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AMJEVITA
(adalimumab-atto) Solution for Subcutaneous Administration
WARNING
SERIOUS INFECTIONS and MALIGNANCY
Patients treated with AMJEVITA are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids.
Discontinue AMJEVITA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis.
Reported infections include:
Carefully consider the risks and benefits of treatment with AMJEVITA prior toinitiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection.
Monitor patients closely for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with AMJEVITA, including the possible development of TB in patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers including adalimumab products [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Post-marketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers including adalimumab products. These cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal. The majority of reported TNF blocker cases have occurred in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and the majority were in adolescent and young adultmales.
Almost all these patients had received treatment with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) concomitantly with a TNF blocker at or prior to diagnosis. It is uncertain whether the occurrence of HSTCL is related to use of a TNF blocker or a TNF blocker in combination with these other immunosuppressants [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
AMJEVITA (adalimumab-atto) is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody specific for human tumor necrosis factor (TNF). AMJEVITA was created using recombinant DNA technology resulting in an antibody with human derived heavy and light chain variable regions and human IgG1:k constant regions. Adalimumab-atto is produced by recombinant DNA technology in a mammalian cell expression system and is purified by a process that includes specific viral inactivation and removal steps. It consists of 1330 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 148 kilodaltons.
AMJEVITA™ (adalimumab-atto) Injection is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free solution of adalimumab-atto for subcutaneous administration. The drug product is supplied as either a single-use, prefilled SureClick® autoinjector, or as a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe. Enclosed within the autoinjector is a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe. The solution of AMJEVITA is clear, colorless to slightly yellow, with a pH of about 5.2.
Each 40 mg/0.8 mL prefilled syringe or prefilled autoinjector delivers 0.8 mL (40 mg) of drug product. Each 0.8 mL of AMJEVITA is formulated with glacial acetic acid (0.48 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.8 mg), sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment, sucrose (72 mg), and Water for Injection, USP, pH 5.2.
Each 20 mg/0.4 mL prefilled syringe delivers 0.4 mL (20 mg) of drug product. Each 0.4 mL of AMJEVITA is formulated with glacial acetic acid (0.24 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.4 mg), sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment, sucrose (36 mg), and Water for Injection, USP, pH 5.2.
AMJEVITA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms, inducing major clinical response, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. AMJEVITA can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate or other non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
AMJEVITA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 4 years of age and older. AMJEVITA can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate.
AMJEVITA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms, inhibiting the progression of structural  damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis.  AMJEVITA can be used alone or in combination with non-biologic DMARDs.
AMJEVITA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms in adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.
AMJEVITA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms and inducing and maintaining clinical remission in adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy. AMJEVITA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms and inducing clinical remission in these patients if they have also lost response to or are intolerant to infliximab.
AMJEVITA is indicated for inducing and sustaining clinical remission in adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who have had an inadequate response to immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids, azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). The effectiveness of adalimumab products has not been established in patients who have lost response to or were intolerant to TNF blockers [see Clinical Studies].
AMJEVITA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, and when other systemic therapies are medically less appropriate. AMJEVITA should only be administered to patients who will be closely monitored and have regular follow-up visits with a physician [see BOXED WARNING and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
AMJEVITA is administered by subcutaneous injection.
The recommended dose of AMJEVITA for adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), or ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is 40 mg administered every other week. Methotrexate (MTX), other non-biologic DMARDs, glucocorticoids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and/or analgesics may be continued during treatment with AMJEVITA. In the treatment of RA, some patients not taking concomitant MTX may derive additional benefit from increasing the dosing frequency of AMJEVITA to 40 mg every week.
The recommended dose of AMJEVITA for patients 4 years of age and older with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is based on weight as shown below. MTX, glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, and/or analgesics may be continued during treatment with AMJEVITA.
| Patients (4 years of age and older) | Dose |
| 15 kg (33 lbs) to < 30 kg (66 lbs) | 20 mg every other week (20 mg Prefilled Syringe) |
| ≥ 30 kg (66 lbs) | 40 mg every other week (AMJEVITA Prefilled SureClick® Autoinjector or 40 mg Prefilled Syringe) |
Adalimumab products have not been studied in patients with polyarticular JIA less than 2 years of age or in patients with a weight below 10 kg.
The recommended AMJEVITA dose regimen for adult patients with Crohn's disease (CD) is 160 mg initially on Day 1 (given as four 40 mg injections in one day or as two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg two weeks later (Day 15). Two weeks later (Day 29) begin a maintenance dose of 40 mg every other week. Aminosalicylates and/or corticosteroids may be continued during treatment with AMJEVITA. Azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] or MTX may be continued during treatment with AMJEVITA if necessary. The use of adalimumab products in CD beyond one year has not been evaluated in controlled clinical studies.
The recommended AMJEVITA dose regimen for adult patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is 160 mg initially on Day 1 (given as four 40 mg injections in one day or as two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg two weeks later (Day 15). Two weeks later (Day 29) continue with a dose of 40 mg every other week.
Only continue AMJEVITA in patients who have shown evidence of clinical remission by eight weeks (Day 57) of therapy. Aminosalicylates and/or corticosteroids may be continued during treatment with AMJEVITA. Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] may be continued during treatment with AMJEVITA if necessary.
The recommended dose of AMJEVITA for adult patients with plaque psoriasis (Ps) is an initial dose of 80 mg, followed by 40 mg given every other week starting one week after the initial dose. The use of adalimumab products in moderate to severe chronic Ps beyond one year has not been evaluated in controlled clinical studies.
Prior to initiating AMJEVITA and periodically during therapy, evaluate patients for active tuberculosis and test for latent infection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
AMJEVITA is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a physician. A patient may self-inject AMJEVITA or a caregiver may inject AMJEVITA using either the AMJEVITA prefilled SureClick® autoinjector or prefilled syringe if a physician determines that it is appropriate, and with medical follow-up, as necessary, after proper training in subcutaneous injection technique.
You may leave AMJEVITA at room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes before injecting. Do not remove the cap or cover while allowing it to reach room temperature. Carefully inspect the solution in the AMJEVITA prefilled SureClick® autoinjector or prefilled syringe for particulate matter and discoloration prior to subcutaneous administration. If particulates and discolorations are noted, do not use the product. AMJEVITA does not contain preservatives; therefore, discard unused portions of drug remaining from the syringe. NOTE: The needle cap on the prefilled syringe and on the prefilled autoinjector contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex) that may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to latex.
Instruct patients using the AMJEVITA prefilled SureClick® autoinjector or prefilled syringe to inject the full amount in the syringe, according to the directions provided in the Instructions for Use [see Instructions for Use].
Injections should occur at separate sites in the thigh or abdomen. Rotate injection sites and do not give injections into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red or hard.
AMJEVITA is a clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution available as:
AMJEVITA™ (adalimumab-atto) Injection is supplied as a preservative-free, sterile, clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution for subcutaneous administration. AMJEVITA is supplied in a single-use prefilled syringe (PFS) or single-use prefilled SureClick® autoinjector (AI).
The following packaging configurations are available.
| Presentation | Number of Units/Pack | NDC number |
| 20 mg/0.4 mL prefilled syringe with a fixed 29 gauge needle | 1 | 55513-411-01 |
| 40 mg/0.8 mL prefilled syringe with a fixed 29 gauge needle | 1 | 55513-410-01 |
| 2 | 55513-410-02 | |
| 40 mg/0.8 mL Prefilled SureClick® Autoinjector | 1 | 55513-400-01 |
| 2 | 55513-400-02 |
Do not use beyond the expiration date on the container. AMJEVITA must be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). DO NOT FREEZE. Do not use if frozen even if it has been thawed.
Store in original carton until time of administration to protect from light.
If needed, for example when traveling, AMJEVITA may be stored at room temperature up to a maximum of 77°F (25°C) for a period of up to 14 days, with protection from light. AMJEVITA should be discarded if not used within the 14-day period. Record the date when AMJEVITA is first removed from the refrigerator in the spaces provided on the carton.
Do not store AMJEVITA in extreme heat or cold.
Manufactured by: Amgen Inc. One Amgen Center Drive Thousand Oaks, CA 91320-1799. Revised: Mar 2018
The most serious adverse reactions described elsewhere in the labeling include the following:
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 most common adverse reaction with adalimumab was injection site reactions. In placebo-controlled trials, 20% of patients treated with adalimumab developed injection site reactions (erythema and/or itching, hemorrhage, pain or swelling), compared to 14% of patients receiving placebo. Most injection site reactions were described as mild and generally did not necessitate drug discontinuation.
The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions during the double-blind, placebo-controlled portion of studies in patients with RA (i.e., Studies RA-I, RA-II, RA-III and RA-IV) was 7% for patients taking adalimumab and 4% for placebo-treated patients. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of adalimumab in these RA studies were clinical flare reaction (0.7%), rash (0.3%) and pneumonia (0.3%).
In the controlled portions of the 34 global adalimumab clinical trials in adult patients with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC and Ps, the rate of serious infections was 4.6 per 100 patient-years in 7304 adalimumab-treated patients versus a rate of 3.1 per 100 patient-years in 4232 control-treated patients. Serious infections observed included pneumonia, septic arthritis, prosthetic and post-surgical infections, erysipelas, cellulitis, diverticulitis, and pyelonephritis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In 47 global controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials in RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC and Ps that included 23,036 adalimumab-treated patients, the rate of reported active tuberculosis was 0.22 per 100 patient-years and the rate of positive PPD conversion was 0.08 per 100 patient-years. In a subgroup of 9396 U.S. and Canadian adalimumab-treated patients, the rate of reported active TB was 0.07 per 100 patient-years and the rate of positive PPD conversion was 0.08 per 100 patient-years. These trials included reports of miliary, lymphatic, peritoneal, and pulmonary TB. Most of the TB cases occurred within the first eight months after initiation of therapy and may reflect recrudescence of latent disease. In these global clinical trials, cases of serious opportunistic infections have been reported at an overall rate of 0.05 per 100 patient-years. Some cases of serious opportunistic infections and TB have been fatal [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In the rheumatoid arthritis controlled trials, 12% of patients treated with adalimumab and 7% of placebo-treated patients that had negative baseline ANA titers developed positive titers at week 24. Two patients out of 3046 treated with adalimumab developed clinical signs suggestive of new-onset lupus-like syndrome. The patients improved following discontinuation of therapy. No patients developed lupus nephritis or central nervous system symptoms. The impact of long-term treatment with adalimumab products on the development of autoimmune diseases is unknown.
There have been reports of severe hepatic reactions including acute liver failure in patients receiving TNF-blockers. In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab (40 mg SC every other week) in patients with RA, PsA, and AS with control period duration ranging from 4 to 104 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 3.5% of adalimumab-treated patients and 1.5% of control-treated patients. Since many of these patients in these trials were also taking medications that cause liver enzyme elevations (e.g., NSAIDs, MTX), the relationship between adalimumab and the liver enzyme elevations is not clear. In a controlled Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in patients with polyarticular JIA who were 4 to 17 years, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 4.4% of adalimumab-treated patients and 1.5% of control-treated patients (ALT more common than AST); liver enzyme test elevations were more frequent among those treated with the combination of adalimumab and MTX than those treated with adalimumab alone. In general, these elevations did not lead to discontinuation of adalimumab treatment.
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab (initial doses of 160 mg and 80 mg, or 80 mg and 40 mg on Days 1 and 15, respectively, followed by 40 mg every other week) in adult patients with CD with a control period duration ranging from 4 to 52 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 0.9% of adalimumab-treated patients and 0.9% of control-treated patients. In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab (initial doses of 160 mg and 80 mg on Days 1 and 15 respectively, followed by 40 mg every other week) in patients with UC with control period duration ranging from 1 to 52 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 1.5% of adalimumab-treated patients and 1.0% of control-treated patients. In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab (initial dose of 80 mg then 40 mg every other week) in patients with Ps with control period duration ranging from 12 to 24 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 1.8% of adalimumab-treated patients and 1.8% of control-treated patients.
Patients in Studies RA-I, RA-II, and RA-III were tested at multiple time points for antibodies to adalimumab during the 6-to 12-month period. Approximately 5% (58 of 1,062) of adult RA patients receiving adalimumab developed low-titer antibodies to adalimumab at least once during treatment, which were neutralizing in vitro. Patients treated with concomitant methotrexate (MTX) had a lower rate of antibody development than patients on adalimumab monotherapy (1% versus 12%). No apparent correlation of antibody development to adverse reactions was observed. With monotherapy, patients receiving every other week dosing may develop antibodies more frequently than those receiving weekly dosing. In patients receiving the recommended dosage of 40 mg every other week as monotherapy, the ACR 20 response was lower among antibody-positive patients than among antibody-negative patients. The long-term immunogenicity of adalimumab is unknown.
In patients with polyarticular JIA who were 4 to 17 years of age, adalimumab antibodies were identified in 16% of adalimumab-treated patients. In patients receiving concomitant MTX, the incidence was 6% compared to 26% with adalimumab monotherapy.
In patients with AS, the rate of development of antibodies to adalimumab in adalimumab-treated patients was comparable to patients with RA.
In patients with PsA, the rate of antibody development in patients receiving adalimumab monotherapy was comparable to patients with RA; however, in patients receiving concomitant MTX the rate was 7% compared to 1% in RA.
In adult patients with CD, the rate of antibody development was 3%.
In patients with moderately to severely active UC, the rate of antibody development in patients receiving adalimumab was 5%. However, due to the limitation of the assay conditions, antibodies to adalimumab could be detected only when serum adalimumab levels were < 2 mcg/mL. Among the patients whose serum adalimumab levels were < 2 mcg/mL (approximately 25% of total patients studied), the immunogenicity rate was 20.7%.
In patients with Ps, the rate of antibody development with adalimumab monotherapy was 8%. However, due to the limitation of the assay conditions, antibodies to adalimumab could be detected only when serum adalimumab levels were < 2 mcg/mL. Among the patients whose serum adalimumab levels were < 2 mcg/mL (approximately 40% of total patients studied), the immunogenicity rate was 20.7%. In Ps patients who were on adalimumab monotherapy and subsequently withdrawn from the treatment, the rate of antibodies to adalimumab after retreatment was similar to the rate observed prior to withdrawal.
The data reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were considered positive for antibodies to adalimumab or titers, and are highly dependent on the assay. The observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay is highly dependent on several factors including assay sensitivity and specificity, assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to adalimumab reported in this section with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other products may be misleading.
The data described below reflect exposure to adalimumab in 2468 patients, including 2073 exposed for 6 months, 1497 exposed for greater than one year and 1380 in adequate and well-controlled studies (Studies RA-I, RA-II, RA-III, and RA-IV). Adalimumab was studied primarily in placebo-controlled trials and in long-term follow up studies for up to 36 months duration. The population had a mean age of 54 years, 77% were female, 91% were Caucasian and had moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Most patients received 40 mg adalimumab every other week.
Table 1 summarizes reactions reported at a rate of at least 5% in patients treated with adalimumab 40 mg every other week compared to placebo and with an incidence higher than placebo. In Study RA-III, the types and frequencies of adverse reactions in the second year open-label extension were similar to those observed in the one-year double-blind portion.
Table 1:Adverse Reactions Reported by ≥ 5% of
Patients Treated with adalimumab During Placebo-Controlled Period of Pooled RA
Studies (Studies RA-I, RA-II, RA-III, andRA-IV)
| Adalimumab 40 mg subcutaneous Every Other Week (N = 705) |
Placebo (N = 690) |
|
| Adverse Reaction (Preferred Term) | ||
| Respiratory | ||
| Upper respiratory infection | 17% | 13% |
| Sinusitis | 11% | 9% |
| Flu syndrome | 7% | 6% |
| Gastrointestinal | ||
| Nausea | 9% | 8% |
| Abdominal pain | 7% | 4% |
| Laboratory Tests* | ||
| Laboratory test abnormal | 8% | 7% |
| Hypercholesterolemia | 6% | 4% |
| Hyperlipidemia | 7% | 5% |
| Hematuria | 5% | 4% |
| Alkaline phosphatase increased | 5% | 3% |
| Other | ||
| Headache | 12% | 8% |
| Rash | 12% | 6% |
| Accidental injury | 10% | 8% |
| Injection site reaction ** | 8% | 1% |
| Back pain | 6% | 4% |
| Urinary tract infection | 8% | 5% |
| Hypertension | 5% | 3% |
| * Laboratory test abnormalities were reported as adverse
reactions in European trials ** Does not include injection site erythema, itching, hemorrhage, pain or swelling |
||
Other infrequent serious adverse reactions that do not appear in the Warnings and Precautions or Adverse Reaction sections that occurred at an incidence of less than 5% in adalimumab-treated patients in RA studies were:
Body As A Whole: Pain in extremity, pelvic pain, surgery, thorax pain
Cardiovascular System: Arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, chest pain, coronary artery disorder, heart arrest, hypertensive encephalopathy, myocardial infarct, palpitation, pericardial effusion, pericarditis, syncope, tachycardia
Digestive System: Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, esophagitis, gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hepatic necrosis, vomiting
Endocrine System: Parathyroid disorder
Hemic And Lymphatic System: Agranulocytosis, polycythemia
Metabolic And Nutritional Disorders: Dehydration, healing abnormal, ketosis, paraproteinemia, peripheral edema
Musculo-Skeletal System: Arthritis, bone disorder, bone fracture (not spontaneous), bone necrosis, joint disorder, muscle cramps, myasthenia, pyogenic arthritis, synovitis, tendon disorder
Neoplasia: Adenoma
Nervous System: Confusion, paresthesia, subdural hematoma, tremor
Respiratory System: Asthma, bronchospasm, dyspnea, lung function decreased, pleural effusion
Special Senses: Cataract
Thrombosis: Thrombosis leg
Urogenital System: Cystitis, kidney calculus, menstrual disorder
In general, the adverse reactions in the adalimumab-treated patients in the polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) (Study JIA-I ) were similar in frequency and type to those seen in adult patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Important findings and differences from adults are discussed in the following paragraphs.
In Study JIA-I, adalimumab was studied in 171 patients who were 4 to 17 years of age, with polyarticular JIA. Severe adverse reactions reported in the study included neutropenia, streptococcal pharyngitis, increased aminotransferases, herpes zoster, myositis, metrorrhagia, and appendicitis. Serious infections were observed in 4% of patients within approximately 2 years of initiation of treatment with adalimumab and included cases of herpes simplex, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, pharyngitis, and herpes zoster.
In Study JIA-I, 45% of patients experienced an infection while receiving adalimumab with or without concomitant MTX in the first 16 weeks of treatment. The types of infections reported in adalimumab-treated patients were generally similar to those commonly seen in polyarticular JIA patients who are not treated with TNF blockers. Upon initiation of treatment, the most common adverse reactions occurring in this patient population treated with adalimumab were injection site pain and injection site reaction (19% and 16%, respectively). A less commonly reported adverse event in patients receiving adalimumab was granuloma annulare which did not lead to discontinuation of adalimumab treatment.
In the first 48 weeks of treatment in Study JIA-I, non-serious hypersensitivity reactions were seen in approximately 6% of patients and included primarily localized allergic hypersensitivity reactions and allergic rash.
In Study JIA-I, 10% of patients treated with adalimumab who had negative baseline anti-dsDNA antibodies developed positive titers after 48 weeks of treatment. No patient developed clinical signs of autoimmunity during the clinical trial.
Approximately 15% of patients treated with adalimumab developed mild-to-moderate elevations of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in Study JIA-I. Elevations exceeding 5 times the upper limit of normal were observed in several patients. CPK levels decreased or returned to normal in all patients. Most patients were able to continue adalimumab without interruption.
Adalimumab has been studied in 395 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in two placebo-controlled trials and in an open label study and in 393 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in two placebo-controlled studies. The safety profile for patients with PsA and AS treated with adalimumab 40 mg every other week was similar to the safety profile seen in patients with RA, adalimumab Studies RA-I through IV.
Adalimumab has been studied in 1478 adult patients with Crohn's disease (CD) in four placebo-controlled and two open-label extension studies. The safety profile for adult patients with CD treated with adalimumab was similar to the safety profile seen in patients with RA.
Adalimumab has been studied in 1010 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in two placebo-controlled studies and one open-label extension study. The safety profile for patients with UC treated with adalimumab was similar to the safety profile seen in patients with RA.
Adalimumab has been studied in 1696 subjects with plaque psoriasis (Ps) in placebo-controlled and open-label extension studies. The safety profile for subjects with Ps treated with adalimumab was similar to the safety profile seen in subjects with RA with the following exceptions. In the placebo-controlled portions of the clinical trials in Ps subjects, adalimumab-treated subjects had a higher incidence of arthralgia when compared to controls (3% vs. 1%).
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of adalimumab products. 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 adalimumab products exposure.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Diverticulitis, large bowel perforations including perforations associated with diverticulitis and appendiceal perforations associated with appendicitis, pancreatitis
General disorders and administration site conditions: Pyrexia
Hepato-biliary disorders: Liver failure, hepatitis
Immune system disorders: Sarcoidosis
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps): Merkel Cell Carcinoma (neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin)
Nervous system disorders: Demyelinating disorders (e.g., optic neuritis, Guillain-Barré syndrome), cerebrovascular accident
Respiratory disorders: Interstitial lung disease, including pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary embolism
Skin reactions: Stevens Johnson Syndrome, cutaneous vasculitis, erythema multiforme, new or worsening psoriasis (all sub-types including pustular and palmoplantar), alopecia
Vascular disorders: Systemic vasculitis, deep vein thrombosis
Adalimumab products have been studied in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients taking concomitant methotrexate (MTX). Although MTX reduced the apparent clearance of adalimumab products , the data do not suggest the need for dose adjustment of either AMJEVITA or MTX [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
In clinical studies in patients with RA with adalimumab, an increased risk of serious infections has been seen with the combination of TNF blockers with anakinra or abatacept, with no added benefit; therefore, use of AMJEVITA with abatacept or anakinra is not recommended in patients with RA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. A higher rate of serious infections has also been observed in patients with RA treated with rituximab who received subsequent treatment with a TNF blocker. There is insufficient information regarding the concomitant use of AMJEVITA and other biologic products for the treatment of RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, and Ps. Concomitant administration of AMJEVITA with other biologic DMARDs (e.g., anakinra and abatacept) or other TNF blockers is not recommended based upon the possible increased risk for infections and other potential pharmacological interactions.
Avoid the use of live vaccines with AMJEVITA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The formation of CYP450 enzymes may be suppressed by increased levels of cytokines (e.g., TNFα, IL-6) during chronic inflammation. It is possible for products that antagonize cytokine activity, such as adalimumab products, to influence the formation of CYP450 enzymes. Upon initiation or discontinuation of AMJEVITA in patients being treated with CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, monitoring of the effect (e.g., warfarin) or drug concentration (e.g., cyclosporine or theophylline) is recommended and the individual dose of the drug product may be adjusted as needed.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Patients treated with AMJEVITA are at increased risk for developing serious infections involving various organ systems and sites that may lead to hospitalization or death [see BOXED WARNING]. Opportunistic infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, parasitic, or other opportunistic pathogens including aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, legionellosis, listeriosis, pneumocystosis and tuberculosis have been reported with TNF blockers. Patients have frequently presented with disseminated rather than localized disease.
The concomitant use of a TNF blocker and abatacept or anakinra was associated with a higher risk of serious infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); therefore, the concomitant use of AMJEVITA and these biologic products is not recommended in the treatment of patients with RA [see Use with Anakinra, Use with Abatacept and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Treatment with AMJEVITA should not be initiated in patients with an active infection, including localized infections. Patients greater than 65 years of age, patients with co-morbid conditions and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressants (such as corticosteroids or methotrexate), may be at greater risk of infection. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment prior to initiating therapy in patients:
Cases of reactivation of tuberculosis and new onset tuberculosis infections have been reported in patients receiving AMJEVITA, including patients who have previously received treatment for latent or active tuberculosis. Reports included cases of pulmonary and extrapulmonary (i.e., disseminated) tuberculosis. Evaluate patients for tuberculosis risk factors and test for latent infection prior to initiating AMJEVITA and periodically during therapy.
Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection prior to therapy with TNF blocking agents has been shown to reduce the risk of tuberculosis reactivation during therapy. Prior to initiating AMJEVITA, assess if treatment for latent tuberculosis is needed; and consider an induration of ≥ 5 mm a positive tuberculin skin test result, even for patients previously vaccinated with Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG).
Consider anti-tuberculosis therapy prior to initiation of AMJEVITA in patients with a past history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent tuberculosis but having risk factors for tuberculosis infection. Despite prophylactic treatment for tuberculosis, cases of reactivated tuberculosis have occurred in patients treated with adalimumab products. Consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of tuberculosis is recommended to aid in the decision whether initiating anti-tuberculosis therapy is appropriate for an individual patient.
Strongly consider tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis in patients who develop a new infection during AMJEVITA treatment, especially in patients who have previously or recently traveled to countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, or who have had close contact with a person with active tuberculosis.
Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with AMJEVITA, including the development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy. Tests for latent tuberculosis infection may also be falsely negative while on therapy with AMJEVITA.
Discontinue AMJEVITA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis. For a patient who develops a new infection during treatment with AMJEVITA, closely monitor them, perform a prompt and complete diagnostic workup appropriate for an immunocompromised patient, and initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
If patients develop a serious systemic illness and they reside or travel in regions where mycoses are endemic, consider invasive fungal infection in the differential diagnosis. Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection. Consider appropriate empiric antifungal therapy, taking into account both the risk for severe fungal infection and the risks of antifungal therapy, while a diagnostic workup is being performed. To aid in the management of such patients, consider consultation with a physician with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal infections.
Consider the risks and benefits of TNF-blocker treatment including AMJEVITA prior to initiating therapy in patients with a known malignancy other than a successfully treated non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) or when considering continuing a TNF blocker in patients who develop a malignancy.
In the controlled portions of clinical trials of some TNF-blockers, including adalimumab products, more cases of malignancies have been observed among TNF-blocker-treated adult patients compared to control-treated adult patients. During the controlled portions of 34 global adalimumab clinical trials in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) and plaque psoriasis (Ps), malignancies, other than non-melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell) skin cancer, were observed at a rate (95% confidence interval) of 0.6 (0.38, 0.91) per 100 patient years among 7304 adalimumab-treated patients versus a rate of 0.6 (0.30, 1.03) per 100 patient years among 4232 control-treated patients (median duration of treatment of 4 months for adalimumab-treated patients and 4 months for control-treated patients). In 47 global controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials of adalimumab in adult patients with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, and Ps, the most frequently observed malignancies, other than lymphoma and NMSC, were breast, colon, prostate, lung, and melanoma. The malignancies in adalimumab-treated patients in the controlled and uncontrolled portions of the studies were similar in type and number to what would be expected in the general U.S. population according to the SEER database (adjusted for age, gender, and race).1
In controlled trials of other TNF blockers in adult patients at higher risk for malignancies (i.e., patients with COPD with a significant smoking history and cyclophosphamide-treated patients with Wegener’s granulomatosis), a greater portion of malignancies occurred in the TNF blocker group compared to the control group.
During the controlled portions of 34 global adalimumab clinical trials in adult patients with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, and Ps, the rate (95% confidence interval) of NMSC was 0.7 (0.49, 1.08) per 100 patient-years among adalimumab-treated patients and 0.2 (0.08, 0.59) per 100 patient-years among control-treated patients. Examine all patients, and in particular patients with a medical history of prior prolonged immunosuppressant therapy or psoriasis patients with a history of PUVA treatment for the presence of NMSC prior to and during treatment with AMJEVITA.
In the controlled portions of clinical trials of all the TNF-blockers in adults, more cases of lymphoma have been observed among TNF-blocker-treated patients compared to control-treated patients. In the controlled portions of 34 global adalimumab clinical trials in adult patients with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC and Ps, 3 lymphomas occurred among 7304 adalimumab treated patients versus 1 among 4232 control-treated patients. In 47 global controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials of adalimumab in adult patients with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC and Ps with a median duration of approximately 0.6 years, including 23,036 patients and over 34,000 patient-years of adalimumab, the observed rate of lymphomas was approximately 0.11 per 100 patient-years. This is approximately 3-fold higher than expected in the general U.S. population according to the SEER database (adjusted for age, gender, and race).1 Rates of lymphoma in clinical trials of adalimumab cannot be compared to rates of lymphoma in clinical trials of other TNF blockers and may not predict the rates observed in a broader patient population. Patients with RA and other chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly those with highly active disease and/or chronic exposure to immunosuppressant therapies, may be at a higher risk (up to several fold) than the general population for the development of lymphoma, even in the absence of TNF blockers. Post-marketing cases of acute and chronic leukemia have been reported in association with TNF-blocker use in RA and other indications. Even in the absence of TNF-blocker therapy, patients with RA may be at a higher risk (approximately 2-fold) than the general population for the development of leukemia.
Malignancies, some fatal, have been reported among children, adolescents, and young adults who received treatment with TNF-blockers (initiation of therapy ≤ 18 years of age), of which AMJEVITA is a member [see BOXED WARNING]. Approximately half the cases were lymphomas, including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The other cases represented a variety of different malignancies and included rare malignancies usually associated with immunosuppression and malignancies that are not usually observed in children and adolescents. The malignancies occurred after a median of 30 months of therapy (range 1 to 84 months). Most of the patients were receiving concomitant immunosuppressants. These cases were reported post-marketing and are derived from a variety of sources including registries and spontaneous postmarketing reports.
Postmarketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers including adalimumab products [see BOXED WARNING]. These cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal. The majority of reported TNF blocker cases have occurred in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and the majority were in adolescent and young adult males. Almost all of these patients had received treatment with the immunosuppressants azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (6–MP) concomitantly with a TNF blocker at or prior to diagnosis. It is uncertain whether the occurrence of HSTCL is related to use of a TNF blocker or a TNF blocker in combination with these other immunosuppressants. The potential risk with the combination of azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine and AMJEVITA should be carefully considered.
Anaphylaxis and angioneurotic edema have been reported following administration of adalimumab products. If an anaphylactic or other serious allergic reaction occurs, immediately discontinue administration of AMJEVITA and institute appropriate therapy. In clinical trials of adalimumab products in adults, allergic reactions (e.g., allergic rash, anaphylactoid reaction, fixed drug reaction, non-specified drug reaction, urticaria) have been observed.
Use of TNF blockers, including AMJEVITA, may increase the risk of reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers of this virus. In some instances, HBV reactivation occurring in conjunction with TNF blocker therapy has been fatal. The majority of these reports have occurred in patients concomitantly receiving other medications that suppress the immune system, which may also contribute to HBV reactivation. Evaluate patients at risk for HBV infection for prior evidence of HBV infection before initiating TNF blocker therapy. Exercise caution in prescribing TNF blockers for patients identified as carriers of HBV. Adequate data are not available on the safety or efficacy of treating patients who are carriers of HBV with anti-viral therapy in conjunction with TNF blocker therapy to prevent HBV reactivation. For patients who are carriers of HBV and require treatment with TNF blockers, closely monitor such patients for clinical and laboratory signs of active HBV infection throughout therapy and for several months following termination of therapy. In patients who develop HBV reactivation, stop AMJEVITA and initiate effective anti-viral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment. The safety of resuming TNF blocker therapy after HBV reactivation is controlled is not known. Therefore, exercise caution when considering resumption of AMJEVITA therapy in this situation and monitor patients closely.
Use of TNF blocking agents, including adalimumab products, has been associated with rare cases of new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of central nervous system demyelinating disease, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and optic neuritis, and peripheral demyelinating disease, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. Exercise caution in considering the use of AMJEVITA in patients with preexisting or recent-onset central or peripheral nervous system demyelinating disorders, discontinuation of AMJEVITA should be considered if any of these disorders develop.
Rare reports of pancytopenia including aplastic anemia have been reported with TNF blocking agents. Adverse reactions of the hematologic system, including medically significant cytopenia (e.g., thrombocytopenia, leukopenia) have been infrequently reported with adalimumab products. The causal relationship of these reports to adalimumab products remains unclear. Advise all patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias or infection (e.g., persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on AMJEVITA. Consider discontinuation of AMJEVITA therapy in patients with confirmed significant hematologic abnormalities.
Concurrent use of anakinra (an interleukin-1 antagonist) and another TNF-blocker, was associated with a greater proportion of serious infections and neutropenia and no added benefit compared with the TNF-blocker alone in patients with RA. Therefore, the combination of AMJEVITA and anakinra is not recommended [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Cases of worsening congestive heart failure (CHF) and new onset CHF have been reported with TNF blockers. Cases of worsening CHF have also been observed with adalimumab products. Adalimumab products have not been formally studied in patients with CHF; however, in clinical trials of another TNF blocker, a higher rate of serious CHF-related adverse reactions was observed. Exercise caution when using AMJEVITA in patients who have heart failure and monitor them carefully.
Treatment with adalimumab products may result in the formation of autoantibodies and, rarely, in the development of a lupus-like syndrome. If a patient develops symptoms suggestive of a lupus-like syndrome following treatment with AMJEVITA, discontinue treatment [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
In a placebo-controlled clinical trial of patients with RA, no difference was detected in anti-pneumococcal antibody response between adalimumab and placebo treatment groups when the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine and influenza vaccine were administered concurrently with adalimumab. Similar proportions of patients developed protective levels of anti-influenza antibodies between adalimumab and placebo treatment groups; however, titers in aggregate to influenza antigens were moderately lower in patients receiving adalimumab. The clinical significance of this is unknown. Patients on AMJEVITA may receive concurrent vaccinations, except for live vaccines. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving adalimumab products.
It is recommended that pediatric patients, if possible, be brought up to date with all immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines prior to initiating AMJEVITA therapy. Patients on AMJEVITA may receive concurrent vaccinations, except for live vaccines.
The safety of administering live or live-attenuated vaccines in infants exposed to adalimumab products in utero is unknown. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to vaccinating (live or live-attenuated) exposed infants [see Use In Specific Populations].
In controlled trials, the concurrent administration of TNF-blockers and abatacept was associated with a greater proportion of serious infections than the use of a TNF-blocker alone; the combination therapy, compared to the use of a TNF-blocker alone, has not demonstrated improved clinical benefit in the treatment of RA. Therefore, the combination of abatacept with TNF-blockers including AMJEVITA is not recommended [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
REFERENCES
1.National Cancer Institute. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database(SEER) Program. SEER Incidence Crude Rates, 17 Registries, 2000-2007.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use).
Provide the AMJEVITA “Medication Guide” to patients or their caregivers, and provide them an opportunity to read it and ask questions prior to initiation of therapy and prior to each time the prescription is renewed. If patients develop signs and symptoms of infection, instruct them to seek medical evaluation immediately.
Advise patients of the potential benefits and risks of AMJEVITA.
Inform patients that the first injection is to be performed under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. If a patient or caregiver is to administer AMJEVITA, instruct them in injection techniques and assess their ability to inject subcutaneously to ensure the proper administration of AMJEVITA [see Instructions for Use].
Instruct patients to dispose of their used needles and syringes or used prefilled autoinjector in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container immediately after use. Instruct patients not to dispose of loose needles and syringes or prefilled autoinjector in their household trash. Instruct patients that if they do not have a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, they may use a household container that is made of a heavy-duty plastic, can be closed with a tight-fitting and puncture-resistant lid without sharps being able to come out, upright and stable during use, leak-resistant, and properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container.
Instruct patients that when their sharps disposal container is almost full, they will need to follow their community guidelines for the correct way to dispose of their sharps disposal container. Instruct patients that there may be state or local laws regarding disposal of used needles and syringes. Refer patients to the FDA’s website at http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal for more information about safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the state that they live in.
Instruct patients not to dispose of their used sharps disposal container in their household trash unless their community guidelines permit this. Instruct patients not to recycle their used sharps disposal container.
Long-term animal studies of adalimumab products have not been conducted to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or its effect on fertility.
Limited clinical data are available from a Pregnancy Registry conducted with adalimumab. Excluding lost-to follow-up, data from the registry reports a rate of 5.6% for major birth defects with first trimester use of adalimumab in pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and a rate of 7.8% and 5.5% for major birth defects in the disease-matched and non-diseased comparison groups [see Data]. Adalimumab is actively transferred across the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy and may affect immune response in the in-utero exposed infant [see Clinical Considerations]. In an embryo-fetal perinatal development study conducted in cynomolgus monkeys, no fetal harm or malformations were observed with intravenous administration of adalimumab during organogenesis and later in gestation, at doses that produced exposures up to approximately 373 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 40 mg subcutaneous without methotrexate [see Data].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and miscarriage is 15-20%, respectively.
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Monoclonal antibodies are increasingly transported across the placenta as pregnancy progresses, with the largest amount transferred during the third trimester [see Data]. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to administering live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants exposed to adalimumab products in utero [see Use In Specific Populations].
Human Data
In a prospective cohort pregnancy exposure registry conducted in the U.S. and Canada between 2004 and 2013, 74 women with RA treated with adalimumab at least during the first trimester, 80 women with RA not treated with adalimumab and 218 women without RA (non-diseased) were enrolled. Excluding lost-to-follow-up, the rate of major defects in the adalimumab-exposed pregnancies (N = 72), disease-matched (N = 77), and non-diseased comparison groups (N = 201) was 5.6%, 7.8% and 5.5%, respectively. However, this study cannot definitely establish the absence of any risk because of methodological limitations, including small sample size and nonrandomized study design. Data from the Crohn’s disease portion of the study is in the follow-up phase and the analysis is ongoing.
In an independent clinical study conducted in ten pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease treated with adalimumab, adalimumab concentrations were measured in maternal serum as well as in cord blood (n = 10) and infant serum (n = 8) on the day of birth. The last dose of adalimumab was given between 1 and 56 days prior to delivery. Adalimumab concentrations were 0.16-19.7 μg/mL in cord blood, 4.28-17.7 μg/mL in infant serum, and 0-16.1 μg/mL in maternal serum. In all but one case, the cord blood level of adalimumab was higher than the maternal serum level, suggesting adalimumab actively crosses the placenta. In addition, one infant had serum levels at each of the following: 6 weeks (1.94 μg/mL), 7 weeks (1.31 μg/mL), 8 weeks (0.93 μg/mL), and 11 weeks (0.53 μg/mL), suggesting adalimumab can be detected in the serum of infants exposed in utero for at least 3 months from birth.
Animal Data
In an embryo-fetal perinatal development study, pregnant cynomolgus monkeys received adalimumab from gestation days 20 to 97 at doses that produced exposures up to 373 times that achieved with the MRHD without methotrexate (on an AUC basis with maternal IV doses up to 100 mg/kg/week). Adalimumab did not elicit harm to the fetuses or malformations.
Limited data from case reports in the published literature describe the presence of adalimumab in human milk at infant doses of 0.1% to 1% of the maternal serum level. There are no reports of adverse effects of adalimumab products on the breastfed infant and no effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for AMJEVITA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from AMJEVITA or from the underlying maternal condition.
Safety and efficacy of AMJEVITA in pediatric patients for uses other than polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have not been established. Due to its inhibition of TNFα, adalimumab products administered during pregnancy could affect immune response in the in utero-exposed newborn and infant. Data from eight infants exposed to adalimumab in utero suggest adalimumab crosses the placenta [see Use In Specific Populations]. The clinical significance of elevated adalimumab levels in infants is unknown. The safety of administering live or live-attenuated vaccines in exposed infants is unknown. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to vaccinating (live or live-attenuated) exposed infants.
Post-marketing cases of lymphoma, including hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported among children, adolescents, and young adults who received treatment with TNF-blockers including adalimumab products [see BOXED WARNING and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In Study JIA-I, adalimumab was shown to reduce signs and symptoms of active polyarticular JIA in patients 4 to 17 years of age [see Clinical Studies]. Adalimumab products have not been studied in patients with polyarticular JIA less than 2 years of age or in patients with a weight below 10 kg.
The safety of adalimumab in patients in the polyarticular JIA trials was generally similar to that observed in adults with certain exceptions [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
A total of 519 RA patients 65 years of age and older, including 107 patients 75 years of age and older, received adalimumab in clinical studies RA-I through IV. No overall difference in effectiveness was observed between these patients and younger patients. The frequency of serious infection and malignancy among adalimumab treated patients over 65 years of age was higher than for those under 65 years of age. Because there is a higher incidence of infections and malignancies in the elderly population, use caution when treating the elderly.
Doses up to 10 mg/kg have been administered to patients in clinical trials without evidence of dose-limiting toxicities. In case of overdosage, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for any signs or symptoms of adverse reactions or effects and appropriate symptomatic treatment instituted immediately.
None.
Adalimumab products bind specifically to TNF-alpha and block its interaction with the p55 and p75 cell surface TNF receptors. Adalimumab products also lyse surface TNF expressing cells in vitro in the presence of complement. Adalimumab products do not bind or inactivate lymphotoxin (TNF-beta). TNF is a naturally occurring cytokine that is involved in normal inflammatory and immune responses. Elevated levels of TNF are found in the synovial fluid of patients with RA, JIA, PsA, and AS and play an important role in both the pathologic inflammation and the joint destruction that are hallmarks of these diseases. Increased levels of TNF are also found in psoriasis plaques. In Ps, treatment with AMJEVITA may reduce the epidermal thickness and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The relationship between these pharmacodynamic activities and the mechanism(s) by which adalimumab products exert their clinical effects is unknown.
Adalimumab products also modulate biological responses that are induced or regulated by TNF, including changes in the levels of adhesion molecules responsible for leukocyte migration (ELAM-1, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 with an IC50 of 1-2 X 10-10M).
After treatment with adalimumab, a decrease in levels of acute phase reactants of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) and serum cytokines (IL-6) was observed compared to baseline in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A decrease in CRP levels was also observed in patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-3) that produce tissue remodeling responsible for cartilage destruction were also decreased after adalimumab administration.
The maximum serum concentration (Cmax) and the time to reach the maximum concentration (Tmax) with adalimumab treatment were 4.7 ± 1.6 μg/mL and 131 ± 56 hours respectively, following a single 40 mg subcutaneous administration of adalimumab to healthy adult subjects. The average absolute bioavailability of adalimumab estimated from three studies following a single 40 mg subcutaneous dose was 64%. The pharmacokinetics of adalimumab were linear over the dose range of 0.5 to 10.0 mg/kg following a single intravenous dose.
The single dose pharmacokinetics of adalimumab in RA patients were determined in several studies with intravenous doses ranging from 0.25 to 10 mg/kg. The distribution volume (Vss) ranged from 4.7 to 6.0 L. The systemic clearance of adalimumab is approximately 12 mL/hr. The mean terminal half-life was approximately 2 weeks, ranging from 10 to 20 days across studies. Adalimumab concentrations in the synovial fluid from five rheumatoid arthritis patients ranged from 31 to 96% of those in serum.
In RA patients receiving 40 mg adalimumab every other week, adalimumab mean steady-state trough concentrations of approximately 5 μg/mL and 8 to 9 μg/mL, were observed without and with methotrexate (MTX), respectively. MTX reduced adalimumab apparent clearance after single and multiple dosing by 29% and 44% respectively, in patients with RA. Mean serum adalimumab trough levels at steady state increased approximately proportionally with dose following 20, 40, and 80 mg every other week and every week subcutaneous dosing. In long-term studies with dosing more than two years, there was no evidence of changes in clearance over time.
Adalimumab mean steady-state trough concentrations were slightly higher in psoriatic arthritis patients treated with 40 mg adalimumab every other week (6 to 10 μg/mL and 8.5 to 12 μg/mL, without and with MTX, respectively) compared to the concentrations in RA patients treated with the same dose.
The pharmacokinetics of adalimumab in patients with AS were similar to those in patients with RA.
In patients with CD, the loading dose of 160 mg adalimumab on Week 0 followed by 80 mg adalimumab on Week 2 achieves mean serum adalimumab trough levels of approximately 12 μg/mL at Week 2 and Week 4. Mean steady-state trough levels of approximately 7 μg/mL were observed at Week 24 and Week 56 in CD patients after receiving a maintenance dose of 40 mg adalimumab every other week.
In patients with UC, the loading dose of 160 mg adalimumab on Week 0 followed by 80 mg adalimumab on Week 2 achieves mean serum adalimumab trough levels of approximately 12 μg/mL at Week 2 and Week 4. Mean steady-state trough level of approximately 8 μg/mL was observed at Week 52 in UC patients after receiving a dose of 40 mg adalimumab every other week, and approximately 15 μg/mL at Week 52 in UC patients who increased to a dose of 40 mg adalimumab every week.
In patients with Ps, the mean steady-state trough concentration was approximately 5 to 6 μg/mL during adalimumab 40 mg every other week monotherapy treatment.
Population pharmacokinetic analyses in patients with RA revealed that there was a trend toward higher apparent clearance of adalimumab in the presence of anti-adalimumab antibodies, and lower clearance with increasing age in patients aged 40 to > 75 years.
Minor increases in apparent clearance were also predicted in RA patients receiving doses lower than the recommended dose and in RA patients with high rheumatoid factor or CRP concentrations. These increases are not likely to be clinically important.
No gender-related pharmacokinetic differences were observed after correction for a patient’s body weight.
Healthy volunteers and patients with rheumatoid arthritis displayed similar adalimumab pharmacokinetics.
No pharmacokinetic data are available in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.
In Study JIA-I for patients with polyarticular JIA who were 4 to 17 years of age, the mean steady-state trough serum adalimumab concentrations for patients weighing < 30 kg receiving 20 mg adalimumab subcutaneously every other week as monotherapy or with concomitant MTX were 6.8 μg/mL and 10.9 μg/mL, respectively. The mean steady-state trough serum adalimumab concentrations for patients weighing ≥ 30 kg receiving 40 mg adalimumab subcutaneously every other week as monotherapy or with concomitant MTX were 6.6 μg/mL and 8.1 μg/mL, respectively.
The efficacy and safety of adalimumab were assessed in five randomized, double-blind studies in patients ≥ 18 years of age with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Patients had at least 6 swollen and 9 tender joints. Adalimumab was administered subcutaneously in combination with methotrexate (MTX) (12.5 to 25 mg, Studies RA-I, RA-III and RA-V) or as monotherapy (Studies RA-II and RA-V) or with other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (Study RA-IV).
Study RA-I evaluated 271 patients who had failed therapy with at least one but no more than four DMARDs and had inadequate response to MTX. Doses of 20, 40 or 80 mg of adalimumab or placebo were given every other week for 24 weeks.
Study RA-II evaluated 544 patients who had failed therapy with at least one DMARD. Doses of placebo, 20 or 40 mg of adalimumab were given as monotherapy every other week or weekly for 26 weeks.
Study RA-III evaluated 619 patients who had an inadequate response to MTX. Patients received placebo, 40 mg of adalimumab every other week with placebo injections on alternate weeks, or 20 mg of adalimumab weekly for up to 52 weeks. Study RA-III had an additional primary endpoint at 52 weeks of inhibition of disease progression (as detected by X-ray results). Upon completion of the first 52 weeks, 457 patients enrolled in an open-label extension phase in which 40 mg of adalimumab was administered every other week for up to 5 years.
Study RA-IV assessed safety in 636 patients who were either DMARD-naive or were permitted to remain on their pre-existing rheumatologic therapy provided that therapy was stable for a minimum of 28 days. Patients were randomized to 40 mg of adalimumab or placebo every other week for 24 weeks.
Study RA-V evaluated 799 patients with moderately to severely active RA of less than 3 years duration who were ≥ 18 years old and MTX naïve. Patients were randomized to receive either MTX (optimized to 20 mg/week by week 8), adalimumab 40 mg every other week or adalimumab/MTX combination therapy for 104 weeks. Patients were evaluated for signs and symptoms, and for radiographic progression of joint damage. The median disease duration among patients enrolled in the study was 5 months. The median MTX dose achieved was 20 mg.
The percent of adalimumab treated patients achieving ACR 20, 50 and 70 responses in Studies RA-II and III are shown in Table 2.
Table 2: ACR Responses in Studies RA-II and RA-III
(Percent of Patients)
| Response | Study RA-II Monotherapy (26 weeks) | Study RA-III Methotrexate Combination (24 and 52 weeks) | |||
| Placebo | Adalimumab 40 mg every other week | Adalimumab 40 mg weekly | Placebo/ MTX | Adalimumab/ MTX 40 mg every other week | |
| N = 110 | N = 113 | N = 103 | N = 200 | N = 207 | |
| ACR20 | |||||
| Month 6 | 19% | 46%* | 53%* | 30% | 63%* |
| Month 12 | NA | NA | NA | 24% | 59%* |
| ACR50 | |||||
| Month 6 | 8% | 22%* | 35%* | 10% | 39%* |
| Month 12 | NA | NA | NA | 10% | 42%* |
| ACR70 | |||||
| Month 6 | 2% | 12%* | 18%* | 3% | 21%* |
| Month 12 | NA | NA | NA | 5% | 23%* |
| * p < 0.01, adalimumab vs. placebo | |||||
The results of Study RA-I were similar to Study RA-III; patients receiving adalimumab 40 mg every other week in Study RA-I also achieved ACR 20, 50 and 70 response rates of 65%, 52% and 24%, respectively, compared to placebo responses of 13%, 7% and 3% respectively, at 6 months (p < 0.01).
The results of the components of the ACR response criteria for Studies RA-II and RA-III are shown in Table 3. ACR response rates and improvement in all components of ACR response were maintained to week 104. Over the 2 years in Study RA-III, 20% of adalimumab patients receiving 40 mg every other week achieved a major clinical response, defined as maintenance of an ACR 70 response over a 6-month period. ACR responses were maintained in similar proportions of patients for up to 5 years with continuous adalimumab treatment in the open-label portion of Study RA-III.
Table 3: Components of ACR Response in Studies RA-II
and RA-III
| Parameter (median) | Study RA-II | Study RA-III | ||||||
| Placebo N = 110 |
Adalimumaba N = 113 |
Placebo/MTX N = 200 |
Adalimumaba/MTX N = 207 |
|||||
| Baseline | Wk 26 | Baseline | Wk 26 | Baseline | Wk 24 | Baseline | Wk 24 | |
| Number of tender joints (0-68) | 35 | 26 | 31 | 16* | 26 | 15 | 24 | 8* |
| Number of swollen joints (0-66) | 19 | 16 | 18 | 10* | 17 | 11 | 18 | 5* |
| Physician global assessmentb | 7.0 | 6.1 | 6.6 | 3.7* | 6.3 | 3.5 | 6.5 | 2.0* |
| Patient global assessmentb | 7.5 | 6.3 | 7.5 | 4.5* | 5.4 | 3.9 | 5.2 | 2.0* |
| Painb | 7.3 | 6.1 | 7.3 | 4.1* | 6.0 | 3.8 | 5.8 | 2.1* |
| Disability index (HAQ)c | 2.0 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.5* | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 0.8* |
| CRP (mg/dL) | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 1.8* | 1.0 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.4* |
| a 40 mg adalimumab administered every other
week b Visual analogue scale; 0 = best, 10 = worst c Disability Index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire; 0 = best, 3 = worst, measures the patient’s ability to perform the following: dress/groom, arise, eat, walk, reach, grip, maintain hygiene, and maintain daily activity * p < 0.001, adalimumab vs. placebo, based on mean change from baseline |
||||||||
The time course of ACR 20 response for Study RA-III is shown in Figure 1.
In Study RA-III, 85% of patients with ACR 20 responses at week 24 maintained the response at 52 weeks. The time course of ACR 20 response for Study RA-I and Study RA-II were similar.
Figure 1: Study RA-III ACR 20 Responses over 52 Weeks
 |
In Study RA-IV, 53% of patients treated with adalimumab 40 mg every other week plus standard of care had an ACR 20 response at week 24 compared to 35% on placebo plus standard of care (p < 0.001). No unique adverse reactions related to the combination of adalimumab (adalimumab) and other DMARDs were observed.
In Study RA-V with MTX naïve patients with recent onset RA, the combination treatment with adalimumab plus MTX led to greater percentages of patients achieving ACR responses than either.
MTX monotherapy or adalimumab monotherapy at Week 52 and responses were sustained at Week 104 (see Table 4).
Table 4: ACR Response in Study RA-V (Percent of
Patients)
| Response | MTXb N = 257 |
Adalimumabc N = 274 |
Adalimumab/MTX N = 268 |
| ACR20 | |||
| Week 52 | 63% | 54% | 73% |
| Week 104 | 56% | 49% | 69% |
| ACR50 | |||
| Week 52 | 46% | 41% | 62% |
| Week 104 | 43% | 37% | 59% |
| ACR70 | |||
| Week 52 | 27% | 26% | 46% |
| Week 104 | 28% | 28% | 47% |
| Major Clinical Response a | 28% | 25% | 49% |
| a Major clinical response is defined as
achieving an ACR 70 response for a continuous six month period b p < 0.05, Adalimumab/MTX vs. MTX for ACR 20 p < 0.001, Adalimumab/MTX vs. MTX for ACR 50 and 70, and Major Clinical Response c p < 0.001, Adalimumab/MTX vs. Adalimumab |
|||
At Week 52, all individual components of the ACR response criteria for Study RA-V improved in the adalimumab/MTX group and improvements were maintained to Week 104.
In Study RA-III, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change in Total Sharp Score (TSS) and its components, the erosion score and Joint Space Narrowing (JSN) score, at month 12 compared to baseline. At baseline, the median TSS was approximately 55 in the placebo and 40 mg every other week groups. The results are shown in Table 5. Adalimumab/MTX treated patients demonstrated less radiographic progression than patients receiving MTX alone at 52 weeks.
Table 5: Radiographic Mean Changes Over 12 Months in
Study RA-III
| Placebo/ MTX | Adalimumab/ MTX 40 mg every other week | Placebo/MTX-Adalimumab/MTX (95% Confidence Interval*) | P-value** | |
| Total Sharp score | 2.7 | 0.1 | 2.6 (1.4, 3.8) | < 0.001 |
| Erosion score | 1.6 | 0.0 | 1.6 (0.9, 2.2) | < 0.001 |
| JSN score | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.9 (0.3, 1.4) | 0.002 |
| * 95% confidence intervals for the differences in change
scores between MTX and adalimumab. ** Based on rank analysis |
||||
In the open-label extension of Study RA-III, 77% of the original patients treated with any dose of adalimumab were evaluated radiographically at 2 years. Patients maintained inhibition of structural damage, as measured by the TSS. Fifty-four percent had no progression of structural damage as defined by a change in the TSS of zero or less. Fifty-five percent (55%) of patients originally treated with 40 mg adalimumab every other week have been evaluated radiographically at 5 years. Patients had continued inhibition of structural damage with 50% showing no progression of structural damage defined by a change in the TSS of zero or less.
In Study RA-V, structural joint damage was assessed as in Study RA-III. Greater inhibition of radiographic progression, as assessed by changes in TSS, erosion score and JSN was observed in the adalimumab/MTX combination group as compared to either the MTX or adalimumab monotherapy group at Week 52 as well as at Week 104 (see Table 6).
Table 6: Radiographic Mean Change* in Study RA-V
| MTXa N = 257 |
Adalimumaba,b N = 274 |
Adalimumab/MTX N = 268 |
||
| 52 Weeks | Total Sharp score | 5.7 (4.2, 7.3) | 3.0 (1.7, 4.3) | 1.3 (0.5, 2.1) |
| Erosion score | 3.7 (2.7, 4.8) | 1.7 (1.0, 2.4) | 0.8 (0.4, 1.2) | |
| JSN score | 2.0 (1.2, 2.8) | 1.3 (0.5, 2.1) | 0.5 (0.0, 1.0) | |
| 104 Weeks | Total Sharp score | 10.4 (7.7, 13.2) | 5.5 (3.6, 7.4) | 1.9 (0.9, 2.9) |
| Erosion score | 6.4 (4.6, 8.2) | 3.0 (2.0, 4.0) | 1.0 (0.4, 1.6) | |
| JSN score | 4.1 (2.7, 5.4) | 2.6 (1.5, 3.7) | 0.9 (0.3, 1.5) | |
| * mean (95% confidence interval) a p < 0.001, adalimumab/MTX vs. MTX at 52 and 104 weeks and for adalimumab /MTX vs. adalimumab at 104 weeks b p < 0.01, for adalimumab/MTX vs. adalimumab at 52 weeks |
||||
In studies RA-I through IV, adalimumab showed significantly greater improvement than placebo in the disability index of Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-DI) from baseline to the end of study, and significantly greater improvement than placebo in the health-outcomes as assessed by The Short Form Health Survey (SF 36). Improvement was seen in both the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and the Mental Component Summary (MCS).
In Study RA-III, the mean (95% CI) improvement in HAQ-DI from baseline at week 52 was 0.60 (0.55, 0.65) for the adalimumab patients and 0.25 (0.17, 0.33) for placebo/MTX (p < 0.001) patients. Sixty-three percent of adalimumab-treated patients achieved a 0.5 or greater improvement in HAQ-DI at week 52 in the double-blind portion of the study. Eighty-two percent of these patients maintained that improvement through week 104 and a similar proportion of patients maintained this response through week 260 (5 years) of open-label treatment. Mean improvement in the SF-36 was maintained through the end of measurement at week 156 (3 years).
In Study RA-V, the HAQ-DI and the physical component of the SF-36 showed greater improvement (p < 0.001) for the adalimumab/MTX combination therapy group versus either the MTX monotherapy or the adalimumab monotherapy group at Week 52, which was maintained through Week 104.
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab was assessed in Study JIA-I in patients with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in a multicenter, randomized, withdrawal, double-blind, parallel-group study in 171 patients who were 4 to 17 years of age with polyarticular JIA. In the study, the patients were stratified into two groups: MTX-treated or non-MTX-treated. All patients had to show signs of active moderate or severe disease despite previous treatment with NSAIDs, analgesics, corticosteroids, or DMARDs. Patients who received prior treatment with any biologic DMARDs were excluded from the study.
The study included four phases: an open-label lead in phase (OL-LI; 16 weeks), a double-blind randomized withdrawal phase (DB; 32 weeks), an open-label extension phase (OLE-BSA; up to 136 weeks), and an open-label fixed dose phase (OLE-FD; 16 weeks). In the first three phases of the study, adalimumab was administered based on body surface area at a dose of 24 mg/m² up to a maximum total body dose of 40 mg subcutaneously (SC) every other week. In the OLE-FD phase, the patients were treated with 20 mg of adalimumab SC every other week if their weight was less than 30 kg and with 40 mg of adalimumab SC every other week if their weight was 30 kg or greater. Patients remained on stable doses of NSAIDs and or prednisone (≤ 0.2 mg/kg/day or 10 mg/day maximum).
Patients demonstrating a Pediatric ACR 30 response at the end of OL-LI phase were randomized into the double blind (DB) phase of the study and received either adalimumab or placebo every other week for 32 weeks or until disease flare. Disease flare was defined as a worsening of ≥ 30% from baseline in ≥ 3 of 6 Pediatric ACR core criteria, ≥ 2 active joints, and improvement of > 30% in no more than 1 of the 6 criteria. After 32 weeks or at the time of disease flare during the DB phase, patients were treated in the open-label extension phase based on the BSA regimen (OLE-BSA), before converting to a fixed dose regimen based on body weight (OLE-FD phase).
At the end of the 16-week OL-LI phase, 94% of the patients in the MTX stratum and 74% of the patients in the non-MTX stratum were Pediatric ACR 30 responders. In the DB phase significantly fewer patients who received adalimumab experienced disease flare compared to placebo, both without MTX (43% vs. 71%) and with MTX (37% vs. 65%). More patients treated with adalimumab continued to show pediatric ACR 30/50/70 responses at Week 48 compared to patients treated with placebo. Pediatric ACR responses were maintained for up to two years in the OLE phase in patients who received adalimumab throughout the study.
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab was assessed in two randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled studies in 413 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Upon completion of both studies, 383 patients enrolled in an open-label extension study, in which 40 mg adalimumab was administered every other week. Study PsA-I enrolled 313 adult patients with moderately to severely active PsA (> 3 swollen and > 3 tender joints) who had an inadequate response to NSAID therapy in one of the following forms: (1) distal interphalangeal (DIP) involvement (N = 23); (2) polyarticular arthritis (absence of rheumatoid nodules and presence of plaque psoriasis) (N = 210); (3) arthritis mutilans (N = 1); (4) asymmetric PsA (N = 77); or (5) AS-like (N = 2). Patients on MTX therapy (158 of 313 patients) at enrollment (stable dose of ≤ 30 mg/week for > 1 month) could continue MTX at the same dose. Doses of adalimumab 40 mg or placebo every other week were administered during the 24-week double-blind period of the study.
Compared to placebo, treatment with adalimumab resulted in improvements in the measures of disease activity (see Tables 7 and 8). Among patients with PsA who received adalimumab, the clinical responses were apparent in some patients at the time of the first visit (two weeks) and were maintained up to 88 weeks in the ongoing open-label study. Similar responses were seen in patients with each of the subtypes of psoriatic arthritis, although few patients were enrolled with the arthritis mutilans and ankylosing spondylitis-like subtypes. Responses were similar in patients who were or were not receiving concomitant MTX therapy at baseline.
Patients with psoriatic involvement of at least three percent body surface area (BSA) were evaluated for Psoriatic Area and Severity Index (PASI) responses. At 24 weeks, the proportions of patients achieving a 75% or 90% improvement in the PASI were 59% and 42% respectively, in the adalimumab group (N = 69), compared to 1% and 0% respectively, in the placebo group (N = 69) (p < 0.001). PASI responses were apparent in some patients at the time of the first visit (two weeks). Responses were similar in patients who were or were not receiving concomitant MTX therapy at baseline.
Table 7: ACR Response in Study PsA-I (Percent of Patients)
| Placebo N = 162 |
Adalimumab* N = 151 |
|
| ACR 20 | ||
| Week 12 | 14% | 58% |
| Week 24 | 15% | 57% |
| ACR 50 | ||
| Week 12 | 4% | 36% |
| Week 24 | 6% | 39% |
| ACR 70 | ||
| Week 12 | 1% | 20% |
| Week 24 | 1% | 23% |
| * p < 0.001 for all comparisons between adalimumab and placebo | ||
Table 8: Components of Disease Activity in Study PsA-I
| Parameter: median | Placebo N = 162 |
Adalimumab* N = 151 |
||
| Baseline | 24 weeks | Baseline | 24 weeks | |
| Number of tender jointsa | 23.0 | 17.0 | 20.0 | 5.0 |
| Number of swollen jointsb | 11.0 | 9.0 | 11.0 | 3.0 |
| Physician global assessment | 53.0 | 49.0 | 55.0 | 16.0 |
| Patient global assessment | 49.5 | 49.0 | 48.0 | 20.0 |
| Painc | 49.0 | 49.0 | 54.0 | 20.0 |
| Disability index (HAQ)d | 1.0 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.4 |
| CRP (mg/dL)e | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.2 |
| * p < 0.001 for adalimumab vs. placebo comparisons
based on median changes a Scale 0-78 b Scale 0-76 c Visual analog scale; 0 = best, 100 = worst d Disability Index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire; 0 = best, 3 = worst; measures the patient’s ability to perform the following: dress/groom, arise, eat, walk, reach, grip, maintain hygiene, and maintain daily activity. e Normal range: 0-0.287 mg/dL |
||||
Similar results were seen in an additional, 12-week study in 100 patients with moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis who had suboptimal response to DMARD therapy as manifested by ≥ 3 tender joints and ≥ 3 swollen joints at enrollment.
Radiographic changes were assessed in the PsA studies. Radiographs of hands, wrists, and feet were obtained at baseline and Week 24 during the double-blind period when patients were on adalimumab or placebo and at Week 48 when all patients were on open-label adalimumab. A modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS), which included distal interphalangeal joints (i.e., not identical to the TSS used for rheumatoid arthritis), was used by readers blinded to treatment group to assess the radiographs.
Adalimumab-treated patients demonstrated greater inhibition of radiographic progression compared to placebo-treated patients and this effect was maintained at 48 weeks (see Table 9).
Table 9: Change in Modified Total Sharp Score in
Psoriatic Arthritis
| Placebo N = 141 |
Adalimumab N = 133 |
||
| Week 24 | Week 24 | Week 48 | |
| Baseline mean | 22.1 | 23.4 | 23.4 |
| Mean Change ± SD | 0.9 ± 3.1 | -0.1 ± 1.7 | -0.2 ± 4.9 |
| * < 0.001 for the difference between adalimumab, Week 48 and Placebo, Week 24 (primary analysis) | |||
In Study PsA-I, physical function and disability were assessed using the HAQ Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and the SF-36 Health Survey. Patients treated with 40 mg of adalimumab every other week showed greater improvement from baseline in the HAQ-DI score (mean decreases of 47% and 49% at Weeks 12 and 24 respectively) in comparison to placebo (mean decreases of 1% and 3% at Weeks 12 and 24 respectively). At Weeks 12 and 24, patients treated with adalimumab showed greater improvement from baseline in the SF-36 Physical Component Summary score compared to patients treated with placebo, and no worsening in the SF-36 Mental Component Summary score. Improvement in physical function based on the HAQ-DI was maintained for up to 84 weeks through the open-label portion of the study.
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab 40 mg every other week was assessed in 315 adult patients in a randomized, 24 week double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who had an inadequate response to glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, analgesics, methotrexate or sulfasalazine. Active AS was defined as patients who fulfilled at least two of the following three criteria: (1) a Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI) score ≥ 4 cm, (2) a visual analog score (VAS) for total back pain ≥ 40 mm, and (3) morning stiffness ≥ 1 hour. The blinded period was followed by an open-label period during which patients received adalimumab 40 mg every other week subcutaneously for up to an additional 28 weeks. Improvement in measures of disease activity was first observed at Week 2 and maintained through 24 weeks as shown in Figure 2 and Table 10.
Responses of patients with total spinal ankylosis (n = 11) were similar to those without total ankylosis.
Figure 2: ASAS 20 Response By Visit, Study AS-I
 |
At 12 weeks, the ASAS 20/50/70 responses were achieved by 58%, 38%, and 23%, respectively, of patients receiving adalimumab, compared to 21%, 10%, and 5% respectively, of patients receiving placebo (p < 0.001). Similar responses were seen at Week 24 and were sustained in patients receiving open-label adalimumab for up to 52 weeks.
A greater proportion of patients treated with adalimumab (22%) achieved a low level of disease activity at 24 weeks (defined as a value < 20 [on a scale of 0 to 100 mm] in each of the four ASAS response parameters) compared to patients treated with placebo (6%).
Table 10: Components of Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease
Activity
| Placebo N = 107 |
Adalimumab N = 208 |
|||
| Baseline mean | Week 24 mean | Baseline mean | Week 24 mean | |
| ASAS 20 Response Criteria* | ||||
| Patient’s Global Assessment of Disease Activitya* | 65 | 60 | 63 | 38 |
| Total back pain* | 67 | 58 | 65 | 37 |
| Inflammationb* | 6.7 | 5.6 | 6.7 | 3.6 |
| BASFIc* | 56 | 51 | 52 | 34 |
| BASDAId score* | 6.3 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 3.7 |
| BASMIe score* | 4.2 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 3.3 |
| Tragus to wall (cm) | 15.9 | 15.8 | 15.8 | 15.4 |
| Lumbar flexion (cm) | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| Cervical rotation (degrees) | 42.2 | 42.1 | 48.4 | 51.6 |
| Lumbar side flexion (cm) | 8.9 | 9.0 | 9.7 | 11.7 |
| Intermalleolar distance (cm) | 92.9 | 94.0 | 93.5 | 100.8 |
| CRPf* | 2.2 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 0.6 |
| a Percent of subjects with at least a 20% and
10-unit improvement measured on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) with 0 = “none” and
100 = “severe” b mean of questions 5 and 6 of BASDAI (defined in ‘d’) c Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index d Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index e Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index f C-Reactive Protein (mg/dL) * statistically significant for comparisons between adalimumab and placebo at Week 24 |
||||
A second randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 82 patients with ankylosing spondylitis showed similar results.
Patients treated with adalimumab achieved improvement from baseline in the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL) score (-3.6 vs. -1.1) and in the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) Physical Component Summary (PCS) score (7.4 vs. 1.9) compared to placebo-treated patients at Week 24.
The safety and efficacy of multiple doses of adalimumab were assessed in adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease, CD, (Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) ≥ 220 and ≤ 450) in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Concomitant stable doses of aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and/or immunomodulatory agents were permitted, and 79% of patients continued to receive at least one of these medications.
Induction of clinical remission (defined as CDAI < 150) was evaluated in two studies. In Study CD-I, 299 TNF-blocker naïve patients were randomized to one of four treatment groups: the placebo group received placebo at Weeks 0 and 2, the 160/80 group received 160 mg adalimumab at Week 0 and 80 mg at Week 2, the 80/40 group received 80 mg at Week 0 and 40 mg at Week 2, and the 40/20 group received 40 mg at Week 0 and 20 mg at Week 2. Clinical results were assessed at Week 4.
In the second induction study, Study CD-II, 325 patients who had lost response to, or were intolerant to, previous infliximab therapy were randomized to receive either 160 mg adalimumab at Week 0 and 80 mg at Week 2, or placebo at Weeks 0 and 2. Clinical results were assessed at Week 4.
Maintenance of clinical remission was evaluated in Study CD-III. In this study, 854 patients with active disease received open-label adalimumab, 80 mg at week 0 and 40 mg at Week 2. Patients were then randomized at Week 4 to 40 mg adalimumab every other week, 40 mg adalimumab every week, or placebo. The total study duration was 56 weeks. Patients in clinical response (decrease in CDAI ≥ 70) at Week 4 were stratified and analyzed separately from those not in clinical response at Week 4.
A greater percentage of the patients treated with 160/80 mg adalimumab achieved induction of clinical remission versus placebo at Week 4 regardless of whether the patients were TNF blocker naïve (CD-I), or had lost response to or were intolerant to infliximab (CD-II) (see Table 11).
Table 11: Induction of Clinical Remission in Studies
CD-I and CD-II (Percent of Patients)
| CD-I | CD-II | |||
| Placebo N = 74 |
Adalimumab 160/80 mg N = 76 |
Placebo N = 166 |
Adalimumab 160/80 mg N = 159 |
|
| Week 4 | ||||
| Clinical remission | 12% | 36%* | 7% | 21%* |
| Clinical response | 34% | 58%** | 34% | 52%** |
| Clinical remission is CDAI score < 150; clinical
response is decrease in CDAI of at least 70 points. * p < 0.001 for adalimumab vs. placebo pairwise comparison of proportions ** p < 0.01 for adalimumab vs. placebo pairwise comparison of proportions |
||||
In Study CD-III at Week 4, 58% (499/854) of patients were in clinical response and were assessed in the primary analysis. At Weeks 26 and 56, greater proportions of patients who were in clinical response at Week 4 achieved clinical remission in the adalimumab 40 mg every other week maintenance group compared to patients in the placebo maintenance group (see Table 12). The group that received adalimumab therapy every week did not demonstrate significantly higher remission rates compared to the group that received adalimumab every other week.
Table 12: Maintenance of Clinical Remission in CD-III
(Percent of Patients)
| Placebo N = 170 |
40 mg Adalimumab every other week N = 172 |
|
| Week 26 | ||
| Clinical remission | 17% | 40%* |
| Clinical response | 28% | 54%* |
| Week 56 | ||
| Clinical remission | 12% | 36%* |
| Clinical response | 18% | 43%* |
| Clinical remission is CDAI score < 150; clinical
response is decrease in CDAI of at least 70 points. * p < 0.001 for adalimumab vs. placebo pairwise comparisons of proportions |
||
Of those in response at Week 4 who attained remission during the study, patients in the adalimumab every other week group maintained remission for a longer time than patients in the placebo maintenance group. Among patients who were not in response by Week 12, therapy continued beyond 12 weeks did not result in significantly more responses.
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (Mayo score 6 to 12 on a 12 point scale, with an endoscopy subscore of 2 to 3 on a scale of 0 to 3) despite concurrent or prior treatment with immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids, azathioprine, or 6-MP in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies (Studies UC-I and UC-II). Both studies enrolled TNF-blocker naïve patients, but Study UC-II also allowed entry of patients who lost response to or were intolerant to TNF-blockers. Forty percent (40%) of patients enrolled in Study UC-II had previously used another TNF-blocker.
Concomitant stable doses of aminosalicylates and immunosuppressants were permitted. In Studies UC-I and II, patients were receiving aminosalicylates (69%), corticosteroids (59%) and/or azathioprine or 6-MP (37%) at baseline. In both studies, 92% of patients received at least one of these medications.
Induction of clinical remission (defined as Mayo score ≤ 2 with no individual subscores > 1) at Week 8 was evaluated in both studies. Clinical remission at Week 52 and sustained clinical remission (defined as clinical remission at both Weeks 8 and 52) were evaluated in StudyUC-II.
In Study UC-I, 390 TNF-blocker naïve patients were randomized to one of three treatment groups for the primary efficacy analysis. The placebo group received placebo at Weeks 0, 2, 4 and 6. The 160/80 group received 160 mg adalimumab at Week 0 and 80 mg at Week 2, and the 80/40 group received 80 mg adalimumab at Week 0 and 40 mg at Week 2. After Week 2, patients in both adalimumab treatment groups received 40 mg every other week.
In Study UC-II, 518 patients were randomized to receive either adalimumab 160 mg at Week 0, 80 mg at Week 2, and 40 mg every other week starting at Week 4 through Week 50, or placebo starting at Week 0 and every other week through Week 50. Corticosteroid taper was permitted starting at Week 8.
In both Studies UC-I and UC-II, a greater percentage of the patients treated with 160/80 mg of adalimumab compared to patients treated with placebo achieved induction of clinical remission. In Study UC-II, a greater percentage of the patients treated with 160/80 mg of adalimumab compared to patients treated with placebo achieved sustained clinical remission (clinical remission at both Weeks 8 and 52) (Table 13).
Table 13: Induction of Clinical Remission in Studies
UC-I and UC-II and Sustained Clinical Remission in Study UC-II (Percent of
Patients)
| Study UC-I | Study UC-II | |||||
| Placebo N = 130 |
Adalimumab 160/80 mg N = 130 |
Treatment Difference (95% CI) | Placebo N = 246 |
Adalimumab 160/80 mg N = 248 |
Treatment Difference (95% CI) | |
| Induction of Clinical Remission (Clinical Remission at Week 8) | 9.2% | 18.5% | 9.3%* (0.9%, 17.6%) | 9.3% | 16.5% | 7.2%* (1.2%, 12.9%) |
| Sustained Clinical Remission (Clinical Remission at both Weeks 8 and 52) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 4.1% | 8.5% | 4.4%* (0.1%, 8.6%) |
| Clinical remission is defined as Mayo score ≤ 2
with no individual subscores > 1. CI = Confidence interval * p < 0.05 for adalimumab vs. placebo pairwise comparison of proportions |
||||||
In Study UC-I, there was no statistically significant difference in clinical remission observed between the adalimumab 80/40 mg group and the placebo group at Week 8.
In Study UC-II, 17.3% (43/248) in the adalimumab group were in clinical remission at Week 52 compared to 8.5% (21/246) in the placebo group (treatment difference: 8.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI): [2.8%, 14.5%]; p < 0.05).
In the subgroup of patients in Study UC-II with prior TNF-blocker use, the treatment difference for induction of clinical remission appeared to be lower than that seen in the whole study population, and the treatment differences for sustained clinical remission and clinical remission at Week 52 appeared to be similar to those seen in the whole study population. The subgroup of patients with prior TNF-blocker use achieved induction of clinical remission at 9% (9/98) in the adalimumab group versus 7% (7/101) in the placebo group, and sustained clinical remission at 5% (5/98) in the adalimumab group versus 1% (1/101) in the placebo group. In the subgroup of patients with prior TNF-blocker use, 10% (10/98) were in clinical remission at Week 52 in the adalimumab group versus 3% (3/101) in the placebo group.
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in 1696 adult subjects with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis (Ps) who were candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
Study Ps-I evaluated 1212 subjects with chronic Ps with ≥ 10% body surface area (BSA) involvement, Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) of at least moderate disease severity, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ≥ 12 within three treatment periods. In period A, subjects received placebo or adalimumab at an initial dose of 80 mg at Week 0 followed by a dose of 40 mg every other week starting at Week 1. After 16 weeks of therapy, subjects who achieved at least a PASI 75 response at Week 16, defined as a PASI score improvement of at least 75% relative to baseline, entered period B and received open-label 40 mg adalimumab every other week. After 17 weeks of open label therapy, subjects who maintained at least a PASI 75 response at Week 33 and were originally randomized to active therapy in period A were re-randomized in period C to receive 40 mg adalimumab every other week or placebo for an additional 19 weeks. Across all treatment groups the mean baseline PASI score was 19 and the baseline Physician’s Global Assessment score ranged from “moderate” (53%) to “severe” (41%) to “very severe” (6%).
Study Ps-II evaluated 99 subjects randomized to adalimumab and 48 subjects randomized to placebo with chronic plaque psoriasis with ≥ 10% BSA involvement and PASI ≥ 12. Subjects received placebo, or an initial dose of 80 mg adalimumab at Week 0 followed by 40 mg every other week starting at Week 1 for 16 weeks. Across all treatment groups the mean baseline PASI score was 21 and the baseline PGA score ranged from “moderate” (41%) to “severe” (51%) to “very severe” (8%).
Studies Ps-I and II evaluated the proportion of subjects who achieved “clear” or “minimal” disease on the 6-point PGA scale and the proportion of subjects who achieved a reduction in PASI score of at least 75% (PASI 75) from baseline at Week 16 (see Table 14 and 15).
Additionally, Study Ps-I evaluated the proportion of subjects who maintained a PGA of “clear” or “minimal” disease or a PASI 75 response after Week 33 and on or before Week 52.
Table 14: Efficacy Results at 16 Weeks in Study Ps-I
Number of Subjects (%)
| Adalimumab 40 mg every other week N = 814 |
Placebo N = 398 |
|
| PGA: Clear or minimal* | 506 (62%) | 17 (4%) |
| PASI 75 | 578 (71%) | 26 (7%) |
| * Clear = no plaque elevation, no scale, plus or minus
hyperpigmentation or diffuse pink or red coloration Minimal = possible but difficult to ascertain whether there is slight elevation of plaque above normal skin, plus or minus surface dryness with some white coloration, plus or minus up to red coloration |
||
Table 15: Efficacy Results at 16 Weeks in Study Ps-II
Number of Subjects (%)
| Adalimumab 40 mg every other week N = 99 |
Placebo N = 48 |
|
| PGA: Clear or minimal* | 70 (71%) | 5 (10%) |
| PASI 75 | 77 (78%) | 9 (19%) |
| * Clear = no plaque elevation, no scale, plus or minus hyperpigmentation or diffuse pink or red coloration Minimal = possible but difficult to ascertain whether there is slight elevation of plaque above normal skin, plus or minus surface dryness with some white coloration, plus or minus up to red coloration | ||
Additionally, in Study Ps-I, subjects on adalimumab who maintained a PASI 75 were re-randomized to adalimumab (N = 250) or placebo (N = 240) at Week 33. After 52 weeks of treatment with adalimumab, more subjects on adalimumab maintained efficacy when compared to subjects who were re-randomized to placebo based on maintenance of PGA of “clear” or “minimal” disease (68% vs. 28%) or a PASI 75 (79% vs. 43%).
A total of 347 stable responders participated in a withdrawal and retreatment evaluation in an open-label extension study. Median time to relapse (decline to PGA “moderate” or worse) was approximately 5 months. During the withdrawal period, no subject experienced transformation to either pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis. A total of 178 subjects who relapsed re-initiated treatment with 80 mg of adalimumab, then 40 mg every other week beginning at week 1. At week 16, 69% (123/178) of subjects had a response of PGA “clear” or “minimal”.
A randomized, double-blind study (Study Ps-III) compared the efficacy and safety of adalimumab versus placebo in 217 adult subjects. Subjects in the study had to have chronic plaque psoriasis of at least moderate severity on the PGA scale, fingernail involvement of at least moderate severity on a 5-point Physician’s Global Assessment of Fingernail Psoriasis (PGA-F) scale, a Modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI) score for the target-fingernail of ≥ 8, and either a BSA involvement of at least 10% or a BSA involvement of at least 5% with a total mNAPSI score for all fingernails of ≥ 20. Subjects received an initial dose of 80 mg adalimumab followed by 40 mg every other week (starting one week after the initial dose) or placebo for 26 weeks followed by open-label adalimumab treatment for an additional 26 weeks. This study evaluated the proportion of subjects who achieved “clear” or “minimal” assessment with at least a 2-grade improvement on the PGA-F scale and the proportion of subjects who achieved at least a 75% improvement from baseline in the mNAPSI score (mNAPSI 75) at Week 26.
At Week 26, a higher proportion of subjects in the adalimumab group than in the placebo group achieved the PGA-F endpoint. Furthermore, a higher proportion of subjects in the adalimumab group than in the placebo group achieved mNAPSI 75 at Week 26 (see Table 16).
Table 16: Efficacy Results at 26 Weeks
| Endpoint | Adalimumab 40 mg every other week* N = 109 |
Placebo N = 108 |
| PGA-F: ≥2-grade improvement and clear or minimal | 49% | 7% |
| mNAPSI 75 | 47% | 3% |
| * Subjects received 80 mg of adalimumab at Week 0, followed by 40 mg every other week starting at Week 1. | ||
Nail pain was also evaluated and improvement in nail pain was observed in Study Ps-III.
No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS sections.
