Monitoring for ARIA
Obtain a recent baseline brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to initiating treatment with KISUNLA. Obtain an MRI prior to the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 7th infusions. If a patient experiences symptoms suggestive of ARIA, clinical evaluation should be performed, including an MRI if indicated.
Recommendations for Dosing Interruptions in Patients with ARIA
ARIA-E
The recommendations for dosing interruptions for patients with ARIA-E are provided in Table 2.
Table 2: Dosing Recommendations for Patients With ARIA-Ec |
|
|
| Clinical Symptom Severitya | ARIA-E Severity on MRI |
| Mild | Moderate | Severe |
| Asymptomatic | May continue dosing at current dose and schedule
| Suspend dosingb | Suspend dosingb |
| Mild | May continue dosing based on clinical judgment
| Suspend dosingb |
| Moderate or Severe | Suspend dosingb |
ARIA-H
The recommendations for dosing interruptions for patients with ARIA-H are provided in Table 3.
Table 3: Dosing Recommendations for Patients With ARIA-Hc |
|
|
| Clinical Symptom Severity | ARIA-H Severity on MRI |
| Mild | Moderate | Severe |
| Asymptomatic | May continue dosing at current dose and schedule
| Suspend dosinga | Suspend dosingb |
| Symptomatic | Suspend dosinga | Suspend dosinga |
In patients who develop intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter during treatment with KISUNLA, suspend dosing until MRI demonstrates radiographic stabilization and symptoms, if present, resolve. Use clinical judgment when considering whether to continue treatment or permanently discontinue KISUNLA after radiographic stabilization and resolution of symptoms.
Study 1 and Study 2 Overview
[see Clinical Studies (14)]
In Study 1, safety was assessed in patients who received KISUNLA Dosing Regimen 1 (n = 853) compared to those who received placebo (n = 874). In Study 2, the effect of different dosing regimens of KISUNLA on ARIA was assessed, including in patients who received KISUNLA Dosing Regimen 2 (n=212), which is the recommended dosage and described below.
Incidence of ARIA
A lower incidence of ARIA was observed with Dosing Regimen 2 as compared to Dosing Regimen 1. Therefore, Dosing Regimen 2 is the recommended dosage for KISUNLA.
In Study 1, symptomatic ARIA-E occurred in 6% of patients through 18 months of treatment with KISUNLA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Clinical symptoms associated with ARIA-E resolved in approximately 85% of those patients. Including asymptomatic radiographic events, ARIA, ARIA-E, and ARIA-H were observed in 36%, 24%, and 31% of patients treated with KISUNLA, respectively, compared to 14%, 2%, and 13% of patients on placebo, respectively. There was no increase in isolated ARIA-H (i.e., ARIA-H in patients who did not also experience ARIA-E) for KISUNLA compared to placebo.
In Study 2, symptomatic ARIA-E occurred in 3% of patients and symptomatic ARIA-H occurred in less than 1% of patients through 12 months of treatment with KISUNLA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Clinical symptoms associated with ARIA-E resolved in approximately 67% of patients at 12 months. Including asymptomatic radiographic events, ARIA, ARIA-E, and ARIA-H were observed in 29%, 16%, and 25% of patients treated with KISUNLA.
Incidence of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter was reported in 0.5% of patients treated with KISUNLA compared to 0.2% of patients on placebo in Study 1, and in 1% of patients treated with KISUNLA in Study 2. Fatal events of intracerebral hemorrhage in patients taking KISUNLA have been observed.
Risk Factors for ARIA and Intracerebral Hemorrhage
ApoE ε4 Carrier Status
The risk of ARIA, including symptomatic and serious ARIA, is increased in apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) homozygotes, which include approximately 15% of Alzheimer's disease patients.
In Study 1, of patients in the KISUNLA arm (n=850), 17% were ApoE ε4 homozygotes, 53% were heterozygotes, and 30% were noncarriers. The incidence of ARIA through 18 months was higher in ApoE ε4 homozygotes (55% on KISUNLA vs. 22% on placebo) than in heterozygotes (36% on KISUNLA vs. 13% on placebo) and noncarriers (25% on KISUNLA vs. 12% on placebo). Among patients treated with KISUNLA, symptomatic ARIA-E occurred in 8% of ApoE ε4 homozygotes compared with 7% of heterozygotes and 4% of noncarriers. Serious events of ARIA occurred in 3% of ApoE ε4 homozygotes, 2% of heterozygotes, and 1% of noncarriers.
In Study 2, of patients treated with KISUNLA Dosing Regimen 2 (n=211), 10% were ApoE ε4 homozygotes, 55% were heterozygotes, and 36% were noncarriers. Symptomatic ARIA-E occurred in 0% of ApoE ε4 homozygotes compared with 4% of heterozygotes and 3% of noncarriers. The small number of events and limited exposure in the ApoE ε4 subgroups limit definitive conclusions about the risk of ARIA-E.
The recommendations for management of ARIA do not differ based on ApoE ε4 carrier status [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Testing for ApoE ε4 status should be performed prior to initiation of treatment to inform the risk of developing ARIA. Prior to testing, prescribers should discuss with patients the risk of ARIA across genotypes and the implications of genetic testing results. Prescribers should inform patients that if genotype testing is not performed, they can still be treated with KISUNLA; however, it cannot be determined if they are ApoE ε4 homozygotes and at a higher risk for ARIA. An FDA-authorized test for detection of ApoE ε4 alleles to identify patients at risk of ARIA if treated with KISUNLA is not currently available. Currently available tests used to identify ApoE ε4 alleles may vary in accuracy and design.
Radiographic Findings of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA)
Neuroimaging findings that may indicate CAA include evidence of prior intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral microhemorrhage, and cortical superficial siderosis. CAA has an increased risk for intracerebral hemorrhage. The presence of an ApoE ε4 allele is also associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
In Study 1, the baseline presence of at least 2 microhemorrhages or the presence of at least 1 area of superficial siderosis on MRI, which may be suggestive of CAA, were identified as risk factors for ARIA. Patients were excluded from enrollment in Study 1 for findings on neuroimaging of prior intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter, more than 4 microhemorrhages, more than 1 area of superficial siderosis, severe white matter disease, and vasogenic edema.
Concomitant Antithrombotic or Thrombolytic Medication
In Study 1, baseline use of antithrombotic medication (aspirin, other antiplatelets, or anticoagulants) was allowed. The majority of exposures to antithrombotic medications were to aspirin. The incidence of ARIA-H was 30% (106/349) in patients taking KISUNLA with a concomitant antithrombotic medication within 30 days compared to 29% (148/504) who did not receive an antithrombotic within 30 days of an ARIA-H event. The incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter was 0.6% (2/349 patients) in patients taking KISUNLA with a concomitant antithrombotic medication compared to 0.4% (2/504) in those who did not receive an antithrombotic. The number of events and the limited exposure to non-aspirin antithrombotic medications limit definitive conclusions about the risk of ARIA or intracerebral hemorrhage in patients taking antithrombotic medications.
One fatal intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in a patient taking KISUNLA in the setting of focal neurologic symptoms of ARIA and the use of a thrombolytic agent in Study 1, and one fatal intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in the setting of ARIA and the use of a thrombolytic agent in Study 2. Additional caution should be exercised when considering the administration of antithrombotics or a thrombolytic agent (e.g., tissue plasminogen activator) to a patient already being treated with KISUNLA. Because ARIA-E can cause focal neurologic deficits that can mimic an ischemic stroke, treating clinicians should consider whether such symptoms could be due to ARIA-E before giving thrombolytic therapy in a patient being treated with KISUNLA.
Caution should be exercised when considering the use of KISUNLA in patients with factors that indicate an increased risk for intracerebral hemorrhage and in particular for patients who need to be on anticoagulant therapy or patients with findings on MRI that are suggestive of cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Radiographic Severity
The radiographic severity of ARIA associated with KISUNLA was classified by the criteria shown in Table 5.
Table 5: ARIA MRI Classification Criteria
|
| ARIA Type | Radiographic Severity |
| Mild | Moderate | Severe |
| ARIA-E
| FLAIR hyperintensity confined to sulcus and/or cortex/subcortex white matter in one location <5 cm.
| FLAIR hyperintensity 5 to 10 cm in single greatest dimension, or more than 1 site of involvement, each measuring <10 cm.
| FLAIR hyperintensity >10 cm with associated gyral swelling and sulcal effacement. One or more separate/independent sites of involvement may be noted.
|
| ARIA-H microhemorrhage
| Less than or equal to 4 new incident microhemorrhages
| 5 to 9 new incident microhemorrhages
| 10 or more new incident microhemorrhages
|
| ARIA-H superficial siderosis
| 1 newa focal area of superficial siderosis
| 2 new focal areas of superficial siderosis
| Greater than 2 new focal areas of superficial siderosis
|
In Study 1, the majority of ARIA-E radiographic events occurred early in treatment (within the first 24 weeks), although ARIA can occur at any time and patients can have more than one episode. Resolution on MRI after the first ARIA-E event occurred in 63% of patients treated with KISUNLA by 12 weeks, 80% by 20 weeks, and 83% overall after detection. Among patients treated with KISUNLA, the rate of severe radiographic ARIA-E was highest in ApoE ε4 homozygotes (n=143) compared to heterozygotes (n=452) or noncarriers (n=255) at rates of 3%, 2%, and 0.4%, respectively. Among patients treated with KISUNLA, the rate of severe radiographic ARIA-H was highest in ApoE ε4 homozygotes (n=143) compared to heterozygotes (n=452) or noncarriers (n=255) at rates of 22%, 8%, and 4%, respectively.
Table 6 shows the maximum radiographic severity for ARIA-E, ARIA-H microhemorrhage, and ARIA-H superficial siderosis in Study 1 and Study 2.
Table 6: Maximum Radiographic Severity in Patients Treated with KISUNLA in Study 1 Study 2
|
| Study 1 Dosing Regimen 1 N=853 %
| Study 2 Dosing Regimen 2 N=212 %
|
| Mild
| Moderate
| Severe
| Mild
| Moderate
| Severe
|
| ARIA-E
| 7
| 15
| 2
| 6
| 9
| 0
|
| ARIA-H microhemorrhage
| 17
| 4
| 5
| 17
| 3
| 2
|
| ARIA-H superficial siderosis
| 6
| 4
| 5
| 4
| 3
| 1
|
Monitoring and Dose Management Guidelines
Recommendations for dosing in patients with ARIA-E depend on clinical symptoms and radiographic severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Recommendations for dosing in patients with ARIA-H depend on the type of ARIA-H and radiographic severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Use clinical judgment in considering whether to continue dosing in patients with recurrent ARIA-E.
Baseline brain MRI and periodic monitoring with MRI are recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Enhanced clinical vigilance for ARIA is recommended during the first 24 weeks of treatment with KISUNLA. If a patient experiences symptoms suggestive of ARIA, clinical evaluation should be performed, including MRI if indicated. If ARIA is observed on MRI, careful clinical evaluation should be performed prior to continuing treatment.
There is limited experience in patients who continued dosing through asymptomatic but radiographically mild to moderate ARIA-E. There are limited data for dosing patients who have experienced recurrent episodes of ARIA-E.
Providers should encourage patients to participate in real world data collection (e.g., registries) to help further the understanding of Alzheimer's disease and the impact of Alzheimer's disease treatments. Providers and patients can contact 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) for a list of currently enrolling programs.
Dosing Regimen and Safety
A lower incidence of ARIA occurred with the dosing regimen administered in Study 2 (350 mg/700 mg/1,050 mg/1,400 mg; Dosing Regimen 2) as compared to the regimen administered in Study 1 (700 mg/700 mg/700 mg/1,400 mg; Dosing Regimen 1); therefore, Dosing Regimen 2 is recommended for administration of KISUNLA [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.2), Clinical Studies (14)].
The safety of KISUNLA has been evaluated in 3727 patients with Alzheimer's disease who received at least one dose of KISUNLA intravenously. In the other clinical studies of KISUNLA, 1912 patients with Alzheimer's disease received KISUNLA once monthly for at least 6 months, 1057 patients for at least 12 months, and 432 patients for at least 18 months, at the Dosing Regimen 1.
Study 1
In Study 1 (NCT04437511), a total of 853 patients with Alzheimer's disease received at least one dose of KISUNLA; patients were randomized to receive KISUNLA Dosing Regimen 1 or placebo.
Thirteen percent of patients treated with KISUNLA compared to 4% of patients on placebo stopped study treatment because of an adverse reaction. The most common adverse reaction leading to discontinuation of KISUNLA was infusion-related reaction (4% of patients treated with KISUNLA compared to no patient on placebo).
Table 7 shows adverse reactions that were reported in at least 5% of patients treated with KISUNLA and at least 2% more frequently than in patients on placebo in Study 1.
Table 7: Adverse Reactions Reported in at Least 5% of Patients Treated With KISUNLA and at Least 2% Higher Than Placebo in Study 1
|
|
| Adverse Reaction | KISUNLAa N = 853 % | Placebo N = 874 % |
| ARIA-H microhemorrhageb | 25
| 11
|
| ARIA-E
| 24
| 2
|
| ARIA-H superficial siderosisb | 15
| 3
|
| Headache
| 13
| 10
|
| Infusion-related reaction
| 9
| 0.5
|
Study 2
In Study 2 (NCT05738486), a total of 842 patients received at least one dose of KISUNLA; 212 patients were randomized to receive KISUNLA Dosing Regimen 2. In Study 2, compared to the rates reported with Dosing Regimen 1, higher rates of hypersensitivity reactions (8% of patients treated with Dosing Regimen 2) and infusion-related reactions (16% of patients treated with Dosing Regimen 2), and a lower rate of ARIA-E (16% of patients treated with Dosing Regimen 2) were observed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Studies (14)].
Less Common Adverse Reactions
Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, occurred in 3% of patients treated with KISUNLA compared to 0.7% of patients on placebo in Study 1 and in 8% of patients treated with KISUNLA Dosing Regimen 2 in Study 2.
Intestinal Obstruction and Intestinal Perforation
Serious adverse reactions of intestinal obstruction occurred in three patients (0.4%) treated with KISUNLA compared to no patients on placebo in Study 1 and one patient (0.5%) treated with KISUNLA Dosing Regimen 2 in Study 2. Serious adverse reactions of intestinal perforation occurred in two patients (0.2%) treated with KISUNLA compared to one patient (0.1%) on placebo in Study 1.
Immunogenicity: Anti-Drug Antibody-Associated Adverse Reactions
[see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.6)]
Infusion-related reactions occurred more frequently in patients treated with KISUNLA who developed anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) compared to patients who did not develop ADAs (Study 1, Dosing Regimen 1: 10% compared to 2%; Study 2, Dosing Regimen 2: 20% compared to 8%).
Risk Summary
There are no adequate data on KISUNLA use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. No animal studies have been conducted to assess the potential reproductive or developmental toxicity of KISUNLA.
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. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of donanemab-azbt in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Published data from other monoclonal antibodies generally indicate low passage of monoclonal antibodies into human milk and limited systemic exposure in the breastfed infant. The effects of this limited exposure are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for KISUNLA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from KISUNLA or from the underlying maternal condition.
Effect of KISUNLA on Amyloid Beta Pathology
The effect of KISUNLA on amyloid beta plaque levels in the brain was evaluated using amyloid Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging (18F-florbetapir tracer). The PET signal was quantified using the Standard Uptake Value Ratio (SUVR) method to estimate brain levels of amyloid beta plaque in composites of brain areas expected to be widely affected by Alzheimer's disease pathology (precuneus, frontal, anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate, parietal, and temporal cortices), compared to a brain region expected to be spared of such pathology (cerebellum). Results of amyloid PET were also expressed on the Centiloid scale.
In Study 1 [see Clinical Studies (14)], KISUNLA administered at Dosing Regimen 1 reduced amyloid beta plaque levels in the brain in a time-dependent manner, starting at Week 24, and continuing through Week 76 (p<0.0001), compared to placebo (see Figure 1 and Table 7). In Study 2, Dosing Regimen 2 resulted in similar amyloid plaque reduction compared to Dosing Regimen 1 at Week 24. In clinical pharmacology studies, KISUNLA demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent reduction in amyloid beta plaque, with the decrease observed starting at Week 12.
Figure 1: Reduction in Brain Amyloid Beta Plaque (Change from Baseline) on Amyloid Beta PET Imaging Composite (SUVR and Centiloids) in Study 1a
Figure 1 (Kisunla Uspi F1 V1)
a ****p<0.0001.
During an off-treatment period, amyloid PET values began to increase with a median rate of 2.80 Centiloids/year.
Effect of KISUNLA on Tau Pathophysiology
A reduction in plasma p-tau217 was observed with KISUNLA compared to placebo in Study 1 (see
Table 8).
Table 8: Biomarker Results of KISUNLA in Study 1 (AACI)
|
|
| Biomarker Endpoint at Week 76 | KISUNLA | Placebo |
| Amyloid Beta PET SUVR | N = 712 | N = 754 |
| Mean baseline
| 1.53
| 1.52
|
| Adjusted mean change from baseline
| -0.47
| -0.00
|
| Difference from placebo
| -0.47, p<0.0001
| |
| Amyloid Beta PET Centiloid | N = 765 | N = 812 |
| Mean baseline
| 104.0
| 101.8
|
| Adjusted mean change from baseline
| -87.0
| -0.7
|
| Difference from placebo
| -86.4, p<0.0001
| |
| Plasma p-tau217 (log10 transformed)a | N = 758 | N = 786 |
| Mean baseline
| 0.67
| 0.66
|
| Adjusted mean change from baseline
| -0.19
| 0.03
|
| Difference from placebo
| -0.22, p<0.0001
| |
Exposure-Response Relationships
Model based exposure-response analyses for Study 1 demonstrated that exposures to donanemab-azbt were associated with a reduction in clinical decline on iADRS and CDR-SB. An association between reduction in amyloid beta plaque from baseline and clinical decline on iADRS and CDR-SB was also observed.
Distribution
The central volume of distribution is 3.36 L.
Elimination
KISUNLA is expected to be degraded by proteolytic enzymes in the same manner as endogenous IgG. The mean terminal half-life of donanemab-azbt is approximately 12.1 days. Donanemab-azbt clearance is 0.0255 L/h.
Specific Populations
Age, sex, or race were not found to affect the pharmacokinetics of donanemab-azbt. While body weight was found to influence both clearance and volume of distribution, the resulting changes were not clinically significant.
Patients with Renal or Hepatic Impairment
No clinical studies were conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of donanemab-azbt in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Donanemab-azbt is degraded by proteolytic enzymes and is not expected to undergo renal elimination or metabolism by hepatic enzymes.
Anti-Drug Antibody Effects on Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
The presence of anti-donanemab-azbt antibodies increased donanemab-azbt clearance. Among patients treated with KISUNLA in the placebo-controlled studies who developed anti-donanemab-azbt antibodies, mean donanemab-azbt serum trough concentrations at various time points were lower compared to patients who had not developed anti-donanemab-azbt antibodies. Patients with high ADA titers showed less reduction in amyloid plaque compared to patients with low ADA titers. However, there was no identified clinically significant effect of anti-donanemab-azbt antibodies on the effectiveness of KISUNLA over the treatment duration of 18 months.
Carcinogenesis
Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted.
Mutagenesis
Genotoxicity studies have not been conducted.
Impairment of Fertility
No studies in animals have been conducted to assess the effects of donanemab-azbt on male or female fertility.
Study 1
The efficacy of KISUNLA was evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study (Study 1, NCT04437511) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (patients with confirmed presence of amyloid pathology and mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease, consistent with Stage 3 and Stage 4 Alzheimer's disease). Patients were enrolled with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of ≥20 and ≤28 and had a progressive change in memory function for at least 6 months. Patients were included in the study based on visual assessment of tau PET imaging with flortaucipir and standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR). Patients were enrolled with or without concomitant approved therapies (cholinesterase inhibitors and the N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist memantine) for Alzheimer's disease. Patients could enroll in an optional, long-term extension.
In Study 1, 1736 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive 700 mg of KISUNLA Dosing Regimen 1 (N = 860) or placebo (N = 876) for a total of up to 72 weeks. The treatment was switched to placebo based on amyloid PET levels measured at Week 24, Week 52, and Week 76. If the amyloid plaque level was <11 Centiloids on a single PET scan or 11 to <25 Centiloids on 2 consecutive PET scans, the patient was eligible to be switched to placebo.
Additionally, dose adjustments were allowed for treatment-emergent ARIA or symptoms that then showed ARIA-E or ARIA-H on MRI.
At baseline, mean age was 73 years, with a range of 59 to 86 years. Of the total number of patients randomized, 68% had low/medium tau level and 32% had high tau level; 71% were ApoE ε4 carriers and 29% were ApoE ε4 noncarriers. Fifty-seven percent of patients were female, 91% were White, 6% were Asian, 4% were Hispanic or Latino, and 2% were Black or African American.
The primary efficacy endpoint was change in the integrated Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale (iADRS) score from baseline to 76 weeks. The iADRS is a combination of two scores: the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog13) and the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study – instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-iADL) scale. The total score ranges from 0 to 144, with lower scores reflecting worse cognitive and functional performance. Other efficacy endpoints included Clinical Dementia Rating Scale – Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB), ADAS-Cog13, and ADCS-iADL.
There were two primary analysis populations based on tau PET imaging with flortaucipir: 1) low/medium tau level population (defined by visual assessment and SUVR of ≥1.10 and ≤1.46), and 2) combined population of low/medium plus high tau (defined by visual assessment and SUVR >1.46) population.
Patients treated with KISUNLA demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in clinical decline on iADRS compared to placebo at Week 76 in the combined population (2.92, p<0.0001) and the low/medium tau population (3.25, p<0.0001).
Patients treated with KISUNLA demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in clinical decline on CDR-SB compared to placebo at Week 76 in the combined population (-0.70, p<0.0001) (see Figure 2 and Table 8). There were also statistically significant differences (p<0.001) between treatment groups as measured by ADAS-Cog13 and ADCS-iADL at Week 76 (see Table 9).
Dosing was continued or stopped in response to observed effects on amyloid imaging. The percentages of patients eligible for switch to placebo based on amyloid PET levels at Week 24, Week 52, and Week 76 timepoints were 17%, 47%, and 69%, respectively. Amyloid PET values may increase after treatment with donanemab is stopped [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. There is no data beyond the 76-week duration of Study 1 to guide whether additional dosing with KISUNLA may be needed for longer-term clinical benefit.
Figure 2: CDR-SB Change From Baseline in Combined Population Through 76 Weeks in Study 1a
Figure 2 (Kisunla Uspi F2 V1)
a ****p<0.0001 versus placebo.
Table 9: Efficacy Analysis Results in Combined Population at Week 76a in Study 1 |
|
|
|
| Clinical Endpoints | KISUNLA (N = 860) | Placebo (N = 876) |
| CDR-SBb |
| Mean baseline
| 3.92
| 3.89
|
| Adjusted mean change from baseline
| 1.72
| 2.42
|
| Difference from placebo (%)d | -0.70 (29%) p<0.0001
| --
|
| ADAS-Cog13c |
| Mean baseline
| 28.53
| 29.16
|
| Adjusted mean change from baseline
| 5.46
| 6.79
|
| Difference from placebo (%)d | -1.33 (20%) p=0.0006
| --
|
| ADCS-iADLc |
| Mean baseline
| 47.96
| 47.98
|
| Adjusted mean change from baseline
| -4.42
| -6.13
|
| Difference from placebo (%)d | 1.70 (28%) p=0.0001
| --
|
Study 2
Study 2 (NCT05738486) was a randomized, double-blind study investigating the effect of different KISUNLA dosing regimens on ARIA-E and change from baseline in amyloid in adults with Alzheimer's disease (patients with confirmed amyloid pathology and mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were the same as Study 1 except that tau PET was not an inclusion criterion. Patients were randomized to receive Dosing Regimen 1 (N=207), or one of three alternative regimens, including Dosing Regimen 2 (N=212) in a 1:1:1:1 ratio [see Dosing and Administration (2.2)]. The treatment period was up to 72 weeks, and treatment stopping criteria based on amyloid PET were the same as Study 1.
Of the 212 patients receiving Dosing Regimen 2, the mean age was 74 years. Fifty-nine percent were female, 91% were White, 6.6% were Black or African American, 5.2% were Hispanic or Latino, and 1.4% were Asian. Overall, 65% of these patients were ApoE ε4 carriers, with 55% heterozygotes and 10% homozygotes, and 36% were noncarriers.
The primary endpoint of the study was the proportion of patients with any occurrence of ARIA-E. The results showed that patients receiving Dosing Regimen 2 had less incidence of ARIA-E by Week 52 compared with patients receiving Dosing Regimen 1 (see Table 10).
ARIA-E occurred at a higher incidence in ApoE ε4 homozygotes, compared to heterozygotes, with the lowest incidence in noncarriers. The small number of events and limited exposure in the ApoE ε4 subgroups limit definitive conclusions about the risk of ARIA-E.
Table 10: Cumulative Incidence of ARIA-E and ARIA-H in 52 Weeks, Overall and by ApoE e4 Genotype, in Study 2
|
|
| Dosing Regimen 1 | Dosing Regimen 2 |
| N=207 | N=212 |
| ARIA-E Overall | | |
| n (incidence, %)
| 50 (24.9)
| 33 (16.2)
|
| RD (95% CI)
| -
| 8.7 (0.8, 16.5)
|
| ARIA-H Overall | | |
| n (incidence, %)
| 56 (28.1)
| 51 (25.2)
|
| RD (95% CI)
| -
| 2.9 (-5.8, 11.6)
|
| Homozygotes, N | 21
| 21
|
| ARIA-E
| | |
| n (incidence1, %)
| 12 (57.1)
| 5 (24.4)
|
| RD (95% CI)
| -
| 32.7 (4.4, 60.9)
|
| ARIA-H
| | |
| n (incidence1, %)
| 10 (47.6)
| 6 (28.6)
|
| RD (95% CI)
| -
| 19.0 (-9.8, 47.8)
|
| Heterozygotes, N | 112
| 115
|
| ARIA-E
| | |
| n (incidence1, %)
| 27 (25.0)
| 18 (16.4)
|
| RD (95% CI)
| -
| 8.6 (-2.2, 19.3)
|
| ARIA-H
| | |
| n (incidence1, %)
| 34 (31.8)
| 33 (30.8)
|
| RD (95% CI)
| -
| 1.0 (-11.5, 13.5)
|
| ApoE noncarriers, N | 72
| 75
|
| ARIA-E
| | |
| n (incidence1, %)
| 11 (15.6)
| 10 (13.8)
|
| RD (95% CI)
| -
| 1.8 (-9.8, 13.5)
|
| ARIA-H
| | |
| n (incidence1, %)
| 12 (17.2)
| 12 (16.4)
|
| RD (95% CI)
| -
| 0.8 (-11.5, 13.1)
|
Unopened Vial
- Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
- Keep the vial in the outer carton to protect from light.
- Do not freeze or shake.
- If refrigeration is not available, may be stored at room temperature (20°C to 25°C [68°F to 77°F]) for up to 3 days.
Diluted Solution
For storage of the diluted infusion solution see Dosage and Administration (2.4).
Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities
Inform patients that KISUNLA may cause Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities or “ARIA”. ARIA most commonly presents as temporary swelling in areas of the brain that usually resolves over time. Some people may also have small spots of bleeding in or on the surface of the brain. Inform patients that most people with swelling in areas of the brain do not experience symptoms, however some people may experience symptoms such as headache, confusion, dizziness, vision changes, nausea, aphasia, weakness, or seizure. Instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider immediately if these symptoms occur. Clinical evaluation should be performed, and an MRI may be considered. Inform patients that serious symptoms of ARIA may occur and that ARIA can be fatal. Inform patients that events of intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter have been reported infrequently in patients taking KISUNLA, and that use of antithrombotic or thrombolytic medications while taking KISUNLA may increase the risk of bleeding in the brain. Notify patients that their healthcare provider will perform MRI scans to monitor for ARIA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Inform patients that although ARIA can occur in any patient treated with KISUNLA, there is an increased risk in patients who are ApoE ε4 homozygotes, and that testing for ApoE ε4 status should be performed prior to initiation of treatment to inform the risk of developing ARIA. Prior to testing, discuss with patients the risk of ARIA across genotypes and the implications of genetic testing results. Inform patients that if testing is not performed, it cannot be determined if they are ApoE ε4 homozygotes and at a higher risk for ARIA.
Inform patients that some symptoms of ARIA can mimic ischemic stroke and that their healthcare providers may need to perform additional testing to determine how to treat those symptoms in patients taking KISUNLA. Advise patients to carry information that they are being treated with KISUNLA.
Patient Registry
Providers should encourage patients to participate in real world data collection (e.g., registries) to help further the understanding of Alzheimer's disease and the impact of Alzheimer's disease treatments. Providers and patients can contact 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) for a list of currently enrolling programs.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Inform patients that KISUNLA may cause hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, and to contact their healthcare provider immediately if hypersensitivity reactions occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Infusion-Related Reactions
Inform patients that KISUNLA may cause infusion-related reactions, including chills, erythema, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, sweating, headache, chest pain, and high or low blood pressure. Advise patients that symptoms can occur during an infusion or after they leave the infusion center and to contact their healthcare provider if infusion related reactions occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
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