Ponesimod

PONVORY is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. PONVORY is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. ( 1 )

PONVORY is available as round, biconvex, film-coated tablets for oral use. PONVORY contains ponesimod in the following dosage strengths (see Table 2 ): Table 2: Dosage Form and Strengths for PONVORY Tablet Strength Tablet Color Tablet Size Tablet Debossing 2 mg White 5.0 mm "2" on one side and an arch on the other side. 3 mg Red 5.0 mm "3" on one side and an arch on the other side. 4 mg Purple 5.0 mm "4" on one side and an arch on the other side. 5 mg Green 8.6 mm "5" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. 6 mg White 8.6 mm "6" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. 7 mg Red 8.6 mm "7" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. 8 mg Purple 8.6 mm "8" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. 9 mg Brown 8.6 mm "9" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. 10 mg Orange 8.6 mm "10" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. 20 mg Yellow 8.6 mm "20" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. Tablets: 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg, 5 mg, 6 mg, 7 mg, 8 mg, 9 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg ( 3 )

PONVORY is contraindicated in patients who: In the last 6 months, have experienced myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), decompensated heart failure requiring hospitalization, or Class III or IV heart failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Have presence of Mobitz type II second-degree, third-degree AV block, sick sinus syndrome, or sino-atrial block, unless patient has a functioning pacemaker [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] In the last 6 months, experienced myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), decompensated heart failure requiring hospitalization, or Class III/IV heart failure ( 4 ) Presence of Mobitz type II second-degree, third-degree AV block, sick sinus syndrome, or sino-atrial block, unless the patient has a functioning pacemaker ( 4 )

Infections : PONVORY may increase the risk of infections. Obtain a complete blood count (CBC) before initiating treatment. Monitor for infection during treatment and for 1-2 weeks after discontinuation. Do not start PONVORY in patients with active infection. ( 5.1 ) Bradyarrhythmia and Atrioventricular Conduction Delays : PONVORY may result in a transient decrease in heart rate; titration is required for treatment initiation. Check an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess for preexisting cardiac conduction abnormalities before starting PONVORY. Consider cardiology consultation for conduction abnormalities or concomitant use with other drugs that decrease heart rate. ( 5.2 , 7.2 , 7.3 ) Respiratory Effects : May cause a decline in pulmonary function. Assess pulmonary function (e.g., spirometry) if clinically indicated. ( 5.3 ) Liver Injury : Discontinue if significant liver injury is confirmed. Obtain liver function tests before initiating PONVORY. ( 5.4 ) Increased Blood Pressure (BP) : Monitor BP during treatment. ( 5.5 ) Cutaneous Malignancies : Skin examination prior to or shortly after the start of treatment and periodically is recommended. Suspicious skin lesions should be evaluated. ( 5.6 ) Fetal Risk : Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during and for 1 week after stopping PONVORY. ( 5.7 ) Macular Edema : Increases the risk of macular edema. Obtain a baseline evaluation of the fundus, including the macula, near the start of treatment with PONVORY. Conduct an evaluation of the fundus, including the macula, periodically while on therapy and any time there is a change in vision. Consider discontinuing PONVORY if macular edema develops. Diabetes mellitus and uveitis increase the risk. ( 5.8 )

5.1 Infections Risk of Infections PONVORY causes a dose-dependent reduction in peripheral lymphocyte count to 30-40% of baseline values because of reversible sequestration of lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . PONVORY may therefore increase the susceptibility to infections. Life-threatening and rare fatal infections have been reported in association with other sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators. In Study 1 [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] , the overall rate of infections was comparable between the PONVORY-treated patients and those receiving teriflunomide 14 mg (54.2% vs 52.1%, respectively). PONVORY increased the risk of upper respiratory tract infections. Serious or severe infections occurred in 1.6% of PONVORY-treated patients compared to 0.9% of patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg. Before initiating treatment with PONVORY, results from a recent (i.e., within 6 months or after discontinuation of prior therapy) complete blood count including lymphocyte count should be reviewed. Initiation of treatment with PONVORY should be delayed in patients with active infection until resolution. Lymphocyte counts returned to the normal range in 90% of patients within 1 week of stopping therapy in modeling studies [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . In Study 1, peripheral lymphocyte counts returned to normal range within 2 weeks after discontinuation of PONVORY, which was the first timepoint evaluated. Because residual pharmacodynamic effects, such as lowering effects on peripheral lymphocyte count, may persist for 1 to 2 weeks after discontinuation of PONVORY, vigilance for infection should be continued for 1 to 2 weeks after PONVORY is discontinued [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] . In Study 1, the proportion of patients who experienced lymphocyte counts less than 0.2×10 9 /L was 3.2%. Effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies should be employed in patients with symptoms of infection while on therapy. Consider interruption of treatment with PONVORY if a patient develops a serious infection. Herpes Viral Infections Cases of herpes viral infection have been reported in the development program of PONVORY; herpes simplex encephalitis and varicella zoster meningitis have been reported with other S1P receptor modulators. In Study 1, the rate of herpetic infections was 4.8% for both PONVORY-treated patients and those receiving teriflunomide 14 mg. Patients without a healthcare professional confirmed history of varicella (chickenpox) or without documentation of a full course of vaccination against VZV should be tested for antibodies to VZV before initiating PONVORY (see Vaccinations ) . Cryptococcal Infections Cases of fatal cryptococcal meningitis (CM) and disseminated cryptococcal infections have been reported with other S1P receptor modulators. Physicians should be vigilant for clinical symptoms or signs of CM. Patients with symptoms or signs consistent with a cryptococcal infection should undergo prompt diagnostic evaluation and treatment. PONVORY treatment should be suspended until a cryptococcal infection has been excluded. If CM is diagnosed, appropriate treatment should be initiated. Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an opportunistic viral infection of the brain caused by the JC virus (JCV) that typically only occurs in patients who are immunocompromised, and that usually leads to death or severe disability. Typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes. PML has been reported in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators and other multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies and has been associated with some risk factors (e.g., immunocompromised patients, polytherapy with immunosuppressants, duration of use). Longer treatment duration increases the risk of PML in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators, and the majority of PML cases have occurred in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators for at least 18 months. Physicians should be vigilant for clinical symptoms or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings that may be suggestive of PML. MRI findings may be apparent before clinical signs or symptoms. If PML is suspected, treatment with PONVORY should be suspended until PML has been excluded. If PML is confirmed, treatment with PONVORY should be discontinued. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) has been reported in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators who developed PML and subsequently discontinued treatment. IRIS presents as a clinical decline in the patient’s condition that may be rapid, can lead to serious neurological complications or death, and is often associated with characteristic changes on MRI. The time to onset of IRIS in patients with PML was generally within a few months after S1P receptor modulator discontinuation. Monitoring for development of IRIS and appropriate treatment of the associated inflammation should be undertaken. Prior and Concomitant Treatment with Anti-neoplastic, Immune-Modulating, or Immunosuppressive Therapies Anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies (including corticosteroids) should be coadministered with caution because of the risk of additive immune system effects [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . Vaccinations Patients without a healthcare professional confirmed history of chickenpox or without documentation of a full course of vaccination against VZV should be tested for antibodies to VZV before initiating PONVORY treatment. A full course of vaccination for antibody-negative patients with varicella vaccine is recommended prior to commencing treatment with PONVORY, following which initiation of treatment with PONVORY should be postponed for 4 weeks to allow the full effect of vaccination to occur. No clinical data are available on the efficacy and safety of vaccinations in patients taking PONVORY. Vaccinations may be less effective if administered during PONVORY treatment. […]

The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Bradyarrhythmia and Atrioventricular Conduction Delays [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Respiratory Effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Increased Blood Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Cutaneous Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Fetal Risk [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Macular Edema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Unintended Additive Immunosuppressive Effects From Prior Treatment With Immunosuppressive or Immune-Modulating Therapies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Severe Increase in Disability After Stopping PONVORY [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Immune System Effects After Stopping PONVORY [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 10%) are upper respiratory tract infection, hepatic transaminase elevation, and hypertension. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 833-933-9331, 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 practice. A total of 1438 MS patients have received PONVORY at doses of at least 2 mg daily. These patients were included in Study 1 (2-year active-controlled versus teriflunomide 14 mg) [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] and in a Phase 2 (6-month placebo-controlled) study in patients with MS and the uncontrolled extension studies. In Study 1, 82% of PONVORY-treated patients completed 2 years of study treatment, compared to 82.2% of patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg. Adverse events led to discontinuation of treatment in 8.7% of PONVORY-treated patients, compared to 6% of patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg. The most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 10%) in PONVORY-treated patients in Study 1 were upper respiratory tract infection, hepatic transaminase elevation, and hypertension. Table 3 lists adverse reactions that occurred in at least 2% of PONVORY-treated patients and at a higher rate than in patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg. Table 3: Adverse Reactions Reported in Study 1 Occurring in at Least 2% of PONVORY-Treated Patients and at a Higher Rate Than in Patients Receiving Teriflunomide 14 mg a Includes the following terms: nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, respiratory tract infection viral, viral upper respiratory tract infection, tracheitis, and laryngitis. b Includes the following terms: alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, hepatic enzyme increased, and transaminases increased. c Includes the following terms: hypertension, hypertensive crisis, blood pressure increased, blood pressure systolic increased, and blood pressure diastolic increased. Adverse Reaction PONVORY N=565 (%) Teriflunomide 14 mg N=566 (%) Upper respiratory infection a 37 34 Hepatic transaminase elevation b 23 12 Hypertension c 10 9 Urinary tract infection 6 5 Dyspnea 5 1 Dizziness 5 3 Cough 4 2 Pain in extremity 4 3 Somnolence 3 2 Pyrexia 2 1 C-reactive protein increased 2 1 Hypercholesterolemia 2 1 Vertigo 2 1 In Study 1, the following adverse reactions occurred in less than 2% of PONVORY-treated patients, but at a rate at least 1% higher than in patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg: viral infection, herpes zoster, hyperkalemia, lymphopenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) , and macular edema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] . Adverse reactions in patients treated with PONVORY in an additional 6-month placebo-controlled study were generally similar to those in Study 1. The following additional adverse reactions occurred in at least 2% of PONVORY 20 mg-treated patients and at a higher rate than in patients receiving placebo (but did not meet the reporting rate criteria for inclusion in Study 1): rhinitis, fatigue, chest discomfort, peripheral edema, joint swelling, blood cholesterol increased, migraine, insomnia, depression, dyspepsia, dry mouth, bradycardia, back pain, and sinusitis. Additionally, in uncontrolled extension trials, the adverse reaction of pneumonia was reported. Seizures In Study 1, cases of seizures were reported in 1.4% of PONVORY-treated patients, compared to 0.2% in patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg. It is not known whether these events were related to the effects of MS, to PONVORY, or to a combination of both. Respiratory Effects In Study 1, dose-dependent reductions in FEV 1 were observed in patients treated with PONVORY [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Malignancies In Study 1, two cases of basal cell carcinoma (0.4%) were reported in PONVORY-treated patients, compared to one case of basal cell carcinoma (0.2%) in patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg, and a case of malignant melanoma was reported in a PONVORY-treated patient. An increased risk of cutaneous malignancies has been reported in association with other S1P receptor modulators, including PONVORY [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] .

Vaccines: Avoid live attenuated vaccines during and for up to 1-2 weeks after treatment with PONVORY. ( 7.4 )

7.1 Anti-Neoplastic, Immune-Modulating, or Immunosuppressive Therapies PONVORY has not been studied in combination with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies. Caution should be used during concomitant administration because of the risk of additive immune effects during such therapy and in the weeks following administration [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, the half-life and mode of action of these drugs must be considered in order to avoid unintended additive effects on the immune system [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] . Because of the characteristics and duration of alemtuzumab immune suppressive effects, initiating treatment with PONVORY after alemtuzumab is not recommended. PONVORY can generally be started immediately after discontinuation of beta interferon or glatiramer acetate.

7.2 Anti-Arrhythmic Drugs, QT Prolonging Drugs, Drugs that may Decrease Heart Rate PONVORY has not been studied in patients taking QT prolonging drugs. Class Ia (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) and Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) anti-arrhythmic drugs have been associated with cases of Torsades de Pointes in patients with bradycardia. If treatment with PONVORY is considered, advice from a cardiologist should be sought. Because of the potential additive effects on heart rate, treatment with PONVORY should generally not be initiated in patients who are concurrently treated with QT prolonging drugs with known arrhythmogenic properties, heart rate lowering calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem), or other drugs that may decrease heart rate (e.g., digoxin) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.3 )] . If treatment with PONVORY is considered, advice from a cardiologist should be sought.

7.3 Beta-Blockers Caution should be applied when PONVORY is initiated in patients receiving treatment with a beta-blocker because of the additive effects on lowering heart rate; temporary interruption of the beta-blocker treatment may be needed prior to initiation of PONVORY [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Beta-blocker treatment can be initiated in patients receiving stable doses of PONVORY.

7.4 Vaccination During, and for up to 1 to 2 weeks after discontinuation of, treatment with PONVORY, vaccinations may be less effective. The use of live attenuated vaccines may carry the risk of infection and should therefore be avoided during PONVORY treatment and for 1 to 2 weeks after discontinuation of treatment with PONVORY [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .

Hepatic Impairment: PONVORY is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B and C). ( 8.6 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of PONVORY in pregnant women. In animal studies, administration of ponesimod during pregnancy produced adverse effects on development, including embryo lethality and fetal malformations, in the absence of maternal toxicity. In rats and rabbits, visceral and skeletal malformations occurred at clinically relevant maternal ponesimod exposures (see Data) . The receptor affected by ponesimod (sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1) has been demonstrated to have an important role in embryogenesis, including vascular and neural development. In the US general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2%-4% and 15%-20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Data Animal Data When ponesimod (0, 1, 10, or 40 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis, increased incidences of fetal malformations primarily involving the limbs (syndactyly and ectrodactyly) and cardiovascular system (including ventricular septal defects) were observed at all but the lowest dose tested. A high incidence of embryofetal death was observed at the highest dose tested. Maternal toxicity was not observed, indicating a selective effect on the fetus. Plasma exposure (AUC) at the no-effect dose (1 mg/kg/day) for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rats was lower than that in humans at the recommended human dose (RHD) of 20 mg/day. When ponesimod (0, 0.25, 1, or 4 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis, an increase in post-implantation loss and fetal variations (visceral and skeletal) were noted at the highest dose tested. No maternal toxicity was observed. Plasma exposure at the no-effect dose (1 mg/kg/day) for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rabbits was lower than that in humans at the RHD. In a dose-range finding study in pregnant rabbits, oral administration of ponesimod (0, 6, 20, or 60 mg/kg/day) during organogenesis, an increase in embryofetal death and fetal limb malformation (brachydactyly) were observed at the lowest dose tested; at the higher doses, there were no live fetuses. When ponesimod (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) was orally administered to female rats throughout pregnancy and lactation, the offspring exhibited decreased survival, reduced body weight gain, and reduced fertility and reproductive performance (increases in pre- and post-implantation loss) at the highest dose tested, neurobehavioral impairment (increased locomotor activity) at the mid and high doses, and delayed sexual maturation at all doses tested. A no-effect dose for adverse effects on pre- and postnatal development in rats was not identified. Plasma exposure (AUC) in dams at the lowest dose tested was less than that in humans at the RHD.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of PONVORY in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. When ponesimod was orally administered to female rats during pregnancy and lactation, ponesimod was detected in the plasma of the offspring, suggesting excretion of ponesimod in milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for PONVORY and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from PONVORY or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Contraception Females Before initiation of PONVORY treatment, women of childbearing potential should be counseled on the potential for a serious risk to the fetus and the need for effective contraception during treatment with PONVORY [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Since it takes approximately one week to eliminate ponesimod from the body after stopping treatment, the potential risk to the fetus may persist, and women should use effective contraception during this period [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] .

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data Oral administration of ponesimod (0, 1, 10, 30, or 100 mg/kg/day) to young rats from postnatal day 28 to 91 resulted in lung histopathology (alveolar histiocytosis/edema) and decreased immune function (T-cell dependent antibody response) at the two highest doses tested. Decreased growth (body weight gain and/or long bone length) was observed at all but the low dose, and neurobehavioral impairment (increased locomotor activity) was observed at the highest dose tested. Decreased lymphocyte count and neurobehavioral impairment persisted at the end of a 4- week recovery period.

8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of PONVORY did not include patients 65 years of age and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Use of PONVORY in elderly patients should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .

8.6 Hepatic Impairment No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . PONVORY is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B and C, respectively), as the risk of adverse reactions may be greater [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] .

Ponesimod is a S1P receptor 1 modulator that binds with high affinity to S1P receptor 1. Ponesimod blocks the capacity of lymphocytes to egress from lymph nodes, reducing the number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood. The mechanism by which ponesimod exerts therapeutic effects in MS is unknown, but may involve reduction of lymphocyte migration into the central nervous system.