recommended Based on Results from Drug Interaction Studies or Predicted Interactions This table is not all inclusive. Concomitant Drug Class: Drug Name Effect on Concentration ↓ = decrease, ↑ = increase Clinical Comment Antibiotics : Nafcillin ↓ EBR ↓ GZR Co-administration of ZEPATIER with nafcillin may lead to reduced therapeutic effect of ZEPATIER. Co-administration is not recommended.
Antifungals: oral Ketoconazole These interactions have been studied in healthy adults. ↑ EBR ↑ GZR Co-administration of oral ketoconazole is not recommended. Endothelin Antagonists: Bosentan ↓ EBR ↓ GZR Co-administration of ZEPATIER with bosentan may lead to reduced therapeutic effect of ZEPATIER. Co-administration is not recommended. Immunosuppressants: Tacrolimus ↑ tacrolimus Frequent monitoring of tacrolimus whole blood concentrations, changes in renal function, and tacrolimus-associated adverse events upon the initiation of co-administration is recommended.
HIV Medications: Etravirine ↓ EBR ↓ GZR Co-administration of ZEPATIER with etravirine may lead to reduced therapeutic effect of ZEPATIER. Co-administration is not recommended. Elvitegravir/ cobicistat/ emtricitabine/ tenofovir (disoproxil fumarate or alafenamide) ↑ EBR ↑ GZR Co-administration of cobicistat-containing regimens is not recommended. HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors See Drug Interactions for a list of HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors without clinically relevant interactions with ZEPATIER. : Atorvastatin ↑ atorvastatin The dose of atorvastatin should not exceed a daily dose of 20 mg when co-administered with ZEPATIER. Rosuvastatin ↑ rosuvastatin The dose of rosuvastatin should not exceed a daily dose of 10 mg when co-administered with ZEPATIER. Fluvastatin Lovastatin Simvastatin ↑ fluvastatin ↑ lovastatin ↑ simvastatin Statin-associated adverse events such as myopathy should be closely monitored.
The lowest necessary dose should be used when co-administered with ZEPATIER. Wakefulness-Promoting Agents: Modafinil ↓ EBR ↓ GZR Co-administration of ZEPATIER with modafinil may lead to reduced therapeutic effect of ZEPATIER. Co-administration is not recommended.
Drugs without Clinically Significant Interactions with
ZEPATIER The interaction between the components of ZEPATIER (elbasvir or grazoprevir) or ZEPATIER and the following drugs were evaluated in clinical studies, and no dose adjustments are needed when ZEPATIER is used with the following drugs individually: acid reducing agents (proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, antacids), buprenorphine/naloxone, digoxin, dolutegravir, methadone, mycophenolate mofetil, oral contraceptive pills, phosphate binders, pitavastatin, pravastatin, prednisone, raltegravir, ribavirin, rilpivirine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and sofosbuvir . No clinically relevant drug-drug interaction is expected when ZEPATIER is co-administered with abacavir, emtricitabine, entecavir, and lamivudine.
Pregnancy Safety for Zepatier
Pregnancy Risk Summary No adequate human data are available to establish whether or not ZEPATIER poses a risk to pregnancy outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, no evidence of adverse developmental outcomes was observed with the components of ZEPATIER (elbasvir or grazoprevir) at exposures greater than those in humans at the recommended human dose (RHD) (see Data ). During organogenesis in the rat and rabbit, systemic exposures (AUC) were approximately 10 and 18 times (for elbasvir) and 117 and 41 times (for grazoprevir), respectively, the exposure in humans at the RHD. In rat pre/postnatal developmental studies, maternal systemic exposures (AUC) to elbasvir and grazoprevir were approximately 10 and 78 times, respectively, the exposure in humans at the RHD. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
If ZEPATIER is administered with ribavirin, the combination regimen is contraindicated in pregnant women and in men whose female partners are pregnant. Refer to the ribavirin prescribing information for more information on use in pregnancy. Data Animal Data Elbasvir: Elbasvir was administered orally at up to 1000 mg/kg/day to pregnant rats and rabbits on gestation days 6 to 20 and 7 to 20, respectively, and also to rats on gestation day 6 to lactation/post-partum day 20. No effects on embryo-fetal (rats and rabbits) or pre/postnatal (rats) development were observed at up to the highest dose tested.
Systemic exposures (AUC) to elbasvir were approximately 10 (rats) and 18 (rabbits) times the exposure in humans at the RHD. In both species, elbasvir has been shown to cross the placenta, with fetal plasma concentrations of up to 0.8% (rabbits) and 2.2% (rats) that of maternal concentrations observed on gestation day 20. Grazoprevir: Grazoprevir was administered to pregnant rats (oral doses up to 400 mg/kg/day) and rabbits (intravenous doses up to 100 mg/kg/day) on gestation days 6 to 20 and 7 to 20, respectively, and also to rats (oral doses up to 400 mg/kg/day) on gestation day 6 to lactation/post-partum day 20. No effects on embryo-fetal (rats and rabbits) or pre/postnatal (rats) development were observed at up to the highest dose tested. Systemic exposures (AUC) to grazoprevir were ≥78 (rats) and 41 (rabbits) times the exposure in humans at the RHD. In both species, grazoprevir has been shown to cross the placenta, with fetal plasma concentrations of up to 7% (rabbits) and 89% (rats) that of maternal concentrations observed on gestation day 20.
Pediatric Use of Zepatier
Pediatric Use The safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of ZEPATIER was evaluated in an open-label clinical trial (MK-5172-079), which included 22 subjects (n=21, genotype 1; n=1, genotype 4) 12 years of age and older who received ZEPATIER for 12 weeks. The safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy observed in this trial were comparable to those observed in adults . Safety and effectiveness of ZEPATIER have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 12 years of age who weigh less than 30 kg.
Contraindications for Zepatier
is contraindicated in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C) due to the expected significantly increased grazoprevir plasma concentration and the increased risk of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations . ZEPATIER is contraindicated in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C) or those with any history of hepatic decompensation due to the risk of hepatic decompensation . ZEPATIER is contraindicated with inhibitors of organic anion transporting polypeptides 1B1/3 (OATP1B1/3) that are known or expected to significantly increase grazoprevir plasma concentrations, strong inducers of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A), and efavirenz . If ZEPATIER is administered with ribavirin, the contraindications to ribavirin also apply to this combination regimen. Refer to the ribavirin prescribing information for a list of contraindications for ribavirin. Table 2 lists drugs that are contraindicated with ZEPATIER. Table 2: Drugs that are Contraindicated with ZEPATIER Drug Class Drug(s) within Class that are Contraindicated Clinical Comment This table is not a comprehensive list of all drugs that strongly induce CYP3A. This table may not include all OATP1B1/3 inhibitors that significantly increase grazoprevir plasma concentrations.
Anticonvulsants Phenytoin Carbamazepine May lead to loss of virologic response to ZEPATIER due to significant decreases in elbasvir and grazoprevir plasma concentrations caused by strong CYP3A induction. Antimycobacterials Rifampin May lead to loss of virologic response to ZEPATIER due to significant decreases in elbasvir and grazoprevir plasma concentrations caused by strong CYP3A induction. Herbal Products St.
John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) May lead to loss of virologic response to ZEPATIER due to significant decreases in elbasvir and grazoprevir plasma concentrations caused by strong CYP3A induction. HIV Medications Efavirenz Efavirenz is included as a strong CYP3A inducer in this table, since co-administration reduced grazoprevir exposure by ≥80% . May lead to loss of virologic response to ZEPATIER due to significant decreases in elbasvir and grazoprevir plasma concentrations caused by CYP3A induction. HIV Medications Atazanavir Darunavir Lopinavir Saquinavir Tipranavir May increase the risk of ALT elevations due to a significant increase in grazoprevir plasma concentrations caused by OATP1B1/3 inhibition.
Immunosuppressants Cyclosporine May increase the risk of ALT elevations due to a significant increase in grazoprevir plasma concentrations caused by OATP1B1/3 inhibition. Patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C). OATP1B1/3 inhibitors that are known or expected to significantly increase grazoprevir plasma concentrations, strong CYP3A inducers, and efavirenz. If ZEPATIER is administered with ribavirin, the contraindications to ribavirin also apply.
Overdosage Information for Zepatier
Human experience of overdose with ZEPATIER is limited. No specific antidote is available for overdose with ZEPATIER. In case of overdose, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for any signs or symptoms of adverse reactions and appropriate symptomatic treatment instituted. Hemodialysis does not remove elbasvir or grazoprevir since elbasvir and grazoprevir are highly bound to plasma protein .
Clinical Studies of Zepatier
Overview of Clinical Trials
The efficacy of ZEPATIER was assessed in 2 placebo-controlled trials and 4 uncontrolled Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials in 1401 subjects with genotype (GT) 1, 4, or 6 and in 1 clinical trial in 22 pediatric subjects with GT 1 or 4 chronic hepatitis C virus infection with compensated liver disease (with or without cirrhosis). An overview of the 6 trials (n=1373) contributing to the assessment of efficacy in genotype 1 or 4 is provided in Table 13. C-EDGE TN, C-EDGE COINFECTION, C-SCAPE, and C-EDGE TE also included subjects with genotype 6 HCV infection (n=28). Because ZEPATIER is not indicated for genotype 6 infection, results in patients with genotype 6 infection are not included in Clinical Studies. Table 13: Trials Conducted with ZEPATIER Trial Population Study Groups and Duration (Number of Subjects Treated) GT = Genotype TN = Treatment-Naïve TE = Treatment-Experienced (failed prior treatment with interferon or peginterferon alfa with or without ribavirin or were intolerant to prior therapy). C-EDGE TN (double-blind) GT 1, 4 TN with or without cirrhosis ZEPATIER for 12 weeks (N=306) Placebo for 12 weeks (N=102) C-EDGE COINFECTION (open-label) GT 1, 4 TN with or without cirrhosis HCV/HIV-1 co-infection ZEPATIER for 12 weeks (N=217) C-SURFER (double-blind) GT 1 TN or TE with or without cirrhosis Severe Renal Impairment including Hemodialysis EBR EBR = elbasvir 50 mg; GZR = grazoprevir 100 mg; EBR + GZR = co-administered as single agents. + GZR for 12 weeks (N=122) Placebo for 12 weeks (N=113) C-SCAPE (open-label) GT 4 TN without cirrhosis EBR + GZR for 12 weeks (N=10) EBR + GZR + RBV for 12 weeks (N=10) C-EDGE TE (open-label) GT 1, 4 TE with or without cirrhosis with or without HCV/HIV-1 co-infection ZEPATIER for 12 or 16 weeks (N=105 and 101, respectively) ZEPATIER + RBV for 12 or 16 weeks (N=104 and 104, respectively) C-SALVAGE (open-label) GT 1 TE with HCV protease inhibitor regimen Failed prior treatment with boceprevir, telaprevir, or simeprevir in combination with PegIFN + RBV. with or without cirrhosis EBR + GZR + RBV for 12 weeks (N=79) MK-5172-079 (open-label) GT 1, 4 TN or TE pediatric subjects ZEPATIER for 12 weeks (N=22; 12 years to less than 18 years) ZEPATIER was administered once daily by mouth in these trials. For subjects who received ribavirin (RBV), the RBV dosage was weight-based (less than 66 kg = 800 mg per day, 66 to 80 kg = 1000 mg per day, 81 to 105 kg = 1200 mg per day, greater than 105 kg = 1400 mg per day) administered by mouth in two divided doses with food.
Sustained virologic response (SVR) was the primary endpoint in all trials and was defined as HCV RNA less than lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) at 12 weeks after the cessation of treatment (SVR12). Serum HCV RNA values were measured during these clinical trials using the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS Taqman HCV test (version 2.0) with an LLOQ of 15 HCV RNA IU per mL, with the exception of C-SCAPE where the assay had an LLOQ of 25 HCV RNA IU per mL.
Clinical Trials in Treatment-Naïve Subjects with Genotype 1
HCV (C-EDGE TN and C-EDGE COINFECTION) The efficacy of ZEPATIER in treatment-naïve subjects with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C virus infection with or without cirrhosis was demonstrated in the C-EDGE TN and C-EDGE COINFECTION trials. C-EDGE TN was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in treatment-naïve subjects with genotype 1 or 4 infection with or without cirrhosis. Subjects were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to: ZEPATIER for 12 weeks (immediate treatment group) or placebo for 12 weeks followed by open-label treatment with ZEPATIER for 12 weeks (deferred treatment group). Among subjects with genotype 1 infection randomized to the immediate treatment group, the median age was 55 years (range: 20 to 78); 56% of the subjects were male; 61% were White; 20% were Black or African American; 8% were Hispanic or Latino; mean body mass index was 26 kg/m 2 ; 72% had baseline HCV RNA levels greater than 800,000 IU per mL; 24% had cirrhosis; 67% had non-C/C IL28B alleles (CT or TT); and 55% had genotype 1a and 45% had genotype 1b chronic HCV infection.
C-EDGE COINFECTION was an open-label, single-arm trial in treatment-naïve HCV/HIV-1 co-infected subjects with genotype 1 or 4 infection with or without cirrhosis. Subjects received ZEPATIER for 12 weeks. Among subjects with genotype 1 infection, the median age was 50 years (range: 21 to 71); 85% of the subjects were male; 75% were White; 19% were Black or African American; 6% were Hispanic or Latino; mean body mass index was 25 kg/m 2 ; 59% had baseline HCV RNA levels greater than 800,000 IU per mL; 16% had cirrhosis; 65% had non-C/C IL28B alleles (CT or TT); and 76% had genotype 1a, 23% had genotype 1b, and 1% had genotype 1-Other chronic HCV infection.
Table 14 presents treatment outcomes for ZEPATIER in treatment-naïve subjects with genotype 1 infection from C-EDGE TN (immediate treatment group) and C-EDGE COINFECTION. For treatment outcomes for ZEPATIER in genotype 4 infection, . Table 14: C-EDGE TN and C-EDGE COINFECTION: SVR12 in Treatment-Naïve Subjects with or without Cirrhosis with Genotype 1 HCV Treated with ZEPATIER for 12 Weeks Trial C-EDGE TN (Immediate Treatment Group) C-EDGE COINFECTION (HCV/HIV-1 Co-Infection) Regimen ZEPATIER 12 Weeks N=288 ZEPATIER 12 Weeks N=189 SVR in Genotype 1 95% (273/288) 95% (179/189) Outcome for subjects without SVR On-treatment Virologic Failure Includes subjects with virologic breakthrough. <1% (1/288) 0% (0/189) Relapse 3% (10/288) 3% (6/189) Other Other includes subjects who discontinued due to adverse event, lost to follow-up, or subject withdrawal. 1% (4/288) 2% (4/189) SVR by Genotype 1 Subtypes GT 1a For the impact of baseline NS5A polymorphisms on SVR12, . 92% (144/157) 94% (136/144) GT 1b Includes genotype 1 subtypes other than 1a or 1b. 98% (129/131) 96% (43/45) SVR by Cirrhosis status Non-cirrhotic 94% (207/220) 94% (148/158) Cirrhotic 97% (66/68) 100% (31/31)
Clinical Trials in Treatment-Experienced Subjects with Genotype 1
HCV Treatment-Experienced Subjects who Failed Prior PegIFN with RBV Therapy (C-EDGE TE) C-EDGE TE was a randomized, open-label comparative trial in subjects with genotype 1 or 4 infection, with or without cirrhosis, with or without HCV/HIV-1 co-infection, who had failed prior therapy with PegIFN + RBV therapy. Subjects were randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to one of the following treatment groups: ZEPATIER for 12 weeks, ZEPATIER + RBV for 12 weeks, ZEPATIER for 16 weeks, or ZEPATIER + RBV for 16 weeks. Among subjects with genotype 1 infection, the median age was 57 years (range: 19 to 77); 64% of the subjects were male; 67% were White; 18% were Black or African American; 9% were Hispanic or Latino; mean body mass index was 28 kg/m 2 ; 78% had baseline HCV RNA levels greater than 800,000 IU/mL; 34% had cirrhosis; 79% had non-C/C IL28B alleles (CT or TT); and 60% had genotype 1a, 39% had genotype 1b, and 1% had genotype 1-Other chronic HCV infection.
Treatment outcomes in genotype 1 subjects treated with ZEPATIER for 12 weeks or ZEPATIER with RBV for 16 weeks are presented in Table 15. Treatment outcomes with ZEPATIER with RBV for 12 weeks or without RBV for 16 weeks are not shown because these regimens are not recommended in PegIFN/RBV-experienced genotype 1 patients. For treatment outcomes for ZEPATIER in genotype 4 infection, . Table 15: C-EDGE TE: SVR12 in Treatment-Experienced Subjects who Failed Prior PegIFN with RBV with or without Cirrhosis, with or without HCV/HIV-1 Co-infection with Genotype 1 HCV Treated with ZEPATIER for 12 Weeks or ZEPATIER with Ribavirin for 16 Weeks Regimen ZEPATIER 12 weeks N=96 ZEPATIER + RBV 16 weeks N=96 SVR in Genotype 1 94% (90/96) 97% (93/96) Outcome for subjects without SVR On-treatment Virologic Failure Includes subjects with virologic breakthrough or rebound. 0% (0/96) 0% (0/96) Relapse 5% (5/96) 0% (0/96) Other Other includes subjects who discontinued due to adverse event, lost to follow-up, or subject withdrawal. 1% (1/96) 3% (3/96) SVR by Genotype 1 Subtypes GT 1a For the impact of baseline NS5A polymorphisms on SVR, . 90% (55/61) 95% (55/58) GT 1b Includes genotype 1 subtypes other than 1a or 1b. 100% (35/35) 100% (38/38) SVR by Cirrhosis status Non-cirrhotic 94% (61/65) 95% (61/64) Cirrhotic 94% (29/31) 100% (32/32) SVR by Response to Prior HCV Therapy On-treatment Virologic Failure Includes prior null responders and partial responders. 90% (57/63) 95% (58/61) Relapser 100% (33/33) 100% (35/35) Treatment-Experienced Subjects who Failed Prior PegIFN + RBV + HCV Protease Inhibitor Therapy (C-SALVAGE) C-SALVAGE was an open-label single-arm trial in subjects with genotype 1 infection, with or without cirrhosis, who had failed prior treatment with boceprevir, simeprevir, or telaprevir in combination with PegIFN + RBV. Subjects received EBR 50 mg once daily + GZR 100 mg once daily + RBV for 12 weeks. Subjects had a median age of 55 years (range: 23 to 75); 58% of the subjects were male; 97% were White; 3% were Black or African American; 15% were Hispanic or Latino; mean body mass index was 28 kg/m 2 ; 63% had baseline HCV RNA levels greater than 800,000 IU/mL; 43% had cirrhosis; and 97% had non-C/C IL28B alleles (CT or TT); 46% had baseline NS3 resistance-associated substitutions.
Overall SVR was achieved in 96% (76/79) of subjects receiving EBR + GZR + RBV for 12 weeks. Four percent (3/79) of subjects did not achieve SVR due to relapse. Treatment outcomes were consistent in genotype 1a and genotype 1b subjects, in subjects with different response to previous HCV therapy, and in subjects with or without cirrhosis.
Treatment outcomes were generally consistent in subjects with or without NS3 resistance-associated substitutions at baseline, although limited data are available for subjects with specific NS3 resistance-associated substitutions .
Clinical Trial in Subjects with Genotype 1
HCV and Severe Renal Impairment including Subjects on Hemodialysis (C-SURFER) C-SURFER was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in subjects with genotype 1 infection, with or without cirrhosis, with chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 4 (eGFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) or CKD Stage 5 (eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), including subjects on hemodialysis, who were treatment-naïve or who had failed prior therapy with IFN or PegIFN ± RBV therapy. Subjects were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of the following treatment groups: EBR 50 mg once daily + GZR 100 mg once daily for 12 weeks (immediate treatment group) or placebo for 12 weeks followed by open-label treatment with EBR + GZR for 12 weeks (deferred treatment group). In addition, 11 subjects received open-label EBR + GZR for 12 weeks (intensive pharmacokinetic group). Subjects randomized to the immediate treatment group and intensive PK group had a median age of 58 years (range: 31 to 76); 75% of the subjects were male; 50% were White; 45% were Black or African American; 11% were Hispanic or Latino; 57% had baseline HCV RNA levels greater than 800,000 IU/mL; 6% had cirrhosis; and 72% had non-C/C IL28B alleles (CT or TT). Treatment outcomes in subjects treated with ZEPATIER for 12 weeks in the pooled immediate treatment group and intensive PK group are presented in Table 16. Table 16: C-SURFER: SVR12 in Subjects with Severe Renal Impairment including Subjects on Hemodialysis who were Treatment-Naïve or had Failed Prior IFN or PegIFN ± RBV, with or without Cirrhosis, with Genotype 1 HCV Treated with ZEPATIER for 12 Weeks Regimen EBR + GZR 12 weeks (Immediate Treatment Group) N=122 Includes subjects (n=11) in the intensive PK group. Overall SVR 94% (115/122) SVR was achieved in 99% (115/116) of subjects in the pre-specified primary analysis population, which excluded subjects not receiving at least one dose of study treatment and those with missing data due to death or early study discontinuation for reasons unrelated to treatment response.
Outcome for subjects without SVR On-treatment Virologic Failure 0% (0/122) Relapse <1% (1/122) Other Other includes subjects who discontinued due to adverse event, lost to follow-up, or subject withdrawal. 5% (6/122) SVR by Genotype GT 1a 97% (61/63) GT 1b Includes genotype 1 subtypes other than 1a or 1b. 92% (54/59) SVR by Cirrhosis status No 95% (109/115) Yes 86% (6/7) SVR by Prior HCV Treatment Status Treatment-naïve 95% (96/101) Treatment-experienced 90% (19/21) SVR by Dialysis Status No 97% (29/30) Yes 93% (86/92) SVR by Chronic Kidney Disease Stage Stage 4 100% (22/22) Stage 5 93% (93/100)
Clinical Trials with Genotype 4
HCV The efficacy of ZEPATIER in subjects with genotype 4 chronic HCV infection was demonstrated in C-EDGE TN, C-EDGE COINFECTION, C-EDGE TE, and C-SCAPE. C-SCAPE was a randomized, open-label trial which included treatment-naïve subjects with genotype 4 infection without cirrhosis. Subjects were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to EBR 50 mg once daily + GZR 100 mg once daily for 12 weeks or EBR 50 mg once daily + GZR 100 mg once daily + RBV for 12 weeks. In these combined studies in subjects with genotype 4 infection, 64% were treatment-naïve; 66% of the subjects were male; 87% were White; 10% were Black or African American; 22% had cirrhosis; and 30% had HCV/HIV-1 co-infection.
In C-SCAPE, C-EDGE TN, and C-EDGE COINFECTION trials combined, a total of 66 genotype 4 treatment-naïve subjects received ZEPATIER or EBR + GZR for 12 weeks. In these combined trials, SVR12 among subjects treated with ZEPATIER or EBR + GZR for 12 weeks was 97% (64/66). In C-EDGE TE, a total of 37 genotype 4 treatment-experienced subjects received a 12- or 16-week ZEPATIER with or without RBV regimen. SVR12 among randomized subjects treated with ZEPATIER + RBV for 16 weeks was 100% (8/8).
Clinical Trial in Pediatric Subjects with Genotype 1 or 4 Chronic Hepatitis
C Infection The efficacy of ZEPATIER was evaluated in an open-label study (MK-5172-079, NCT03379506) that evaluated pediatric subjects 12 years to less than 18 years of age who received ZEPATIER for 12 weeks. HCV GT1a infected subjects with one or more baseline NS5A RAS were excluded from study participation. In the MK-5172-079 study, 22 treatment-naïve or treatment-experienced subjects 12 years to less than 18 years of age with genotype 1 (n=21) or 4 CHC (n=1), without cirrhosis, were treated with ZEPATIER for 12 weeks.
The median age was 13.5 years (range: 12 to 17); 50% were female; 95% were White; the weight range was 28.1 kg to 96.5 kg; 95.5% had genotype 1 and 4.5% had genotype 4; 64% were treatment-naïve, 36% were treatment-experienced; 46% had baseline HCV RNA levels greater than 800,000 IU/mL. The overall SVR12 rate was 100% (22/22).
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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