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AKEEGA™ (niraparib and abiraterone acetate) tablets contain niraparib tosylate (as the monohydrate) and abiraterone acetate.
Niraparib
Niraparib is a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor. The chemical name for niraparib tosylate monohydrate is 2-{4-[(3S)-piperidin-3-yl]phenyl}-2H-indazole 7-carboxamide 4-methylbenzenesulfonate hydrate (1:1:1). The molecular formula is C26H30N4O5S and it has a molecular weight of 510.61 g/mol. The molecular structure is shown below:
 |
Niraparib tosylate monohydrate is a white to off-white, non-hygroscopic crystalline solid. Niraparib tosylate monohydrate is highly soluble in aqueous media over the pH range 1.2 to 6.8 (1.65-1.77 mg/mL determined at 37 ± 1°C).
Abiraterone acetate is the acetyl ester of abiraterone. Abiraterone is an inhibitor of CYP17 (17α-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase). Its molecular formula is C26H33NO2 and it has a molecular weight of 391.55 g/mol. Abiraterone acetate is designated chemically as (3β)-17-(3-pyridinyl) androsta-5,16-dien-3-yl acetate and its structure is:
 |
Abiraterone acetate is a white to off-white, non-hygroscopic, crystalline powder. Abiraterone acetate is a lipophilic compound with an octanol-water partition coefficient of 5.12 (Log P) and is practically insoluble in water. The pKa of the aromatic nitrogen is 5.19.
AKEEGA tablets are supplied as 50 mg/500 mg niraparib/abiraterone acetate and 100 mg/500 mg niraparib/abiraterone acetate film-coated tablets for oral administration.
Each AKEEGA tablet (50 mg/500 mg) contains 50 mg of niraparib (equivalent to 76.9 mg niraparib tosylate) and 500 mg of abiraterone acetate.
Each AKEEGA tablet (100 mg/500 mg) contains 100 mg of niraparib (equivalent to 153.7 mg niraparib tosylate) and 500 mg of abiraterone acetate.
AKEEGA tablet core contains the following inactive ingredients: colloidal anhydrous silica, crospovidone, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate.
AKEEGA with prednisone is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious BRCA-mutated (BRCAm) metastatic castrationresistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Select patients for therapy based on an FDAapproved test for AKEEGA [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Select patients for the treatment of mCRPC with AKEEGA based on the presence of a BRCA gene alteration [see Clinical Studies].
Information on FDA-approved tests is available at: https://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics.
The recommended dosage of AKEEGA is 200 mg niraparib/1,000 mg abiraterone acetate orally once daily in combination with 10 mg prednisone daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Patients receiving AKEEGA should also receive a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog concurrently or should have had bilateral orchiectomy. Take AKEEGA on an empty stomach. Do not eat food two hours before and one hour after taking AKEEGA. Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not break, crush, or chew tablets.
If a patient misses a dose, instruct patients to take the dose as soon as possible on the same day and resume their next dose at the normal schedule the following day.
The recommended dosage modifications for AKEEGA are provided in Table 1.
Treatment with AKEEGA should not be reinitiated until the toxicity has resolved to Grade 1 or baseline. If the toxicity is attributed to one component of AKEEGA, the other component of AKEEGA may be continued as a single agent at the current dose until the adverse reaction resolves and AKEEGA can be resumed (see Table 1).
Table 1: Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions
| Adverse Reaction | Severity | Dosage Modification |
| Myelosuppression [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] | Hemoglobin <8 g/dL |
|
| Platelet count <100,000/mcL | First occurrence:
|
|
| Neutrophil <1,000/mcL |
|
|
| Hematologic adverse reaction requiring transfusion |
|
|
| Hepatotoxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] | ALT and/or AST greater than 5 x ULN or total bilirubin greater than 3 x ULN |
|
| Other non-hematological adverse reactions that persist despite medical management [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS] | Grade 3 or 4b |
|
| a If myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML) is confirmed, discontinue AKEEGA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. b Discontinue AKEEGA in patients who develop hypertensive crisis or other severe cardiovascular adverse reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. |
||
AKEEGA® (niraparib and abiraterone acetate) tablets are available in the strengths and packages listed below:
Yellowish orange to yellowish brown, oval, film-coated tablets debossed with “N 50 A” on one side and plain on the other side. They are available in bottles of 60 tablets. NDC 57894-050-60
Orange, oval, film-coated tablets debossed with “N 100 A” on one side and plain on the other side. They are available in bottles of 60 tablets. NDC 57894-100-60
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Based on its mechanism of action, AKEEGA may harm a developing fetus. Females who are or may become pregnant should handle AKEEGA tablets with protection, e.g., gloves [see Use In Specific Populations].
Manufactured for: Janssen Biotech, Inc., Horsham, PA 19044, USA. Revised: Aug 2024
The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:
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.
The safety population described in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS reflect exposure to AKEEGA (niraparib 200 mg and abiraterone acetate 1,000 mg) in combination with prednisone 10 mg daily in BRCA-mutated patients in Cohort 1 (N=113) of MAGNITUDE.
The safety of AKEEGA in patients with BRCAm mCRPC was evaluated in Cohort 1 of MAGNITUDE [see Clinical Studies]. Patients were randomized to receive either AKEEGA (niraparib 200 mg and abiraterone acetate 1,000 mg once daily) (n=113), or placebo and abiraterone acetate (n=112) until unacceptable toxicity or progression. Patients in both arms also received prednisone 10 mg daily. The median duration of exposure for AKEEGA was 18 months (range: 0 to 37 months).
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients who received AKEEGA. Serious adverse reactions reported in >2% of patients included COVID-19 (7%), anemia (4.4%), pneumonia (3.5%), and hemorrhage (3.5%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 9% of patients who received AKEEGA, including COVID-19 (5%), cardiopulmonary arrest (1%), dyspnea (1%), pneumonia (1%), and septic shock (1%).
Permanent discontinuation of any component of AKEEGA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 15% of patients. Adverse reactions which resulted in permanent discontinuation of AKEEGA in > 2% of patients included COVID-19 (4.4%), anemia (2.7%), asthenia (2.7%), and vomiting (2.7%).
Dosage interruptions of any component of AKEEGA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 50% of patients. Adverse reactions which required dosage interruption in > 2% of patients included anemia (23%), thrombocytopenia (12%), neutropenia (7%), COVID-19 (6%), fatigue (3.5%), asthenia (3.5%), nausea (3.5%), pneumonia (2.7%), hematuria (2.7%), and vomiting (2.7%).
Dose reductions of any component of AKEEGA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 28% of patients. Adverse reactions which required dose reductions in > 2% of patients included anemia (12%), thrombocytopenia (4.4%), and fatigue (2.7%).
The most common adverse reactions (>10%) in patients who received AKEEGA were musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, constipation, hypertension, nausea, edema, dyspnea, decreased appetite, vomiting, dizziness, COVID-19, headache, abdominal pain, hemorrhage, urinary tract infection, cough, insomnia, weight decreased, arrhythmia, fall, and pyrexia.
The most common select laboratory abnormalities (>10%) that worsened from baseline in patients who received AKEEGA were hemoglobin decreased, platelets decreased, neutrophils decreased, creatinine increased, potassium decreased, AST increased, ALT increased, and bilirubin increased.
Tables 2 and 3 summarize adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities for patients with BRCAm mCRPC in MAGNITUDE, respectively.
Table 2: Adverse Reactions (>10%) in Patients with BRCAm mCRPC Who Received AKEEGA in MAGNITUDE
| Adverse Reaction | AKEEGA with Prednisone N=113 |
Placebo with Abiraterone Acetate and Prednisone N=112 |
||
| All Grades % | Grade 3 or 4 % | All Grades % | Grade 3 or 4 % | |
| Musculoskeletal paina | 44 | 4 | 42 | 5 |
| Fatiguea | 43 | 5 | 30 | 4 |
| Constipation | 34 | 1 | 20 | 0 |
| Hypertensiona | 33 | 14 | 27 | 17 |
| Nausea | 33 | 1 | 21 | 0 |
| Edemaa | 17 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| Dyspneaa | 15 | 1 | 8 | 3 |
| Decreased appetite | 15 | 2 | 8 | 0 |
| Vomiting | 15 | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| Dizzinessa | 14 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| COVID-19a | 13 | 7 | 9 | 4 |
| Abdominal paina | 12 | 2 | 12 | 1 |
| Hemorrhagea | 12 | 2 | 8 | 1 |
| Headache | 12 | 1 | 9 | 0 |
| Urinary tract infectiona | 12 | 3 | 9 | 1 |
| Cougha | 12 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Insomnia | 12 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Weight decreased | 10 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Arrhythmiaa | 10 | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| Fall | 10 | 1 | 13 | 4 |
| Pyrexiaa | 10 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
| a Includes multiple similar terms. | ||||
Clinically relevant adverse events that occurred in <10% of patients receiving niraparib and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone were rash (7%), ALT increased (5%), AST increased (5%), cerebrovascular accident (4.4%), pulmonary embolism (2.7%), deep vein thrombosis (2.7%), and acute kidney injury (2.7%).
Table 3: Select Laboratory Abnormalities (>10%) That Worsened from Baseline in Patients with BRCAm mCRPC Who Received AKEEGA in MAGNITUDE
| Laboratory Abnormality | AKEEGA with Prednisone1 N=113 |
Placebo with Abiraterone Acetate and Prednisone1 N=112 |
||
| All Grades (%) | Grade 3 or 4 (%) | All Grades (%) | Grade 3 or 4 (%) | |
| Hematology | ||||
| Hemoglobin decreased | 67 | 26 | 53 | 7 |
| Lymphocyte decreased | 55 | 22 | 32 | 13 |
| WBC decreased | 48 | 6 | 18 | 0.9 |
| Platelets decreased | 37 | 8 | 22 | 1.8 |
| Neutrophils decreased | 32 | 7 | 16 | 2.7 |
| Chemistry | ||||
| ALP increased | 34 | 1.8 | 29 | 1.8 |
| Creatinine increased | 30 | 0 | 13 | 1.8 |
| Potassium increased | 25 | 0.9 | 21 | 3.6 |
| Potassium decreased | 20 | 5 | 20 | 5 |
| AST increased | 20 | 1.8 | 25 | 2.7 |
| ALT increased | 18 | 0.9 | 17 | 4.5 |
| Bilirubin increased | 12 | 0 | 10 | 0.9 |
| 1 The denominator used to calculate the rate varied from 111 to 112 for placebo with abiraterone acetate and prednisone and 113 for AKEEGA with prednisone based on the number of patients with a baseline value and at least one post-treatment value. | ||||
The following adverse reactions have been reported with the individual components of AKEEGA but were not observed in MAGNITUDE Cohort 1: myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, adrenal insufficiency, allergic alveolitis, febrile neutropenia, anaphylactic reaction, posterior reversible encephalopathy (PRES), hypertensive crisis, and myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML).
Avoid coadministration with strong CYP3A4 inducers [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Abiraterone is a substrate of CYP3A4. Strong CYP3A4 inducers may decrease abiraterone concentrations [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], which may reduce the effectiveness of abiraterone.
Avoid coadministration unless otherwise recommended in the Prescribing Information for CYP2D6 substrates for which minimal changes in concentration may lead to serious toxicities. If alternative treatments cannot be used, consider a dose reduction of the concomitant CYP2D6 substrate drug.
Abiraterone is a CYP2D6 moderate inhibitor. AKEEGA increases the concentration of CYP2D6 substrates [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to these substrates.
Monitor patients for signs of toxicity related to a CYP2C8 substrate for which a minimal change in plasma concentration may lead to serious or life-threatening adverse reactions.
Abiraterone is a CYP2C8 inhibitor. AKEEGA increases the concentration of CYP2C8 substrates [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to these substrates.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
AKEEGA may cause myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML).
MDS/AML, including cases with fatal outcome, has been observed in patients treated with niraparib, a component of AKEEGA.
All patients treated with niraparib who developed secondary MDS/cancertherapy- related AML had received previous chemotherapy with platinum agents and/or other DNA-damaging agents, including radiotherapy.
For suspected MDS/AML or prolonged hematological toxicities, refer the patient to a hematologist for further evaluation. Discontinue AKEEGA if MDS/AML is confirmed.
AKEEGA may cause myelosuppression (anemia, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia).
In MAGNITUDE Cohort 1, Grade 3-4 anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia were reported, respectively in 28%, 8%, and 7% of patients receiving AKEEGA. Overall, 27% of patients required a red blood cell transfusion, including 11% who required multiple transfusions. Discontinuation due to anemia occurred in 3% of patients.
Monitor complete blood counts weekly during the first month of AKEEGA treatment, every two weeks for the next two months, monthly for the remainder of the first year and then every other month, and as clinically indicated. Do not start AKEEGA until patients have adequately recovered from hematologic toxicity caused by previous therapy. If hematologic toxicities do not resolve within 28 days following interruption, discontinue AKEEGA and refer the patient to a hematologist for further investigations, including bone marrow analysis and blood sample for cytogenetics [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
AKEEGA may cause hypokalemia and fluid retention as a consequence of increased mineralocorticoid levels resulting from CYP17 inhibition [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In post-marketing experience, QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes have been observed in patients who develop hypokalemia while taking abiraterone acetate, a component of AKEEGA. Hypertension and hypertensive crisis have also been reported in patients treated with niraparib, a component of AKEEGA.
In MAGNITUDE Cohort 1, which used prednisone 10 mg daily in combination with AKEEGA, Grades 3-4 hypokalemia was detected in 2.7% of patients on the AKEEGA arm and Grades 3-4 hypertension were observed in 14% of patients on the AKEEGA arm.
The safety of AKEEGA in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II to IV heart failure has not been established because these patients were excluded from MAGNITUDE.
Monitor patients for hypertension, hypokalemia, and fluid retention at least weekly for the first two months, then once a month. Closely monitor patients whose underlying medical conditions might be compromised by increases in blood pressure, hypokalemia, or fluid retention, such as those with heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, cardiovascular disease, or ventricular arrhythmia. Control hypertension and correct hypokalemia before and during treatment with AKEEGA.
Discontinue AKEEGA in patients who develop hypertensive crisis or other severe cardiovascular adverse reactions.
AKEEGA may cause hepatotoxicity.
Hepatotoxicity in patients receiving abiraterone acetate, a component of AKEEGA, has been reported in clinical trials. In post-marketing experience, there have been abiraterone acetate-associated severe hepatic toxicity, including fulminant hepatitis, acute liver failure, and deaths.
In MAGNITUDE Cohort 1, Grade 3-4 ALT or AST increases (at least 5 x ULN) were reported in 1.8% of patients. The safety of AKEEGA in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment has not been established as these patients were excluded from MAGNITUDE.
Measure serum transaminases (ALT and AST) and bilirubin levels prior to starting treatment with AKEEGA, every two weeks for the first three months of treatment and monthly thereafter. Promptly measure serum total bilirubin, AST, and ALT if clinical symptoms or signs suggestive of hepatotoxicity develop. Elevations of AST, ALT, or bilirubin from the patient’s baseline should prompt more frequent monitoring and may require dosage modifications [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Permanently discontinue AKEEGA for patients who develop a concurrent elevation of ALT greater than 3 x ULN and total bilirubin greater than 2 x ULN in the absence of biliary obstruction or other causes responsible for the concurrent elevation, or in patients who develop ALT or AST ≥20 x ULN at any time after receiving AKEEGA.
AKEEGA may cause adrenal insufficiency. Adrenocortical insufficiency has been reported in clinical trials in patients receiving abiraterone acetate, a component of AKEEGA, in combination with prednisone, following interruption of daily steroids and/or with concurrent infection or stress. Monitor patients for symptoms and signs of adrenocortical insufficiency, particularly if patients are withdrawn from prednisone, have prednisone dose reductions, or experience unusual stress. Symptoms and signs of adrenocortical insufficiency may be masked by adverse reactions associated with mineralocorticoid excess seen in patients treated with abiraterone acetate. If clinically indicated, perform appropriate tests to confirm the diagnosis of adrenocortical insufficiency. Increased doses of corticosteroids may be indicated before, during, and after stressful situations.
AKEEGA may cause hypoglycemia in patients being treated with other medications for diabetes.
Severe hypoglycemia has been reported when abiraterone acetate, a component of AKEEGA, was administered to patients receiving medications containing thiazolidinediones (including pioglitazone) or repaglinide [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Monitor blood glucose in patients with diabetes during and after discontinuation of treatment with AKEEGA. Assess if antidiabetic drug dosage needs to be adjusted to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia.
AKEEGA with prednisone is not recommended for use in combination with Ra-223 dichloride outside of clinical trials.
The clinical efficacy and safety of concurrent initiation of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone/prednisolone and radium Ra 223 dichloride was assessed in a randomized, placebo-controlled multicenter study (ERA-223 trial) in 806 patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with bone metastases. The study was unblinded early based on an Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommendation.
At the primary analysis, increased incidences of fractures (29% vs 11%) and deaths (39% vs 36%) have been observed in patients who received abiraterone acetate plus prednisone/prednisolone in combination with radium Ra 223 dichloride compared to patients who received placebo in combination with abiraterone acetate plus prednisone.
It is recommended that subsequent treatment with Ra-223 not be initiated for at least five days after the last administration of AKEEGA, in combination with prednisone.
AKEEGA may cause Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES). PRES has been observed in patients treated with niraparib as a single agent at higher than the recommended dose of niraparib included in AKEEGA.
Monitor all patients treated with AKEEGA for signs and symptoms of PRES. If PRES is suspected, promptly discontinue AKEEGA and administer appropriate treatment. The safety of reinitiating AKEEGA in patients previously experiencing PRES is not known.
The safety and efficacy of AKEEGA have not been established in females. Based on animal reproductive studies and mechanism of action, AKEEGA can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy when administered to a pregnant female [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Niraparib has the potential to cause teratogenicity and/or embryo-fetal death since niraparib is genotoxic and targets actively dividing cells in animals and patients (e.g., bone marrow) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Nonclinical Toxicology].
In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of abiraterone acetate to pregnant rats during organogenesis caused adverse developmental effects at maternal exposures approximately ≥ 0.03 times the human exposure (AUC) at the recommended dose.
Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of AKEEGA [see Use In Specific Populations]. Females who are or may become pregnant should handle AKEEGA with protection, e.g., gloves [see HOW SUPPLIED/ Storage And Handling].
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted with niraparib.
Niraparib was clastogenic in an in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration assay and in an in vivo rat bone marrow micronucleus assay. This clastogenicity is consistent with genomic instability resulting from the primary pharmacology of niraparib and indicates potential for genotoxicity in humans. Niraparib was not mutagenic in a bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames) test.
Fertility studies in animals have not been conducted with niraparib. In repeat-dose oral toxicity studies, niraparib was administered daily for up to 3 months’ duration in rats and dogs. Reduced sperm, spermatids, and germ cells in epididymides and testes were observed at doses ≥10 mg/kg and ≥1.5 mg/kg in rats and dogs, respectively. These dose levels resulted in systemic exposures approximately 0.5 and 0.02 times, respectively, the human exposure (AUC0-24h) at the dose of 200 mg daily. There was a trend toward reversibility of these findings 4 weeks after dosing was stopped.
A two-year carcinogenicity study was conducted in rats at oral abiraterone acetate doses of 5, 15, and 50 mg/kg/day for males and 15, 50, and 150 mg/kg/day for females. Abiraterone acetate increased the combined incidence of interstitial cell adenomas and carcinomas in the testes at all dose levels tested. This finding is considered to be related to the pharmacological activity of abiraterone. Rats are regarded as more sensitive than humans to developing interstitial cell tumors in the testes. Abiraterone acetate was not carcinogenic in female rats at exposure levels up to 0.8 times the human clinical exposure (1,000 mg daily) based on AUC. Abiraterone acetate was not carcinogenic in a 6-month study in the transgenic (Tg.rasH2) mouse.
Abiraterone acetate and abiraterone were not mutagenic in an in vitro microbial mutagenesis (Ames) assay or clastogenic in an in vitro cytogenetic assay using primary human lymphocytes or an in vivo rat micronucleus assay.
In repeat-dose toxicity studies in male rats (13- and 26-weeks) and monkeys (39-weeks), atrophy, aspermia/hypospermia, and hyperplasia in the reproductive system were observed at ≥50 mg/kg/day in rats and ≥250 mg/kg/day in monkeys and were consistent with the antiandrogenic pharmacological activity of abiraterone. These effects were observed in rats at systemic exposures similar to humans and in monkeys at exposures approximately 0.6 times the AUC in humans at 1,000 mg daily.
In a fertility study in male rats, reduced organ weights of the reproductive system, sperm counts, sperm motility, altered sperm morphology and decreased fertility were observed in animals dosed for 4 weeks at ≥30 mg/kg/day orally. Mating of untreated females with males that received 30 mg/kg/day oral abiraterone acetate resulted in a reduced number of corpora lutea, implantations and live embryos and an increased incidence of pre-implantation loss. Effects on male rats were reversible after 16 weeks from the last abiraterone acetate administration.
In a fertility study in female rats, animals dosed orally for 2 weeks until day 7 of pregnancy at ≥30 mg/kg/day had an increased incidence of irregular or extended estrous cycles and pre-implantation loss (300 mg/kg/day). There were no differences in mating, fertility, and litter parameters in female rats that received abiraterone acetate. Effects on female rats were reversible after 4 weeks from the last abiraterone acetate administration.
The dose of 30 mg/kg/day in rats is approximately 0.3 times the recommended dose of 1,000 mg/day based on body surface area.
In 13- and 26-week studies in rats and 13- and 39-week studies in monkeys, a reduction in circulating testosterone levels occurred with abiraterone acetate at approximately one half the human clinical exposure based on AUC. As a result, decreases in organ weights and toxicities were observed in the male and female reproductive system, adrenal glands, liver, pituitary (rats only), and male mammary glands. The changes in the reproductive organs are consistent with the antiandrogenic pharmacological activity of abiraterone acetate.
The safety and efficacy of AKEEGA have not been established in females. Based on findings from animal studies and mechanism of action [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], AKEEGA can cause fetal harm and potential loss of pregnancy.
There are no human data on the use of AKEEGA in pregnant women.
Niraparib has the potential to cause teratogenicity and/or embryo-fetal death since niraparib is genotoxic and targets actively dividing cells in animals and patients (e.g., bone marrow) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Nonclinical Toxicology]. Due to the potential risk to a fetus based on its mechanism of action, animal developmental and reproductive toxicology studies were not conducted with niraparib.
In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of abiraterone acetate to pregnant rats during organogenesis caused adverse developmental effects at maternal exposures approximately ≥ 0.03 times the human exposure (AUC) at the recommended dose (see Data).
Animal Data
Niraparib
Niraparib is genotoxic and targets actively dividing cells. Animal developmental and reproductive toxicology studies were not conducted with niraparib.
Abiraterone Acetate
In an embryo-fetal developmental toxicity study in rats, abiraterone acetate caused developmental toxicity when administered at oral doses of 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg/ day throughout the period of organogenesis (gestational days 6-17). Findings included embryo-fetal lethality (increased post implantation loss and resorptions and decreased number of live fetuses), fetal developmental delay (skeletal effects) and urogenital effects (bilateral ureter dilation) at doses ≥10 mg/kg/day, decreased fetal ano-genital distance at ≥30 mg/kg/day, and decreased fetal body weight at 100 mg/kg/day. Doses ≥10 mg/kg/day caused maternal toxicity. The doses tested in rats resulted in systemic exposures (AUC) approximately 0.03, 0.1 and 0.3 times, respectively, the AUC in patients receiving 1,000 mg daily of abiraterone acetate.
The safety and efficacy of AKEEGA have not been established in females. There is no information available on the presence of niraparib or abiraterone in human milk, or on the effects on the breastfed child or milk production.
Males
Based on findings in animal reproduction studies and its mechanism of action, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose of AKEEGA [see Use In Specific Populations].
Infertility
Based on animal studies, AKEEGA may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Safety and effectiveness of AKEEGA in pediatric patients have not been established.
Of the 113 patients with BRCA gene alteration(s) who received AKEEGA in MAGNITUDE, 34.5% of patients were less than 65 years, 38.9% of patients were 65 years to 74 years, and 26.5% were 75 years and over.
There was an insufficient number of patients with BRCA gene alteration(s) treated with AKEEGA in MAGNITUDE to accurately characterize efficacy or safety by age.
Avoid use of AKEEGA in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
No dosage modification is necessary for patients with mild hepatic impairment.
Monitor patients with severe renal impairment for increased adverse reactions and modify dosage as recommended for adverse reactions [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
No dosage modification is recommended for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment.
In the event of an overdose, administration of AKEEGA should be stopped and general supportive measures undertaken, including monitoring for arrhythmias and cardiac failure and assessing liver function.
There is no specific treatment in the event of AKEEGA overdose.
None.
Niraparib is an inhibitor of PARP enzymes, including PARP-1 and PARP-2, that play a role in DNA repair. In vitro studies have shown that niraparib-induced cytotoxicity may involve inhibition of PARP enzymatic activity and increased formation of PARP-DNA complexes resulting in DNA damage, apoptosis, and cell death. Increased niraparib-induced cytotoxicity was observed in tumor cell lines with or without deficiencies in BRCA½. Niraparib decreased tumor growth in mouse xenograft models of human cancer cell lines with deficiencies in BRCA½ and in human patient-derived xenograft tumor models with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) that had either mutated or wild-type BRCA½.
Abiraterone acetate is converted in vivo to abiraterone, an androgen biosynthesis inhibitor, that inhibits 17 α-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase (CYP17). This enzyme is expressed in testicular, adrenal, and prostatic tumor tissues and is required for androgen biosynthesis.
CYP17 catalyzes two sequential reactions: 1) the conversion of pregnenolone and progesterone to their 17α-hydroxy derivatives by 17α-hydroxylase activity and 2) the subsequent formation of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione, respectively, by C17, 20 lyase activity. DHEA and androstenedione are androgens and are precursors of testosterone. Inhibition of CYP17 by abiraterone can also result in increased mineralocorticoid production by the adrenals [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Androgen sensitive prostatic carcinoma responds to treatment that decreases androgen levels. Androgen deprivation therapies, such as treatment with GnRH agonists or orchiectomy, decrease androgen production in the testes but do not affect androgen production by the adrenals or in the tumor.
Abiraterone decreased serum testosterone and other androgens in patients in the placebo-controlled clinical trial. It is not necessary to monitor the effect of abiraterone on serum testosterone levels.
Changes in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels may be observed but have not been shown to correlate with clinical benefit in individual patients.
In mouse xenograft models of prostate cancer, the combination of niraparib and abiraterone acetate increased anti-tumor activity when compared to either drug alone.
The exposure-response relationship and time-course of pharmacodynamic response for the safety and effectiveness of AKEEGA have not been fully characterized.
Niraparib has the potential to cause effects on pulse rate and blood pressure in patients, which may be related to pharmacological inhibition of the dopamine transporter (DAT), norepinephrine transporter (NET), and serotonin transporter (SERT) [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Niraparib increased mean pulse rate by 22.4 to 24.1 beats/min, mean systolic blood pressure by 24.5 mmHg, and mean diastolic pressure by 16.5 mmHg relative to 14.0 to 15.8 beats per min, 18.3 to 19.6 mmHg, and 11.6 mmHg in the placebo arm.
No large (>20 ms) increases in the mean QTc interval were detected following the treatment of niraparib 300 mg once daily or 1,000 mg of abiraterone acetate once daily.
Following the administration of AKEEGA, the mean (coefficient of variation [CV%]) Cmax,ss was 831 ng/mL (32%) and AUC0-24h,ss was 13,616 ng•h/mL (36%). The accumulation ratio following daily administration of AKEEGA was 3.5-, and 2.6-fold for niraparib AUC0-24h and Cmax.
Niraparib exhibits dose proportional increase in Cmax and AUC in the dose range of 30 mg (0.15 times the recommended dosage) to 400 mg (2 times the recommended dosage).
Following the administration of AKEEGA, the mean (CV%) Cmax,ss was 151 ng/Ml (59%) and AUC0-24h,ss was 707 ng•h/mL (59%) for abiraterone. The accumulation ratio following daily administration of AKEEGA was 2-, and 1.8-fold for abiraterone AUC0-24h and Cmax.
No major deviation from dose proportionality was observed for abiraterone acetate in the dose range of 250 mg (0.25 times the recommended dosage) to 1,000 mg (the recommended dosage).
Niraparib
The median Tmax was 3 hours after dosing. The absolute bioavailability of niraparib is approximately 73%.
Abiraterone Acetate
The median Tmax of abiraterone was 1.5 hours after dosing.
Administration of abiraterone acetate with food, compared with administration in a fasted state, results in up to a 10-fold (AUC) and up to a 17-fold (Cmax) increase in mean systemic exposure of abiraterone, depending on the fat content of the meal. Given the normal variation in the content and composition of meals, taking abiraterone acetate with meals has the potential to result in increased and highly variable exposures.
Niraparib
The apparent volume of distribution of niraparib was 1,117 L. Niraparib is 83% bound to human plasma proteins.
Abiraterone Acetate
The apparent volume of distribution of abiraterone was 25,774 L. Abiraterone is highly bound (>99%) to the human plasma proteins, albumin and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein.
Niraparib
The mean t½ of niraparib when given in combination was approximately 62 hours (CV%: 42%) and apparent CL/F was 16.7 L/h (CV%: 27%).
Abiraterone Acetate
The mean t½ of abiraterone when given in combination was approximately 20 hours (CV%: 7.8%) and apparent CL/F was 1673 L/h (CV%: 24%).
Niraparib
Niraparib is metabolized by carboxylesterases.
Abiraterone Acetate
Abiraterone acetate is rapidly converted in vivo to abiraterone. CYP3A4 and SULT2A1 are the enzymes involved in the metabolism of abiraterone.
Niraparib
About 48% (33% to 60%) of the radiolabeled dose was recovered in urine and 39% (28% to 47%) in feces. Unchanged niraparib accounted for 11% and 19% of the administered dose recovered in urine and feces, respectively.
Abiraterone Acetate
Approximately 88% of the radiolabeled dose is recovered in feces and 5% in urine. Unchanged abiraterone acetate and abiraterone accounted for 55% and 22% of the administered dose recovered in the feces, respectively.
No clinically significant effects on the PK of niraparib and abiraterone were observed based on body weight (43.3-165 kg for niraparib and 46-165 kg for abiraterone), age (45-90 years for niraparib and 43-90 years for abiraterone), race/ ethnicity (White, Asian, and Hispanic) and mild to moderate renal impairment (CLcr: 30-90 mL/min). Severe renal impairment (CLcr: 15-30 mL/min) has not been studied.
Niraparib
Mild hepatic impairment did not affect the exposure of niraparib. Moderate hepatic impairment (Total bilirubin > 1.5 to 3 x ULN and any aspartate aminotransferase value) increased niraparib AUC by 56% compared to that of patients with normal hepatic function.
Abiraterone Acetate
Mild (Child-Pugh score of 5 to 6; Child-Turcotte-Pugh Class A) hepatic impairment increased abiraterone (AUC) by 1.1-fold and moderate (Child-Pugh score of 7 to 9; Child-Turcotte-Pugh Class B) hepatic impairment increased abiraterone (AUC) by 3.6-fold compared to subjects with normal hepatic function.
Severe (Child-Pugh score of 10 to 15; Child-Turcotte-Pugh Class C) hepatic impairment increased abiraterone AUC by 7-fold and the fraction of free drug increased by 2-fold in subjects compared to subjects with normal hepatic function.
In Vitro Studies
Niraparib inhibits MATE 1 and 2.
Clinical Studies
In vitro, niraparib bound to DAT, NET, and SERT and inhibited uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in cells with IC50 values that were lower than the Cmin at steady-state in patients receiving the 200 mg dose. Niraparib has the potential to cause effects in patients related to inhibition of these transporters (e.g., cardiovascular, central nervous system). Intravenous administration of niraparib to vagotomized dogs over 30 minutes at 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg resulted in an increased range of arterial pressures of 13% to 20%, 18% to 27%, and 19% to 25%, respectively, and increased range of heart rates of 2% to 11%, 4% to 17%, and 12% to 21%, respectively, above pre-dose levels. The unbound plasma concentrations of niraparib in dogs at these dose levels were approximately 1.2, 3.9, and 15.5 times the unbound Cmax at steady state in patients receiving the 200 mg dose.
In addition, niraparib crossed the blood-brain barrier in rats and monkeys following oral administration. The cerebrospinal fluid plasma Cmax ratios of niraparib administered at 10 mg/kg orally to two rhesus monkeys were 0.10 and 0.52.
A dose-dependent increase in cataracts was observed in rats after daily oral abiraterone acetate administration for 26 weeks starting at ≥50 mg/kg/day (similar to the human clinical exposure (AUC) at 1,000 mg dose daily). In a 39-week monkey study with daily oral abiraterone acetate administration, no cataracts were observed at higher doses (2 times greater than the clinical exposure (AUC) at 1,000 mg dose daily).
The efficacy of AKEEGA was investigated in Cohort 1 of MAGNITUDE (NCT03748641), a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-cohort, multi-center study in which 423 patients with homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene-mutated (HRRm) mCRPC were randomized (1:1) to receive niraparib 200 mg and abiraterone 1,000 mg (N=212) or placebo and abiraterone (N=211) until unacceptable toxicity or progression. All patients received prednisone 10 mg daily and a GnRH analog or had prior bilateral orchiectomy. Patients with mCRPC who had not received prior systemic therapy in the mCRPC setting except for a short duration of prior abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (up to four months) and ongoing ADT, were eligible. Patients could have received prior docetaxel or androgen-receptor (AR) targeted therapies in either the metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) or non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) setting.
Randomization was stratified by prior docetaxel for mCSPC (yes or no), prior AR targeted therapy for mCSPC or nmCRPC (yes or no), prior abiraterone acetate for mCRPC (yes or no), and BRCA-status (BRCAm vs. other).
Of the 423 patients enrolled, 225 (53%) had BRCA gene mutations (BRCAm). Mutation status of BRCA genes was determined prospectively using the Foundation One CDx tissue assay or other clinical trial assays.
Among the 225 patients with BRCAm, the median age was 68 years (range 43-100) and 66% were 65 years of age or older; 72% were White, 17% Asian, and 1% Black, and 10% other or not reported; 12% were Hispanic or Latino; and baseline ECOG performance status (PS) was 0 (66%) or 1 (34%). Twenty-four percent had received prior docetaxel, 5% received prior AR-targeted therapy for mCSPC or nmCRPC, and 26% received prior abiraterone acetate plus prednisone for up to 4 months for mCRPC. Thirty-seven percent had bone-only metastases and 21% had visceral metastases. Seven percent had BRCA1 mutations, 78% had BRCA2 mutations, and 15% had BRCA mutations in combination with mutations in other HRR genes.
The major efficacy outcome measure was radiographic progression free survival (rPFS) determined by blinded independent central radiology (BICR) review evaluated per Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 (soft tissue lesions) and Prostate Cancer Working Group-3 (PCWG-3) criteria (bone lesions). Overall survival (OS) was an additional efficacy outcome measure.
A statistically significant improvement in rPFS for niraparib plus abiraterone compared to placebo plus abiraterone was observed in BRCAm patients, and the Cohort 1 intention to treat (ITT) population. In an exploratory analysis in the subgroup of 198 (47%) patients with non-BRCA mutations, the rPFS hazard ratio was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.67, 1.44) and the OS hazard ratio was 1.13 (95% CI: 0.77, 1.64), indicating that the improvement in the ITT population was primarily attributed to the results seen in the subgroup of patients with BRCAm.
The efficacy results are presented in Table 4 and Figures 1 and 2 for patients in Cohort 1 with BRCA mutations.
Table 4: Efficacy Results from the BRCAm Subgroup of the MAGNITUDE Study
| Endpoints | AKEEGA (N=113) |
Placebo (N=112) |
| Radiographic Progression-free Survivala | ||
| Event of disease progression or death (%) | 45 (40%) | 64 (57%) |
| Median, months (95% CI) | 16.6 (13.9, NE) | 10.9 (8.3, 13.8) |
| Hazard Ratiob (95% CI) | 0.53 (0.36, 0.79) | |
| p-valuec | 0.0014 | |
| a rPFS results based on blinded independent central review at primary analysis. b Cox proportional hazards model stratified by prior docetaxel (yes vs. no) and prior abiraterone (yes vs. no). c Stratified log-rank test two-sided p-value NE = not estimable |
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At the protocol pre-specified final OS analysis in Cohort 1, 60 (53%) deaths and 70 (63%) deaths were observed in the AKEEGA arm and placebo arm, respectively, for patients with BRCAm. In an exploratory OS analysis in the subgroup of patients with BRCAm, the median in the AKEEGA arm was 30.4 (95% CI: 27.6, NE) and 28.6 months (95% CI: 23.8, 33.0) in the placebo arm, with an OS hazard ratio of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.55, 1.12).
Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Plot of BICR Assessed Radiographic Progression-Free Survival in the BRCAm Population (MAGNITUDE, primary analysis)
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Figure 2: Kaplan-Meier Plot of Overall Survival in the BRCAm Population (MAGNITUDE, final analysis)
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AKEEGA®
(a kee’ gah) (niraparib and abiraterone acetate) tablets
What is the most important information I should know about AKEEGA?
AKEEGA may cause serious side effects including:
Symptoms of low blood cell counts (low red blood cells, low white blood cells, and low platelets) are common during treatment with AKEEGA but can also be a sign of serious bone marrow problems, including MDS and AML. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms during treatment with AKEEGA:
Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your blood cell counts:
See “What are the possible side effects of AKEEGA?” for more information about side effects.
What is AKEEGA?
AKEEGA is a prescription medicine used with prednisone to treat adults with prostate cancer:
Your healthcare provider will perform a test to make sure AKEEGA is right for you.
It is not known if AKEEGA is safe and effective in females.
It is not known if AKEEGA is safe and effective in children.
Before taking AKEEGA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. AKEEGA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how AKEEGA works.
How should I take AKEEGA?
What are the possible side effects of AKEEGA?
AKEEGA may cause serious side effects, including:
See “What is the most important information I should know about AKEEGA?”
The most common side effects of AKEEGA include:
AKEEGA may cause fertility problems in males, which may affect the ability to father children. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about fertility.
These are not all the possible side effects of AKEEGA.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store AKEEGA?
Store AKEEGA at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Keep AKEEGA and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of AKEEGA.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use AKEEGA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give AKEEGA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about AKEEGA that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in AKEEGA?
Active ingredients: niraparib tosylate and abiraterone acetate
Inactive ingredients:
Core tablet: colloidal anhydrous silica, crospovidone, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate.
50 mg/500 mg film-coated tablets: The film-coating contains iron oxide black, iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, sodium lauryl sulphate, glycerol monocaprylocaprate, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide.
100 mg/500 mg film-coated tablets: The film-coating contains iron oxide red, iron oxide yellow, sodium lauryl sulphate, glycerol monocaprylocaprate, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide.
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
