FDA Label for Bortezomib

1.1 Multiple Myeloma

Bortezomib for injection is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with multiple myeloma.

1.2 Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Bortezomib for injection is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma.

2.1 Important Dosing Guidelines

Bortezomib for injection is for intravenous or subcutaneous use only. Do not administer bortezomib for injection by any other route.

Because each route of administration has a different reconstituted concentration, use caution when calculating the volume to be administered.

The recommended starting dose of bortezomib for injection is 1.3 mg/m². Bortezomib for injection is administered intravenously at a concentration of 1 mg per mL, or subcutaneously at a concentration of 2.5 mg per mL [see Dosage and Administration (2.10)].

Bortezomib for injection retreatment may be considered for patients with multiple myeloma who had previously responded to treatment with bortezomib for injection and who have relapsed at least six months after completing prior bortezomib for injection treatment. Treatment may be started at the last tolerated dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].

When administered intravenously, administer bortezomib for injection as a 3 to 5 second bolus intravenous injection.

2.2 Dosage In Previously Untreated Multiple Myeloma

Bortezomib for injection is administered in combination with oral melphalan and oral prednisone for 9, six week treatment cycles as shown in Table 1. In Cycles 1 to 4, bortezomib for injection is administered twice weekly (Days 1, 4, 8, 11, 22, 25, 29 and 32). In Cycles 5 to 9, bortezomib for injection is administered once weekly (Days 1, 8, 22 and 29). At least 72 hours should elapse between consecutive doses of bortezomib for injection.

2.3 Dose Modification Guidelines For Bortezomib For Injection When Given In Combination With Melphalan And Prednisone

Prior to initiating any cycle of therapy with bortezomib for injection in combination with melphalan and prednisone:

• Platelet count should be at least 70 × 10⁹/L and the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) should be at least 1 × 10⁹/L
• Nonhematological toxicities should have resolved to Grade 1 or baseline

Table 2 Dose Modifications During Cycles of Combination Bortezomib for Injection, Melphalan and Prednisone Therapy

Toxicity	Dose Modification or Delay
Hematological toxicity during a cycle: If prolonged Grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia with bleeding is observed in the previous cycle	Consider reduction of the melphalan dose by 25% in the next cycle
If platelet count is not above 30 × 109/L or ANC is not above 0.75 × 109/L on a bortezomib for injection dosing day (other than Day 1)	Withhold bortezomib for injection dose
If several bortezomib for injection doses in consecutive cycles are withheld due to toxicity	Reduce bortezomib for injection dose by one dose level (from 1.3 mg/m2 to 1 mg/m2, or from 1 mg/m2 to 0.7 mg/m2)
Grade 3 or higher nonhematological toxicities	Withhold bortezomib for injection therapy until symptoms of toxicity have resolved to Grade 1 or baseline. Then, bortezomib for injection may be reinitiated with one dose level reduction (from 1.3 mg/m2 to 1 mg/m2, or from 1 mg/m2 to 0.7 mg/m2). For bortezomib for injection-related neuropathic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy, hold or modify bortezomib for injection as outlined in Table 5.

For information concerning melphalan and prednisone, see manufacturer's prescribing information.

Dose modifications guidelines for peripheral neuropathy are provided [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)].

2.4 Dosage In Previously Untreated Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Bortezomib for injection (1.3 mg/m²) is administered intravenously in combination with intravenous rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and oral prednisone (VcR-CAP) for 6, three week treatment cycles as shown in Table 3. Bortezomib for injection is administered first followed by rituximab. Bortezomib for injection is administered twice weekly for two weeks (Days 1, 4, 8, and 11) followed by a ten day rest period on Days 12 to 21. For patients with a response first documented at Cycle 6, two additional VcR-CAP cycles are recommended. At least 72 hours should elapse between consecutive doses of bortezomib for injection.

2.5 Dose Modification Guidelines For Bortezomib For Injection When Given In Combination With Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin And Prednisone

Prior to the first day of each cycle (other than Cycle 1):

• Platelet count should be at least 100 × 10⁹/L and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) should be at least 1.5 × 10⁹/L
• Hemoglobin should be at least 8 g/dL (at least 4.96 mmol/L)
• Nonhematologic toxicity should have recovered to Grade 1 or baseline

Interrupt bortezomib for injection treatment at the onset of any Grade 3 hematologic or nonhematological toxicities, excluding neuropathy [see Table 5, Warnings and Precautions (5)]. For dose adjustments, see Table 4 below.

Table 4: Dose Modifications on Days 4, 8, and 11 During Cycles of Combination Bortezomib for Injection, Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin and Prednisone Therapy

Toxicity	Dose Modification or Delay
Hematological Toxicity
Grade 3 or higher neutropenia, or a platelet count not at or above 25 × 109/L	Withhold bortezomib for injection therapy for up to 2 weeks until the patient has an ANC at or above 0.75 × 109/L and a platelet count at or above 25 × 109/L. If, after bortezomib for injection has been withheld, the toxicity does not resolve, discontinue bortezomib for injection. If toxicity resolves such that the patient has an ANC at or above 0.75 × 109/L and a platelet count at or above 25 × 109/L, bortezomib for injection dose should be reduced by 1 dose level (from 1.3 mg/m2 to 1 mg/m2, or from 1 mg/m2 to 0.7 mg/m2).
Grade 3 or higher nonhematological toxicities	Withhold bortezomib for injection therapy until symptoms of the toxicity have resolved to Grade 2 or better. Then, bortezomib for injection may be reinitiated with one dose level reduction (from 1.3 mg/m2 to 1 mg/m2, or from 1 mg/m2 to 0.7 mg/m2). For bortezomib for injection-related neuropathic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy, hold or modify bortezomib for injection as outlined in Table 5.

For information concerning rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone, see manufacturer's prescribing information.

2.6 Dosage And Dose Modifications For Relapsed Multiple Myeloma And Relapsed Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Bortezomib for injection (1.3 mg/m²/dose) is administered twice weekly for two weeks (Days 1, 4, 8, and 11) followed by a ten day rest period (Days 12 to 21). For extended therapy of more than eight cycles, bortezomib for injection may be administered on the standard schedule or, for relapsed multiple myeloma, on a maintenance schedule of once weekly for four weeks (Days 1, 8, 15, and 22) followed by a 13 day rest period (Days 23 to 35) [see Clinical Studies (14)]. At least 72 hours should elapse between consecutive doses of bortezomib for injection.

Patients with multiple myeloma who have previously responded to treatment with bortezomib for injection (either alone or in combination) and who have relapsed at least six months after their prior bortezomib for injection therapy may be started on bortezomib for injection at the last tolerated dose. Retreated patients are administered bortezomib for injection twice weekly (Days 1, 4, 8, and 11) every three weeks for a maximum of eight cycles. At least 72 hours should elapse between consecutive doses of bortezomib for injection. Bortezomib for injection may be administered either as a single agent or in combination with dexamethasone [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

Bortezomib for injection therapy should be withheld at the onset of any Grade 3 nonhematological or Grade 4 hematological toxicities excluding neuropathy as discussed below [see Warnings and Precautions (5)]. Once the symptoms of the toxicity have resolved, bortezomib for injection therapy may be reinitiated at a 25% reduced dose (1.3 mg/m²/dose reduced to 1 mg/m²/dose; 1 mg/m²/dose reduced to 0.7 mg/m²/dose).

For dose modifications guidelines for peripheral neuropathy, see section 2.7.

2.7 Dose Modifications For Peripheral Neuropathy

Starting bortezomib for injection subcutaneously may be considered for patients with pre-existing or at high risk of peripheral neuropathy. Patients with pre-existing severe neuropathy should be treated with bortezomib for injection only after careful risk-benefit assessment.

Patients experiencing new or worsening peripheral neuropathy during bortezomib for injection therapy may require a decrease in the dose and/or a less dose-intense schedule.

For dose or schedule modification guidelines for patients who experience bortezomib for injection-related neuropathic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy, see Table 5.

2.8 Dosage In Patients With Hepatic Impairment

Do not adjust the starting dose for patients with mild hepatic impairment.

Start patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment at a reduced dose of 0.7 mg/m² per injection during the first cycle, and consider subsequent dose escalation to 1 mg/m² or further dose reduction to 0.5 mg/m² based on patient tolerance (see Table 6) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.9 Administration Precautions

The drug quantity contained in one vial (3.5 mg) may exceed the usual dose required. Caution should be used in calculating the dose to prevent overdose [see Dosage and Administration (2.10)].

When administered subcutaneously, sites for each injection (thigh or abdomen) should be rotated. New injections should be given at least one inch from an old site and never into areas where the site is tender, bruised, erythematous, or indurated.

If local injection site reactions occur following bortezomib for injection administration subcutaneously, a less concentrated bortezomib for injection solution (1 mg per mL instead of 2.5 mg per mL) may be administered subcutaneously [see Dosage and Administration (2.10)]. Alternatively, consider use of the intravenous route of administration [see Dosage and Administration (2.10)].

Bortezomib for injection is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures.¹

2.10 Reconstitution/Preparation For Intravenous And Subcutaneous Administration

Use proper aseptic technique. Reconstitute only with 0.9% sodium chloride. The reconstituted product should be a clear and colorless solution.

Different volumes of 0.9% sodium chloride are used to reconstitute the product for the different routes of administration. The reconstituted concentration of bortezomib for subcutaneous administration (2.5 mg per mL) is greater than the reconstituted concentration of bortezomib for intravenous administration (1 mg per mL). Because each route of administration has a different reconstituted concentration, use caution when calculating the volume to be administered [see Dosage and Administration (2.9)].

For each 3.5 mg single-dose vial of bortezomib, reconstitute with the following volume of 0.9% sodium chloride based on route of administration (Table 7):

Dose must be individualized to prevent overdosage. After determining patient body surface area (BSA) in square meters, use the following equations to calculate the total volume (mL) of reconstituted bortezomib for injection to be administered:

• Intravenous Administration [1 mg per mL concentration]

• Subcutaneous Administration [2.5 mg per mL concentration]

Stickers that indicate the route of administration are provided with each bortezomib for injection vial. These stickers should be placed directly on the syringe of bortezomib for injection once bortezomib for injection is prepared to help alert practitioners of the correct route of administration for bortezomib for injection.

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. If any discoloration or particulate matter is observed, the reconstituted product should not be used.

3 Dosage Forms And Strengths

For injection: Each single-dose vial of bortezomib for injection contains 3.5 mg of bortezomib as a sterile lyophilized white to off-white powder for reconstitution and withdrawal of the appropriate individual patient dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.10)].

4 Contraindications

Bortezomib for injection is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity (not including local reactions) to bortezomib, boron, or mannitol. Reactions have included anaphylactic reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Bortezomib for injection is contraindicated for intrathecal administration. Fatal events have occurred with intrathecal administration of bortezomib for injection.

5.1 Peripheral Neuropathy

Bortezomib treatment causes a peripheral neuropathy that is predominantly sensory; however, cases of severe sensory and motor peripheral neuropathy have been reported. Patients with pre-existing symptoms (numbness, pain or a burning feeling in the feet or hands) and/or signs of peripheral neuropathy may experience worsening peripheral neuropathy (including ≥Grade 3) during treatment with bortezomib. Patients should be monitored for symptoms of neuropathy, such as a burning sensation, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, neuropathic pain or weakness. In the Phase 3 relapsed multiple myeloma trial comparing bortezomib subcutaneous vs intravenous, the incidence of Grade ≥2 peripheral neuropathy was 24% for subcutaneous and 39% for intravenous. Grade ≥3 peripheral neuropathy occurred in 6% of patients in the subcutaneous treatment group, compared with 15% in the intravenous treatment group [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Starting bortezomib subcutaneously may be considered for patients with pre-existing or at high risk of peripheral neuropathy.

Patients experiencing new or worsening peripheral neuropathy during bortezomib therapy may require a decrease in the dose and/or a less dose-intense schedule [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)]. In the bortezomib vs dexamethasone Phase 3 relapsed multiple myeloma study, improvement in or resolution of peripheral neuropathy was reported in 48% of patients with ≥Grade 2 peripheral neuropathy following dose adjustment or interruption. Improvement in or resolution of peripheral neuropathy was reported in 73% of patients who discontinued due to Grade 2 neuropathy or who had ≥Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy in the Phase 2 multiple myeloma studies. The long-term outcome of peripheral neuropathy has not been studied in mantle cell lymphoma.

5.2 Hypotension

The incidence of hypotension (postural, orthostatic, and hypotension NOS) was 8% [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. These events are observed throughout therapy. Patients with a history of syncope, patients receiving medications known to be associated with hypotension, and patients who are dehydrated may be at increased risk of hypotension. Management of orthostatic/postural hypotension may include adjustment of antihypertensive medications, hydration, and administration of mineralocorticoids and/or sympathomimetics.

5.3 Cardiac Toxicity

Acute development or exacerbation of congestive heart failure and new onset of decreased left ventricular ejection fraction have occurred during bortezomib therapy, including reports in patients with no risk factors for decreased left ventricular ejection fraction [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Patients with risk factors for, or existing heart disease should be frequently monitored. In the relapsed multiple myeloma study of bortezomib vs dexamethasone, the incidence of any treatment-related cardiac disorder was 8% and 5% in the bortezomib and dexamethasone groups, respectively. The incidence of adverse reactions suggestive of heart failure (acute pulmonary edema, pulmonary edema, cardiac failure, congestive cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock) was ≤1% for each individual reaction in the bortezomib group. In the dexamethasone group the incidence was ≤1% for cardiac failure and congestive cardiac failure; there were no reported reactions of acute pulmonary edema, pulmonary edema, or cardiogenic shock. There have been isolated cases of QT-interval prolongation in clinical studies; causality has not been established.

5.4 Pulmonary Toxicity

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and acute diffuse infiltrative pulmonary disease of unknown etiology such as pneumonitis, interstitial pneumonia, lung infiltration have occurred in patients receiving bortezomib. Some of these events have been fatal.

In a clinical trial, the first two patients given high-dose cytarabine (2 g/m² per day) by continuous infusion with daunorubicin and bortezomib for relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia died of ARDS early in the course of therapy.

There have been reports of pulmonary hypertension associated with bortezomib administration in the absence of left heart failure or significant pulmonary disease.

In the event of new or worsening cardiopulmonary symptoms, consider interrupting bortezomib until a prompt and comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is conducted.

5.5 Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (Pres)

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES; formerly termed Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS)) has occurred in patients receiving bortezomib. PRES is a rare, reversible, neurological disorder which can present with seizure, hypertension, headache, lethargy, confusion, blindness, and other visual and neurological disturbances. Brain imaging, preferably MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), is used to confirm the diagnosis. In patients developing PRES, discontinue bortezomib. The safety of reinitiating bortezomib therapy in patients previously experiencing PRES is not known.

5.6 Gastrointestinal Toxicity

Bortezomib treatment can cause nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] sometimes requiring use of antiemetic and antidiarrheal medications. Ileus can occur. Fluid and electrolyte replacement should be administered to prevent dehydration. Interrupt bortezomib for severe symptoms.

5.7 Thrombocytopenia/Neutropenia

Bortezomib is associated with thrombocytopenia and neutropenia that follow a cyclical pattern with nadirs occurring following the last dose of each cycle and typically recovering prior to initiation of the subsequent cycle. The cyclical pattern of platelet and neutrophil decreases and recovery remain consistent in the studies of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma, with no evidence of cumulative thrombocytopenia or neutropenia in the treatment regimens studied.

Monitor complete blood counts (CBC) frequently during treatment with bortezomib. Measure platelet counts prior to each dose of bortezomib. Adjust dose/schedule for thrombocytopenia [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)]. Gastrointestinal and intracerebral hemorrhage has occurred during thrombocytopenia in association with bortezomib. Support with transfusions and supportive care, according to published guidelines.

In the single agent, relapsed multiple myeloma study of bortezomib vs dexamethasone, the mean platelet count nadir measured was approximately 40% of baseline. The severity of thrombocytopenia related to pretreatment platelet count is shown in Table 8. The incidence of bleeding (≥Grade 3) was 2% on the bortezomib arm and was <1% in the dexamethasone arm.

In the combination study of bortezomib with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (VcR-CAP) in previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma patients, the incidence of thrombocytopenia (≥Grade 4) was 32% vs 1% for the rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) arm as shown in Table 12. The incidence of bleeding events (≥Grade 3) was 1.7% in the VcR-CAP arm (four patients) and was 1.2% in the R-CHOP arm (three patients).

Platelet transfusions were given to 23% of the patients in the VcR-CAP arm and 3% of the patients in the R-CHOP arm.

The incidence of neutropenia (≥Grade 4) was 70% in the VcR-CAP arm and was 52% in the R-CHOP arm. The incidence of febrile neutropenia (≥Grade 4) was 5% in the VcR-CAP arm and was 6% in the R-CHOP arm. Myeloid growth factor support was provided at a rate of 78% in the VcR-CAP arm and 61% in the R-CHOP arm.

5.8 Tumor Lysis Syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome has been reported with bortezomib therapy. Patients at risk of tumor lysis syndrome are those with high tumor burden prior to treatment. Monitor patients closely and take appropriate precautions.

5.9 Hepatic Toxicity

Cases of acute liver failure have been reported in patients receiving multiple concomitant medications and with serious underlying medical conditions. Other reported hepatic reactions include hepatitis, increases in liver enzymes, and hyperbilirubinemia. Interrupt bortezomib therapy to assess reversibility. There is limited rechallenge information in these patients.

5.10 Thrombotic Microangiopathy

Cases, sometimes fatal, of thrombotic microangiopathy, including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS), have been reported in the postmarketing setting in patients who received bortezomib. Monitor for signs and symptoms of TTP/HUS. If the diagnosis is suspected, stop bortezomib and evaluate. If the diagnosis of TTP/HUS is excluded, consider restarting bortezomib. The safety of reinitiating bortezomib therapy in patients previously experiencing TTP/HUS is not known.

5.11 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on the mechanism of action and findings in animals, bortezomib can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Bortezomib administered to rabbits during organogenesis at a dose approximately 0.5 times the clinical dose of 1.3 mg/m² based on body surface area caused postimplantation loss and a decreased number of live fetuses [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with bortezomib and for seven months following treatment. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with bortezomib and for four months following treatment. If bortezomib is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant during bortezomib treatment, the patient should be apprised of the potential risk to the fetus [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1)].

6 Adverse Reactions

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are also discussed in other sections of the labeling:

• Peripheral Neuropathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Cardiac Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Pulmonary Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
• Gastrointestinal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
• Thrombocytopenia/Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
• Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
• Hepatic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
• Thrombotic Microangiopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]

6.1 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 clinical practice.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified from the worldwide postmarketing experience with bortezomib. 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:

Cardiac Disorders: Cardiac tamponade

Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: Deafness bilateral

Eye Disorders: Optic neuropathy, blindness, chalazion/blepharitis

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Ischemic colitis

Infections and Infestations: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), ophthalmic herpes, herpes meningoencephalitis

Nervous System Disorders: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES, formerly RPLS), Guillain-Barré syndrome, demyelinating polyneuropathy

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Acute diffuse infiltrative pulmonary disease

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet's syndrome)

7.2 Drugs Without Clinically Significant Interactions With Bortezomib

No clinically significant drug interactions have been observed when bortezomib was coadministered with dexamethasone, omeprazole, or melphalan in combination with prednisone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.3 Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential

Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animals, bortezomib can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients.

The activity and safety of bortezomib in combination with intensive reinduction chemotherapy was evaluated in pediatric and young adult patients with lymphoid malignancies (pre-B cell ALL 77%, 16% with T-cell ALL, and 7% T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL)), all of whom relapsed within 36 months of initial diagnosis in a single-arm multicenter, nonrandomized cooperative group trial. An effective reinduction multiagent chemotherapy regimen was administered in three blocks. Block 1 included vincristine, prednisone, doxorubicin and pegaspargase; Block 2 included cyclophosphamide, etoposide and methotrexate; Block 3 included high-dose cytosine arabinoside and asparaginase. Bortezomib was administered at a dose of 1.3 mg/m² as a bolus intravenous injection on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of Block 1 and Days 1, 4, and 8 of Block 2. There were 140 patients with ALL or LL enrolled and evaluated for safety. The median age was ten years (range: 1 to 26), 57% were male, 70% were white, 14% were black, 4% were Asian, 2% were American Indian/Alaska Native, 1% were Pacific Islander.

The activity was evaluated in a prespecified subset of the first 60 evaluable patients enrolled on the study with pre-B ALL ≤21 years and relapsed <36 months from diagnosis. The complete remission (CR) rate at day 36 was compared to that in a historical control set of patients who had received the identical backbone therapy without bortezomib. There was no evidence that the addition of bortezomib had any impact on the CR rate.

No new safety concerns were observed when bortezomib was added to a chemotherapy backbone regimen as compared with a historical control group in which the backbone regimen was given without bortezomib.

The BSA-normalized clearance of bortezomib in pediatric patients was similar to that observed in adults.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Of the 669 patients enrolled in the relapsed multiple myeloma study, 245 (37%) were 65 years of age or older: 125 (38%) on the bortezomib arm and 120 (36%) on the dexamethasone arm. Median time to progression and median duration of response for patients ≥65 were longer on bortezomib compared to dexamethasone [5.5 mo vs 4.3 mo, and 8 mo vs 4.9 mo, respectively]. On the bortezomib arm, 40% (n=46) of evaluable patients aged ≥65 experienced response (CR+PR) vs 18% (n=21) on the dexamethasone arm. The incidence of Grade 3 and 4 events was 64%, 78% and 75% for bortezomib patients ≤50, 51 to 64 and ≥65 years old, respectively [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Studies (14.1)].

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between patients ≥age 65 and younger patients receiving bortezomib; but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

8.6 Renal Impairment

No starting dosage adjustment of bortezomib is recommended for patients with renal impairment. In patients requiring dialysis, bortezomib should be administered after the dialysis procedure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.7 Hepatic Impairment

No starting dosage adjustment of bortezomib is recommended for patients with mild hepatic impairment (total bilirubin ≤1× ULN and AST >ULN, or total bilirubin >1 to 1.5× ULN and any AST). The exposure of bortezomib is increased in patients with moderate (total bilirubin ≥1.5 to 3× ULN and any AST) and severe (total bilirubin >3× ULN and any AST) hepatic impairment. Reduce the starting dose in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.8), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.8 Patients With Diabetes

During clinical trials, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were reported in diabetic patients receiving oral hypoglycemics. Patients on oral antidiabetic agents receiving bortezomib treatment may require close monitoring of their blood glucose levels and adjustment of the dose of their antidiabetic medication.

10 Overdosage

There is no known specific antidote for bortezomib overdosage. In humans, fatal outcomes following the administration of more than twice the recommended therapeutic dose have been reported, which were associated with the acute onset of symptomatic hypotension (5.2) and thrombocytopenia (5.7). In the event of an overdosage, the patient's vital signs should be monitored and appropriate supportive care given.

Studies in monkeys and dogs showed that intravenous bortezomib doses as low as two times the recommended clinical dose on a mg/m² basis were associated with increases in heart rate, decreases in contractility, hypotension, and death. In dog studies, a slight increase in the corrected QT interval was observed at doses resulting in death. In monkeys, doses of 3 mg/m² and greater (approximately twice the recommended clinical dose) resulted in hypotension starting at one hour postadministration, with progression to death in 12 to 14 hours following drug administration.

11 Description

Bortezomib for injection, a proteasome inhibitor, contains bortezomib which is an antineoplastic agent. Bortezomib is a modified dipeptidyl boronic acid. The chemical name for bortezomib, the monomeric boronic acid, is [(1R)-3-methyl-1-[[(2S)-1-oxo-3-phenyl-2-[(pyrazinylcarbonyl) amino]propyl]amino]butyl] boronic acid.

Bortezomib has the following chemical structure:

Chemical Structure - bortezomib for injection 1

The molecular weight is 384.24. The molecular formula is C₁₉H₂₅BN₄O_4. The solubility of bortezomib, as the monomeric boronic acid, in water is 3.3 to 3.8 mg/mL in a pH range of 2 to 6.5.

Bortezomib for injection is available for intravenous injection or subcutaneous use. Each single-dose vial contains 3.5 mg of bortezomib as a sterile lyophilized powder. It also contains the inactive ingredient: 35 mg mannitol, USP. The product is provided as a mannitol boronic ester which, in reconstituted form, consists of the mannitol ester in equilibrium with its hydrolysis product, the monomeric boronic acid. The drug substance exists in its cyclic anhydride form as a trimeric boroxine.

12.1 Mechanism Of Action

Bortezomib is a reversible inhibitor of the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 26S proteasome in mammalian cells. The 26S proteasome is a large protein complex that degrades ubiquitinated proteins. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway plays an essential role in regulating the intracellular concentration of specific proteins, thereby maintaining homeostasis within cells. Inhibition of the 26S proteasome prevents this targeted proteolysis, which can affect multiple signaling cascades within the cell. This disruption of normal homeostatic mechanisms can lead to cell death. Experiments have demonstrated that bortezomib is cytotoxic to a variety of cancer cell types in vitro. Bortezomib causes a delay in tumor growth in vivo in nonclinical tumor models, including multiple myeloma.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Following twice weekly administration of 1 mg/m² and 1.3 mg/m² bortezomib doses, the maximum inhibition of 20S proteasome activity (relative to baseline) in whole blood was observed five minutes after drug administration. Comparable maximum inhibition of 20S proteasome activity was observed between 1 mg/m² and 1.3 mg/m² doses. Maximal inhibition ranged from 70% to 84% and from 73% to 83% for the 1 mg/m² and 1.3 mg/m² dose regimens, respectively.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Following intravenous administration of 1 mg/m² and 1.3 mg/m² doses, the mean maximum plasma concentrations of bortezomib (C_max) after the first dose (Day 1) were 57 and 112 ng/mL, respectively. When administered twice weekly, the mean maximum observed plasma concentrations ranged from 67 to 106 ng/mL for the 1 mg/m² dose and 89 to 120 ng/mL for the 1.3 mg/m² dose.

Following an intravenous bolus or subcutaneous injection of a 1.3 mg/m² dose to patients with multiple myeloma, the total systemic exposure after repeat dose administration (AUC_last) was equivalent for subcutaneous and intravenous administration. The AUC_last geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval) was 0.99 (0.8 to 1.23). The C_max after subcutaneous administration (20.4 ng/mL) was lower than after intravenous administration (223 ng/mL) with repeat dose administration.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted with bortezomib.

Bortezomib showed clastogenic activity (structural chromosomal aberrations) in the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay using Chinese hamster ovary cells. Bortezomib was not genotoxic when tested in the in vitro mutagenicity assay (Ames test) and in vivo micronucleus assay in mice.

Fertility studies with bortezomib were not performed but evaluation of reproductive tissues has been performed in the general toxicity studies. In the six month rat toxicity study, degenerative effects in the ovary were observed at doses ≥0.3 mg/m² (one-fourth of the recommended clinical dose), and degenerative changes in the testes occurred at 1.2 mg/m².

15 References

1. "OSHA Hazardous Drugs" (refer to antineoplastic weblinks including OSHA Technical Manual). OSHA. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardousdrugs/index.html

16 How Supplied/Storage And Handling

Bortezomib for injection is supplied as individually cartoned 8 mL vials containing 3.5 mg of bortezomib as a white to off-white cake or powder.

NDC 0143-9098-01
3.5 mg single-dose vial

17 Patient Counseling Information

Discuss the following with patients prior to treatment with bortezomib for injection:

Principal Display Panel - Vial

NDC 0143-9098-01   Rx only
Bortezomib
for Injection
3.5 mg per vial
For Intravenous or
Subcutaneous Use
Cytotoxic Agent
Singe-Dose Vial
Discard Unused Portion

Hikma vial label - bortezomib for injection 8

Principal Display Panel - Carton And Representative Serialization Image

NDC 0143-9098-01   Rx only
Bortezomib for Injection
3.5 mg per vial
For Intravenous or Subcutaneous Use
Cytotoxic Agent
Singe-Dose Vial
Discard Unused Portion

Hikma carton - bortezomib for injection 9