The mean steady-state (CV%) Cmax is 1.3 μg/mL (42%) and AUC0-24h is 16.7 μg•hr/mL (52%) in patients with VHL disease-associated RCC. Steady state is reached after approximately 3 days. Cmax and AUC increase proportionally over a dose range of 20 mg to 120 mg (0.17 to 1 times the approved recommended dose).
Absorption
The median Tmax occurs at 1 to 2 hours after administration.
Effect of Food
A high-fat, high-calorie meal (total calories approximately 1000 kcal, 56 g fat, 55 g carbohydrate, and 31 g protein) delayed time to reach peak belzutifan concentration by approximately 2 hours, had no clinically meaningful effect on Cmax, and had no effect on AUC.
Distribution
The mean (CV%) steady-state volume of distribution is 130 L (35%). Plasma protein binding of belzutifan is 45%. The blood-to-plasma concentration ratio of belzutifan is 0.88.
Elimination
The mean (CV%) clearance is 7.3 L/hr (51%) and the mean elimination half-life is 14 hrs.
Metabolism
Belzutifan is primarily metabolized by UGT2B17 and CYP2C19 and to a lesser extent by CYP3A4 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.5)].
Specific Populations
Patients who are poor metabolizers of UGT2B17 and CYP2C19 had higher belzutifan AUC [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.5)].
There were no clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of belzutifan based on age (19 to 84 years), sex, ethnicity (non-Hispanic, Hispanic), race (White, Black, Asian, Pacific Islander), body weight (42 to 166 kg), mild to moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30-89 mL/min/1.73 m2 estimated by MDRD), or mild hepatic impairment (total bilirubin ≤ ULN with AST > ULN or total bilirubin > ULN to 1.5 x ULN with any AST). The effect of severe renal impairment (eGFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m2) and moderate to severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin > 1.5 x ULN and any AST) have not been studied.
Drug Interaction Studies
Clinical Studies and Model-Informed Approaches
Effect of Belzutifan on CYP3A Substrates: Coadministration of WELIREG 120 mg once daily with midazolam (a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate) decreased the midazolam AUC by 40% and the Cmax by 34%. Midazolam AUC is predicted to decrease up to 70% in patients with higher belzutifan concentrations (e.g., dual poor metabolizers) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.5)].
In Vitro Studies
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzymes: Belzutifan does not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4.
Belzutifan does not induce CYP1A2 or CYP2B6.
Transporter Systems: Belzutifan is a substrate of P-gp, OATP1B1, and OATP1B3, but is not a substrate of BCRP.
Belzutifan inhibits MATE2K. Belzutifan does not inhibit P-gp, BCRP, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, or MATE1.