Contents of the package leaflet for the medicine INLYTA 5mg tablets
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Inlyta 1 mg film-coated tablets
Inlyta 3 mg film-coated tablets
Inlyta 5 mg film-coated tablets
Inlyta 7 mg film-coated tablets
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Inlyta 1 mg film-coated tablets
Each film-coated tablet contains 1 mg of axitinib.
Inlyta 3 mg film-coated tablets
Each film-coated tablet contains 3 mg of axitinib.
Inlyta 5 mg film-coated tablets
Each film-coated tablet contains 5 mg of axitinib.
Inlyta 7 mg film-coated tablets
Each film-coated tablet contains 7 mg of axitinib.
Excipients with known effectInlyta 1 mg film-coated tablet
Each film-coated tablet contains 33.6 mg of lactose monohydrate.
Inlyta 3 mg film-coated tablet
Each film-coated tablet contains 35.3 mg of lactose monohydrate.
Inlyta 5 mg film-coated tablet
Each film-coated tablet contains 58.8 mg of lactose monohydrate.
Inlyta 7 mg film-coated tablet
Each film-coated tablet contains 82.3 mg of lactose monohydrate.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Film-coated tablet (tablet).
Inlyta 1 mg film-coated tablets
Red oval film-coated tablet debossed with “Pfizer” on one side and “1 XNB” on the other.
Inlyta 3 mg film-coated tablets
Red round film-coated tablet debossed with “Pfizer” on one side and “3 XNB” on the other.
Inlyta 5 mg film-coated tablets
Red triangular film-coated tablet debossed with “Pfizer” on one side and “5 XNB” on the other.
Inlyta 7 mg film-coated tablets
Red diamond shaped film-coated tablet debossed with “Pfizer” on one side and “7 XNB” on the other.
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Inlyta is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) afterfailure of prior treatment with sunitinib or a cytokine.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Treatment with Inlyta should be conducted by a physician experienced in the use of anticancertherapies.
PosologyThe recommended dose of axitinib is 5 mg twice daily.
Treatment should continue as long as clinical benefit is observed or until unacceptable toxicity occursthat cannot be managed by concomitant medicinal products or dose adjustments.
If the patient vomits or misses a dose, an additional dose should not be taken. The next prescribed doseshould be taken at the usual time.
Dose adjustmentsDose increase or reduction is recommended based on individual safety and tolerability.
Patients who tolerate the axitinib starting dose of 5 mg twice daily with no adverse reactions > Grade 2(i.e. without severe adverse reactions according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse
Events [CTCAE] version 3.0) for two consecutive weeks may have their dose increased to 7 mg twicedaily unless the patient’s blood pressure is > 150/90 mmHg or the patient is receiving antihypertensivetreatment. Subsequently, using the same criteria, patients who tolerate an axitinib dose of 7 mg twicedaily may have their dose increased to a maximum of 10 mg twice daily.
Management of some adverse reactions may require temporary or permanent discontinuation and/ordose reduction of axitinib therapy (see section 4.4). When dose reduction is necessary, the axitinibdose may be reduced to 3 mg twice daily and further to 2 mg twice daily.
Dose adjustment is not required on the basis of patient age, race, gender, or body weight.
Concomitant strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors
Co-administration of axitinib with strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors may increase axitinib plasmaconcentrations (see section 4.5). Selection of an alternate concomitant medicinal product with no orminimal CYP3A4/5 inhibition potential is recommended.
Although axitinib dose adjustment has not been studied in patients receiving strong
CYP3A4/5 inhibitors, if a strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitor must be co-administered, a dose decrease ofaxitinib to approximately half the dose (e.g. the starting dose should be reduced from 5 mg twice dailyto 2 mg twice daily) is recommended. Management of some adverse reactions may require temporaryor permanent discontinuation of axitinib therapy (see section 4.4). If co-administration of the stronginhibitor is discontinued, a return to the axitinib dose used prior to initiation of the strong
CYP3A4/5 inhibitor should be considered (see section 4.5).
Concomitant strong CYP3A4/5 inducers
Co-administration of axitinib with strong CYP3A4/5 inducers may decrease axitinib plasmaconcentrations (see section 4.5). Selection of an alternate concomitant medicinal product with no orminimal CYP3A4/5 induction potential is recommended.
Although axitinib dose adjustment has not been studied in patients receiving strong
CYP3A4/5 inducers, if a strong CYP3A4/5 inducer must be co-administered, a gradual dose increaseof axitinib is recommended. Maximal induction with high-dose strong CYP3A4/5 inducers has beenreported to occur within one week of treatment with the inducer. If the dose of axitinib is increased,the patient should be monitored carefully for toxicity. Management of some adverse reactions mayrequire temporary or permanent discontinuation and/or dose reduction of axitinib therapy (seesection 4.4). If co-administration of the strong inducer is discontinued, the axitinib dose should beimmediately returned to the dose used prior to initiation of the strong CYP3A4/5 inducer (seesection 4.5).
Special populationsElderly (≥ 65 years)No dose adjustment is required (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).
Renal impairmentNo dose adjustment is required (see section 5.2). Virtually no data are available regarding axitinibtreatment in patients with a creatinine clearance of < 15 mL/min.
Hepatic impairmentNo dose adjustment is required when administering axitinib to patients with mild hepatic impairment(Child-Pugh class A). A dose decrease is recommended when administering axitinib to patients withmoderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B) (e.g. the starting dose should be reduced from 5 mgtwice daily to 2 mg twice daily). Axitinib has not been studied in patients with severe hepaticimpairment (Child-Pugh class C) and should not be used in this population (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).
Paediatric populationThe safety and efficacy of Inlyta in children and adolescents < 18 years have not been established. Nodata are available.
Method of administrationAxitinib is for oral use. The tablets should be taken orally twice daily approximately 12 hours apartwith or without food (see section 5.2). They should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to axitinib or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Specific safety events should be monitored before initiation of, and periodically throughout, treatmentwith axitinib as described below.
Cardiac failure events
In clinical studies with axitinib for the treatment of patients with RCC, cardiac failure events(including cardiac failure, cardiac failure congestive, cardiopulmonary failure, left ventriculardysfunction, ejection fraction decreased, and right ventricular failure) were reported (see section 4.8).
Signs or symptoms of cardiac failure should periodically be monitored throughout treatment withaxitinib. Management of cardiac failure events may require temporary interruption or permanentdiscontinuation and/or dose reduction of axitinib therapy.
HypertensionIn clinical studies with axitinib for the treatment of patients with RCC, hypertension was verycommonly reported (see section 4.8).
In a controlled clinical study, 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 ofaxitinib treatment and blood pressure increases have been observed as early as 4 days after startingaxitinib.
Blood pressure should be well-controlled prior to initiating axitinib. Patients should be monitored forhypertension and treated as needed with standard antihypertensive therapy. In the case of persistenthypertension, despite use of antihypertensive medicinal products, the axitinib dose should be reduced.
For patients who develop severe hypertension, temporarily interrupt axitinib and restart at a lowerdose once the patient is normotensive. If axitinib is interrupted, patients receiving antihypertensivemedicinal products should be monitored for hypotension (see section 4.2).
In case of severe or persistent arterial hypertension and symptoms suggestive of posterior reversibleencephalopathy syndrome (PRES) (see below), a diagnostic brain magnetic resonance image (MRI)should be considered.
Thyroid dysfunctionIn clinical studies with axitinib for the treatment of patients with RCC, events of hypothyroidism and,to a lesser extent, hyperthyroidism, were reported (see section 4.8).
Thyroid function should be monitored before initiation of, and periodically throughout, treatment withaxitinib. Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism should be treated according to standard medical practiceto maintain euthyroid state.
Arterial embolic and thrombotic events
In clinical studies with axitinib, arterial embolic and thrombotic events (including transient ischemicattack, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident and retinal artery occlusion) were reported (seesection 4.8).
Axitinib should be used with caution in patients who are at risk for, or who have a history of, theseevents. Axitinib has not been studied in patients who had an arterial embolic or thrombotic eventwithin the previous 12 months.
Venous embolic and thrombotic events
In clinical studies with axitinib, venous embolic and thrombotic events (including pulmonaryembolism, deep vein thrombosis, and retinal vein occlusion/thrombosis) were reported (seesection 4.8).
Axitinib should be used with caution in patients who are at risk for, or who have a history of, theseevents. Axitinib has not been studied in patients who had a venous embolic or thrombotic event withinthe previous 6 months.
Elevation of haemoglobin or haematocrit
Increases in haemoglobin or haematocrit, reflective of increases in red blood cell mass, may occurduring treatment with axitinib (see section 4.8, polycythaemia). An increase in red blood cell massmay increase the risk of embolic and thrombotic events.
Haemoglobin or haematocrit should be monitored before initiation of, and periodically throughout,treatment with axitinib. If haemoglobin or haematocrit becomes elevated above the normal level,patients should be treated according to standard medical practice to decrease haemoglobin orhaematocrit to an acceptable level.
HaemorrhageIn clinical studies with axitinib, haemorrhagic events were reported (see section 4.8).
Axitinib has not been studied in patients who have evidence of untreated brain metastasis or recentactive gastrointestinal bleeding, and should not be used in those patients. If any bleeding requiresmedical intervention, temporarily interrupt the axitinib dose.
Aneurysms and artery dissectionsThe use of VEGF pathway inhibitors in patients with or without hypertension may promote theformation of aneurysms and/or artery dissections. Before initiating Inlyta, this risk should be carefullyconsidered in patients with risk factors such as hypertension or history of aneurysm.
Gastrointestinal perforation and fistula formation
In clinical studies with axitinib, events of gastrointestinal perforation and fistulas were reported (seesection 4.8).
Symptoms of gastrointestinal perforation or fistula should be periodically monitored for throughouttreatment with axitinib.
Wound healing complicationsNo formal studies of the effect of axitinib on wound healing have been conducted.
Treatment with axitinib should be stopped at least 24 hours prior to scheduled surgery. The decision toresume axitinib therapy after surgery should be based on clinical judgment of adequate wound healing.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
In clinical studies with axitinib, events of PRES were reported (see section 4.8).
PRES is a neurological disorder which can present with headache, seizure, lethargy, confusion,blindness and other visual and neurologic disturbances. Mild to severe hypertension may be present.
Magnetic resonance imaging is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of PRES. In patients with signs orsymptoms of PRES, temporarily interrupt or permanently discontinue axitinib treatment. The safety ofreinitiating axitinib therapy in patients previously experiencing PRES is not known.
Proteinuria
In clinical studies with axitinib, proteinuria, including that of Grade 3 and 4 severity, was reported (seesection 4.8).
Monitoring for proteinuria before initiation of, and periodically throughout, treatment with axitinib isrecommended. For patients who develop moderate to severe proteinuria, reduce the dose ortemporarily interrupt axitinib treatment (see section 4.2). Axitinib should be discontinued if the patientdevelops nephrotic syndrome.
Liver-related adverse reactions
In a controlled clinical study with axitinib for the treatment of patients with RCC, liver-related adversereactions were reported. The most commonly reported liver-related adverse reactions includedincreases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and blood bilirubin(see section 4.8). No concurrent elevations of ALT (> 3 times the upper limit of normal [ULN]) andbilirubin (> 2 times the ULN) were observed.
In a clinical dose-finding study, concurrent elevations of ALT (12 times the ULN) and bilirubin(2.3 times the ULN), considered to be drug-related hepatotoxicity, were observed in 1 patient whoreceived axitinib at a starting dose of 20 mg twice daily (4 times the recommended starting dose).
Liver function tests should be monitored before initiation of, and periodically throughout, treatmentwith axitinib.
Hepatic impairmentIn clinical studies with axitinib, the systemic exposure to axitinib was approximately two-fold higherin subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B) compared to subjects with normalhepatic function. A dose decrease is recommended when administering axitinib to patients withmoderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B) (see section 4.2).
Axitinib has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) andshould not be used in this population.
Elderly (≥ 65 years) and race
In a controlled clinical study with axitinib for the treatment of patients with RCC, 34% of patientstreated with axitinib were ≥ 65 years of age. The majority of patients were White (77%) or
Asian (21%). Although greater sensitivity to develop adverse reactions in some older patients and
Asian patients cannot be ruled out, overall, no major differences were observed in the safety andeffectiveness of axitinib between patients who were ≥ 65 years of age and non-elderly, and between
White patients and patients of other races.
No dosage adjustment is required on the basis of patient age or race (see sections 4.2 and 5.2).
ExcipientsLactoseThis medicinal product contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactoseintolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicinalproduct.
SodiumThis medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) sodium per film-coated tablet, that is to sayessentially ‘sodium-free’.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
In vitro data indicate that axitinib is metabolised primarily by CYP3A4/5 and, to a lesser extent,
CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1.
CYP3A4/5 inhibitors
Ketoconazole, a strong inhibitor of CYP3A4/5, administered at a dose of 400 mg once daily for7 days, increased the mean area under the curve (AUC) 2-fold and Cmax 1.5-fold of a single 5-mg oraldose of axitinib in healthy volunteers. Co-administration of axitinib with strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors(e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, erythromycin, atazanavir, indinavir, nefazodone,nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and telithromycin) may increase axitinib plasma concentrations.
Grapefruit may also increase axitinib plasma concentrations. Selection of concomitant medicinalproducts with no or minimal CYP3A4/5 inhibition potential is recommended. If a strong
CYP3A4/5 inhibitor must be co-administered, a dose adjustment of axitinib is recommended (seesection 4.2).
CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 inhibitors
CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 constitute minor (< 10%) pathways in axitinib metabolism. The effect ofstrong inhibitors of these isozymes on axitinib pharmacokinetics has not been studied. Caution shouldbe exercised due to the risk of increased axitinib plasma concentrations in patients taking stronginhibitors of these isozymes.
CYP3A4/5 inducers
Rifampicin, a strong inducer of CYP3A4/5, administered at a dose of 600 mg once daily for 9 days,reduced the mean AUC by 79% and Cmax by 71% of a single 5 mg dose of axitinib in healthyvolunteers.
Co-administration of axitinib with strong CYP3A4/5 inducers (e.g. rifampicin, dexamethasone,phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifabutin, rifapentin, phenobarbital, and Hypericum perforatum [St. John’swort]) may decrease axitinib plasma concentrations. Selection of concomitant medicinal products withno or minimal CYP3A4/5 induction potential is recommended. If a strong CYP3A4/5 inducer must beco-administered, a dose adjustment of axitinib is recommended (see section 4.2).
In vitro studies of CYP and UGT inhibition and induction
In vitro studies indicated that axitinib does not inhibit CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6,
CYP2E1, CYP3A4/5, or UGT1A1 at therapeutic plasma concentrations.
In vitro studies indicated that axitinib has a potential to inhibit CYP1A2. Therefore, co-administrationof axitinib with CYP1A2 substrates may result in increased plasma concentrations of
CYP1A2 substrates (e.g. theophylline).
In vitro studies also indicated that axitinib has the potential to inhibit CYP2C8. However,co-administration of axitinib with paclitaxel, a known CYP2C8 substrate, did not result in increasedplasma concentrations of paclitaxel in patients with advanced cancer, indicating lack of clinical
CYP2C8 inhibition.
In vitro studies in human hepatocytes also indicated that axitinib does not induce CYP1A1, CYP1A2,or CYP3A4/5. Therefore co-administration of axitinib is not expected to reduce the plasmaconcentration of co-administered CYP1A1, CYP1A2, or CYP3A4/5 substrates in vivo.
In vitro studies with P-glycoprotein
In vitro studies indicated that axitinib inhibits P-glycoprotein. However, axitinib is not expected toinhibit P-glycoprotein at therapeutic plasma concentrations. Therefore, co-administration of axitinib isnot expected to increase the plasma concentration of digoxin, or other P-glycoprotein substrates,in vivo.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
PregnancyThere are no data regarding the use of axitinib in pregnant women. Based on the pharmacologicalproperties of axitinib, it may cause foetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Studies inanimals have shown reproductive toxicity including malformations (see section 5.3). Axitinib shouldnot be used during pregnancy unless the clinical condition of the woman requires treatment with thismedicinal product.
Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during and up to 1 week aftertreatment.
Breast-feedingIt is unknown whether axitinib is excreted in human milk. A risk to the suckling child cannot beexcluded. Axitinib should not be used during breast-feeding.
FertilityBased on non-clinical findings, axitinib has the potential to impair reproductive function and fertilityin humans (see section 5.3).
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Axitinib has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Patients should be advised thatthey may experience events such as dizziness and/or fatigue during treatment with axitinib.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Summary of the safety profileThe following risks, including appropriate action to be taken, are discussed in greater detail insection 4.4: cardiac failure events, hypertension, thyroid dysfunction, arterial thromboembolic events,venous thromboembolic events, elevation of haemoglobin or haematocrit, haemorrhage,gastrointestinal perforation and fistula formation, wound healing complications, PRES, proteinuria,and elevation of liver enzymes.
The most common (≥ 20%) adverse reactions observed following treatment with axitinib werediarrhoea, hypertension, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, weight decreased, dysphonia,palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia (hand-foot) syndrome, haemorrhage, hypothyroidism, vomiting,proteinuria, cough, and constipation.
Tabulated list of adverse reactionsTable 1 presents adverse reactions reported in a pooled dataset of 672 patients who received axitinib inclinical studies for the treatment of patients with RCC (see section 5.1). Post-marketing adversereactions identified in clinical studies are also included.
The adverse reactions are listed by system organ class, frequency category and grade of severity.
Frequency categories are defined as: very common ( 1/10), common ( 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon( 1/1,000 to < 1/100), rare ( 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000), very rare (< 1/10,000), and not known (cannotbe estimated from the available data). The current safety database for axitinib is too small to detectrare and very rare adverse reactions.
Categories have been assigned based on absolute frequencies in the pooled clinical studies data.
Within each system organ class, adverse reactions with the same frequency are presented in order ofdecreasing seriousness.
Table 1. Adverse reactions reported in RCC studies in patients who received axitinib (N = 672)
All
System organ Frequency a b Grade 3b Grade 4b
Adverse reactions Gradesclass category % %%
Blood and Common Anaemia 6.3 1.2 0.4lymphatic system Thrombocytopenia 1.6 0.1 0disorders Polycythaemiac 1.5 0.1 0
Uncommon Neutropaenia 0.3 0.1 0
Leukopaenia 0.4 0 0
Endocrine disorders Very common Hypothyroidismc 24.6 0.3 0
Common Hyperthyroidismc 1.6 0.1 0.1
Metabolism and Very common Decreased appetite 39.0 3.6 0.3nutrition disorders Common Dehydration 6.7 3.1 0.3
Hyperkalaemia 2.7 1.2 0.1
Hypercalcaemia 2.2 0.1 0.3
Nervous system Very common Headache 16.2 0.7 0disorders
Dysgeusia 11.5 0 0
Common Dizziness 9.1 0.6 0
Uncommon Posterior reversible 0.3 0.1 0encephalopathysyndromee
Ear and labyrinth Common Tinnitus 3.1 0 0disorders
Cardiac disorders Common Cardiac failure 1.8 0.3 0.7eventsc,d,f
All
System organ Frequency Grade 3b ba b Grade 4
Adverse reactions Gradesclass category % %%
Vascular disorders Very common Hypertensiong 51.2 22.0 1.0
Haemorrhagec,d,h 25.7 3.0 1.0
Common Venous embolic and 2.8 0.9 1.2thrombotic eventsc,d,i
Arterial embolic and 2.8 1.2 1.3thrombotic eventsc,d,j
Not known Aneurysms and artery - - -dissectionsd
Respiratory, Very common Dyspnoead 17.1 3.6 0.6thoracic and Cough 20.4 0.6 0mediastinal Dysphonia 32.7 0 0.1disorders Common Oropharyngeal pain 7.4 0 0
Gastrointestinal Very common Diarrhoea 55.4 10.1 0.1disorders Vomiting 23.7 2.7 0.1
Nausea 33.0 2.2 0.1
Abdominal pain 14.7 2.5 0.3
Constipation 20.2 1.0 0
Stomatitis 15.5 1.8 0
Dyspepsia 11.2 0.1 0
Common Upper abdominal pain 9.4 0.9 0
Flatulence 4.5 0 0
Haemorrhoids 3.3 0 0
Glossodynia 2.8 0 0
Gastrointestinal 1.9 0.9 0.3perforation andfistulac,k
Hepatobiliary Common Hyperbilirubinaemia 1.3 0.1 0.1disorders Cholecystitisn 1.0 0.6 0.1
Skin and Very common Palmar-plantar 32.1 7.6 0subcutaneous tissue erythrodysaesthesiadisorders (hand-foot syndrome)
Rash 14.3 0.1 0
Dry skin 10.1 0.1 0
Common Pruritus 6.0 0 0
Erythema 3.7 0 0
Alopecia 5.7 0 0
Musculoskeletal Very common Arthralgia 17.7 1.9 0.3and connective Pain in extremity 14.1 1.0 0.3tissue disorders Common Myalgia 8.2 0.6 0.1
Renal and urinary Very common Proteinurial 21.1 4.8 0.1disorders Common Renal failurem 1.6 0.9 0.1
General disorders Very common Fatigue 45.1 10.6 0.3and administration Asthaeniad 13.8 2.8 0.3site conditions Mucosal inflammation 13.7 1.0 0
Investigations Very common Weight decreased 32.7 4.9 0
Common Lipase increased 3.7 0.7 0.7
Alanine 6.5 1.2 0aminotransferaseincreased
Amylase increased 3.4 0.6 0.4
All
System organ Frequency a Grade 3b Grade 4b
Adverse reactions Gradesbclass category % %%
Aspartate 6.1 1.0 0aminotransferaseincreased
Alkaline phosphatase 4.8 0.3 0increased
Creatinine increased 5.7 0.4 0
Thyroid stimulating 7.9 0 0hormone increaseda Adverse reactions are according to treatment-emergent, all causality frequency.
b National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, Version 3.0c See Description of selected adverse reactions section.d Fatal (Grade 5) cases were reported.e Including Leukoencephalopathy.f Including cardiac failure, cardiac failure congestive, cardiopulmonary failure, ejection fraction decreased, leftventricular dysfunction and right ventricular failure.g Including accelerated hypertension, blood pressure increased, hypertension and hypertensive crisis.h Including activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged, anal haemorrhage, arterial haemorrhage, bloodurine present, central nervous system haemorrhage, cerebral haemorrhage, coagulation time prolonged,conjunctival haemorrhage, contusion, diarrhea haemorrhagic, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, epistaxis, gastrichaemorrhage, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, gingival bleeding, haematemesis, haematochezia, haematocritdecreased, haematoma, haematuria, haemoglobin decreased, haemoptysis, haemorrhage, haemorrhagecoronary artery, haemorrhage urinary tract, haemorrhoidal haemorrhage, haemostasis, increased tendency tobruise, international normalized ratio increased, lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage, melaena, petechiae,pharyngeal haemorrhage, prothrombin time prolonged, pulmonary haemorrhage, purpura, rectal haemorrhage,red blood cell count decreased, renal haemorrhage, scleral haemorrhage, scrotal haematocoele, splenichaemotoma, splinter haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, tongue haemorrhage, upper gastrointestinalhaemorrhage and vaginal haemorrhage.i Including Budd-Chiari syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, jugular vein thrombosis, pelvic venous thrombosis,pulmonary embolism, retinal vein occlusion, retinal vein thrombosis, subclavian vein thrombosis, venousthrombosis, and venous thrombosis limb.j Including acute myocardial infarction, embolism, myocardial infarction, retinal artery occlusion and transientischaemic attack.k Gastrointestinal perforation and fistula includes the following preferred terms: abdominal abscess, analabscess, anal fistula, fistula, gastrointestinal anastomotic leak, gastrointestinal perforation, large intestineperforation, oesophagobronchial fistula and peritonitis.l Proteinuria includes the following preferred terms: protein urine, protein urine present and proteinuria.m Including acute renal failuren Cholecystitis includes Cholecystitis acute, Cholecystitis, Cholecystitis infective.
Description of selected adverse reactionsCardiac failure events (see section 4.4)
In a controlled clinical study with axitinib (N = 359) for the treatment of patients with RCC, cardiacfailure events were reported in 1.7 % patients receiving axitinib, including cardiac failure (0.6%),cardiopulmonary failure (0.6%), left ventricular dysfunction (0.3%), and right ventricular failure(0.3%). Grade 4 cardiac failure adverse reactions were reported in 0.6 % of patients receiving axitinib.
Fatal cardiac failure was reported in 0.6 % of patients receiving axitinib.
In monotherapy studies with axitinib (N = 672) for the treatment of patients with RCC, cardiac failureevents (including cardiac failure, cardiac failure congestive, cardiopulmonary failure, left ventriculardysfunction, ejection fraction decreased, and right ventricular failure) were reported in 1.8% patientsreceiving axitinib. Grade 3/4 cardiac failure events were reported in 1.0% patients and fatal cardiacfailure events were reported in 0.3% patients receiving axitinib.
Thyroid dysfunction (see section 4.4)
In a controlled clinical study with axitinib for the treatment of patients with RCC, hypothyroidism wasreported in 20.9% of patients and hyperthyroidism was reported in 1.1% of patients. Thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH) increased was reported as an adverse reaction in 5.3% of patientsreceiving axitinib. During routine laboratory assessments, in patients who had TSH < 5 μU/mL beforetreatment, elevations of TSH to ≥ 10 μU/mL occurred in 32.2% of patients receiving axitinib.
In pooled clinical studies with axitinib (N = 672) for the treatment of patients with RCC,hypothyroidism was reported in 24.6% of patients receiving axitinib. Hyperthyroidism was reported in1.6% of patients receiving axitinib.
Venous embolic and thrombotic events (see section 4.4)
In a controlled clinical study with axitinib for the treatment of patients with RCC, venous embolic andthrombotic adverse reactions were reported in 3.9% of patients receiving axitinib, includingpulmonary embolism (2.2%), retinal vein occlusion/thrombosis (0.6%) and deep veinthrombosis (0.6%). Grade 3/4 venous embolic and thrombotic adverse reactions were reported in 3.1%of patients receiving axitinib. Fatal pulmonary embolism was reported in one patient (0.3%) receivingaxitinib.
In pooled clinical studies with axitinib (N = 672) for the treatment of patients with RCC, venousembolic and thrombotic events were reported in 2.8% of patients receiving axitinib. Grade 3 venousembolic and thrombotic events were reported in 0.9% of patients. Grade 4 venous embolic andthrombotic events were reported in 1.2% of patients. Fatal venous embolic and thrombotic events werereported 0.1% patients receiving axitinib.
Arterial embolic and thrombotic events (see section 4.4)
In a controlled clinical study with axitinib for the treatment of patients with RCC, arterial embolic andthrombotic adverse reactions were reported in 4.7% of patients receiving axitinib, includingmyocardial infarction (1.4%), transient ischemic attack (0.8%) and cerebrovascular accident (0.6%).
Grade 3/4 arterial embolic and thrombotic adverse reactions were reported in 3.3% of patientsreceiving axitinib. A fatal acute myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident was reported inone patient each (0.3%). In monotherapy studies with axitinib (N = 850), arterial embolic andthrombotic adverse reactions (including transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, andcerebrovascular accident) were reported in 5.3% of patients receiving axitinib.
In pooled clinical studies with axitinib (N = 672) for the treatment of patients with RCC, arterialembolic and thrombotic events were reported in 2.8% of patients receiving axitinib. Grade 3 arterialembolic and thrombotic events were reported in 1.2% of patients. Grade 4 arterial embolic andthrombotic events were reported in 1.3% of patients. Fatal arterial embolic and thrombotic events werereported in 0.3% patients receiving axitinib.
Polycythaemia (see Elevation of haemoglobin or haematocrit in section 4.4)
In a controlled clinical study with axitinib for the treatment of patients with RCC, polycythaemia wasreported in 1.4% of patients receiving axitinib. Routine laboratory assessments detected elevatedhaemoglobin above ULN in 9.7% of patients receiving axitinib. In four clinical studies with axitinibfor the treatment of patients with RCC (N = 537), elevated haemoglobin above ULN was observed in13.6% receiving axitinib.
In pooled clinical studies with axitinib (N = 672) for the treatment of patients with RCC,polycythaemia was reported in 1.5% of patients receiving axitinib.
Haemorrhage (see section 4.4)
In a controlled clinical study with axitinib for the treatment of patients with RCC that excludedpatients with untreated brain metastasis, haemorrhagic adverse reactions were reported in 21.4% ofpatients receiving axitinib. The haemorrhagic adverse reactions in patients treated with axitinibincluded epistaxis (7.8%), haematuria (3.6%), haemoptysis (2.5%), rectal haemorrhage (2.2%),gingival bleeding (1.1%), gastric haemorrhage (0.6%), cerebral haemorrhage (0.3%) and lowergastrointestinal haemorrhage (0.3%). Grade > 3 haemorrhagic adverse reactions were reported in 3.1%of patients receiving axitinib (including cerebral haemorrhage, gastric haemorrhage, lowergastrointestinal haemorrhage and haemoptysis). Fatal haemorrhage was reported in one patient (0.3%)receiving axitinib (gastric haemorrhage). In monotherapy studies with axitinib (N = 850), haemoptysiswas reported in 3.9% of patients; Grade > 3 haemoptysis was reported in 0.5% of patients.
In pooled clinical studies with axitinib (N = 672) for the treatment of patients with RCC, haemorrhagicevents were reported in 25.7% of patients receiving axitinib. Grade 3 haemorrhagic adverse reactionswere reported in 3% of patients. Grade 4 haemorrhagic adverse reactions were reported in 1% ofpatients and fatal haemorrhage were reported in 0.4% of patients receiving axitinib.
Gastrointestinal perforation and fistula formation (see section 4.4)
In a controlled clinical study with axitinib for the treatment of patients with RCC, gastrointestinalperforation-type events were reported in 1.7% of patients receiving axitinib, including analfistula (0.6%), fistula (0.3%) and gastrointestinal perforation (0.3%).In monotherapy studies withaxitinib (N = 850), gastrointestinal perforation-type events were reported in 1.9% of patients and fatalgastrointestinal perforation was reported in one patient (0.1%).
In pooled clinical studies with axitinib (N = 672) for the treatment of patients with RCC,gastrointestinal perforation and fistula were reported in 1.9% of patients receiving axitinib.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactionsReporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. Itallows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcareprofessionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting systemlisted in Appendix V.
4.9 Overdose
There is no specific treatment for axitinib overdose.
In a controlled clinical study with axitinib for the treatment of patients with RCC, one patientinadvertently received a dose of 20 mg twice daily for 4 days and experienced dizziness (Grade 1).
In a clinical dose finding study with axitinib, subjects who received starting doses of 10 mg twicedaily or 20 mg twice daily experienced adverse reactions which included hypertension, seizuresassociated with hypertension, and fatal haemoptysis.
In cases of suspected overdose, axitinib should be withheld and supportive care instituted.
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antineoplastic agents, protein kinase inhibitors, ATC code: L01EK01
Mechanism of actionAxitinib is a potent and selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factorreceptors (VEGFR)-1, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. These receptors are implicated in pathologicangiogenesis, tumour growth, and metastatic progression of cancer. Axitinib has been shown topotently inhibit VEGF-mediated endothelial cell proliferation and survival. Axitinib inhibited thephosphorylation of VEGFR-2 in xenograft tumour vasculature that expressed the target in vivo andproduced tumour growth delay, regression, and inhibition of metastases in many experimental modelsof cancer.
Effect on QTc interval
In a randomised, 2-way crossover study, 35 healthy subjects were administered a single oral dose ofaxitinib (5 mg) in the absence and presence of 400 mg ketoconazole for 7 days. Results of this studyindicated that axitinib plasma exposures up to two-fold greater than therapeutic levels expectedfollowing a 5 mg dose, did not produce clinically-significant QT interval prolongation.
Clinical efficacy and safetyThe safety and efficacy of axitinib were evaluated in a randomised, open-label, multicenter Phase 3study. Patients (N = 723) with advanced RCC whose disease had progressed on or after treatment withone prior systemic therapy, including sunitinib-, bevacizumab-, temsirolimus-, or cytokine-containingregimens were randomised (1:1) to receive axitinib (N = 361) or sorafenib (N = 362). The primaryendpoint, progression-free survival (PFS), was assessed using a blinded independent central review.
Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS).
Of the patients enrolled in this study, 389 patients (53.8%) had received one prior sunitinib-basedtherapy, 251 patients (34.7%) had received one prior cytokine-based therapy (interleukin-2 orinterferon-alpha), 59 patients (8.2%) had received one prior bevacizumab-based therapy, and24 patients (3.3%) had received one prior temsirolimus-based therapy. The baseline demographic anddisease characteristics were similar between the axitinib and sorafenib groups with regard to age,gender, race, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, geographic region,and prior treatment.
In the overall patient population and the two main subgroups (prior sunitinib treatment and priorcytokine treatment), there was a statistically significant advantage for axitinib over sorafenib for theprimary endpoint of PFS (see Table 2 and Figures 1, 2 and 3). The magnitude of median PFS effectwas different in the subgroups by prior therapy. Two of the subgroups were too small to give reliableresults (prior temsirolimus treatment or prior bevacizumab treatment). There were no statisticallysignificant differences between the arms in OS in the overall population or in the subgroups by priortherapy.
Table 2. Efficacy results
Endpoint/study population axitinib sorafenib HR (95% CI) p-value
Overall ITT N = 361 N = 362
Median PFS a,b in months 6.8 (6.4, 8.3) 4.7 (4.6, 6.3) 0.67 (0.56, 0.81) < 0.0001c(95% CI)
Median OS d in months 20.1 (16.7, 23.4) 19.2 (17.5, 22.3) 0.97 (0.80, 1.17) NS(95% CI)
ORR b,e % (95% CI) 19.4 (15.4, 23.9) 9.4 (6.6, 12.9) 2.06f (1.41, 3.00) 0.0001g
Prior sunitinib treatment N = 194 N = 195
Median PFS a,b in months 4.8 (4.5, 6.5) 3.4 (2.8, 4.7) 0.74 (0.58, 0.94) 0.0063h(95% CI)
Median OS d in months 15.2 (12.8, 18.3) 16.5 (13.7, 19.2) 1.00 (0.78, 1.27) NS(95% CI)
ORR b,e % (95% CI) 11.3 (7.2, 16.7) 7.7 (4.4, 12.4) 1.48f (0.79, 2.75) NS
Prior cytokine treatment N = 126 N = 125
Median PFS a,b in months 12.0 (10.1, 13.9) 6.6 (6.4, 8.3) 0.52 (0.38, 0.72) < 0.0001h(95% CI)
Median OS d in months 29.4 (24.5, NE) 27.8 (23.1, 34.5) 0.81 (0.56, 1.19) NS(95% CI)
ORR b,e % (95% CI) 32.5 (24.5, 41.5) 13.6 (8.1, 20.9) 2.39f (1.43-3.99) 0.0002i
CI = Confidence interval, HR = Hazard ratio (axitinib/sorafenib); ITT: Intent-to-treat; NE: not estimable; NS:
not statistically significant; ORR: Objective response rate; OS: Overall survival; PFS: Progression-free survival.
a Time from randomisation to progression or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. Cutoffdate: 03 June 2011.b Assessed by independent radiology review according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours(RECIST).c One-sided p-value from a log-rank test of treatment stratified by ECOG performance status and prior therapy.d Cutoff date: 01 November 2011.e Cutoff date: 31 August 2010.
f Risk ratio is used for ORR. A risk ratio > 1 indicated a higher likelihood of responding in the axitinib arm; arisk ratio < 1 indicated a higher likelihood of responding in the sorafenib arm.g One-sided p-value from Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test of treatment stratified by ECOG performance statusand prior therapy.h One-sided p-value from a log-rank test of treatment stratified by ECOG performance status.i One-sided p-value from Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test of treatment stratified by ECOG performance status.
Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier curve of progression-free survival by independent assessment for theoverall population
Figure 2. Kaplan-Meier curve of progression-free survival by independent assessment for theprior sunitinib subgroup
Figure 3. Kaplan-Meier curve of progression-free survival by independent assessment for theprior cytokine subgroup
Paediatric populationThe European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies withaxitinib in all subsets of the paediatric population for treatment of kidney and renal pelvis carcinoma(excluding nephroblastoma, nephroblastomatosis, clear cell sarcoma, mesoblastic nephroma, renalmedullary carcinoma and rhabdoid tumour of the kidney) (see section 4.2 for information onpaediatric use).
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
After oral administration of axitinib tablets, the mean absolute bioavailability is 58% compared tointravenous administration. The plasma half life of axitinib ranges from 2.5 to 6.1 hours. Dosing ofaxitinib at 5 mg twice daily resulted in less than two-fold accumulation compared to administration ofa single dose. Based on the short half-life of axitinib, steady state is expected within 2 to 3 days of theinitial dose.
Absorption and distributionPeak axitinib concentrations in plasma are generally reached within 4 hours following oraladministration of axitinib with median Tmax ranging from 2.5 to 4.1 hours. Administration of axitinibwith a moderate fat meal resulted in 10% lower exposure compared to overnight fasting. A high fat,high-calorie meal resulted in 19% higher exposure compared to overnight fasting. Axitinib may beadministered with or without food (see section 4.2).
The average Cmax and AUC increased proportionally over an axitinib dosing range of 5 to 10 mg.
In vitro binding of axitinib to human plasma proteins is > 99% with preferential binding to albuminand moderate binding to α1-acid glycoprotein. At the 5 mg twice daily dose in the fed state, thegeometric mean peak plasma concentration and 24-hour AUC were 27.8 ng/mL and 265 ng.h/mL,respectively, in patients with advanced RCC. The geometric mean oral clearance and apparent volumeof distribution were 38 L/h and 160 L, respectively.
Biotransformation and eliminationAxitinib is metabolised primarily in the liver by CYP3A4/5 and to a lesser extent by CYP1A2,
CYP2C19, and UGT1A1.
Following oral administration of a 5 mg radioactive dose of axitinib, 30-60% of the radioactivity wasrecovered in faeces and 23% of the radioactivity was recovered in urine. Unchanged axitinib,accounting for 12% of the dose, was the major component identified in faeces. Unchanged axitinibwas not detected in urine; the carboxylic acid and sulfoxide metabolites accounted for the majority ofradioactivity in urine. In plasma, the N-glucuronide metabolite represented the predominantradioactive component (50% of circulating radioactivity) and unchanged axitinib and the sulfoxidemetabolite each accounted for approximately 20% of the circulating radioactivity.
The sulfoxide and N-glucuronide metabolites show approximately 400-fold and 8000-fold less in vitropotency, respectively, against VEGFR-2 compared to axitinib.
Special populationsElderly, gender, and race
Population pharmacokinetic analyses in patients with advanced cancer (including advanced RCC) andhealthy volunteers indicate that there are no clinically relevant effects of age, gender, body weight,race, renal function, UGT1A1 genotype, or CYP2C19 genotype.
Paediatric populationAxitinib has not been studied in patients < 18 years of age.
Hepatic impairmentIn vitro and in vivo data indicate that axitinib is primarily metabolised by the liver.
Compared to subjects with normal hepatic function, systemic exposure following a single dose ofaxitinib was similar in subjects with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A) and higher(approximately two-fold) in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B). Axitinibhas not been studied in subjects with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) and should notbe used in this population (see section 4.2 for dose adjustment recommendations).
Renal impairmentUnchanged axitinib is not detected in the urine.
Axitinib has not been studied in subjects with renal impairment. In clinical studies with axitinib for thetreatment of patients with RCC, patients with serum creatinine > 1.5 times the ULN or calculatedcreatinine clearance < 60 mL/min were excluded. Population pharmacokinetic analyses have shownthat axitinib clearance was not altered in subjects with renal impairment and no dose adjustment ofaxitinib is required.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Repeat dose toxicityMajor toxicity findings in mice and dogs following repeated dosing for up to 9 months were thegastrointestinal, haematopoietic, reproductive, skeletal and dental systems, with No Observed Adverse
Effect Levels (NOAEL) approximately equivalent to or below expected human exposure at therecommended clinical starting dose (based on AUC levels).
CarcinogenicityCarcinogenicity studies have not been performed with axitinib.
GenotoxicityAxitinib was not mutagenic or clastogenic in conventional genotoxicity assays in vitro. A significantincrease in polyploidy was observed in vitro at concentrations > 0.22 µg/mL, and an elevation inmicronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes was observed in vivo with No Observed Effect Level(NOEL) 69-fold the expected human exposure. Genotoxicity findings are not considered clinicallyrelevant at exposure levels observed in humans.
Reproduction toxicity
Axitinib-related findings in the testes and epididymis included decreased organ weight, atrophy ordegeneration, decreased numbers of germinal cells, hypospermia or abnormal sperm forms, andreduced sperm density and count. These findings were observed in mice at exposure levelsapproximately 12-fold the expected human exposure, and in dogs at exposure levels below theexpected human exposure. There was no effect on mating or fertility in male mice at exposure levelsapproximately 57-fold the expected human exposure. Findings in females included signs of delayedsexual maturity, reduced or absent corpora lutea, decreased uterine weights and uterine atrophy atexposures approximately equivalent to the expected human exposure. Reduced fertility and embryonicviability were observed in female mice at all doses tested, with exposure levels at the lowest doseapproximately 10-fold the expected human exposure.
Pregnant mice exposed to axitinib showed an increased occurrence of cleft palate malformations andskeletal variations, including delayed ossification, at exposure levels below the expected humanexposure. Perinatal and postnatal developmental toxicity studies have not been conducted.
Toxicity findings in immature animals
Reversible physeal dysplasia was observed in mice and dogs given axitinib for at least 1 month atexposure levels approximately six-fold higher than the expected human exposure. Partially reversibledental caries were observed in mice treated for more than 1 month at exposure levels similar to theexpected human exposure. Other toxicities of potential concern to paediatric patients have not beenevaluated in juvenile animals.
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Tablet coreMicrocrystalline cellulose
Lactose monohydrate
Croscarmellose sodium
Magnesium stearate
Tablet film-coatingHypromellose 2910 (15 mPa·s)
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Lactose monohydrate
Triacetin (E1518)
Iron oxide red (E172)
6.2 Incompatibilities
6.3 Shelf life
6.4 Special precautions for storage
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Inlyta 1 mg film-coated tablet
Aluminium/aluminium blister containing 14 film-coated tablets. Each pack contains 28 or56 film-coated tablets.
HDPE bottle with a silica gel desiccant and a polypropylene closure containing 180 film-coatedtablets.
Inlyta 3 mg film-coated tablet
Aluminium/aluminium blister containing 14 film-coated tablets. Each pack contains 28 or56 film-coated tablets.
HDPE bottle with a silica gel desiccant and a polypropylene closure containing 60 film-coated tablets.
Inlyta 5 mg film-coated tablet
Aluminium/aluminium blister containing 14 film-coated tablets. Each pack contains 28 or56 film-coated tablets.
HDPE bottle with a silica gel desiccant and a polypropylene closure containing 60 film-coated tablets.
Inlyta 7 mg film-coated tablet
Aluminium/aluminium blister containing 14 film-coated tablets. Each pack contains 28 or56 film-coated tablets.
HDPE bottle with a silica gel desiccant and a polypropylene closure containing 60 film-coated tablets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with localrequirements.
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Pfizer Europe MA EEIG
Boulevard de la Plaine 171050 Bruxelles
Belgium
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
Inlyta 1 mg film-coated tablets
EU/1/12/777/001
EU/1/12/777/002
EU/1/12/777/003
Inlyta 3 mg film-coated tablets
EU/1/12/777/007
EU/1/12/777/008
EU/1/12/777/009
Inlyta 5 mg film-coated tablets
EU/1/12/777/004
EU/1/12/777/005
EU/1/12/777/006
Inlyta 7 mg film-coated tablets
EU/1/12/777/010
EU/1/12/777/011
EU/1/12/777/012
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
Date of first authorisation: 3 September 2012
Date of latest renewal: 22 May 2017
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines
Agency https://www.ema.europa.eu.