Zepzelca Injection, Powder, Lyophilized, For Solution
FDA Label NDC 68727-712

ZEPZELCA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s).

The recommended dosage of ZEPZELCA is 3.2 mg/m² by intravenous infusion over 60 minutes every 21 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Initiate treatment with ZEPZELCA only if absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is at least 1,500 cells/mm³ and platelet count is at least 100,000/mm³.

The recommended dose reductions for adverse reactions are listed in Table 1. Permanently discontinue ZEPZELCA in patients who are unable to tolerate 2 mg/m² or require a dose delay greater than two weeks.

Dosage modifications for ZEPZELCA for adverse reactions are presented in Table 2.

• aNational Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE) version 4.0
• bPatients with isolated Grade 4 neutropenia (neutrophil count less than 500 cells/mm³) may receive G-CSF prophylaxis rather than undergo lurbinectedin dose reduction.

Consider administering the following pre-infusion medications for antiemetic prophylaxis [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]:

• Corticosteroids (dexamethasone 8 mg intravenously or equivalent)
• Serotonin antagonists (ondansetron 8 mg intravenously or equivalent)

ZEPZELCA is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures¹.

Preparation and Administration

• Inject 8 mL of Sterile Water for Injection USP into the vial, yielding a solution containing 0.5 mg/mL lurbinectedin. Shake the vial until complete dissolution.
• Visually inspect the solution for particulate matter and discoloration. The reconstituted solution is a clear, colorless or slightly yellowish solution, essentially free of visible particles.
• Calculate the required volume of reconstituted solution as follows:
•  
  

  Volume Calculation (Volume)

• For administration through a central venous line, withdraw the appropriate amount of reconstituted solution from the vial and add to an infusion container containing at least 100 mL of diluent (0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP or 5% Dextrose Injection USP).
• For administration through a peripheral venous line, withdraw the appropriate amount of reconstituted solution from the vial and add to an infusion container containing at least 250 mL of diluent (0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP or 5% Dextrose Injection USP).
• Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. If particulate matter is observed, do not administer.

Storage of Infusion Solution

• If not used immediately after reconstitution or dilution, the ZEPZELCA solution can be stored prior to administration for up to 24 hours following reconstitution, including infusion time, at either room temperature/ ambient light or under refrigeration at 2°C-8°C (36°F-46°F) conditions.

For injection: 4 mg of lurbinectedin as a sterile, preservative-free, white to off-white lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution prior to intravenous infusion.

None.

ZEPZELCA can cause myelosuppression.

In clinical studies of 554 patients with advanced solid tumors receiving ZEPZELCA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)], Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 41% of patients, with a median time to onset of 15 days and a median duration of 7 days. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 7% of patients. Sepsis occurred in 2% of patients and was fatal in 1% (all cases occurred in patients with solid tumors other than SCLC). Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 10%, with a median time to onset of 10 days and a median duration of 7 days. Grade 3 or 4 anemia occurred in 17% of patients.

Administer ZEPZELCA only to patients with baseline neutrophil count of at least 1,500 cells/mm³ and platelet count of at least 100,000/mm³. Monitor blood counts including neutrophil count and platelet count prior to each administration. For neutrophil count less than 500 cells/mm³ or any value less than lower limit of normal, the use of G-CSF is recommended. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue ZEPZELCA based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

ZEPZELCA can cause hepatotoxicity.

In clinical studies of 554 patients with advanced solid tumors receiving ZEPZELCA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)], Grade 3 elevations of ALT and AST were observed in 6% and 3% of patients, respectively, and Grade 4 elevations of ALT and AST were observed in 0.4% and 0.5% of patients, respectively. The median time to onset of Grade ≥3 elevation in transaminases was 8 days (range: 3 to 49), with a median duration of 7 days.

Monitor liver function tests, prior to initiating ZEPZELCA, periodically during treatment, and as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce the dose, or permanently discontinue ZEPZELCA based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Based on animal data and its mechanism of action ZEPZELCA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Intravenous administration of a single dose of lurbinectedin (approximately 0.2 times the 3.2 mg/m² clinical dose) to pregnant animals during the period of organogenesis caused 100% embryolethality in rats. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 6 months after the final dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 4 months after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3)].

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

• Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The pooled safety population described in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflect exposure to ZEPZELCA as a single agent at a dose of 3.2 mg/m² intravenously every 21 days in 554 patients with advanced solid tumors. Among 554 patients who received ZEPZELCA, including 105 patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in PM1183-B-005-14 (Study B-005), 24% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 5% were exposed for greater than one year.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

The safety of ZEPZELCA was evaluated in a cohort of 105 patients with previously treated SCLC in Study B-005 [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Patients received ZEPZELCA 3.2 mg/m² intravenously every 21 days. All patients in this study received a pre-specified anti-emetic regimen consisting of a corticosteroid and serotonin antagonist. Patients could receive G-CSF for secondary prophylaxis (i.e., after patients had an initial decrease in WBC), but not primary prophylaxis. Among patients who received ZEPZELCA, 29% were exposed for 6 months or longer and 6% were exposed for greater than one year.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients who received ZEPZELCA. Serious adverse reactions in ≥ 3% of patients included pneumonia, febrile neutropenia, neutropenia, respiratory tract infection, anemia, dyspnea, and thrombocytopenia.

Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in two patients (1.9%) who received ZEPZELCA. Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation in ≥ 1% of patients who received ZEPZELCA, which included peripheral neuropathy and myelosuppression.

Dosage interruptions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 30.5% of patients who received ZEPZELCA. Adverse reactions requiring dosage interruption in ≥ 3% of patients who received ZEPZELCA included neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Dose reductions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 25% of patients who received ZEPZELCA. Adverse reactions requiring dosage reductions in ≥ 3% of patients who received ZEPZELCA included neutropenia, febrile neutropenia and fatigue.

The most common adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, (≥ 20%) were leukopenia, lymphopenia, fatigue, anemia, neutropenia, increased creatinine, increased alanine aminotransferase, increased glucose, thrombocytopenia, nausea, decreased appetite, musculoskeletal pain, decreased albumin, constipation, dyspnea, decreased sodium, increased aspartate aminotransferase, vomiting, cough, decreased magnesium and diarrhea.

Table 3 summarizes the adverse reactions in the SCLC cohort of Study B-005.

• aGraded per NCI CTCAE 4.0.
• bNo grade 5 adverse reactions were reported.
• cIncludes abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper and abdominal discomfort.
• dIncludes musculoskeletal pain, back pain, arthralgia, pain in extremity, musculoskeletal chest pain, neck pain, bone pain and myalgia.
• eIncludes cough and productive cough.
• fIncludes upper respiratory tract infection, viral upper respiratory tract infection, respiratory tract infection and bronchitis.
• gIncludes pneumonia and lung infection.
• hIncludes neuropathy peripheral, neuralgia, paresthesia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, hypoesthesia, and hyperesthesia.

Clinically relevant adverse reactions in < 10% of patients who received ZEPZELCA include dysgeusia, febrile neutropenia and pneumonitis.

Table 4 summarizes the laboratory abnormalities in Study B-005.

Table 4: Select Laboratory Abnormalities (≥ 20%) Worsening from Baseline in Patients With SCLC Who Received ZEPZELCA in Study B-005

Laboratory Abnormality	ZEPZELCAa (n=105)
	All Gradesb (%)	Grades 3-4 (%)
Hematology
Decreased leukocytes	79	29
Decreased lymphocytes	79	43
Decreased hemoglobin	74	10
Decreased neutrophils	71	46
Decreased platelets	37	7
Chemistry
Increased creatinine	69	0
Increased alanine aminotransferase	66	4
Increased glucose	52	5
Decreased albumin	32	1
Decreased sodium	31	7
Increased aspartate aminotransferase	26	2
Decreased magnesium	22	0

• aThe denominator used to calculate the rate varied from 95 to 105 based on the number of patients with a baseline value and at least one post-treatment value.
• bGraded per NCI CTCAE 4.0.

Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors

Coadministration with a strong or a moderate CYP3A inhibitor increases lurbinectedin systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions to ZEPZELCA. Avoid coadministration of ZEPZELCA with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. If the coadministration of ZEPZELCA with a moderate CYP3A inhibitor cannot be avoided, consider dose reduction of ZEPZELCA, if clinically indicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Strong and Moderate CYP3A Inducers

Coadministration with a strong CYP3A inducer decreases lurbinectedin systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] which may reduce ZEPZELCA efficacy. Avoid coadministration of ZEPZELCA with strong or moderate CYP3A inducers.

Risk Summary

Based on animal data and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)], ZEPZELCA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data to inform the risk of ZEPZELCA use in pregnant women. Intravenous administration of a single lurbinectedin dose (approximately 0.2 times the 3.2 mg/m² clinical dose) to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis caused embryolethality (see Data).

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

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 miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

In a reproductive toxicity study, administration of a single lurbinectedin dose of 0.6 mg/m² (approximately 0.2 times of the human dose of 3.2 mg/m²) to pregnant rats on Gestation Day 10 resulted in 100% post-implantation loss.

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of lurbinectedin in human milk or its effects on the breastfed child or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from ZEPZELCA in breastfed children, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 2 weeks after the final dose.

ZEPZELCA can cause embryolethality at doses lower than the human dose of 3.2 mg/m²[see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Pregnancy Testing

Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ZEPZELCA.

Contraception

Females

Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 6 months after the final dose.

Males

Advise males with a female sexual partner of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 4 months after the final dose.

The safety and effectiveness of ZEPZELCA in pediatric patients have not been established.

Of the 105 patients with SCLC administered ZEPZELCA in clinical studies, 37 (35%) patients were 65 years of age and older, while 9 (9%) patients were 75 years of age and older. No overall difference in effectiveness was observed between patients aged 65 and older and younger patients.

There was a higher incidence of serious adverse reactions in patients ≥ 65 years of age than in patients < 65 years of age (49% vs. 26%, respectively). The serious adverse reactions most frequently reported in patients ≥ 65 years of age were related to myelosuppression and consisted of febrile neutropenia (11%), neutropenia (11%), thrombocytopenia (8%), and anemia (8%) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

The effect of moderate or severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin > 1.5 × ULN and any AST) on the pharmacokinetics of lurbinectedin has not been studied. No dose adjustment of ZEPZELCA is recommended for patients with mild hepatic impairment (total bilirubin ≤ ULN and AST > ULN, or total bilirubin 1.0‑1.5 × ULN and any AST) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

ZEPZELCA is an alkylating drug. The chemical name of ZEPZELCA (lurbinectedin) is (1’R,6R,6aR,7R,13S,14S,16R)-8,14-dihydroxy-6’,9-dimethoxy-4,10,23-trimethyl-19-oxo-2’,3’,4’,6,7,9’,12,13,14,16-decahydro-6aH-spiro[7,13-azano-6,16-(epithiopropanooxymethano) [1,3]dioxolo[7,8]isoquinolino[3,2-b][3]benzazocine-20,1’-pyrido[3,4-b]indol]-5-yl acetate.

The molecular formula is C₄₁H₄₄N₄O₁₀S. The molecular weight is 784.87g/mol, and the chemical structure is:

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ZEPZELCA for injection 4 mg is supplied as a lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution for intravenous use. The ZEPZELCA lyophilized formulation is comprised of 4 mg lurbinectedin, sucrose (800 mg), lactic acid (22.1 mg), and sodium hydroxide (5.1 mg). Before use, the lyophilizate is reconstituted by addition of 8 mL Sterile Water for Injection USP, yielding a solution containing 0.5 mg/mL lurbinectedin (the calculated concentration is 0.47 mg/mL based on the final volume of 8.5 mL).

Lurbinectedin is an alkylating drug that binds guanine residues in the minor groove of DNA, forming adducts and resulting in a bending of the DNA helix towards the major groove. Adduct formation triggers a cascade of events that can affect the subsequent activity of DNA binding proteins, including some transcription factors, and DNA repair pathways, resulting in perturbation of the cell cycle and eventual cell death.

Lurbinectedin inhibited human monocyte activity in vitro and reduced macrophage infiltration in implanted tumors in mice.

Lurbinectedin exposure-response relationships and the pharmacodynamic time-course for efficacy have not been fully characterized.

Increased incidence of Grade 4 neutropenia and Grade ≥ 3 thrombocytopenia were observed with increased lurbinectedin exposure.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

No large mean increase in QTc (i.e. > 20 ms) was detected following treatment with ZEPZELCA at the recommended dose of 3.2 mg/m².

Following the approved recommended dosage, geometric means (%CV) of plasma C_max and AUC_0-inf, were 107 µg/L (79%) and 551 µg•h/L (94%), respectively. No accumulation of lurbinectedin in plasma is observed upon repeated administrations every 3 weeks.

Distribution

The volume of distribution of lurbinectedin at steady state is 504 L (39%). Plasma protein binding is approximately 99%, to both albumin and α-1-acid glycoprotein.

Elimination

The terminal half-life of lurbinectedin is 51 hours. Total plasma clearance of lurbinectedin is 11 L/h (50%).

Metabolism

Lurbinectedin is metabolized by CYP3A4, in vitro.

Excretion

After a single dose of radiolabeled lurbinectedin administration, 89% of the radioactivity was recovered in feces (< 0.2% unchanged) and 6% in urine (1% unchanged).

Specific Populations

No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of lurbinectedin were identified based on age (18-85 years), sex, body weight (39-154 kg), mild to moderate renal impairment (CLcr 30 to 89 mL/min) or mild hepatic impairment (total bilirubin ≤ ULN and AST > ULN, or total bilirubin between 1.0 – 1.5 × ULN and any AST). The effects of severe renal impairment (CLcr < 30 mL/min) and moderate or severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin > 1.5 × ULN and any AST) on the pharmacokinetics of lurbinectedin have not been studied.

Drug Interactions Studies

Dedicated clinical drug-drug interaction studies with CYP3A modulators have not been conducted with lurbinectedin.

In vitro Studies

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzymes: Lurbinectedin is metabolized by CYP3A4. Lurbinectedin is not an inhibitor of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, or CYP3A4. Lurbinectedin is not an inducer of CYP1A2 or CYP3A4.

Transporter Systems: Lurbinectedin is a substrate of MDR1, but is not a substrate of OATB1P1, OATP1B3, OCT1, or MATE1. Lurbinectedin inhibits MDR1, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and OCT1 but not BCRP, BSEP, MATE1, OAT1, OAT3, or OCT2.

Carcinogenicity testing of lurbinectedin has not been performed. Lurbinectedin is genotoxic to mammalian cells in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. Lurbinectedin was not mutagenic in vitro in a bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay.

Fertility studies with lurbinectedin were not performed. There were no findings in reproductive organs in general toxicology studies in rats, dogs, or monkeys; however, the highest doses and exposures in these studies were all at levels lower than those at the human dose of 3.2 mg/m².

PM1183-B-005-14 (Study B-005; NCT02454972) is a multicenter, open-label, multi-cohort trial evaluating ZEPZELCA as a single agent in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. A cohort of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy received ZEPZELCA 3.2 mg/m² by intravenous infusion every 21 days (one cycle). Patients received a median of 4 cycles of ZEPZELCA (range 1 to 24 cycles). The trial excluded patients with central nervous system (CNS) involvement, grade ≥3 dyspnea, daily intermittent oxygen requirement, hepatitis or cirrhosis, and immunocompromised patients. Tumor assessments were conducted every 6 weeks for the first 18 weeks and every 9 weeks thereafter. The major efficacy outcome measure was confirmed investigator-assessed overall response rate (ORR). Additional efficacy outcome measures included duration of response (DoR), and an Independent Review Committee (IRC) assessed ORR using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST v1.1).

A total of 105 patients with SCLC who progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy were enrolled. The median age was 60 years (range: 40 to 83) with 65% of patients < 65 years and 35% of patients ≥ 65 years, and 60% were male. The majority (75%) of the patients were White, 1% were Asian, 1% were Black and 23% were not reported. Baseline ECOG performance status was 0 or 1 in 92% of patients, and 92% were former/current smokers. All patients received at least one line of platinum-based chemotherapy (range 1-2 lines), and prior radiotherapy had been administered to 71% of patients. Eight patients (8%) had prior immunotherapy in addition to platinum-based chemotherapy. Sixty patients (57%) had platinum-sensitive SCLC, defined as recurrence or progression ≥ 90 days after the last dose of platinum-containing therapy (chemotherapy free interval [CTFI] ≥ 90 days). The remaining 45 patients had platinum-resistant SCLC, defined as recurrence or progression < 90 days after the last dose of platinum-containing therapy (CTFI < 90 days).

Table 5 summarizes investigator-assessed and independent review committee assessed key efficacy measures in all patients and in platinum-resistant and platinum-sensitive subgroups.

•  CI: confidence interval, CTFI: chemotherapy free interval
• aConfirmed overall response rate.
• bBased on observed duration of response.

1. "OSHA Hazardous Drugs." OSHA. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hazardousdrugs/index.html

How Supplied

ZEPZELCA (lurbinectedin) for injection is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free, white to off‑white lyophilized powder in a single-dose clear glass vial. Each carton (NDC 68727‑712-01) contains 4 mg in one single-dose vial.

Storage and Handling

Store refrigerated at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F).

ZEPZELCA is a hazardous drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures¹.

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).

Myelosuppression

Advise patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider for fever, other signs of infection, unusual bruising, bleeding, tiredness or pallor [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Hepatotoxicity

Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for signs and symptoms suggestive of hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

• Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
• Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 6 months after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
• Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for 4 months after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].

Lactation

Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ZEPZELCA and for at least 2 weeks after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

Drug Interactions

Advise patients to inform their healthcare providers of all concomitant medications, herbal and dietary supplements. Advise patients to avoid grapefruit products during treatment with ZEPZELCA [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Distributed by:
Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Palo Alto, CA 94304


Under license from Pharma Mar, S.A.



Protected by U.S. Patent No. 7,763,615

It is not known if ZEPZELCA is safe and effective in children.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain other medicines may affect how ZEPZELCA works. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

The most common side effects of ZEPZELCA include:

• tiredness
• low white and red blood cell counts
• increased kidney function blood test (creatinine)
• increased liver function blood tests
• increased blood sugar (glucose)
• nausea
• decreased appetite
• muscle and joint (musculoskeletal) pain
• low level of albumin in the blood
• constipation
• trouble breathing
• low levels of sodium and magnesium in the blood
• vomiting
• cough
• diarrhea

These are not all of the possible side effects of ZEPZELCA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1‑800‑FDA‑1088.

This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Issued: 06/2020

Carton (Carton)

NDC 68727-712-01
ZEPZELCA
(lurbinectedin)
for injection
4 mg per vial
FOR INTRAVENOUS INFUSION ONLY
Reconstitute before further dilution.
Each single-dose vial contains 4 mg of lurbinectedin
as a sterile lyophilized powder
Rx Only
Single-dose vial
Discard unused portion.
Caution: Cytotoxic agent

Vial (Vial)

NDC 68727-712-01
ZEPZELCA
(lurbinectedin)
for injection
4 mg per vial
FOR INTRAVENOUS INFUSION ONLY
Single-Dose Vial.
Discard unused portion.