Selexipag

UPTRAVI is a prostacyclin receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, WHO Group I): In adults to delay disease progression and reduce the risk of hospitalization for PAH. ( 1.1 ) In pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. UPTRAVI reduces NT-proBNP and is expected to delay disease progression and reduce the risk of hospitalization for PAH. ( 1.1 )

1.1 Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Adult Patients UPTRAVI is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults (PAH, WHO Group I) to delay disease progression and reduce the risk of hospitalization for PAH. Effectiveness of UPTRAVI tablets was established in a long-term study in adult PAH patients with WHO Functional Class II–III symptoms. Patients had idiopathic and heritable PAH (58%), PAH associated with connective tissue disease (29%), PAH associated with congenital heart disease with repaired shunts (10%) [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Pediatric Patients UPTRAVI is indicated for the treatment of PAH (WHO Group I) in pediatric patients aged two years and older. UPTRAVI reduces NT-proBNP and is expected to delay disease progression and reduce the risk of hospitalization for PAH.

UPTRAVI is available in the following presentations: Film-Coated Tablets 100 mcg selexipag [Light yellow tablet debossed with 1, 3 mm diameter] 150 mcg selexipag [Red tablet with no debossing, 3 mm diameter] 200 mcg selexipag [Light yellow tablet debossed with 2, 7 mm diameter] 400 mcg selexipag [Red tablet debossed with 4, 7 mm diameter] 600 mcg selexipag [Light violet tablet debossed with 6, 7 mm diameter] 800 mcg selexipag [Green tablet debossed with 8, 7 mm diameter] 1,000 mcg selexipag [Orange tablet debossed with 10, 7 mm diameter] 1,200 mcg selexipag [Dark violet tablet debossed with 12, 7 mm diameter] 1,400 mcg selexipag [Dark yellow tablet debossed with 14, 7 mm diameter] 1,600 mcg selexipag [Brown tablet debossed with 16, 7 mm diameter] UPTRAVI for Injection 1,800 mcg selexipag [Lyophilized powder white to almost white broken cake or powdered material, supplied in a 10 mL single-dose glass vial] Tablets: 100 mcg, 150 mcg, 200 mcg, 400 mcg, 600 mcg, 800 mcg, 1,000 mcg, 1,200 mcg, 1,400 mcg, 1,600 mcg. ( 3 ) For Injection: 1,800 mcg of selexipag as a lyophilized powder in a single-dose vial for reconstitution and dilution. ( 3 )

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. Concomitant use of strong inhibitors of CYP2C8 (e.g., gemfibrozil) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Concomitant use with strong CYP2C8 inhibitors. ( 4 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. ( 4 )

Pulmonary edema in patients with pulmonary veno-occlusive disease. If confirmed, discontinue treatment. ( 5.1 )

5.1 Pulmonary Edema with Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease Should signs of pulmonary edema occur, consider the possibility of associated pulmonary veno-occlusive disease. If confirmed, discontinue UPTRAVI.

Adverse reactions in adult and pediatric patients occurring more frequently (≥5%) on UPTRAVI compared to placebo are headache, diarrhea, jaw pain, nausea, myalgia, vomiting, pain in extremity, and flushing. Additional adverse reaction occurring in pediatric patients more frequently (≥5%) on UPTRAVI compared to placebo is abdominal pain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Actelion at 1-800-526-7736 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trial 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. UPTRAVI Tablets Adult Patients The safety of UPTRAVI tablets has been evaluated in a long-term, placebo-controlled study enrolling 1,156 adult patients with symptomatic PAH (GRIPHON study) [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . The exposure to UPTRAVI in this trial was up to 4.2 years with median duration of exposure of 1.4 years. Table 3 presents adverse reactions more frequent on UPTRAVI tablets than on placebo by ≥3%. Table 3: Adverse Reactions UPTRAVI Placebo Adverse Reaction N=575 N=577 Headache 65% 32% Diarrhea 42% 18% Jaw pain 26% 6% Nausea 33% 18% Myalgia 16% 6% Vomiting 18% 9% Pain in extremity 17% 8% Flushing 12% 5% Arthralgia 11% 8% Anemia 8% 5% Decreased appetite 6% 3% Rash 11% 8% These adverse reactions are more frequent during the dose titration phase. Hyperthyroidism was observed in 1% (n=8) of patients on UPTRAVI tablets and in none of the patients on placebo. Pediatric Patients Two Years and Older The safety of UPTRAVI tablets has been evaluated in a long-term, Phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (SALTO), where a total of 138 pediatric patients with symptomatic PAH ≥2 to <18 years of age were randomized 1:1 to receive either UPTRAVI or placebo [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . The exposure to UPTRAVI in this study was up to 4.1 years with a median duration of exposure of 1.5 years. The safety profile in pediatric patients was consistent with that observed in adults with PAH. Compared to adults, a higher frequency of vomiting was observed (39% on UPTRAVI versus 19% on placebo). In addition, abdominal pain was observed in 15% of pediatric patients on UPTRAVI and in 6% on placebo. UPTRAVI-treated pediatric patients experienced a smaller mean increase in body weight and height compared to the placebo group. The mean change in weight Z-score from baseline at 48 weeks in UPTRAVI-treated pediatric patients (n=54) was –0.31 compared to –0.09 in the placebo group (n=61); and at 96 weeks in UPTRAVI-treated pediatric patients (n=32) was –0.46 compared to –0.12 in the placebo group (n=35). The mean change in height Z-score from baseline at 48 weeks in UPTRAVI-treated pediatric patients (n=54) was –0.16 compared to –0.04 in the placebo group (n=61); and at 96 weeks in the UPTRAVI-treated pediatric patients (n=32) was –0.30 compared to –0.05 in the placebo group (n=35). When treating pediatric patients with UPTRAVI, monitor growth. UPTRAVI for Injection Infusion-site reactions (infusion site erythema/redness, pain and swelling) were reported with UPTRAVI for Injection in adult patients. Laboratory Test Abnormalities Hemoglobin In a Phase 3 placebo-controlled study in adult patients with PAH, mean absolute changes in hemoglobin at regular visits compared to baseline ranged from −0.34 to −0.02 g/dL in the UPTRAVI group compared to −0.05 to 0.25 g/dL in the placebo group. A decrease in hemoglobin concentration to below 10 g/dL was reported in 8.6% of patients treated with UPTRAVI tablets and 5.0% of placebo-treated patients. Thyroid Function Tests In a Phase 3 placebo-controlled study in adult patients with PAH, a reduction (up to −0.3 MU/L from a baseline median of 2.5 MU/L) in median thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was observed at most visits in the UPTRAVI group. In the placebo group, little change in median values was apparent. There were no mean changes in triiodothyronine or thyroxine in either group.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of UPTRAVI. 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. Vascular disorders: symptomatic hypotension

Moderate CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., clopidogrel, deferasirox and teriflunomide) increase exposure to the active metabolite of UPTRAVI. Reduce the dosing of UPTRAVI to once daily. ( 2.7 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) CYP2C8 inducers (e.g., rifampin) decrease exposure to the active metabolite. Increase up to twice the dose of UPTRAVI. ( 7.2 , 12.3 ) 7.1 CYP2C8 Inhibitors Concomitant administration with gemfibrozil, a strong inhibitor of CYP2C8, doubled the exposure to selexipag and increased exposure to the active metabolite by approximately 11-fold. Concomitant administration of UPTRAVI with strong inhibitors of CYP2C8 (e.g., gemfibrozil) is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Concomitant administration of UPTRAVI tablets with clopidogrel, a moderate inhibitor of CYP2C8, had no relevant effect on the exposure to selexipag and increased the exposure to the active metabolite by approximately 2.7-fold [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Reduce the dosing of UPTRAVI to once daily in adult and pediatric patients on a moderate CYP2C8 inhibitor [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) ] . 7.2 CYP2C8 Inducers Concomitant administration with an inducer of CYP2C8 and UGT 1A3 and 2B7 enzymes (rifampin) halved exposure to the active metabolite. Increase UPTRAVI up to twice the dose when co-administered with rifampin. Reduce UPTRAVI when rifampin is stopped [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Nursing mothers: Discontinue UPTRAVI or breastfeeding. ( 8.2 ) Severe hepatic impairment: Avoid use. ( 8.6 )

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with UPTRAVI in pregnant women. Animal reproduction studies performed with selexipag showed no clinically relevant effects on embryofetal development and survival. A slight reduction in maternal as well as in fetal body weight was observed when pregnant rats were administered selexipag during organogenesis at a dose producing an exposure to the active metabolite approximately 47 times that in humans at the maximum recommended human dose. No adverse developmental outcomes were observed with oral administration of selexipag to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis at exposures to the active metabolite up to 50 times the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dose. The estimated 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. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, pregnancy is associated with an increased rate of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, including heart failure, stroke, spontaneous abortion, intrauterine growth restriction, premature labor, and preterm birth. Data Animal Data Pregnant rats were treated with selexipag using oral doses of 2, 6, and 20 mg/kg/day (up to 47 times the exposure to the active metabolite at the maximum recommended human oral dose of 1,600 mcg twice daily on an area under the curve [AUC] basis) during the period of organogenesis (gestation days 7 to 17). Selexipag did not cause adverse developmental effects to the fetus in this study. A slight reduction in fetal body weight was observed in parallel with a slight reduction in maternal body weight at the high dose. Pregnant rabbits were treated with selexipag using oral doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg (up to 50 times the exposure to the active metabolite at the maximum recommended human oral dose of 1,600 mcg twice daily on an AUC basis) during the period of organogenesis (gestation days 6 to 18). Selexipag did not cause adverse developmental effects to the fetus in this study. In a pre- and post-natal development study, pregnant rats were treated with selexipag from gestation day 7 through lactation day 20 at oral doses of 2, 6, and 20 mg/kg/day (up to 35 times the exposure to the active metabolite at the maximum recommended human dose of 1,600 mcg twice daily on an AUC basis). Treatment with selexipag did not cause adverse developmental effects in this study at any dose.

8.2 Lactation It is not known if UPTRAVI is present in human milk. Selexipag or its metabolites were present in the milk of rats. Because many drugs are present in the human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, discontinue nursing or discontinue UPTRAVI.

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of UPTRAVI have been established for the treatment of PAH in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. Use of UPTRAVI for this indication is supported by evidence from an adequate and well-controlled study in adults with additional pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety data in pediatric patients aged 2 years and older (N=132) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.2) ]. The safety profile observed in pediatric patients was consistent with that of adults. A higher frequency of vomiting and abdominal pain was observed in UPTRAVI-treated pediatric patients compared to UPTRAVI-treated adults. UPTRAVI-treated pediatric patients experienced a smaller mean increase in body weight and height compared to placebo. When treating pediatric patients with UPTRAVI, monitor growth [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . The safety and effectiveness of UPTRAVI have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 2 years. Due to nonclinical studies demonstrating a risk of intussusception in juvenile dogs and known susceptibility to gastrointestinal intussusception in young children, treatment with UPTRAVI in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age was not studied. Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data In juvenile dogs, intussusception due to prostacyclin-related effects on intestinal motility was observed sporadically. Safety margins adapted for prostacyclin receptor potency for the active metabolite were 2-fold (based on total exposure) in relation to human therapeutic exposure. The finding did not occur in mouse or rat toxicity studies.

8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 1,368 subjects in clinical studies of UPTRAVI tablets, 248 subjects were 65 years of age and older, while 19 were 75 and older. No overall differences were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity cannot be ruled out.

8.6 Patients with Hepatic Impairment No adjustment to the dosing regimen is needed in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A). A once-daily regimen is recommended in adult and pediatric patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B) due to the increased exposure to selexipag and its active metabolite. There is no experience with UPTRAVI in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C). Avoid use of UPTRAVI in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

8.7 Patients with Renal Impairment No adjustment to the dosing regimen is needed in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥15 mL/min. There is no clinical experience with UPTRAVI in patients undergoing dialysis or in patients with glomerular filtration rates <15 mL/min [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Selexipag is a prostacyclin receptor (IP receptor) agonist that is structurally distinct from prostacyclin. Selexipag is hydrolyzed by carboxylesterase 1 to yield its active metabolite, which is approximately 37-fold as potent as selexipag. Selexipag and the active metabolite are selective for the IP receptor versus other prostanoid receptors (EP 1–4 , DP, FP, and TP).