RADICAVA - Shionogi Inc.

The recommended dosage of RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS is as follows:

• RADICAVA: an intravenous infusion of 60 mg administered over a 60-minute period
• RADICAVA ORS: 105 mg (5 mL) taken orally or via feeding tube in the morning after overnight fasting [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]

Administer RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS according to the following schedule:

• An initial treatment cycle with daily dosing for 14 days, followed by a 14-day drug-free period
• Subsequent treatment cycles with daily dosing for 10 days out of 14-day periods, followed by 14-day drug-free periods

RADICAVA is for intravenous infusion only.

Preparation

Do not use if the oxygen indicator has turned blue or purple before opening the package. Once the overwrap package is opened, use within 24 hours [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.1, 16.2)].

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.

Administration

Administer each 60 mg dose of RADICAVA injection as two consecutive 30 mg intravenous infusion bags over a total of 60 minutes (infusion rate approximately 1 mg per minute [3.33 mL per minute]).

Promptly discontinue the infusion upon the first observation of any signs or symptoms consistent with a hypersensitivity reaction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2)].

Other medications should not be injected into the infusion bag or mixed with RADICAVA.

See the Instruction for Use for further preparation and administration details.

Preparation

Prior to opening the bottle, turn it upside down (invert) and shake vigorously up and down for at least 30 seconds.

Administration

RADICAVA ORS can be administered by mouth or via feeding tube (see Feeding Tube Administration).

RADICAVA ORS should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach after overnight fasting. Food should not be consumed for 1 hour after administration except water [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. See Table 1 for specific fasting conditions.

Administer RADICAVA ORS using a 5 mL oral syringe that comes with the product. A household teaspoon is not an adequate measuring device.

Dispose of any RADICAVA ORS that is not used within 15 days after opening the bottle or within the 30 days from the date of shipment indicated on the carton pharmacy label, which ever happens first.

Feeding Tube Administration

• Nasogastric (NG) tubes or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes made of silicone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyurethane can be used
• Before and after administration, use a catheter-tip syringe to flush the tube with at least 1 ounce (30 mL) of water

Patients treated with 60 mg of RADICAVA intravenous infusion may be switched to 105 mg (5 mL) RADICAVA ORS using the same dosing frequency. Upon switching to RADICAVA ORS, patients should follow RADICAVA ORS dosing recommendations with regards to food consumption [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Hypersensitivity reactions (redness, wheals, and erythema multiforme) and cases of anaphylaxis (urticaria, decreased blood pressure, and dyspnea) have been reported in spontaneous postmarketing reports with RADICAVA.

Patients should be monitored carefully for hypersensitivity reactions. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue RADICAVA and/or RADICAVA ORS, treat per standard of care, and monitor until the condition resolves [see Contraindications (4)].

RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS contain sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic type reactions, including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown. Sulfite sensitivity occurs more frequently in asthmatic than non-asthmatic people.

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.

In randomized, placebo-controlled trials, 184 patients with ALS were administered RADICAVA 60 mg in treatment cycles for 6 months. The population consisted of Japanese patients who had a median age of 60 years (range 29-75) and were 59% male. Most (93%) of these patients were living independently at the time of screening.

Most Common Adverse Reactions Observed During Clinical Studies

Table 2 lists the adverse reactions that occurred in ≥2% of patients in the RADICAVA-treated group and that occurred at least 2% more frequently than in the placebo-treated group in randomized placebo-controlled ALS trials. The most common adverse reactions that occurred in ≥10% of RADICAVA-treated patients were contusion, gait disturbance, and headache.

Additional Adverse Reactions with RADICAVA ORS

In an open-label study in patients with ALS (n=185) treated with RADICAVA ORS for 6 months, fatigue was observed in 7.6% of patients.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of RADICAVA. 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.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2)].

Risk Summary

There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS in pregnant women. In animal studies, administration of edaravone to pregnant rats and rabbits resulted in adverse developmental effects (increased mortality, decreased growth, delayed sexual development, and altered behavior) at clinically relevant doses. Most of these effects occurred at doses that were also associated with maternal toxicity (see Animal Data ).

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. The background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage in patients with ALS is unknown.

Data

Animal Data

In rats, intravenous administration of edaravone (0, 3, 30, or 300 mg/kg/day) throughout the period of organogenesis resulted in reduced fetal weight at all doses. In dams allowed to deliver naturally, offspring weight was reduced at the highest dose tested. Maternal toxicity was also observed at the highest dose tested. There were no adverse effects on reproductive function in the offspring. A no-effect dose for embryofetal developmental toxicity was not identified; the low dose is less than the recommended human dose of 60 mg for RADICAVA on a body surface area (mg/m²) basis.

In rabbits, intravenous administration of edaravone (0, 3, 20, or 100 mg/kg/day) throughout the period of organogenesis resulted in embryofetal death at the highest dose tested, which was associated with maternal toxicity. The higher no-effect dose for embryofetal developmental toxicity is approximately 6 times the recommended human dose (RHD) for RADICAVA on a body surface area (mg/m²) basis.

The effects on offspring of edaravone (0, 3, 20, or 200 mg/kg/day), administered by intravenous injection to rats from GD 17 throughout lactation, were assessed in two studies. In the first study, offspring mortality was observed at the high dose and increased activity was observed at the mid and high doses. In the second study, there was an increase in stillbirths, offspring mortality, and delayed physical development (vaginal opening) at the highest dose tested. Reproduction function in offspring was not affected in either study. Maternal toxicity was evident in both studies at all but the lowest dose tested. The no-effect dose for developmental toxicity (3 mg/kg/day) is less than the RHD on a mg/m² basis.

Reproductive and developmental toxicology studies of edaravone using the oral route have not been conducted.

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of edaravone in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Edaravone and its metabolites are excreted in the milk of lactating rats. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS or from the underlying maternal condition.

Safety and effectiveness of RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS in pediatric patients have not been established.

Of the 184 patients with ALS who received RADICAVA in 3 placebo-controlled clinical trials, a total of 53 patients were 65 years of age and older, including 2 patients 75 years of age and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

The mechanism by which RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS exert their therapeutic effect in patients with ALS is unknown.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

At exposures at least 5 times higher than that of the recommended doses of RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS, edaravone does not prolong the QT interval to any clinically relevant extent.

RADICAVA is administered by IV infusion. The maximum plasma concentration (C_max) of edaravone was reached by the end of infusion. There was a trend of more than dose-proportional increase in area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and C_max of edaravone. With multiple-dose administration, edaravone does not accumulate in plasma.

RADICAVA ORS administered orally at the dose of 105 mg, under fasted conditions, was shown to demonstrate an equivalent AUC with RADICAVA (60 mg administered intravenously for 60 min) and C_max not less than that of RADICAVA. RADICAVA ORS demonstrated similar pharmacokinetics following administration via feeding tubes and oral administration.

In healthy subjects, RADICAVA ORS does not accumulate with once-daily administration, and the maximum plasma concentration (C_max) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of edaravone is more than dose-proportional over the dose range of 30 to 300 mg (approximately 0.3 and 3 times the recommended dosage, respectively).

Absorption

RADICAVA ORS has a median time to maximum concentration (T_max) occurring at approximately 0.5 hour (range, 0.25 to 0.75 hours) after fasted oral administration. The absolute oral bioavailability is about 57% because of first-pass effect when comparing RADICAVA ORS (105 mg oral suspension) and RADICAVA (60 mg intravenous formulation).

Effect of Food

Following oral administration of RADICAVA ORS to healthy subjects 1 hour before or 8 hours after high-fat meals (800-1000 calories, 50% fat), 4 hours after low-fat meals (400-500 calories, 25% fat), or 2 hours after caloric supplement (250 calories, e.g., protein drink), the C_max and AUC did not decrease significantly (less than 20% and 10% changes in C_max and AUC, respectively) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Following oral administration of RADICAVA ORS to healthy subjects, the C_max decreased by 82%, and the AUC decreased by 61% with a high-fat meal compared to fasted conditions. Following administration of RADICAVA ORS 4 hours after high-fat meals, the C_max and AUC decreased by 44% and 24%, respectively.

Following administration of RADICAVA ORS 2 hours after low-fat meals, the C_max and AUC decreased by 45% and 21%, respectively.

Distribution

Edaravone is bound to human serum proteins (92%), mainly to albumin, with no concentration dependence in the range of 0.1 to 50 micromol/L. Edaravone has a mean volume of distribution after intravenous administration of 63.1 L.

Elimination

The mean terminal elimination half-life of edaravone is approximately 4.5 to 9 hours. The half-lives of its metabolites are 3 to 6 hours. Following intravenous administration, the total clearance of edaravone is estimated to be 35.9 L/h.

Metabolism

Edaravone is metabolized to a sulfate conjugate and a glucuronide conjugate, which are not pharmacologically active. The glucuronide conjugation of edaravone involves multiple uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms (UGT1A1, UGT1A6, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, UGT1A10, UGT2B7, and UGT2B17). In human plasma, edaravone is mainly detected as the sulfate conjugate, which is presumed to be formed by sulfotransferases. RADICAVA ORS results in 1.3- and 1.7-fold higher exposures for both sulfate and glucuronide metabolites, respectively, when compared to RADICAVA because of first-pass metabolism.

Excretion

In Japanese and Caucasian healthy volunteer studies, edaravone was excreted mainly in the urine as its glucuronide conjugate (60-80% of the dose up to 48 hours). Approximately 6-8% of the dose was recovered in the urine as the sulfate conjugate, and < 1% of the dose was recovered in the urine as the unchanged drug. In vitro studies suggest that the sulfate conjugate of edaravone is hydrolyzed back to edaravone, which is then converted to the glucuronide conjugate in the kidney before excretion into the urine.

Specific Populations

Geriatric Patients

No age effect on edaravone pharmacokinetics has been found [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].

Patients with Renal Impairment

Following single IV infusion of 30 mg edaravone (half the recommended dosage of RADICAVA) over 60 minutes, mean C_max and AUC_0-∞ of unchanged edaravone were 1.15- and 1.20-fold greater in the subjects with mild renal impairment (eGFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73m²), and were 1.25- and 1.29-fold greater in the subjects with moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73m²) when compared to subjects with normal renal function, respectively. These changes in exposures are not considered to be clinically significant and therefore no dosage adjustments are necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. The effects of severe renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of edaravone have not been studied.

Patients with Hepatic Impairment

Following single IV infusion of 30 mg edaravone (half of the recommended dose of RADICAVA) over 60 minutes, mean C_max and AUC_0-∞ of unchanged edaravone were 1.20- and 1.07-fold greater in the subjects with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 5 or 6), were 1.24- and 1.14-fold greater in the subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 7 to 9), and were 1.20- and 1.19-fold greater in the subjects with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 10 to 14) when compared to subjects with normal hepatic function, respectively. These changes in exposures are not considered to be clinically significant and therefore no dosage adjustments are necessary in patients with hepatic impairment.

Male and Female Patients

No gender effect on edaravone pharmacokinetics has been found.

Racial or Ethnic Groups

There were no significant racial differences in C_max and AUC of edaravone between Japanese and Caucasian subjects.

Drug Interaction Studies

The pharmacokinetics of edaravone is not expected to be significantly affected by inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, UGTs, or major transporters. Concomitant oral administration of edaravone 120 mg (higher than the recommended dose of 105 mg for ORS) with sildenafil (CYP3A4 substrate), rosuvastatin (BCRP substrate), and furosemide (OAT3 substrate) did not produce any changes in C_max and AUC of these drugs.

In vitro studies demonstrated that, at the recommended dosage, edaravone and its metabolites are not expected to significantly inhibit CYP enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A), conjugating enzymes UGT1A1 and UGT2B7, or other transporters (P-gp, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OAT1, OCT2, MATE1, and MATE2-K) in humans. Edaravone and its metabolites are not expected to induce CYP1A2, or CYP2B6, at the recommended dosage of edaravone.

In vitro data indicated that edaravone was not a substrate of OATP1B1 or OATP1B3.

Carcinogenesis

In a 26-week carcinogenicity study in male and female transgenic (Tg rasH2) mice, oral administration of edaravone (0 [water control], 0 [vehicle control], 100, 150, or 350 mg/kg) resulted in no increase in tumors.

In a 2-year carcinogenicity study in rats, oral administration of edaravone (0, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg in males; 0, 50, 100, or 250 mg/kg in females) resulted in no increase in tumors.

Carcinogenicity studies of edaravone using the intravenous route have not been conducted.

Mutagenesis

Edaravone was negative in in vitro (bacterial reverse mutation and Chinese hamster lung chromosomal aberration) and in vivo (mouse micronucleus) assays.

Impairment of Fertility

Intravenous administration of edaravone (0, 3, 20, or 200 mg/kg) prior to and throughout mating in male and female rats and continuing in females to gestation day 7 had no effect on fertility; however, disruption of the estrus cycle and mating behavior was observed at the highest dose tested. No effects on reproductive function were observed at the lower doses, which are up to approximately 3 times the RHD for RADICAVA (60 mg) on a body surface area (mg/m²) basis.

Fertility studies of edaravone using the oral route have not been conducted.

Oral administration of edaravone (0, 10, 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day) in dogs for 39 weeks resulted in neurotoxicity, characterized by white matter vacuolation in the spinal cord and vacuolation and nerve fiber atrophy in the sciatic nerve, at the two highest doses tested. The microscopic findings were accompanied by gait abnormalities, loss of patellar reflex, and inability to rise. Plasma edaravone exposures (C_max and AUC) at the higher no-effect dose for neurotoxicity (30 mg/kg/day) were approximately 2 times those in humans at the recommended human dose of RADICAVA ORS (105 mg).

RADICAVA

RADICAVA is supplied as a 30 mg/100 mL (0.3 mg/mL) clear, colorless, sterile solution for intravenous infusion in single-dose polypropylene bags, each overwrapped with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) secondary packaging containing an oxygen absorber and oxygen indicator, which should be pink to reflect appropriate oxygen levels [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.2)]. These are supplied in cartons as listed below.

NDC 70510-2171-1 30 mg/100 mL (0.3 mg/mL) single-dose bag
NDC 70510-2171-2 2 bags per carton

RADICAVA ORS

RADICAVA ORS is supplied in a white to off-white suspension in multi-dose child resistant 60 mL amber glass bottle which is supplied as two configurations:

• RADICAVA ORS Starter Kit (14-day treatment cycle), including two (2) inner cartons, each containing one (1) bottle of 735 mg/35mL (105 mg/5 mL dose), two oral dosing syringes and one bottle adapter.
• RADICAVA ORS Kit (10-day treatment cycle), including one (1) bottle of 1050 mg/50 mL (105 mg/5 mL dose) with two oral dosing syringes and one bottle adapter.

These are supplied in cartons as listed below:

RADICAVA

Store RADICAVA at up to 25°C (77°F). Excursions permitted from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. Store in overwrapped package to protect from oxygen degradation until time of use. The oxygen indicator will turn blue or purple if the oxygen has exceeded acceptable levels. Once the overwrap package is opened, use within 24 hours.

RADICAVA ORS

Pharmacy

Store RADICAVA ORS refrigerated between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and protect from light. Do not freeze. Store upright.

Patient

Store RADICAVA ORS upright at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from light.

Discard 15 days after opening bottle or if unopened 30 days from date of shipment indicated on the carton pharmacy label.