Dosing and titration
The daily dose of KORLYM may be increased in 300 mg increments. The dose of KORLYM may be increased to a maximum of 1200 mg once daily but should not exceed 20 mg/kg per day. Increases in dose should not occur more frequently than once every 2-4 weeks. Decisions about dose increases should be based on a clinical assessment of tolerability and degree of improvement in Cushing's syndrome manifestations. Changes in glucose control, anti-diabetic medication requirements, insulin levels, and psychiatric symptoms may provide an early assessment of response (within 6 weeks) and may help guide early dose titration. Improvements in cushingoid appearance, acne, hirsutism, striae, and body weight occur over a longer period of time and, along with measures of glucose control, may be used to determine dose changes beyond the first 2 months of therapy. Careful and gradual titration of KORLYM accompanied by monitoring for recognized adverse reactions [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and (5.2)] may reduce the risk of severe adverse reactions. Dose reduction or even dose discontinuation may be needed in some clinical situations. If KORLYM treatment is interrupted, it should be reinitiated at the lowest dose (300 mg). If treatment was interrupted because of adverse reactions, the titration should aim for a dose lower than the one that resulted in treatment interruption.
Laboratory Tests
Reductions in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels have been observed following treatment with KORLYM. In study subjects that experienced declines in HDL-C, levels returned to baseline following discontinuation of drug. The clinical significance of the treatment-related reduction in HDL-C levels in patients with Cushing's syndrome is not known.
In a study of patients with Cushing's syndrome, hypokalemia was observed in 44% of subjects during treatment with KORLYM. In these cases, hypokalemia responded to treatment with potassium supplementation and/or mineralocorticoid antagonist therapy (e.g., spironolactone or eplerenone). Hypokalemia should be corrected prior to initiating KORLYM. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
Elevations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were seen in subjects treated with KORLYM. Of the 42 subjects with detectable TSH at baseline, eight (19%) had increases in TSH above the normal range, while remaining asymptomatic. The TSH levels returned to normal in most patients without intervention when KORLYM was discontinued at the end of the study.
Vaginal Bleeding and Endometrial Changes
In Study 400, the thickness of the endometrium increased from a mean of 6.14 mm at baseline (n=23) to 15.7 mm at end-of-trial (n=18) in premenopausal women; in postmenopausal women the increase was from 2.75 mm (n=6) to 7.35 mm (n=8). Endometrial thickness above the upper limit of normal was reported in 10/26 females who had baseline and end-of-trial transvaginal ultrasound (38%). The endometrial thickness returned to the normal range in 3 out of 10 patients 6 weeks after treatment cessation at the end of the study. Vaginal bleeding occurred in 5 out of 35 females (14%). Two of five subjects with vaginal bleeding had normal endometrial thickness. Endometrial biopsies were performed in six patients; five of these patients had endometrial thickening. No endometrial carcinoma was detected in the sampled cases.
Additional Data from Clinical Trials
The following are adverse events that were reported in Study 400 at frequencies of ≥ 5% to 10%, and may be related to KORLYM's mechanism of action:
Gastrointestinal disorders: gastroesophageal reflux, abdominal pain
General disorders and administration site conditions: asthenia, malaise, edema, pitting edema, thirst
Investigations: blood triglycerides increased
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: hypoglycemia
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: muscular weakness, flank pain, musculoskeletal chest pain
Psychiatric disorders: insomnia
Reproductive system and breast disorders: vaginal hemorrhage, metrorrhagia [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
Adrenal Insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency was reported in two subjects (4%) in Study 400. The most typical symptoms of adrenal insufficiency were nausea and decreased appetite. No hypotension or hypoglycemia was reported during the events. Adrenal insufficiency resolved in both cases with KORLYM interruption and /or dexamethasone administration.
Rash
Generalized, maculo-papular rash was reported in 2 subjects (4%) in Study 400. Two additional subjects developed pruritus (4%). None resulted in discontinuation of KORLYM, and all the events resolved by the end of the study.
Risk Summary
KORLYM is contraindicated in pregnancy because the use of KORLYM results in pregnancy loss. There are no data that assess the risk of birth defects in women exposed to KORLYM during pregnancy. Available data limited to exposure following a single dose of mifepristone during pregnancy showed a higher rate of major birth defects compared to the general population comparator (See Data). Mifepristone administered to pregnant mice, rats, and rabbits during organogenesis caused pregnancy loss in all species at clinically relevant doses based on body surface area comparisons (See Data). The inhibition of both endogenous and exogenous progesterone by mifepristone at the progesterone receptor results in pregnancy loss. If KORLYM is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus. [See Contraindications (4)]
The estimated risk of fetal loss is elevated in patients with active Cushing's syndrome (24-30%), and the risk of major birth defects is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Data
Human Data
There are no data on long term exposure to mifepristone in pregnancy. Available data are limited to exposure to a single dose of mifepristone for pregnancy termination. In a prospective study in France of 46 pregnancies exposed to a single dose of mifepristone alone and 59 pregnancies exposed to a single dose of mifepristone and misoprostol, the overall major birth defect rate (4%) was greater than the general population background rate of 2 to 3% (2 birth defects in each group). There was no pattern of birth defects identified.
Animal Data
Reproductive studies were performed in mice, rats and rabbits at doses of 0.25 to 4.0 mg/kg (less than human exposure at the maximum clinical dose, based on body surface area). Because of the anti-progestational activity of mifepristone, fetal losses were much higher than in control animals. Skull deformities were detected in rabbit studies at less than human exposure, although mifepristone did not cause any adverse developmental effects in rats or mice during organogenesis. These deformities were most likely due to the mechanical effects of uterine contractions resulting from antagonism of the progesterone receptor.
Risk Summary
Mifepristone is present in human milk, however, there are no data on the amount of mifepristone in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production during long term use of mifepristone (see Data). The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for KORLYM and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from KORLYM or from the underlying maternal condition.
Clinical Considerations
To minimize exposure to a breastfed infant, women who discontinue or interrupt KORLYM treatment may consider pumping and discarding milk during treatment and for 18-21 days (5-6 half-lives) after the last dose, before breastfeeding.
Data
Available published data based on intake of a single dose of 600 mg of mifepristone in 10 breastfeeding women who were 6-12 months postpartum showed a small amount in breast milk (the estimated relative infant dose was 0.5%). The half-life of mifepristone is longer with repeat dosing compared to a single dose; therefore, there may be greater exposure with long term use.
Pregnancy Testing
Due to its anti-progestational activity, KORLYM causes pregnancy loss. Perform pregnancy testing before the initiation of treatment with KORLYM or if treatment is interrupted for more than 14 days in females of reproductive potential.
Contraception
Recommend non-hormonal contraception for the duration of treatment and for one month after stopping treatment . KORLYM interferes with the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. [See Drug Interactions (7.6)]
Absorption
Following oral administration, time to peak plasma concentrations of mifepristone occurred between 1 and 2 hours following single dose, and between 1 and 4 hours following multiple doses of 600 mg of KORLYM in healthy volunteers. Mean plasma concentrations of three active metabolites of mifepristone peak between 2 and 8 hours after multiple doses of 600 mg/day, and the combined concentrations of the metabolites exceed that of the parent mifepristone. Exposure to mifepristone is substantially less than dose proportional. Time to steady state is within 2 weeks, and the mean (SD) half-life of the parent mifepristone was 85 (61) hours following multiple doses of 600 mg/day of KORLYM.
Studies evaluating the effects of food on the pharmacokinetics of KORLYM demonstrate a significant increase in plasma levels of mifepristone when dosed with food. To achieve consistent plasma drug concentrations, patients should be instructed to always take their medication with meals.
Distribution
Mifepristone is highly bound to alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) and approaches saturation at doses of 100 mg (2.5 μM) or more. Mifepristone and its metabolites also bind to albumin and are distributed to other tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS). As determined in vitro by equilibrium dialysis, binding of mifepristone and its three active metabolites to human plasma proteins was concentration-dependent. Binding was approximately 99.2% for mifepristone, and ranged from 96.1 to 98.9% for the three active metabolites at clinically relevant concentrations.
Metabolism
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) has been shown to be involved in mifepristone metabolism in human liver microsomes. Two of the known active metabolites are the product of demethylation (one monodemethylated and one di-demethylated), while a third active metabolite results from hydroxylation (monohydroxylated).
Elimination and Excretion
Excretion is primarily (approximately 90%) via the fecal route.
Specific Populations
Renal Impairment
The pharmacokinetics of mifepristone in subjects with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CrCL] < 30 mL/min, but not on dialysis) was evaluated following multiple doses of 1200 mg KORLYM for 7 days. Mean exposure to mifepristone increased 31%, with similar or smaller increases in metabolite exposure as compared to subjects with normal renal function (CrCL ≥ 90 mL/min). There was large variability in the exposure of mifepristone and its metabolites in subjects with severe renal impairment as compared to subjects with normal renal function (geometric least square mean ratio [CI] for AUC of mifepristone: 1.21 [0.71-2.06]; metabolite 1: 1.43 [0.84-2.44]; metabolite 2: 1.18 [0.64-2.17] and metabolite 3: 1.19 [0.71-1.99]). No change in the initial dose of KORLYM is needed for renal impairment; the maximum dose should not exceed 600 mg per day.
Hepatic Impairment
The pharmacokinetics of mifepristone in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B) was evaluated in a single- and multiple-dose study (600 mg for 7 days). The pharmacokinetics in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment was similar to those with normal hepatic function. There was large variability in the exposure of mifepristone and its metabolites in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment as compared to subjects with normal hepatic function (geometric least square mean ratio [CI] for AUC of mifepristone: 1.02 [0.59-1.76]; metabolite 1: 0.95 [0.52-1.71]; metabolite 2: 1.37 [0.71-2.62] and metabolite 3: 0.62 [0.33-1.16]). Due to limited information on safety in patients with mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment, the maximum dose should not exceed 600 mg per day. The pharmacokinetics of mifepristone in patients with severe hepatic disease has not been studied. KORLYM is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions
In Vitro Assessment of Drug Interactions
In vitro studies indicate a potential for CYP-mediated drug interactions by mifepristone and/or its metabolites with substrates of CYP2A6, CYP2C8/2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2D6, and CYP2E1. In vitro studies also indicated an interaction potential for drug transport mediated by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). In vitro studies indicate mifepristone metabolism is mediated by CYP3A, and that mifepristone also inhibits and induces CYP3A.
In Vivo Assessment of Drug Interactions (see Table 3)
Table 3. Summary Table of KORLYM Drug-Drug Interaction Effects
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Dosing of Mifepristone | Coadministered Drug | Dosing of Coadministered Drug | Geometric Mean Ratio (analyte ratio with/without drug coadministration)
|
| Analyte | AUC | Cmax |
| Effect of KORLYM on Coadministered Drug |
| Contraindicated with mifepristone
[See Contraindications (4)] |
1200 mg once daily for 10 days
| simvastatin1 | 80 mg single dose
| simvastatin acid simvastatin
| 15.70
10.40
| 18.20
7.02
|
| Use lowest dose of coadministered drug, based on clinical experience and/or use of therapeutic drug monitoring
|
1200 mg once daily for 10 days
| alprazolam2 | 1 mg single dose
| alprazolam 4-hydroxy-alprazolam
| 1.80
0.76
| 0.81
0.39
|
1200 mg once daily for 7 days
| fluvastatin3 | 40 mg single dose
| fluvastatin
| 3.57
| 1.76
|
1200 mg once daily for 10 days
| digoxin4 | 0.125 mg once daily
| digoxin
| 1.40
| 1.64
|
| Effect of Coadministered Drug on KORLYM |
| Dose adjustment required |
600 mg once daily for 17 days
| ketoconazole
| 200 mg bid on days 13-17
| mifepristone Metabolite 1† Metabolite 2† Metabolite 3†
| 1.38 1.02 1.67 0.95
| 1.28 1.06 1.69 0.96
|
900 mg once daily for 14 days
| itraconazole
| 200 mg daily for 14 days
| mifepristone Metabolite 1† Metabolite 2† Metabolite 3†
| 1.10 1.04 1.23 0.97
| 1.20 1.00 1.19 0.94
|
| Effect of Coadministered Drug on KORLYM |
| No dosing adjustment required |
300 mg once daily for 14 days
| cimetidine5 | 800 mg once daily
| mifepristone
| 0.85*
| 0.75
|
Results in the diabetes cohort
Patients in the diabetes cohort underwent standard oral glucose tolerance tests at baseline and periodically during the clinical study. Anti-diabetic medications were allowed but had to be kept stable during the trial and patients had to be on stable anti-diabetic regimens prior to enrollment. The primary efficacy analysis for the diabetes cohort was an analysis of responders. A responder was defined as a patient who had a ≥ 25% reduction from baseline in glucose AUC. The primary efficacy analysis was conducted in the modified intent-to-treat population (n=25) defined as all patients who received a minimum of 30 days on KORLYM. Fifteen of 25 patients (60%) were treatment responders (95% CI: 39%,78%).
Mean HbA1c was 7.4% in the 24 patients with HbA1c values at baseline and Week 24. For these 24 patients mean reduction in HbA1c was 1.1% (95% CI -1.6, -0.7) from baseline to the end of the trial. Fourteen of 24 patients had above normal HbA1c levels at baseline, ranging between 6.7% and 10.4%; all of these patients had reductions in HbA1c by the end of the study (range -0.4 to -4.4%) and eight of 14 patients (57%) normalized HbA1c levels at trial end. Antidiabetic medications were reduced in 7 of the 15 DM subjects taking antidiabetic medication and remained constant in the others.
Results in the hypertension cohort
There were no changes in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures at the end of the trial relative to baseline in the modified intent-to-treat population (n=21).
Signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome in both cohorts
Individual patients showed varying degrees of improvement in Cushing's syndrome manifestations such as cushingoid appearance, acne, hirsutism, striae, psychiatric symptoms, and excess total body weight. Because of the variability in clinical presentation and variability of response in this open label trial, it is uncertain whether these changes could be ascribed to the effects of KORLYM.