In the pre-rescue placebo-controlled population, the rate of infections in the 200 mg and 150 mg KEVZARA + DMARD group was 110 and 105 events per 100 patient-years, respectively, compared to 81 events per 100 patient-years in the placebo + DMARD group. The most commonly reported infections (2% to 4% of patients) were upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and nasopharyngitis.
In the 52-week placebo-controlled population, 0.8% of patients (5 patients) treated with KEVZARA 200 mg + DMARD, 0.6% (4 patients) treated with KEVZARA 150 mg + DMARD and 0.5% (3 patients) treated with placebo + DMARD had an event of herpes zoster [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
The overall rate of infections with KEVZARA + DMARD in the long-term safety population was consistent with rates in the controlled periods of the studies.
In the pre-rescue population, the rate of serious infections in the 200 mg and 150 mg KEVZARA + DMARD group was 3.8 and 4.4 events per 100 patient-years, respectively, compared to 2.5 events per 100 patient-years in the placebo + DMARD group. In the 52-week placebo-controlled population, the rate of serious infections in the 200 mg and 150 mg KEVZARA + DMARD group was 4.3 and 3.0 events per 100 patient-years, respectively, compared to 3.1 events per 100 patient-years in the placebo + DMARD group.
In the long-term safety population, the overall rate of serious infections was consistent with rates in the controlled periods of the studies. The most frequently observed serious infections included pneumonia and cellulitis. Cases of opportunistic infection have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
In the 52-week placebo-controlled population, one patient on KEVZARA therapy experienced a gastrointestinal (GI) perforation (0.11 events per 100 patient-years).
In the long-term safety population, the overall rate of GI perforation was consistent with rates in the controlled periods of the studies. Reports of GI perforation were primarily reported as complications of diverticulitis including lower GI perforation and abscess. Most patients who developed GI perforations were taking concomitant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. The contribution of these concomitant medications relative to KEVZARA in the development of GI perforations is not known [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
In the pre-rescue placebo-controlled population, the proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to hypersensitivity reactions was higher among those treated with KEVZARA (0.3% in 200 mg, 0.2% in 150 mg) than placebo (0%). The rate of discontinuations due to hypersensitivity in the long-term safety population was consistent with the placebo-controlled period.
In the pre-rescue placebo-controlled population, injection site reactions were reported in 7% of patients receiving KEVZARA 200 mg, 6% receiving KEVZARA 150 mg, and 1% receiving placebo. These injection site reactions (including erythema and pruritus) were mild in severity for the majority of patients and necessitated drug discontinuation in 2 (0.2%) patients receiving KEVZARA.
In the pre-rescue placebo-controlled population, decreases in neutrophil counts less than 1000 per mm3 occurred in 6% and 4% of patients in the 200 mg KEVZARA + DMARD and 150 mg KEVZARA + DMARD group, respectively, compared to no patients in the placebo + DMARD groups. Decreases in neutrophil counts less than 500 per mm3 occurred in 0.7% of patients in both the 200 mg KEVZARA + DMARD and 150 mg KEVZARA + DMARD groups. Decrease in ANC was not associated with the occurrence of infections, including serious infections.
In the long-term safety population, the observations on neutrophil counts were consistent with what was seen in the placebo-controlled clinical studies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
In the pre-rescue placebo-controlled population, decreases in platelet counts less than 100,000 per mm3 occurred in 1% and 0.7% of patients on 200 mg and 150 mg KEVZARA + DMARD, respectively, compared to no patients on placebo + DMARD, without associated bleeding events.
In the long-term safety population, the observations on platelet counts were consistent with what was seen in the placebo-controlled clinical studies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Liver enzyme elevations in the pre-rescue placebo-controlled population (KEVZARA + DMARD or placebo + DMARD) are summarized in Table 2. In patients experiencing liver enzyme elevation, modification of treatment regimen, such as interruption of KEVZARA or reduction in dose, resulted in decrease or normalization of liver enzymes [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. These elevations were not associated with clinically relevant increases in direct bilirubin, nor were they associated with clinical evidence of hepatitis or hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Lipid parameters (LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) were first assessed at 4 weeks following initiation of KEVZARA + DMARDs in the placebo-controlled population. Increases were observed at this time point with no additional increases observed thereafter. Changes in lipid parameters from baseline to Week 4 are summarized below:
- Mean LDL increased by 12 mg/dL in the KEVZARA 150 mg every two weeks + DMARD group and 16 mg/dL in the KEVZARA 200 mg every two weeks + DMARD group.
- Mean triglycerides increased by 20 mg/dL in the KEVZARA 150 mg every two weeks + DMARD group and 27 mg/dL in the KEVZARA 200 mg every two weeks + DMARD group.
- Mean HDL increased by 3 mg/dL in both the KEVZARA 150 mg every two weeks + DMARD and KEVZARA 200 mg every two weeks + DMARD groups.
In the long-term safety population, the observations in lipid parameters were consistent with what was observed in the placebo-controlled clinical studies.
Malignancies
In the 52-week placebo-controlled population, 9 malignancies (exposure-adjusted event rate of 1.0 event per 100 patient-years) were diagnosed in patients receiving KEVZARA+ DMARD compared to 4 malignancies in patients in the control group (exposure-adjusted event rate of 1.0 event per 100 patient-years).
In the long-term safety population, the rate of malignancies was consistent with the rate observed in the placebo-controlled period [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Other Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions occurring in 2% or more of patients on KEVZARA + DMARD and greater than those observed in patients on placebo + DMARD are summarized in Table 3.
Table 3: Common Adverse ReactionsAdverse reactions occurring in 2% or more in the 150 mg KEVZARA + DMARD or 200 mg KEVZARA + DMARD groups and greater than observed in Placebo + DMARD
in Adults with Moderately to Severely Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Pre-rescue, placebo-controlled population
| Preferred Term | Placebo + DMARD (N=579) | KEVZARA 150 mg + DMARD (N=579) | KEVZARA 200 mg + DMARD (N=582) |
|---|
| Neutropenia | 0.2% | 7% | 10% |
| Alanine aminotransferase increased | 2% | 5% | 5% |
| Injection site erythema | 0.9% | 5% | 4% |
| Injection site pruritus | 0.2% | 2% | 2% |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 2% | 4% | 3% |
| Urinary tract infection | 2% | 3% | 3% |
| Hypertriglyceridemia | 0.5% | 3% | 1% |
| Leukopenia | 0% | 0.9% | 2% |
Medically relevant adverse reactions occurring at an incidence less than 2% in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with KEVZARA in controlled studies was oral herpes.
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to KEVZARA during pregnancy. Physicians are encouraged to register patients and pregnant women are encouraged to register themselves by calling 1-877-311-8972.
Risk Summary
The limited human data with KEVZARA in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. Monoclonal antibodies, such as sarilumab, are actively transported across the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy and may affect immune response in the in utero exposed infant [see Clinical Considerations]. From animal data, and consistent with the mechanism of action, levels of IgG, in response to antigen challenge, may be reduced in the fetus/infant of treated mothers [see Clinical Considerations and Data]. In an animal reproduction study, consisting of a combined embryo-fetal and pre- and postnatal development study with monkeys that received intravenous administration of sarilumab, there was no evidence of embryotoxicity or fetal malformations with exposures up to approximately 84 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) [see Data]. The literature suggests that inhibition of IL-6 signaling may interfere with cervical ripening and dilatation and myometrial contractile activity leading to potential delays of parturition [see Data].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population 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 miscarriages in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. KEVZARA should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Clinical Considerations
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Monoclonal antibodies are increasingly transported across the placenta as pregnancy progresses, with the largest amount transferred during the third trimester. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to administering live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants exposed to KEVZARA in utero [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]. From the animal data, and consistent with the mechanism of action, levels of IgG, in response to antigen challenge, may be reduced in the fetus/infant of treated mothers [see Data].
Data
Animal Data
In a combined embryo-fetal and pre- and postnatal development study, pregnant cynomolgus monkeys received sarilumab at intravenous doses of 0, 5, 15, or 50 mg/kg/week from confirmation of pregnancy at gestation day (GD) 20, throughout the period of organogenesis (up to approximately GD 50), and continuing to natural birth of infants at around GD 165. Maintenance of pregnancy was not affected at any doses. Sarilumab was not embryotoxic or teratogenic with exposures up to approximately 84 times the MRHD (based on AUC with maternal intravenous doses up to 50 mg/kg/week). Sarilumab had no effect on neonatal growth and development evaluated up to one month after birth. Sarilumab was detected in the serum of neonates up to one month after birth, suggesting that the antibody had crossed the placenta.
Following antigen challenge, decreased IgG titers attributed to the immunosuppressive action of sarilumab were evident in studies with older monkeys, with exposures up to approximately 80 times the MRHD (based on AUC with intravenous doses up to 50 mg/kg/week) and juvenile mice treated with an analogous antibody, which binds to murine IL-6Rα to inhibit IL-6 mediated signaling, at subcutaneous doses up to 200 mg/kg/week. These findings suggest the potential for decreased IgG titers, following antigen challenge, in infants of mothers treated with KEVZARA.
Parturition is associated with significant increases of IL-6 in the cervix and myometrium. The literature suggests that inhibition of IL-6 signaling may interfere with cervical ripening and dilatation and myometrial contractile activity leading to potential delays of parturition. For mice deficient in IL-6 (ll6-/- null mice), parturition was delayed relative to wild-type (ll6+/+) mice. Administration of recombinant IL-6 to ll6-/- null mice restored the normal timing of delivery.
Risk Summary
No information is available on the presence of sarilumab in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Maternal IgG is present in human milk. If sarilumab is transferred into human milk, the effects of local exposure in the gastrointestinal tract and potential limited systemic exposure in the infant to sarilumab are unknown. The lack of clinical data during lactation precludes clear determination of the risk of KEVZARA to an infant during lactation; therefore, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for KEVZARA and the potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from KEVZARA or from the underlying maternal condition.
Absorption
The pharmacokinetics of sarilumab were characterized in 1770 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with sarilumab which included 631 patients treated with 150 mg and 682 patients treated with 200 mg doses by subcutaneous injection every two weeks for up to 52 weeks. The median tmax was observed in 2 to 4 days.
At steady state, exposure over the dosing interval measured by area under curve (AUC) increased 2-fold with an increase in dose from 150 to 200 mg every two weeks. Steady state was reached in 14 to 16 weeks with a 2- to 3-fold accumulation compared to single dose exposure.
For the 150 mg every two weeks dose regimen, the estimated mean (± SD) steady-state AUC, Cmin and Cmax of sarilumab were 202 ± 120 mg.day/L, 6.35 ± 7.54 mg/L, and 20.0 ± 9.20 mg/L, respectively.
For the 200 mg every two weeks dose regimen, the estimated mean (± SD) steady-state AUC, Cmin and Cmax of sarilumab were 395 ± 207 mg.day/L, 16.5 ± 14.1 mg/L, and 35.6 ± 15.2 mg/L, respectively.
Distribution
In patients with RA, the apparent volume of distribution at steady state was 7.3 L.
Elimination
Sarilumab is eliminated by parallel linear and non-linear pathways. At higher concentrations, the elimination is predominantly through the linear, non-saturable proteolytic pathway, while at lower concentrations, non-linear saturable target-mediated elimination predominates. The half-life of sarilumab is concentration-dependent. At 200 mg every 2 weeks, the concentration-dependent half-life is up to 10 days in patients with RA at steady state. At 150 mg every 2 weeks, the concentration-dependent half-life is up to 8 days in patients with RA at steady state.
After the last steady state dose of 150 mg and 200 mg sarilumab, the median times to non-detectable concentration are 28 and 43 days, respectively.
Population pharmacokinetic analyses in patients with RA revealed that there was a trend toward higher apparent clearance of sarilumab in the presence of anti-sarilumab antibodies.
Metabolism
The metabolic pathway of sarilumab has not been characterized. As a monoclonal antibody sarilumab is expected to be degraded into small peptides and amino acids via catabolic pathways in the same manner as endogenous IgG.
Excretion
Monoclonal antibodies, including sarilumab, are not eliminated via renal or hepatic pathways.
Specific Populations
Population pharmacokinetic analyses in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed that age, gender and race did not meaningfully influence the pharmacokinetics of sarilumab. Although body weight influenced the pharmacokinetics of sarilumab, no dose adjustments are recommended for any of these demographics.
Hepatic impairment
No formal study of the effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of sarilumab was conducted.
Renal impairment
No formal study of the effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of sarilumab was conducted. Based on population pharmacokinetic analysis of data from 1770 patients with RA, including patients with mild (creatinine clearance (CLcr): 60 to 90 mL/min; N=471 at baseline) or moderate (CLcr: 30 to 60 mL/min; N=74 at baseline) renal impairment, CLcr was correlated with sarilumab exposure. However, the effect of CLcr on exposure is not sufficient to warrant a dose adjustment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)]. Patients with severe renal impairment were not studied.
Drug-Drug Interactions
CYP450 substrates
Simvastatin is a CYP3A4 and OATP1B1 substrate. In 17 patients with RA, one week following a single 200-mg subcutaneous administration of sarilumab, exposure of simvastatin and simvastatin acid decreased by 45% and 36%, respectively [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Design of Clinical Studies in Adults with Moderately to Severely Active RA
The efficacy and safety of KEVZARA were assessed in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter studies (Study 1 and Study 2) in patients older than 18 years with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Patients had at least 8 tender and 6 swollen joints at baseline.
Study 1 evaluated 1197 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who had inadequate clinical response to methotrexate (MTX). Patients received subcutaneous KEVZARA 200 mg, KEVZARA 150 mg, or placebo every two weeks with concomitant MTX. After Week 16 in Study 1, patients with an inadequate response could have been rescued with KEVZARA 200 mg every two weeks.
Study 2 evaluated 546 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate clinical response or were intolerant to one or more TNF-α antagonists. Patients received subcutaneous KEVZARA 200 mg, KEVZARA 150 mg, or placebo every two weeks with concomitant conventional DMARDs (MTX, sulfasalazine, leflunomide, and/or hydroxychloroquine). After Week 12 in Study 2, patients with an inadequate response could have been rescued with KEVZARA 200 mg every two weeks.
In Studies 1 and 2, the primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response at Week 24. Other key endpoints evaluated included change from baseline in HAQ-DI at Week 16 in Study 1 and at Week 12 in Study 2, and change from baseline in van der Heijde-modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS) at Week 52 in Study 1.
Clinical Response
The percentages of KEVZARA every two weeks + MTX/DMARD-treated patients achieving ACR20, ACR50 and ACR70 responses in Studies 1 and 2 are shown Table 4. In both studies, patients treated with either 200 mg or 150 mg of KEVZARA every two weeks + MTX/DMARD had higher ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 response rates versus placebo + MTX/DMARD-treated patients at Week 24.
In Studies 1 and 2, a greater proportion of patients treated with KEVZARA 200 mg or 150 mg every two weeks plus MTX/DMARD achieved a low level of disease activity as measured by a Disease Activity Score 28-C-Reactive Protein (DAS28-CRP) <2.6 compared with placebo + MTX/DMARD at the end of the studies (Table 4). In Study 1, the proportion of patients achieving DAS28-CRP <2.6 who had at least 3 or more active joints at the end of Week 24 was 33.1%, 37.8% and 20%, in the KEVZARA 200 mg + MTX/DMARD arm, KEVZARA 150 mg + MTX/DMARD arm, and placebo arm respectively.
Table 4: Clinical Response in Placebo-Controlled Studies 1 and 2 in Adults with Moderately to Severely Active RAPatients who were rescued or discontinued were considered non-responders for the analyses included in this table. In Study 1, at week 52, 196, 270, and 270 patients remained on placebo, KEVZARA 150 mg, and KEVZARA 200 mg respectively.
| Percentage of Patients |
|---|
| Study 1 | Study 2 |
|---|
Placebo + MTX N=398 | KEVZARA 150 mg + MTX N=400 | KEVZARA 200 mg + MTX N=399
| Placebo + DMARD(s) DMARDs in Study 2 included MTX, sulfasalazine, leflunomide, and/or hydroxychloroquine N=181 | KEVZARA 150 mg + DMARD(s) N=181 | KEVZARA 200 mg + DMARD(s) N=184 |
|---|
| ACR20 | | | | | | |
| Week 12 | 34.7% | 54.0% | 64.9% | 37.6% | 54.1% | 62.5% |
| Difference from placebo, (95% CI) Weighted estimate of the rate difference; CI=confidence interval | | 19.4% (12.6%, 26.1%)
| 30.2% (23.6%, 36.8%)
| | 16.6% (6.7%, 26.5%)
| 25.3% (15.7%, 34.8%)
|
| Week 24 Primary end point | 33.4% | 58.0% | 66.4% | 33.7% | 55.8% | 60.9% |
| Difference from placebo, (95% CI) | | 24.6% (18.0%, 31.3%) | 33.0% (26.5%, 39.5%) | | 22.1% (12.6%, 31.6%)
| 27.4% (17.7%, 37.0%) |
| Week 52 | 31.7% | 53.5% | 58.6% | | | |
| Difference from placebo, (95% CI) | | 21.9% (15.2%, 28.5%)
| 27.0% (20.5%, 33.6%)
| NA NA=Not Applicable as Study 2 was a 24-week study | NA | NA |
| ACR50 | | | | | | |
| Week 12 | 12.3% | 26.5% | 36.3% | 13.3% | 30.4% | 33.2% |
| Difference from placebo, (95% CI) | | 14.2% (8.9%, 19.6%) | 24.1% (18.4%, 29.8%) | | 17.1% (9.2%, 25.1%) | 20.1% (12.0%, 28.3%) |
| Week 24 | 16.6% | 37.0% | 45.6% | 18.2% | 37.0% | 40.8% |
| Difference from placebo, (95% CI) | | 20.4% (14.5%, 26.3%)
| 29.1% (23.0%, 35.1%)
| | 18.8% (10.2%, 27.4%)
| 22.8% (14.0%, 31.6%)
|
| Week 52 | 18.1% | 40.0% | 42.9% | | | |
| Difference from placebo, (95% CI) | | 21.9% (15.8%, 28.0%)
| 24.8% (18.7%, 30.9%)
| NA | NA | NA |
| ACR70 | | | | | | |
| Week 12 | 4.0% | 11.0% | 17.5% | 2.2% | 13.8% | 14.7% |
| Difference from placebo, (95% CI) | | 7.0% (3.4%, 10.6%)
| 13.5% (9.4%, 17.7%)
| | 11.6% (6.2%, 17.0%)
| 12.5% (7.1%, 17.9%)
|
| Week 24 | 7.3% | 19.8% | 24.8% | 7.2% | 19.9% | 16.3% |
| Difference from placebo, (95% CI) | | 12.5% (7.8%, 17.1%)
| 17.5% (12.6%, 22.5%)
| | 12.7% (6.1%, 19.3%)
| 9.2% (2.8%, 15.7%)
|
| Week 52 | 9.0% | 24.8% | 26.8% | | | |
| Difference from placebo, (95% CI) | | 15.7% (10.6%, 20.8%)
| 17.8% (12.6%, 23.0%)
| NA | NA | NA |
| Major clinical response Major clinical response = ACR70 for at least 24 consecutive weeks during the 52-week period. | | | | | | |
Responders
| 3.0% | 12.8% | 14.8% | NA | NA | NA |
| Difference from placebo, (95% CI) | | 9.7% (6.1%, 13.4%)
| 11.8% (7.9%, 15.6%)
| | | |
| DAS28-CRP < 2.6 Patients with DAS28-CRP <2.6 may have active joints | | | | | | |
| Week 12 | | | | | | |
| Percentage of patients | 4.8% | 18.0% | 23.1% | 3.9% | 17.1% | 17.9% |
Difference from placebo (95% CI) | | 13.3% (9.0%, 17.5%) | 18.3% (13.7%, 23.0%) | | 13.3% (7.3%, 19.3%) | 14.1% (8.0%, 20.3%) |
| Week 24 | | | | | | |
| Percentage of patients | 10.1% | 27.8% | 34.1% | 7.2% | 24.9% | 28.8% |
Difference from placebo (95% CI) | | 17.7% (12.5%, 23.0%) | 24.0% (18.5%, 29.5%) | | 17.7% (10.5%, 24.9%) | 21.7% (14.3%, 29.1%) |
The percent ACR20 response by visit in Study 1 is shown in Figure 1. A similar response curve was observed in Study 2.
| Figure 1: Percent of ACR20 Response by Visit for Study 1 (Adults with Moderately to Severely Active RA) |
|---|
|
The results of the components of the ACR response criteria at Week 12 for Studies 1 and 2 are shown in Table 5.
Table 5: Mean Change from Baseline in Components of ACR Score at Week 12 (Prior to Rescue) in Adults with Moderately to Severely Active RA | Study 1 | Study 2 |
|---|
| Component means (range/units) | Placebo + MTX (N=398) | KEVZARA 150 mg + MTX (N=400) | KEVZARA 200 mg + MTX (N=399) | Placebo + DMARD(s) (N=181) | KEVZARA 150 mg + DMARD(s) (N=181) | KEVZARA 200 mg + DMARD(s) (N=184) |
|---|
| Tender Joints (0–68) | | | | | | |
| Baseline | 26.80 | 27.21 | 26.50 | 29.42 | 27.66 | 29.55 |
| Week 12 | 16.25 | 12.88 | 11.78 | 19.18 | 13.38 | 13.10 |
| Change from baseline | -10.51 | -14.42 | -14.94 | -9.79 | -14.11 | -15.92 |
| Swollen Joints (0–66) | | | | | | |
| Baseline | 16.68 | 16.60 | 16.77 | 20.21 | 19.60 | 19.97 |
| Week 12 | 9.66 | 7.50 | 6.79 | 12.50 | 8.82 | 8.28 |
| Change from baseline | -7.02 | -9.03 | -10.12 | -7.25 | -10.77 | -10.89 |
| Pain VAS VAS=visual analog scale (0–100 mm) | | | | | | |
| Baseline | 63.71 | 65.48 | 66.71 | 71.57 | 71.02 | 74.86 |
| Week 12 | 49.25 | 41.47 | 36.93 | 54.77 | 43.45 | 41.66 |
| Change from baseline | -14.45 | -23.73 | -29.77 | -16.12 | -27.95 | -32.77 |
| Physician global VAS (0–100 mm) | | | | | | |
| Baseline | 62.86 | 63.43 | 63.59 | 68.39 | 68.10 | 67.76 |
| Week 12 | 39.25 | 31.32 | 28.47 | 43.73 | 33.65 | 30.18 |
| Change from baseline | -23.63 | -31.85 | -34.84 | -24.60 | -34.92 | -36.92 |
| Patient global VAS (0–100 mm) | | | | | | |
| Baseline | 63.70 | 64.43 | 66.49 | 68.77 | 67.71 | 70.89 |
| Week 12 | 49.37 | 41.52 | 38.05 | 53.67 | 41.99 | 41.74 |
| Change from baseline | -13.92 | -22.88 | -28.39 | -15.05 | -26.05 | -28.83 |
| HAQ-DI (0–3) | | | | | | |
| Baseline | 1.61 | 1.63 | 1.69 | 1.80 | 1.72 | 1.82 |
| Week 12 | 1.34 | 1.15 | 1.13 | 1.49 | 1.23 | 1.33 |
| Change from baseline | -0.27 | -0.47 | -0.57 | -0.29 | -0.50 | -0.49 |
| CRP (mg/L) | | | | | | |
| Baseline | 20.46 | 22.57 | 22.23 | 26.02 | 23.60 | 30.77 |
| Week 12 | 19.61 | 9.24 | 3.30 | 21.72 | 9.21 | 4.58 |
| Change from baseline | -0.58 | -13.59 | -18.31 | -3.39 | -14.24 | -25.91 |
Radiographic Response
In Study 1, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as the van der Heijde-modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS) and its components, the erosion score and joint space narrowing score. Radiographs of hands and feet were obtained at baseline, 24 weeks, and 52 weeks and scored independently by at least two well-trained readers who were blinded to treatment group and visit number.
Both doses of KEVZARA + MTX were superior to placebo + MTX in the change from baseline in mTSS over 52 weeks (see Table 6). Less progression of both erosion and joint space narrowing scores over 52 weeks was reported in the KEVZARA + MTX treatment groups compared to the placebo + MTX group.
Treatment with KEVZARA + MTX was associated with significantly less radiographic progression of structural damage as compared with placebo + MTX. At Week 52, 55.6% of patients receiving KEVZARA 200 mg + MTX and 47.8% of patients receiving KEVZARA 150 mg + MTX had no progression of structural damage (as defined by a change in the Total Sharp Score of zero or less) compared with 38.7% of patients receiving placebo.
Table 6: Mean Radiographic Change from Baseline at Week 52 in Study 1 in Adults with Moderately to Severely Active RAWeek 52 analysis employs linear extrapolation method to impute missing or post-rescue data
| Study 1 |
|---|
Placebo + MTX (N=398) | KEVZARA 150 mg + MTX (N=400) | KEVZARA 200 mg + MTX (N=399) |
|---|
| Modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS) | | | |
| Mean change | 2.78 | 0.90 | 0.25 |
| LS LS=least squares mean difference (95% CICI=confidence interval ) | | -1.88 (-2.74, -1.01) | -2.52 (-3.38, -1.66) |
| Erosion score | | | |
| Mean change | 1.46 | 0.42 | 0.05 |
| LS mean difference (95% CI) | | -1.03 (-1.53, -0.53) | -1.40 (-1.90, -0.90) |
| Joint space narrowing score | | | |
| Mean change | 1.32 | 0.47 | 0.20 |
| LS mean difference (95% CI) | | -0.85 (-1.34, -0.35) | -1.12 (-1.61, -0.63) |
Physical Function Response
In Studies 1 and 2, physical function and disability were assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Patients receiving KEVZARA 200 mg every two weeks + MTX/DMARD and KEVZARA 150 mg every two weeks + MTX/DMARD demonstrated greater improvement from baseline in physical function compared to placebo + MTX/DMARD at Week 16 and Week 12 in Studies 1 and 2, respectively (Table 7).
Table 7: Physical function in Studies 1 and 2 in Adults with Moderately to Severely Active RA | Study 1 | Study 2 |
|---|
| Week 16 | Week 12 |
|---|
| Placebo + MTX (N=398) | KEVZARA 150 mg + MTX (N=400) | KEVZARA 200 mg + MTX (N=399) | Placebo + DMARD(s) (N=181) | KEVZARA 150 mg + DMARD(s) (N=181) | KEVZARA 200 mg + DMARD(s) (N=184) |
|---|
| HAQ-DI | | | | | | |
| Change from baseline | -0.30 | -0.54 | -0.58 | -0.29 | -0.50 | -0.49 |
| Difference from placebo (95% CI) Difference in adjusted mean change from baseline compared with placebo + DMARD at Week 16 (Study 1) or Week 12 (Study 2) and 95% confidence interval for that difference. | | -0.24 (-0.31, -0.16) | -0.26 (-0.34, -0.18) | | -0.20 (-0.32, -0.09) | -0.21 (-0.33, -0.10) |
| % of patients with clinically meaningful improvement Change from baseline greater than 0.3 units | 42.5% | 53.8% | 57.4% | 35.9% | 47% | 51.1% |
Other Health Related Outcomes
General health status was assessed by the Short Form health survey (SF-36) in Studies 1 and 2. Patients receiving KEVZARA 200 mg every two weeks + MTX/DMARD demonstrated greater improvement from baseline compared to placebo + MTX/DMARD in the physical component summary (PCS) at Week 24, but there was no evidence of a difference between the treatment groups in the mental component summary (MCS) at Week 24. Patients receiving KEVZARA 200 mg + MTX/DMARD reported greater improvement relative to placebo in the domains of Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health Perception, Vitality, Social Functioning and Mental Health, but not in the Role Emotional domain.
Infections
Inform patients that KEVZARA may lower their resistance to infections. Instruct patients to contact their physician immediately when symptoms suggesting infection appear, to ensure rapid evaluation and appropriate treatment [see Warning and Precautions (5.1)].
Gastrointestinal Perforation
Inform patients that some patients, particularly those also taking NSAIDS, and/or steroids, have had tears (perforations) of the stomach or intestines. Inform patients that gastrointestinal perforations have been reported in KEVZARA-treated patients in clinical studies, primarily as a complication of diverticulitis. Instruct patients to contact their physician immediately when symptoms of severe, persistent abdominal pain appear to ensure rapid evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Hypersensitivity and Serious Allergic Reaction
Assess patient suitability for home use for SC injection. Inform patients that some patients who have been treated with KEVZARA have developed serious allergic reactions. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptom of serious allergic reactions.
Pregnancy Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to KEVZARA during pregnancy. Encourage participation in the registry [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Instruction on Injection Technique
Instruct patients and caregivers to read the Instructions for Use before the patient starts using KEVZARA, and each time the patient gets a refill as there may be new information they need to know.
Provide guidance to patients and caregivers on proper subcutaneous injection technique, including aseptic technique, and how to use the pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen correctly (see Instructions for Use).
The pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen should be left at room temperature for 30 minutes or 60 minutes respectively (see the Instructions for Use) prior to use. The syringe or pen should be used within 14 days after being taken out of the refrigerator. A puncture-resistant container should be used to dispose the used pre-filled syringes or pre-filled pens and should be kept out of the reach of children. Instruct patients or caregivers in the technique as well as proper pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen disposal, and caution against reuse of these items.
REGENERON
SANOFI GENZYME
Manufactured by:
sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
A SANOFI COMPANY
U.S. License # 1752
Marketed by:
sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC (Bridgewater, NJ 08807) and
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Tarrytown, NY 10591)
KEVZARA® is a registered trademark of Sanofi Biotechnology
©2018 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. / sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC
Issue Date: April 2018