Meropenem-Vaborbactam

VABOMERE (meropenem and vaborbactam) is a combination of meropenem, a penem antibacterial, and vaborbactam, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, indicated for the treatment of patients 18 years and older with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) including pyelonephritis caused by designated susceptible bacteria. ( 1.1 ) To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of VABOMERE and other antibacterial drugs, VABOMERE should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. ( 1.2 ) 1.1. Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (cUTI), including Pyelonephritis VABOMERE ® is indicated for the treatment of patients 18 years of age and older with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI) including pyelonephritis caused by the following susceptible microorganisms: Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae , and Enterobacter cloacae species complex. 1.2. Usage To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of VABOMERE and other antibacterial drugs, VABOMERE should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

VABOMERE 2 grams (meropenem and vaborbactam) for injection, is supplied as a white to light yellow sterile powder for constitution in single-dose, clear glass vials containing meropenem 1 gram (equivalent to 1.14 grams meropenem trihydrate) and vaborbactam 1 gram. VABOMERE 2 grams (meropenem and vaborbactam) for injection, is supplied as a sterile powder for constitution in single-dose vials containing meropenem 1 gram (equivalent to 1.14 grams of meropenem trihydrate) and vaborbactam1 gram. ( 3 )

VABOMERE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any components of VABOMERE (meropenem and vaborbactam), or to other drugs in the same class or in patients who have demonstrated anaphylactic reactions to beta-lactam antibacterial drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Known hypersensitivity to the components of VABOMERE (meropenem and vaborbactam) or anaphylactic reactions to beta-lactams. ( 4 )

Hypersensitivity reactions were reported with the use of VABOMERE. Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving beta-lactam antibacterial drugs. Discontinue infusion if signs of acute hypersensitivity occur. ( 5.1 ) Seizures and other adverse Central Nervous System experiences have been reported during treatment with meropenem, a component of VABOMERE. ( 5.2 ) Rhabdomyolysis: If signs or symptoms of rhabdomyolysis are observed, discontinue VABOMERE and initiate appropriate therapy. ( 5.3 ) Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea has been reported with nearly all systemic antibacterial agents, including VABOMERE. Evaluate patients if diarrhea occurs. ( 5.4 ) Co-administration of meropenem with valproic acid or divalproex sodium reduces the serum concentration of valproic acid potentially increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. ( 5.5 , 7.1 )

5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions were reported in patients treated with VABOMERE in the clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions and serious skin reactions have been reported in patients receiving therapy with beta-lactam antibacterial drugs. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of sensitivity to multiple allergens. There have been reports of individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity who have experienced severe hypersensitivity reactions when treated with another beta-lactam antibacterial drug. Before initiating therapy with VABOMERE, it is important to inquire about previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, other beta-lactam antibacterial drugs, and other allergens. If an allergic reaction to VABOMERE occurs, discontinue the drug immediately.

5.2 Seizure Potential Seizures and other adverse Central Nervous System (CNS) experiences have been reported during treatment with meropenem, which is a component of VABOMERE. These experiences have occurred most commonly in patients with CNS disorders (e.g., brain lesions or history of seizures) or with bacterial meningitis and/or compromised renal function [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Close adherence to the recommended dosage regimens is urged, especially in patients with known factors that predispose to convulsive activity. Continue anti-convulsant therapy in patients with known seizure disorders. If focal tremors, myoclonus, or seizures occur, evaluate neurologically, place on anti-convulsant therapy if not already instituted, and reexamine the dosage of VABOMERE to determine whether it should be decreased or discontinued.

5.3 Rhabdomyolysis Rhabdomyolysis has been reported with the use of meropenem, a component of VABOMERE [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. If signs or symptoms of rhabdomyolysis such as muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, dark urine, or elevated creatine phosphokinase are observed, discontinue VABOMERE and initiate appropriate therapy.

5.4 Clostridioides difficile -associated Diarrhea Clostridioides difficile -associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including VABOMERE, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile . C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin-producing isolates of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial drug use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibacterial drug use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial drug treatment of C. difficile , and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

5.5 Risk of Breakthrough Seizures Due to Drug Interaction with Valproic Acid The concomitant use of VABOMERE and valproic acid or divalproex sodium is generally not recommended. Case reports in the literature have shown that co-administration of carbapenems, including meropenem, to patients receiving valproic acid or divalproex sodium results in a reduction in valproic acid concentrations. The valproic acid concentrations may drop below the therapeutic range as a result of this interaction, therefore increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. Increasing the dose of valproic acid or divalproex sodium may not be sufficient to overcome this interaction. Consider administration of antibacterial drugs other than carbapenems to treat infections in patients whose seizures are well controlled on valproic acid or divalproex sodium. If administration of VABOMERE is necessary, consider supplemental anticonvulsant therapy [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] .

5.6 Thrombocytopenia In patients with renal impairment, thrombocytopenia has been observed in patients treated with meropenem, but no clinical bleeding has been reported [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.5) and (8.6) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

5.7 Potential for Neuromotor Impairment Alert patients receiving VABOMERE on an outpatient basis regarding adverse reactions such as seizures, delirium, headaches and/or paresthesias that could interfere with mental alertness and/or cause motor impairment. Until it is reasonably well established that VABOMERE is well tolerated, advise patients not to operate machinery or motorized vehicles [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ].

5.8 Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria Prescribing VABOMERE in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of drug-resistant bacteria [see Indications and Usage (1.2) ] .

5.9 Overgrowth of Non-susceptible Organisms As with other antibacterial drugs, prolonged use of VABOMERE may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms. Repeated evaluation of the patient is essential. If superinfection does occur during therapy, appropriate measures should be taken.

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in the Warnings and Precautions section: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Seizure Potential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Rhabdomyolysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Clostridioides difficile -associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Risk of Breakthrough Seizures Due to Drug Interaction with Valproic Acid [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Potential for Neuromotor Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Development of Drug-Resistant Bacteria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Overgrowth of Non-susceptible Organisms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] The most frequently reported adverse reactions occurring in ≥3% of patients treated with VABOMERE were headache, phlebitis/infusion site reactions, and diarrhea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Melinta Therapeutics at 1-844-633-6568 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 practice. VABOMERE was evaluated in a Phase 3 comparator-controlled clinical trial in cUTI, including pyelonephritis, which included 272 patients treated with VABOMERE and 273 patients treated with the comparator piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 grams (piperacillin 4 g/tazobactam 0.5 g) every 8 hours. After a minimum of 15 doses of IV therapy, patients could be switched to oral levofloxacin (500 mg daily every 24 hours) to complete the treatment course. Mean duration of IV therapy was 8 days in both treatment groups. Mean duration of IV and oral therapy was 10 days; patients with baseline bacteremia could receive up to 14 days of treatment. The mean age of patients treated with VABOMERE was 53 years (range 18 to 92 years), and 32% of patients were 65 years of age or older. Patients were predominantly female (66.5%) and White (93.4%). Most patients were enrolled in Europe (89.7%). Serious Adverse Reactions and Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation Treatment was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 2.9% (8/272) of patients receiving VABOMERE and in 5.1% (14/273) of patients receiving piperacillin/tazobactam. Most common adverse reactions resulting in discontinuation of VABOMERE included hypersensitivity, 1.1% (3/272) and infusion-related reactions, 0.7% (2/272). Death occurred in 2 (0.7%) patients who received VABOMERE and in 2 (0.7%) patients who received piperacillin/tazobactam. Common Adverse Reactions The most frequently reported adverse reactions (3% or greater) in patients receiving VABOMERE in the Phase 3 cUTI trial were headache, phlebitis/infusion site reactions, and diarrhea. Table 3 provides adverse reactions occurring in 1% or greater of patients receiving VABOMERE in the Phase 3 cUTI trial. Table 3: Adverse Reactions Occurring in 1% or Greater of Patients Receiving VABOMERE in the Phase 3 Clinical Trial in cUTI Adverse Reactions VABOMERE (N=272) % Piperacillin/Tazobactam Piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 grams (piperacillin 4 g/tazobactam 0.5 g) IV infused over 30 minutes every 8 hours. (N=273) % Headache 8.8

4.4 Phlebitis/Infusion site reactions Infusion site reactions include infusion/injection site phlebitis, infusion site thrombosis, and infusion site erythema. 4.4

0.7 Diarrhea 3.3

4.4 Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity includes hypersensitivity, drug hypersensitivity, anaphylactic reaction, rash urticaria, and bronchospasm. 1.8

1.8 Nausea 1.8

1.5 Alanine aminotransferase increased 1.8

0.4 Aspartate aminotransferase increased 1.5

0.7 Pyrexia 1.5

0.7 Hypokalemia 1.1

1.5 Adverse Reactions Occurring in Less Than 1% of Patients Receiving VABOMERE in the Phase 3 cUTI trial : Blood and lymphatic system disorders : leukopenia General disorders and administration site conditions : chest discomfort Infections and infestations : pharyngitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, oral candidiasis Investigations : creatinine phosphokinase increase Metabolism and nutrition disorders : decreased appetite, hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia Nervous system disorders : dizziness, tremor, paresthesia, lethargy Psychiatric disorders : hallucination, insomnia Renal and urinary disorders : azotemia, renal impairment Vascular disorders : deep vein thrombosis, hypotension, vascular pain Other Adverse Reactions Associated with Meropenem Additionally, adverse reactions reported with meropenem alone that were not reported in VABOMERE-treated patients in the Phase 3 clinical trial are listed below: Blood and lymphatic system disorders : thrombocytosis, neutropenia, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia Gastrointestinal disorders : abdominal pain Hepatobiliary disorders : jaundice Nervous system disorders : convulsions Investigations : blood alkaline phosphatase increased, blood lactate dehydrogenase increased, blood bilirubin increased, blood creatinine increased, blood urea increased, blood thromboplastin decreased, prothrombin time decreased, Direct and Indirect Coombs test positive Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders : pruritus, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens Johnson syndrome, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, erythema multiforme Immune system disorders : angioedema General disorders and administration site conditions : pain

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of meropenem, a component of VABOMERE, or with VABOMERE. 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. Musculoskeletal Disorders : rhabdomyolysis Hepatobiliary Disorders : drug-induced liver injury (DILI), including hepatitis and liver failure

Hormonal Contraceptives: Effectiveness may be reduced; use an effective alternative non-hormonal form of contraception or additional contraceptive method. ( 7.4 , 12.3 )

7.1 Valproic Acid Case reports in the literature have shown that co-administration of carbapenems, including meropenem, to patients receiving valproic acid or divalproex sodium results in a reduction in valproic acid concentrations. The valproic acid concentrations may drop below the therapeutic range as a result of this interaction, therefore increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures. Although the mechanism of this interaction is unknown, data from in vitro and animal studies suggest that carbapenems may inhibit the hydrolysis of valproic acid's glucuronide metabolite (VPA-g) back to valproic acid, thus decreasing the serum concentrations of valproic acid. If administration of VABOMERE is necessary, then supplemental anti-convulsant therapy should be considered [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] .

7.2 Probenecid Probenecid competes with meropenem for active tubular secretion, resulting in increased plasma concentrations of meropenem. Co-administration of probenecid with VABOMERE is not recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

7.3 Potential for VABOMERE to Affect Other Drugs When administering VABOMERE concomitantly with medicinal products that are predominantly metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C, and/or are substrates of P-gp transporters, there is a potential risk of interaction which may result in decreased plasma concentrations and activity of the co-administered drug(s) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. When VABOMERE is concomitantly administered with the substrates of CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C, and/or P-gp, refer to the prescribing information for these concomitant medications for guidance on need for dosage adjustments and/or need for frequent drug level monitoring when administered with a weak CYP inducer(s). When administering VABOMERE concomitantly with medicinal products that are substrate of OAT3 transporters, there is a potential risk of interaction which may result in increased plasma concentrations and activity of the co-administered drug(s) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. When VABOMERE is concomitantly administered with OAT3 substrate(s), refer to the prescribing information for these concomitant medication(s) for guidance on need for dosage adjustments and/or need for frequent drug level monitoring when administered with an OAT3 inhibitor(s).

7.4 Hormonal Contraceptives Hormonal contraceptives (e.g., combined oral contraceptives containing a progestin and an estrogen) are metabolized by CYP3A and other pregnane X receptor (PXR)-regulated enzymes. Therefore, the blood concentration and the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives may be reduced when used with VABOMERE [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Effective alternative non-hormonal forms of contraception or additional contraceptive methods are recommended for patients taking hormonal contraceptives when treated concomitantly with VABOMERE [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Fetal malformations were observed in vaborbactam-treated rabbits, therefore advise pregnant women of the potential risks to the fetus. There are insufficient human data to establish whether there is a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriages with VABOMERE, meropenem, or vaborbactam in pregnant women. Malformations (supernumerary lung lobes, interventricular septal defect) were observed in offspring from pregnant rabbits administered intravenous vaborbactam during the period of organogenesis at doses approximately equivalent to or above the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on plasma AUC comparison. The clinical relevance of the malformations is uncertain. No similar malformations or fetal toxicity were observed in offspring from pregnant rats administered intravenous vaborbactam during organogenesis or from late pregnancy and through lactation at a dose equivalent to approximately 1.6 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison [see Data ] . No fetal toxicity or malformations were observed in pregnant rats and cynomolgus monkeys administered intravenous meropenem during organogenesis at doses up to 1.6 and 1.2 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison, respectively. In rats administered intravenous meropenem in late pregnancy and during the lactation period, there were no adverse effects on offspring at doses equivalent to approximately 1.6 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison [see Data ]. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Meropenem Reproductive studies have been performed with meropenem in rats at doses of up to 1000 mg/kg/day and in cynomolgus monkeys at doses of up to 360 mg/kg/day (on the basis of body surface area comparisons, approximately 1.6 times and 1.2 times higher, respectively, than the MRHD of 2 grams every 8 hours). These studies revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to meropenem, although there were slight changes in fetal body weight at doses of 250 mg/kg/day (equivalent to approximately 0.4 times the MRHD of 2 grams every 8 hours based on body surface area comparison) and above in rats. In a published study 1 , meropenem administered to pregnant rats from Gestation Day 6 to Gestation Day 17, was associated with mild maternal weight loss at all doses, but did not produce malformations or fetal toxicity. The no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for fetal toxicity in this study was considered to be the high dose of 750 mg/kg/day (equivalent to approximately 1.2 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison). In a peri-postnatal study in rats described in the published literature 1 , intravenous meropenem was administered to dams from Gestation Day 17 until Postpartum Day 21. There were no adverse effects in the dams and no adverse effects in the first generation offspring (including developmental, behavioral, and functional assessments and reproductive parameters) except that female offspring exhibited lowered body weights which continued during gestation and nursing of the second generation offspring. Second generation offspring showed no meropenem-related effects. The NOAEL value was considered to be 1000 mg/kg/day (approximately 1.6 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparisons). Vaborbactam In a rat embryo-fetal toxicology study, intravenous administration of vaborbactam during Gestation Days 6-17 showed no evidence of maternal or embryofetal toxicity at doses up to 1000 mg/kg, which is equivalent to approximately 1.6 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparisons. In the rabbit, intravenous administration of vaborbactam during Gestation Days 7–19 at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day (approximately 5 times the MRHD based on AUC exposure comparison) was not associated with maternal toxicity or fetal weight loss. A low incidence of malformations occurred in the 300 mg/kg/day mid-dose group (two fetuses from different litters with interventricular septal defects, one fetus with a fused right lung lobe and one fetus with a supernumerary lung lobe), and in the 1000 mg/kg/day high-dose group (two fetuses from different litters with supernumerary lobes). The NOAEL was considered to be 100 mg/kg/day which is equivalent to 0.3 times the MRHD based on plasma AUC exposure comparison and 6-times the MRHD based on maximum plasma concentration (C max ) comparison. The clinical relevance of the malformations is uncertain. Vaborbactam C max values may have influenced malformations in the rabbit study, and the recommended 3-hour infusion time for clinical administration of vaborbactam is associated with lower plasma C max values than the 30-minute infusions in rabbits. In a peri-postnatal study in rats, vaborbactam administered intravenously to pregnant dams from Gestation Day 6 to Lactation Day 20 caused no adverse effects on the dams, or in first and second generation offspring. The NOAEL was considered to be 1000 mg/kg/day (equivalent to approximately 1.6 times the MRHD based on body surface area comparison).

8.2 Lactation Meropenem has been reported to be excreted in human milk. It is unknown whether vaborbactam is excreted in human milk. No information is available on the effects of meropenem and vaborbactam on the breast-fed child or on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for VABOMERE and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from VABOMERE or from the underlying maternal condition.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Use of VABOMERE may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Advise patients taking hormonal contraceptives to use an effective alternative non-hormonal contraception or additional contraceptive method (e.g., barrier method of contraception) during treatment with VABOMERE [see Drug Interactions (7.4) ].

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of VABOMERE in pediatric patients (younger than 18 years of age) has not been established. Studies of VABOMERE have not been conducted in patients younger than 18 years of age.

8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 272 patients treated with VABOMERE in the Phase 3 cUTI trial, 48 (18%) patients were 65 years of age and older, while 39 (14%) patients were 75 years of age and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Meropenem, a component of VABOMERE, is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with renal impairment. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function. Population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis found no clinically relevant change in pharmacokinetic parameters in elderly patients. No dosage adjustment based on age is required. Dosage adjustment for elderly patients should be based on renal function [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

8.6 Renal Impairment Pharmacokinetic studies conducted with meropenem and vaborbactam in subjects with renal impairment have shown that the plasma exposures of both meropenem and vaborbactam increased with decreasing renal function [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Dosage adjustment for VABOMERE is recommended in patients with renal impairment (eGFR less than 50 mL/min/1.73m 2 ) [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. […]

VABOMERE is an antibacterial drug [see Microbiology (12.4) ] .