Axitinib

INLYTA is a kinase inhibitor indicated:

• in combination with avelumab, for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). ( 1.1 )
• in combination with pembrolizumab, for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced RCC. ( 1.1 )
• as a single agent, for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after failure of one prior systemic therapy. ( 1.2 )

1.1 First-Line Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma INLYTA in combination with avelumab is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). INLYTA in combination with pembrolizumab is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced RCC.

1.2 Second-Line Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma INLYTA as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of advanced RCC after failure of one prior systemic therapy.

• 1 mg tablets of INLYTA: red, film-coated, oval tablets, debossed with "Pfizer" on one side and "1 XNB" on the other side.
• 5 mg tablets of INLYTA: red, film-coated, triangular tablets, debossed with "Pfizer" on one side and "5 XNB" on the other side. 1 mg and 5 mg tablets ( 3 )

None. None. ( 4 )

• Hypertension: Hypertension including hypertensive crisis has been observed. Blood pressure should be well-controlled prior to initiating INLYTA. Monitor for hypertension and treat as needed. Withhold and then dose reduce INLYTA or permanently discontinue based on severity of hypertension. ( 5.1 )
• Arterial and Venous Thromboembolic Events: Arterial and venous thrombotic events have been observed and can be fatal. Use with caution in patients who are at increased risk for these events. Permanently discontinue INLYTA if an arterial thromboembolic event occurs during treatment. Withhold INLYTA and then resume at same dose or permanently discontinue based on severity of VTE. ( 5.2 , 5.3 )
• Hemorrhage: Hemorrhagic events, including fatal events, have been reported. INLYTA has not been studied in patients with evidence of untreated brain metastasis or recent active gastrointestinal bleeding and should not be used in those patients. Withhold and then dose reduce INLYTA or discontinue based on severity and persistence of hemorrhage. ( 5.4 )
• Cardiac Failure: Cardiac failure has been observed and can be fatal. Monitor for signs or symptoms of cardiac failure throughout treatment with INLYTA. Management of cardiac failure may require dose reduction, dose interruption or permanent discontinuation of INLYTA. ( 5.5 )
• Gastrointestinal Perforation and Fistula Formation: Gastrointestinal perforation and fistula, including death, have occurred. Use with caution in patients at risk for gastrointestinal perforation or fistula. ( 5.6 )
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement has been reported. Monitor thyroid function before initiation of, and periodically throughout, treatment with INLYTA. ( 5.7 )
• Impaired Wound Healing: Withhold INLYTA for at least 2 days prior to elective surgery. Do not administer for at least 2 weeks following major surgery and until adequate wound healing. Resume INLYTA at a reduced dose or discontinue based on severity and persistence of the impaired wound healing. The safety of resumption of INLYTA after resolution of wound healing complications has not been established. ( 5.8 )
• Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS): RPLS has been observed. Permanently discontinue INLYTA if signs or symptoms of RPLS occur. ( 5.9 )
• Proteinuria: Monitor for proteinuria before initiation of, and periodically throughout, treatment with INLYTA. For moderate to severe proteinuria, withhold and then dose reduce INLYTA. ( 5.10 )
• Hepatotoxicity: Liver enzyme elevation has occurred during treatment with INLYTA as a single agent. Monitor ALT, AST and bilirubin before initiation of, and periodically throughout, treatment with INLYTA. When used in combination with avelumab or pembrolizumab, higher frequencies of Grade 3 and 4 ALT and AST elevation may occur. Consider more frequent monitoring of liver enzymes. Withhold INLYTA and avelumab or pembrolizumab, initiate corticosteroid therapy as needed, and/or permanently discontinue the combination for severe or life-threatening hepatotoxicity. ( 5.11 )
• Use in Patients with Hepatic Impairment: Decrease the starting dose of INLYTA if used in patients with moderate hepatic impairment. INLYTA has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment. ( 2.2 , 5.12 )
• Major adverse cardiovascular events (INLYTA in combination with avelumab): Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors. Permanently discontinue INLYTA in combination with avelumab for Grade 3–4 events. ( 5.13 )
• Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: INLYTA can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.14 , 8.1 , 8.3 )

5.1 Hypertension In a controlled clinical study with INLYTA for the treatment of patients with RCC, hypertension was reported in 145/359 patients (40%) receiving INLYTA and 103/355 patients (29%) receiving sorafenib. Grade 3/4 hypertension was observed in 56/359 patients (16%) receiving INLYTA and 39/355 patients (11%) receiving sorafenib. Hypertensive crisis was reported in 2/359 patients (<1%) receiving INLYTA and none of the patients receiving sorafenib. The median onset time for hypertension (systolic blood pressure >150 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure >100 mmHg) was within the first month of the start of INLYTA treatment and blood pressure increases have been observed as early as 4 days after starting INLYTA. Hypertension was managed with standard anti-hypertensive therapy. Discontinuation of INLYTA treatment due to hypertension occurred in 1/359 patients (<1%) receiving INLYTA and none of the patients receiving sorafenib [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Ensure that blood pressure is well-controlled prior to initiating INLYTA. Monitor patients for hypertension and treat as needed with standard anti-hypertensive therapy. Withhold and then dose reduce INLYTA or permanently discontinue based on severity of hypertension [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] .

5.2 Arterial Thromboembolic Events In clinical trials, arterial thromboembolic events have been reported, including deaths. In a controlled clinical study with INLYTA for the treatment of patients with RCC, Grade 3/4 arterial thromboembolic events were reported in 4/359 patients (1%) receiving INLYTA and 4/355 patients (1%) receiving sorafenib. Fatal cerebrovascular accident was reported in 1/359 patients (<1%) receiving INLYTA and none of the patients receiving sorafenib [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . INLYTA has not been studied in patients who had an arterial thromboembolic event within the previous 12 months. In clinical trials with INLYTA, arterial thromboembolic events (including transient ischemic attack, cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, and retinal artery occlusion) were reported in 17/715 patients (2%), with two deaths secondary to cerebrovascular accident. Permanently discontinue INLYTA if an arterial thromboembolic event occurs during treatment.

5.3 Venous Thromboembolic Events In clinical trials, venous thromboembolic events have been reported, including deaths. In a controlled clinical study with INLYTA for the treatment of patients with RCC, venous thromboembolic events were reported in 11/359 patients (3%) receiving INLYTA and 2/355 patients (1%) receiving sorafenib. Grade 3/4 venous thromboembolic events were reported in 9/359 patients (3%) receiving INLYTA (including pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, retinal vein occlusion and retinal vein thrombosis) and 2/355 patients (1%) receiving sorafenib. Fatal pulmonary embolism was reported in 1/359 patients (<1%) receiving INLYTA and none of the patients receiving sorafenib. INLYTA has not been studied in patients who had a venous thromboembolic event within the previous 6 months. In clinical trials with INLYTA, venous thromboembolic events were reported in 22/715 patients (3%), with two deaths secondary to pulmonary embolism. Monitor for signs and symptoms of VTE and PE. Withhold INLYTA and then resume at same dose or permanently discontinue based on severity of VTE.

5.4 Hemorrhage In a controlled clinical study with INLYTA for the treatment of patients with RCC, hemorrhagic events were reported in 58/359 patients (16%) receiving INLYTA and 64/355 patients (18%) receiving sorafenib. Grade 3/4 hemorrhagic events were reported in 5/359 (1%) patients receiving INLYTA (including cerebral hemorrhage, hematuria, hemoptysis, lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and melena) and 11/355 (3%) patients receiving sorafenib. Fatal hemorrhage was reported in 1/359 patients (<1%) receiving INLYTA (gastric hemorrhage) and 3/355 patients (1%) receiving sorafenib. INLYTA has not been studied in patients who have evidence of untreated brain metastasis or recent active gastrointestinal bleeding and should not be used in those patients. Withhold and then dose reduce INLYTA or discontinue based on severity and persistence of hemorrhage. […]

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling [see Warnings and Precautions (5) ] :

• Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
• Arterial thromboembolic events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]
• Venous thromboembolic events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]
• Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]
• Cardiac failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]
• Gastrointestinal perforation and fistula formation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]
• Thyroid dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ]
• Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ]
• Proteinuria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ]
• Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ]
• Hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥20%) are: INLYTA in combination with avelumab: diarrhea, fatigue, hypertension, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, mucositis, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, dysphonia, decreased appetite, hypothyroidism, rash, hepatotoxicity, cough, dyspnea, abdominal pain, and headache. ( 6.1 ) INLYTA in combination with pembrolizumab: diarrhea, fatigue/asthenia, hypertension, hepatotoxicity, hypothyroidism, decreased appetite, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, nausea, stomatitis/mucosal inflammation, dysphonia, rash, cough, and constipation. ( 6.1 ) INLYTA as a single agent: diarrhea, hypertension, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, dysphonia, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (hand-foot) syndrome, weight decreased, vomiting, asthenia, and constipation. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer Inc. at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

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. The safety of INLYTA has been evaluated in combination with avelumab in JAVELIN Renal 101 and pembrolizumab in KEYNOTE-426 for the first-line treatment of patients with advanced RCC [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . The data described [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] reflect exposure to INLYTA in combination with avelumab in 434 patients and pembrolizumab in 429 patients [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . The safety of INLYTA has been evaluated in 715 patients in second-line monotherapy studies, which included 537 patients with advanced RCC. The data described [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] reflect exposure to INLYTA in 359 patients with advanced RCC who participated in a randomized clinical study versus sorafenib [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . First-Line Advanced RCC INLYTA in Combination with Avelumab The safety of INLYTA in combination with avelumab was evaluated in JAVELIN Renal 101. Patients with autoimmune disease other than type I diabetes mellitus, vitiligo, psoriasis, or thyroid disorders not requiring immunosuppressive treatment were excluded. Patients received INLYTA 5 mg twice daily (N=434) in combination with avelumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks administered or sunitinib 50 mg once daily for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks off (N=439). In the INLYTA plus avelumab arm, 70% were exposed to avelumab for ≥6 months and 29% were exposed for ≥1 year in JAVELIN Renal 101 [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . The median age of patients treated with INLYTA in combination with avelumab was 62 years (range: 29 to 83), 38% of patients were 65 years or older, 71% were male, 75% were White, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score was 0 (64%) or 1 (36%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 1.8% of patients receiving INLYTA in combination with avelumab. These included sudden cardiac death (1.2%), stroke (0.2%), myocarditis (0.2%), and necrotizing pancreatitis (0.2%). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 35% of patients receiving INLYTA in combination with avelumab. Serious adverse reactions in ≥1% of patients included diarrhea (2.5%), dyspnea (1.8%), hepatotoxicity (1.8%), venous thromboembolic disease (1.6%), acute kidney injury (1.4%), and pneumonia (1.2%). Permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction of either INLYTA or avelumab occurred in 22% of patients: 19% avelumab only, 13% INLYTA only, and 8% both drugs. The most common adverse reactions (>1%) resulting in permanent discontinuation of avelumab or the combination were hepatotoxicity (6%) and infusion-related reaction (1.8%). Dose interruptions or reductions due to an adverse reaction, excluding temporary interruptions of avelumab infusions due to infusion-related reactions, occurred in 76% of patients receiving INLYTA in combination with avelumab. This includes interruption of avelumab in 50% of patients. INLYTA was interrupted in 66% and dose reduced in 19% of patients. The most common adverse reaction (>10%) resulting in interruption of avelumab was diarrhea (10%). The most common adverse reactions resulting in either interruption or dose reduction of INLYTA were diarrhea (19%), hypertension (18%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (18%), and hepatotoxicity (10%). The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) in patients receiving INLYTA in combination with avelumab were diarrhea, fatigue, hypertension, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, mucositis, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, dysphonia, decreased appetite, hypothyroidism, rash, hepatotoxicity, cough, dyspnea, abdominal pain, and headache. Forty-eight (11%) of patients treated with INLYTA in combination with avelumab received an oral prednisone dose equivalent to ≥40 mg daily for an immune-mediated adverse reaction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] . Table 4 summarizes adverse reactions that occurred in ≥20% of INLYTA in combination with avelumab-treated patients. Table 4: Adverse Reactions (≥20%) of Patients Receiving INLYTA in Combination with Avelumab (JAVELIN Renal 101 Trial) The trial was not designed to demonstrate a statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between avelumab in combination with INLYTA and sunitinib. Adverse Reactions INLYTA plus Avelumab (N=434) Sunitinib (N=439) All Grades % Grade 3–4 % All Grades % Grade 3–4 % Toxicity was graded per National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Version 4.03 (NCI CTCAE v4). […]

• Avoid strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors. If unavoidable, reduce the INLYTA dose. ( 2.2 , 7.1 )
• Avoid strong CYP3A4/5 inducers. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 CYP3A4/5 Inhibitors Co-administration of ketoconazole, a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4/5, increased the plasma exposure of axitinib in healthy volunteers. Co-administration of INLYTA with strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors should be avoided. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice may also increase axitinib plasma concentrations and should be avoided. Selection of concomitant medication with no or minimal CYP3A4/5 inhibition potential is recommended. If a strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitor must be co-administered, the INLYTA dose should be reduced [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 CYP3A4/5 Inducers Co-administration of rifampin, a strong inducer of CYP3A4/5, reduced the plasma exposure of axitinib in healthy volunteers. Co-administration of INLYTA with strong CYP3A4/5 inducers (e.g., rifampin, dexamethasone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifabutin, rifapentine, phenobarbital, and St. John's wort) should be avoided. Selection of concomitant medication with no or minimal CYP3A4/5 induction potential is recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Moderate CYP3A4/5 inducers (e.g., bosentan, efavirenz, etravirine, modafinil, and nafcillin) may also reduce the plasma exposure of axitinib and should be avoided if possible.

Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings in animal studies and its mechanism of action, INLYTA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available human data to inform the drug-associated risk. In developmental toxicity studies, axitinib was teratogenic, embryotoxic and fetotoxic in mice at exposures lower than human exposures at the recommended starting dose (see Data ) . Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. However, the background risk in the United States (U.S.) general population of major birth defects is 2%–4% and of miscarriage is 15%–20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. When INLYTA is used in combination with avelumab or pembrolizumab, refer to the full prescribing information of avelumab or pembrolizumab for pregnancy information. Data Animal Data Oral axitinib administered twice daily to female mice prior to mating and through the first week of pregnancy caused an increase in post-implantation loss at all doses tested (≥15 mg/kg/dose, approximately 10 times the systemic exposure (AUC) in patients at the recommended starting dose). In an embryo-fetal developmental toxicity study, pregnant mice received oral doses of 0.15, 0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg/dose axitinib twice daily during the period of organogenesis. Embryo-fetal toxicities observed in the absence of maternal toxicity included malformation (cleft palate) at 1.5 mg/kg/dose (approximately 0.5 times the AUC in patients at the recommended starting dose) and variation in skeletal ossification at ≥0.5 mg/kg/dose (approximately 0.15 times the AUC in patients at the recommended starting dose).

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of axitinib in human milk, or its effects on the breastfed child or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child from INLYTA, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose. When INLYTA is used in combination with avelumab or pembrolizumab, refer to the full prescribing information of avelumab or pembrolizumab for lactation information.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Based on findings in animal studies, INLYTA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. When INLYTA is used in combination with avelumab or pembrolizumab, refer to the full prescribing information of avelumab or pembrolizumab for contraception information. Pregnancy Testing Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment with INLYTA. Contraception Females Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with INLYTA and for 1 week after the last dose. Males Based on findings in animal studies, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose. Infertility Females and Males Based on findings in animals, INLYTA may impair fertility in females and males of reproductive potential [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] .

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of INLYTA in pediatric patients have not been established. The safety and effectiveness of INLYTA were assessed, but not established, in two open label studies: a dose finding study of INLYTA as a single agent in 17 pediatric patients aged 5 to <17 years with recurrent or refractory solid tumors (ADVL1315, NCT02164838) and a randomized study of INLYTA as a single agent or in combination in 7 pediatric patients aged 7 to <17 years (AREN1721, NCT03595124). No new safety signals were observed with INLYTA in pediatric patients across these studies. Exposure in pediatric patients who received INLYTA at the maximum tolerated dosage were lower than those previously observed in adults who received the approved recommended starting dosage. Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data Toxicities in bone and teeth were observed in immature mice and dogs administered oral axitinib twice daily for 1 month or longer. Effects in bone consisted of thickened growth plates in mice and dogs at ≥15 mg/kg/dose (approximately 6 and 15 times, respectively, the systemic exposure (AUC) in patients at the recommended starting dose). Abnormalities in growing incisor teeth (including dental caries, malocclusions and broken and/or missing teeth) were observed in mice administered oral axitinib twice daily at ≥5 mg/kg/dose (approximately 1.5 times the AUC in patients at the recommended starting dose). Other toxicities of potential concern to pediatric patients have not been evaluated in juvenile animals.

8.5 Geriatric Use In a controlled clinical study with INLYTA for the treatment of patients with RCC, 123/359 patients (34%) treated with INLYTA were ≥65 years of age. Although greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out, no overall differences were observed in the safety and effectiveness of INLYTA between patients who were ≥65 years of age and younger. Of the 434 patients randomized to INLYTA 5 mg twice daily administered in combination with avelumab 10 mg/kg in the JAVELIN Renal 101 trial, 38% were 65 years or older and 8% were 75 years or older. No overall difference in safety or efficacy was reported between patients who were ≥65 years of age and younger. Of the 432 patients randomized to INLYTA 5 mg twice daily administered in combination with pembrolizumab 200 mg in the KEYNOTE-426 trial, 40% were 65 years or older. No overall difference in safety or efficacy was reported between patients who were ≥65 years of age and younger. No dosage adjustment is required in elderly patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

8.6 Hepatic Impairment In a dedicated hepatic impairment trial, compared to subjects with normal hepatic function, systemic exposure following a single dose of INLYTA was similar in subjects with baseline mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A) and higher in subjects with baseline moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B). No starting dose adjustment is required when administering INLYTA to patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A). A starting dose decrease is recommended when administering INLYTA to patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B) [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Warnings and Precautions (5.12) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . INLYTA has not been studied in subjects with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C).

8.7 Renal Impairment No dedicated renal impairment trial for axitinib has been conducted. Based on the population pharmacokinetic analyses, no significant difference in axitinib clearance was observed in patients with pre-existing mild to severe renal impairment (15 mL/min ≤creatinine clearance [CLcr] <89 mL/min) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . No starting dose adjustment is needed for patients with pre-existing mild to severe renal impairment. Caution should be used in patients with end-stage renal disease (CLcr <15 mL/min).

Axitinib has been shown to inhibit receptor tyrosine kinases including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR)-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 at therapeutic plasma concentrations. These receptors are implicated in pathologic angiogenesis, tumor growth, and cancer progression. VEGF-mediated endothelial cell proliferation and survival were inhibited by axitinib in vitro and in mouse models. Axitinib was shown to inhibit tumor growth and phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 in tumor xenograft mouse models.