ZERBAXA - Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC | CUBIST PHARMACEUTICALS LLC

ZERBAXA used in combination with metronidazole is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients (at least 32 weeks gestational age) with complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) caused by the following susceptible Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms: Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacteroides fragilis, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus constellatus, and Streptococcus salivarius.

ZERBAXA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients (at least 32 weeks gestational age) with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), including pyelonephritis, caused by the following susceptible Gram-negative microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

ZERBAXA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients (at least 32 weeks gestational age) with hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP), caused by the following susceptible Gram-negative microorganisms: Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia marcescens.

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of ZERBAXA and other antibacterial drugs, ZERBAXA 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.

The recommended dosage of ZERBAXA in adult patients is 1.5 gram (g) (ceftolozane 1 g and tazobactam 0.5 g) for cIAI and cUTI and 3 g (ceftolozane 2 g and tazobactam 1 g) for HABP/VABP administered every 8 hours by intravenous infusion over 1 hour. As shown in Table 1, guide the duration of therapy by the severity and site of infection and the patient’s clinical and bacteriological progress. For the treatment of cIAI, administer metronidazole concurrently. See Table 3 for the recommended dosage in adult patients with renal impairment, [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]

The recommended dosage regimen for ZERBAXA in pediatric patients (at least 32 weeks gestational age) is described in Table 2. As shown in Table 2, guide the duration of therapy by the severity and site of infection and the patient’s clinical and bacteriological progress.

For the treatment of cIAI, administer metronidazole concurrently. See Table 4 for the recommended dosage in pediatric patients with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].

The recommended dosage of ZERBAXA in adult patients with renal impairment is based on CrCl as described in Table 3.

Administer all doses of ZERBAXA for 1 hour.

For patients with changing renal function, monitor CrCl at least daily and adjust the dosage of ZERBAXA accordingly [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

The recommended dosage of ZERBAXA in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with renal impairment based on an estimated GFR is described in Table 4.

For pediatric patients with cUTI, including pyelonephritis, or cIAI, administer all ZERBAXA doses for 1 hour.

For pediatric patients with HABP/VABP, administer all ZERBAXA doses over 2 hours.

For patients with changing renal function, monitor eGFR at least daily and adjust the dosage of ZERBAXA accordingly [see Use in Special Populations (8.4 and 8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

ZERBAXA is not recommended in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age with renal impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

ZERBAXA does not contain a bacteriostatic preservative. Aseptic technique must be followed in preparing the infusion solution.

Compatibility of ZERBAXA with other drugs has not been established. ZERBAXA should not be mixed with other drugs or physically added to solutions containing other drugs.

Upon constitution with sterile water for injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection, reconstituted ZERBAXA solution may be held for 1 hour prior to transfer and dilution in a suitable infusion bag.

Following dilution of the solution with 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose, ZERBAXA is stable for 24 hours when stored at room temperature or 7 days when stored under refrigeration at 2 C to 8°C (36 F to 46°F). Discard unused portion.

Constituted ZERBAXA solution or diluted ZERBAXA infusion should not be frozen.

In a subgroup analysis of a Phase 3 cIAI trial of adult patients, clinical cure rates were lower in patients with baseline CrCl of 30 to 50 mL/min compared to those with CrCl greater than 50 mL/min (Table 6). The reduction in clinical cure rates was more marked in the ZERBAXA plus metronidazole arm compared to the meropenem arm. A similar trend was also seen in the cUTI trial. Monitor CrCl at least daily in patients with changing renal function and adjust the dosage of ZERBAXA accordingly [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in patients receiving beta-lactam antibacterial drugs.

Before initiating therapy with ZERBAXA, make careful inquiry about previous hypersensitivity reactions to other cephalosporins, penicillins, or other beta-lactams. If this product is to be given to a patient with a cephalosporin, penicillin, or other beta-lactam allergy, exercise caution because cross sensitivity has been established. If an anaphylactic reaction to ZERBAXA occurs, discontinue the drug and institute appropriate therapy.

Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported for nearly all systemic antibacterial agents, including ZERBAXA, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of C. difficile.

C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibacterial use. Careful medical history is necessary because CDAD has been reported to occur more than 2 months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is confirmed, discontinue antibacterials not directed against C. difficile, if possible. Manage fluid and electrolyte levels as appropriate, supplement protein intake, monitor antibacterial treatment of C. difficile, and institute surgical evaluation as clinically indicated.

Prescribing ZERBAXA in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and risks the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

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 also may not reflect rates observed in practice.

The safety and effectiveness of ZERBAXA for the treatment of cIAI, cUTI, and HABP/VABP have been established in pediatric patients at least 32 weeks gestational age and older. Use of ZERBAXA in this age group is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials of ZERBAXA in adults with additional pharmacokinetic and safety data from trials in pediatric patients with cUTI, cIAI, and HABP/VABP [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), and Clinical Studies (14)].

The safety profile of ZERBAXA in pediatric patients was similar to adults with cIAI, cUTI, and HABP/VABP treated with ZERBAXA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

See Table 4 for recommended dosage in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. There is insufficient information to establish dosing for pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

The safety and effectiveness of ZERBAXA have not been established in pediatric patients less than 32 weeks gestational age.

ZERBAXA is not recommended in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age with renal impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Of the 1015 patients treated with ZERBAXA in the Phase 3 cIAI and cUTI clinical trials, 250 (24.6%) were 65 years or older, including 113 (11.1%) 75 years or older. The incidence of adverse events in both treatment groups was higher in older subjects (65 years or older) in the trials for both indications. In the cIAI trial, cure rates in the elderly (aged 65 years and older) in the ZERBAXA plus metronidazole arm were 69/100 (69%) and in the comparator arm were 70/85 (82.4%). This finding in the elderly population was not observed in the cUTI trial.

Of the 361 patients treated with ZERBAXA in the Phase 3 HABP/VABP clinical trial, 160 (44.3%) were 65 years or older, including 83 (23%) 75 years or older. The incidence of adverse events in both treatment groups was higher in older subjects (65 years or older). In the trial, Day 28 all-cause mortality rates in the elderly (aged 65 years and older) were comparable between treatment arms:50/160 (31.3%) in the ZERBAXA arm and 54/160 (33.8%) in the comparator arm.

ZERBAXA is substantially excreted by the kidney and the risk of adverse reactions to ZERBAXA 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. Adjust dosage for elderly patients based on renal function [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Adult Patients

See Table 3 for recommended dosage in adult patients with a CrCl less than 90 mL/min or CrCl less than 15 mL/min and receiving intermittent hemodialysis. Dosage is not established for adult patients with a CrCl <15 mL/min who are not receiving intermittent hemodialysis. [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Pediatric Patients

See Table 4 for recommended dosage in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with an eGFR less than 90 mL/min/1.73 m² or eGFR less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m² and receiving intermittent hemodialysis. Dosage is not established for pediatric patients with an eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73m² who are not receiving intermittent hemodialysis. There is insufficient information to recommend dosage adjustment for pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age with renal impairment. [See Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

ZERBAXA is an antibacterial drug [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.4)].

As with other beta-lactam antibacterial agents, the percent time of dosing interval that the plasma concentration of ceftolozane exceeds the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the infecting organism has been shown to be the best predictor of efficacy in animal models of infection. The percent time of dosing interval that the plasma concentration of tazobactam exceeds a threshold concentration has been determined to be the parameter that best predicts the efficacy of tazobactam in in vitro and in vivo models. The exposure-response analyses in efficacy and safety clinical trials for cIAI, cUTI, and HABP/VABP support the recommended dose regimens of ZERBAXA.

Ceftolozane and tazobactam pharmacokinetics are similar following single- and multiple-dose administrations. The C_max and AUC of ceftolozane and tazobactam increase in proportion to dose.

The mean steady-state population pharmacokinetic parameters of ZERBAXA in patients with cIAI and cUTI receiving 1-hour intravenous infusions of ZERBAXA 1.5 g (ceftolozane 1 g and tazobactam 0.5 g) or patients with HABP/VABP receiving 1-hour intravenous infusions of ZERBAXA 3 g (ceftolozane 2 g and tazobactam 1 g) every 8 hours are summarized in Table 10.

Long-term carcinogenicity studies in animals have not been conducted with ZERBAXA, ceftolozane, or tazobactam.

ZERBAXA was negative for genotoxicity in an in vitro mouse lymphoma assay and an in vivo rat bone-marrow micronucleus assay. In an in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells, ZERBAXA was positive for structural aberrations.

Ceftolozane was negative for genotoxicity in an in vitro microbial mutagenicity (Ames) assay, an in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells, an in vitro mouse lymphoma assay, an in vitro HPRT assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells, an in vivo mouse micronucleus assay, and an in vivo unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) assay.

Tazobactam was negative for genotoxicity in an in vitro microbial mutagenicity (Ames) assay, an in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster lung cells, an in vitro mammalian point-mutation (Chinese hamster ovary cell HPRT) assay, an in vivo mouse bone-marrow micronucleus assay, and an in vivo UDS assay.

Ceftolozane was administered in a fertility study at intravenous doses of 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg/day to male rats for 28 days before mating and through the mating period and to female rats for 14 days before mating, through the mating period, and until the 7th day of gestation. Ceftolozane had no adverse effect on fertility in male or female rats at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day (approximately 1.4 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 2 grams every 8 hours based on AUC comparison).

In a rat fertility study, intraperitoneal tazobactam doses of 40, 160, and 640 mg/kg/day were administered twice-daily to male rats beginning 70 days before mating and through the mating period, and to female rats beginning 14 days before mating, during the mating period, and until Gestation Day 21. Male and female fertility parameters were not affected at doses less than or equal to 640 mg/kg/day (approximately 2 times the MRHD of 1 gram every 8 hours based on body surface comparison).

Adult Patients

A total of 979 adults hospitalized with cIAI were randomized and received study medications in a multinational, double-blind study comparing ZERBAXA 1.5 g (ceftolozane 1 g and tazobactam 0.5 g) intravenously every 8 hours plus metronidazole (500 mg intravenously every 8 hours) to meropenem (1 g intravenously every 8 hours) for 4 to 14 days of therapy (NCT01445678; Trial 1). Complicated intra-abdominal infections included appendicitis, cholecystitis, diverticulitis, gastric/duodenal perforation, perforation of the intestine, and other causes of intra-abdominal abscesses and peritonitis. The majority of patients (75%) were from Eastern Europe; 6.3% were from the United States.

The primary efficacy endpoint was clinical response, defined as complete resolution or significant improvement in signs and symptoms of the index infection at the test-of-cure (TOC) visit which occurred 24 to 32 days after the first dose of study drug. The primary efficacy analysis population was the microbiological intent-to-treat (MITT) population, which included all patients who had at least 1 baseline intra-abdominal pathogen regardless of the susceptibility to study drug. The key secondary efficacy endpoint was clinical response at the TOC visit in the microbiologically evaluable (ME) population, which included all protocol-adherent MITT patients.

The MITT population consisted of 806 patients; the median age was 52 years and 57.8% were male. The most common diagnosis was appendiceal perforation or peri-appendiceal abscess, occurring in 47% of patients. Diffuse peritonitis at baseline was present in 34.2% of patients.

ZERBAXA plus metronidazole was non-inferior to meropenem with regard to clinical cure rates at the TOC visit in the MITT population. Clinical cure rates at the TOC visit are displayed by patient population in Table 14. Clinical cure rates at the TOC visit by pathogen in the MITT population are presented in Table 15.

In a subset of the E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates from both arms of the cIAI Phase 3 trial that met pre-specified criteria for beta-lactam susceptibility, genotypic testing identified certain ESBL groups (e.g., TEM, SHV, CTX-M, OXA) in 53/601 (9%). Cure rates in this subset were similar to the overall trial results. In vitro susceptibility testing showed that some of these isolates were susceptible to ZERBAXA (MIC ≤2 mcg/mL), while some others were not susceptible (MIC >2 mcg/mL). Isolates of a specific genotype were seen in patients who were deemed to be either successes or failures.

Pediatric Patients

The pediatric cIAI trial was a randomized, double-blind, multi-center, active controlled trial conducted in hospitalized patients from at least 33 weeks post-menstrual age to less than 18 years (NCT03217136; Trial 4). Patients were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to either intravenous (IV) ZERBAXA [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)] plus metronidazole (10 mg/kg IV every 8 hours), or meropenem (20 mg/kg IV every 8 hours) plus placebo. Patients received IV study treatment for a minimum of 3 days before an optional switch to oral step-down therapy at the discretion of the investigator to complete a total of 5 to 14 days of antibacterial therapy.

The modified intent-to-treat (MITT) population consisted of 91 patients (N=70 in the ZERBAXA plus metronidazole group; N=21 in the meropenem plus placebo group) who were randomized and received at least one dose of study treatment. The median age of patients was 8.2 years and 8.5 years in the ZERBAXA plus metronidazole and meropenem plus placebo groups, respectively. In the ZERBAXA plus metronidazole group, enrollment by age group was as follows: 12 to <18 y: n=16, 6 to <12 y: n=30, 2 to <6 y: n=22, 3 months to <2 y: n=1, birth to <3 months: n=1. Patients treated with ZERBAXA plus metronidazole were predominantly male (67%) and White (87%). Patients treated with meropenem plus placebo were predominantly female (71%) and White (91%). Most patients in the MITT population had a diagnosis of complicated appendicitis at baseline (ZERBAXA plus metronidazole: 91.4%; meropenem plus placebo: 100%). The median (range) duration of IV study treatment was comparable between patients in the ZERBAXA plus metronidazole (6.3 [0.3 to 14.0] days) and meropenem plus placebo (6.0 [2.3 to 8.8] days) groups.

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of ZERBAXA. Efficacy assessments were not powered for formal hypothesis testing of between-treatment group comparisons. At the TOC visit, which occurred 7 to 14 days after the last dose of study drug, a favorable clinical response was defined as complete resolution or marked improvement in signs and symptoms of the cIAI or return to pre-infection signs and symptoms such that no further antibiotic therapy (IV or oral) or surgical or drainage procedure was required for treatment of the cIAI. A summary of clinical response rates in the MITT and clinically evaluable (CE) populations at the TOC visit are presented in Table 16. The CE included all protocol adherent MITT patients with a clinical outcome at the visit of interest.

Adult Patients

A total of 1068 adults hospitalized with cUTI (including pyelonephritis) were randomized and received study medications in a multinational, double-blind study comparing ZERBAXA 1.5 g (ceftolozane 1 g and tazobactam 0.5 g) intravenously every 8 hours to levofloxacin (750 mg intravenously once daily) for 7 days of therapy (NCT01345929; Trial 2). The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as complete resolution or marked improvement of the clinical symptoms and microbiological eradication (all uropathogens found at baseline at ≥10⁵ were reduced to <10⁴ CFU/mL) at the test-of-cure (TOC) visit 7 (± 2) days after the last dose of study drug. The primary efficacy analysis population was the microbiologically modified intent-to-treat (mMITT) population, which included all patients who received study medication and had at least 1 baseline uropathogen. The key secondary efficacy endpoint was the composite microbiological and clinical cure response at the TOC visit in the microbiologically evaluable (ME) population, which included protocol-adherent mMITT patients with a urine culture at the TOC visit.

The mMITT population consisted of 800 patients with cUTI, including 656 (82%) with pyelonephritis. The median age was 50.5 years and 74% were female. Concomitant bacteremia was identified in 62 (7.8%) patients at baseline; 608 (76%) patients were enrolled in Eastern Europe and 14 (1.8%) patients were enrolled in the United States.

ZERBAXA demonstrated efficacy with regard to the composite endpoint of microbiological and clinical cure at the TOC visit in both the mMITT and ME populations (Table 17). Composite microbiological and clinical cure rates at the TOC visit by pathogen in the mMITT population are presented in Table 18.

In the mMITT population, the composite cure rate in ZERBAXA-treated patients with concurrent bacteremia at baseline was 23/29 (79.3%).

Although a statistically significant difference was observed in the ZERBAXA arm compared to the levofloxacin arm with respect to the primary endpoint, it was likely attributable to the 212/800 (26.5%) patients with baseline organisms non-susceptible to levofloxacin. Among patients infected with a levofloxacin-susceptible organism at baseline, the response rates were similar (Table 17).

In a subset of the E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates from both arms of the cUTI Phase 3 trial that met pre-specified criteria for beta-lactam susceptibility, genotypic testing identified certain ESBL groups (e.g., TEM, SHV, CTX-M, OXA) in 104/687 (15%). Cure rates in this subset were similar to the overall trial results. In vitro susceptibility testing showed that some of these isolates were susceptible to ZERBAXA (MIC ≤2 mcg/mL), while some others were not susceptible (MIC >2 mcg/mL). Isolates of a specific genotype were seen in patients who were deemed to be either successes or failures.

Pediatric Patients

The cUTI pediatric trial was a randomized, double-blind multi-center, active controlled trial conducted in hospitalized patients from at least 33 weeks post-menstrual age to less than 18 years (NCT03230838; Trial 5). Eligible patients were randomized in a 3:1 ratio to IV ZERBAXA or meropenem, respectively. Patients received IV study treatment for a minimum of 3 days before an optional switch to oral step-down therapy at the discretion of the investigator to complete a total of 7 to 14 days of antibacterial therapy.

The microbiologic modified intent-to-treat (mMITT) population consisted of 95 patients (N=71 in the ZERBAXA group; N=24 in the meropenem group) who were randomized and received at least one dose of study treatment and had an eligible uropathogen isolated from a baseline urine culture.

The median age of patients was 2.7 years and 1.6 years in the ZERBAXA and meropenem groups, respectively. In the ZERBAXA group, enrollment by age group was as follows: 12 to <18 y: n=10, 6 to <12 y: n=13, 2 to <6 y: n=14, 3 months to <2 y: n=20, birth to <3 months: n=14. Patients treated with ZERBAXA were predominantly female (56%) and White (99%). Patients treated with meropenem were predominantly female (63%) and White (100%). Most patients in the mMITT population had a diagnosis of pyelonephritis (ZERBAXA: 84.5%; meropenem: 79.2%). The most common baseline qualifying gram-negative uropathogens were Escherichia coli (ZERBAXA: 74.6%; meropenem: 87.5%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.5%; 4.2%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.0%; 8.3%).

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of ZERBAXA. Efficacy assessments were not powered for formal hypothesis testing of between treatment group comparisons. At the TOC visit, which occurred 7 to 14 days after the last dose of study drug, a favorable clinical response was defined as complete resolution or marked improvement in signs and symptoms of the cUTI or return to pre-infection signs and symptoms, such that no further antibiotic therapy (IV or oral) was required for the treatment of the cUTI. A favorable microbiological response at the TOC was defined as eradication (all uropathogens found at baseline at ≥10⁵ were reduced to <10⁴ CFU/mL) of baseline uropathogens from the urine culture. A summary of clinical and microbiologic response rates in the mMITT population at the TOC visit is presented in Table 19.

Adult Patients

A total of 726 adult patients hospitalized with HABP/VABP were enrolled in a multinational, double-blind study comparing ZERBAXA 3 g (ceftolozane 2 g and tazobactam 1 g) intravenously every 8 hours to meropenem (1 g intravenously every 8 hours) for 8 to 14 days of therapy (NCT02070757; Trial 3). All patients had to be intubated and on mechanical ventilation at randomization.

Efficacy was assessed based on all-cause mortality at Day 28 and clinical cure, defined as complete resolution or significant improvement in signs and symptoms of the index infection at the test-of-cure (TOC) visit which occurred 7 to 14 days after the end of treatment. The analysis population was the intent-to-treat (ITT) population, which included all randomized patients.

Following a diagnosis of HABP/VABP and prior to receipt of first dose of study drug, if required, patients could have received up to a maximum of 24 hours of active non-study antibacterial drug therapy in the 72 hours preceding the first dose of study drug. Patients who had failed prior antibacterial drug therapy for the current episode of HABP/VABP could be enrolled if the baseline lower respiratory tract (LRT) culture showed growth of a Gram-negative pathogen while the patient was on the antibacterial therapy and all other eligibility criteria were met. Empiric therapy at baseline with linezolid or other approved therapy for Gram-positive coverage was required in all patients pending baseline LRT culture results. Adjunctive Gram-negative therapy was optional and allowed for a maximum of 72 hours in centers with a prevalence of meropenem-resistant P. aeruginosa more than 15%.

Of the 726 patients in the ITT population, the median age was 62 years and 44% of the population was 65 years of age and older, with 22% of the population 75 years of age and older. The majority of patients were White (83%), male (71%) and were from Eastern Europe (64%). The median APACHE II score was 17 and 33% of subjects had a baseline APACHE II score of greater than or equal to 20. All subjects were on mechanical ventilation and 519 (71%) had VABP. At randomization, 92% of subjects were in the ICU, 77% had been hospitalized for 5 days or longer, and 49% were ventilated for 5 days or longer. A total of 258 of 726 (36%) patients had CrCl less than 80 mL/min at baseline; among these, 99 (14%) had CrCl less than 50 mL/min. Patients with end-stage renal disease (CrCl less than 15 mL/min) were excluded from the trial. Approximately 13% of subjects were failing their current antibacterial drug therapy for HABP/VABP, and bacteremia was present at baseline in 15% of patients. Key comorbidities included diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at rates of 22%, 16%, and 12%, respectively. In both treatment groups, most subjects (63.1%) received between 8 and 14 days of study therapy as specified in the protocol.

Table 20 presents the results for Day 28 all-cause mortality and clinical cure at the TOC visit overall and by ventilated HABP and VABP.

In the ITT population, Day 28 all-cause mortality and clinical cure rates in patients with CrCl greater than or equal to 150 mL/min were similar between ZERBAXA and meropenem. In patients with bacteremia at baseline, Day 28 all-cause mortality rates were 23/64 (35.9%) for ZERBAXA-treated patients and 13/41 (31.7%) for meropenem-treated patients; clinical cure rates were 30/64 (46.9%) and 15/41 (36.6%), respectively.

Per pathogen Day 28 all-cause mortality and clinical cure at TOC were assessed in the microbiologic intention to treat population (mITT), which consisted of all randomized subjects who had a baseline lower respiratory tract (LRT) pathogen that was susceptible to both study treatments. In the mITT population, Klebsiella pneumoniae (113/425, 26.6%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (103/425, 24.2%) were the most prevalent pathogens isolated from baseline LRT cultures.

Day 28 all-cause mortality and clinical cure rates at TOC by pathogen in the mITT population are presented in Table 21. In the mITT population, clinical cure rates in patients with a Gram-negative pathogen at baseline were 139/215 (64.7%) for ZERBAXA and 115/204 (56.4%) for meropenem, respectively.

In a subset of Enterobacterales isolates from both arms of the trial that met pre-specified criteria for beta-lactam susceptibility, genotypic testing identified certain ESBL groups (e.g., TEM, SHV, CTX-M, OXA) in 101/425 (23.8%). Day 28 all-cause mortality and clinical cure rates in this subset were similar to the overall trial results.

ZERBAXA 1.5 g (ceftolozane and tazobactam) for injection is supplied in single-dose vials containing ceftolozane 1 g (equivalent to 1.147 g of ceftolozane sulfate) and tazobactam 0.5 g (equivalent to 0.537 g of tazobactam sodium) per vial. Vials are supplied in cartons containing 10 vials.

(NDC 67919-030-01)

ZERBAXA vials should be stored refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and protected from light. Storage after reconstitution and dilution is described elsewhere in the labeling [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)].

Serious Allergic Reactions

Advise patient that allergic reactions, including serious allergic reactions, could occur and that serious reactions require immediate treatment. Ask patient about any previous hypersensitivity reactions to ZERBAXA, other beta-lactams (including cephalosporins) or other allergens [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Potentially Serious Diarrhea

Advise patient that diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibacterial drugs. Sometimes, frequent watery or bloody diarrhea may occur and may be a sign of a more serious intestinal infection. If severe watery or bloody diarrhea develops, tell patient to contact his or her healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Antibacterial Resistance

Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including ZERBAXA should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When ZERBAXA is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by ZERBAXA or other antibacterial drugs in the future [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].