Clinical Pharmacology for Breo Ellipta
Mechanism Of Action
BREO ELLIPTA
BREO ELLIPTA contains both fluticasone furoate and vilanterol. The mechanisms of action described below for the individual components apply to BREO ELLIPTA. These drugs represent 2 different classes of medications (an ICS and a LABA), each having different effects on clinical and physiological indices.
Fluticasone Furoate
Fluticasone furoate is a synthetic trifluorinated corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory activity. Fluticasone furoate has been shown in vitro to exhibit a binding affinity for the human glucocorticoid receptor that is approximately 29.9 times that of dexamethasone and 1.7 times that of fluticasone propionate. The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown.
The precise mechanism through which fluticasone furoate affects COPD and asthma symptoms is not known. Inflammation is an important component in the pathogenesis of COPD and asthma. Corticosteroids have been shown to have a wide range of actions on multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, cytokines) involved in inflammation. Specific effects of fluticasone furoate demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo models included activation of the glucocorticoid response element, inhibition of pro-inflammatory transcription factors such as NFkB, and inhibition of antigen-induced lung eosinophilia in sensitized rats. These anti-inflammatory actions of corticosteroids may contribute to their efficacy.
Vilanterol
Vilanterol is a LABA. In vitro tests have shown the functional selectivity of vilanterol was similar to salmeterol. The clinical relevance of this in vitro finding is unknown.
Although beta2-receptors are the predominant adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle and beta1-receptors are the predominant receptors in the heart, there are also beta2-receptors in the human heart comprising 10% to 50% of the total beta-adrenergic receptors. The precise function of these receptors has not been established, but they raise the possibility that even highly selective beta2-agonists may have cardiac effects.
The pharmacologic effects of beta2-adrenergic agonist drugs, including vilanterol, are at least in part attributable to stimulation of intracellular adenyl cyclase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic-3´,5´-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). Increased cyclic AMP levels cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from cells, especially from mast cells.
Pharmacodynamics
Cardiac Electrophysiology
Healthy Subjects
QTc interval prolongation was studied in a double-blind, multiple-dose, placebo- and positive-controlled crossover study in 85 healthy volunteers. The maximum mean (95% upper confidence bound) difference in QTcF from placebo after baseline-correction was 4.9 (7.5) milliseconds and 9.6 milliseconds seen 30 minutes after dosing for fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 200/25 mcg and fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 800/100 mcg, respectively.
A dose-dependent increase in heart rate was also observed. The maximum mean (95% upper confidence bound) difference in heart rate from placebo after baseline correction was 7.8 (9.4) beats/min and 17.1 (18.7) beats/min seen 10 minutes after dosing for fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 200/25 mcg and fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 800/100 mcg, respectively.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Effects
Healthy Subjects
Inhaled fluticasone furoate at repeat doses up to 400 mcg was not associated with statistically significant decreases in serum or urinary cortisol in healthy subjects. Decreases in serum and urine cortisol levels were observed at fluticasone furoate exposures several-fold higher than exposures observed at the therapeutic dose.
Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
In a trial with patients with COPD, treatment with fluticasone furoate (50, 100, or 200 mcg)/vilanterol 25 mcg, vilanterol 25 mcg, or fluticasone furoate (100 or 200 mcg) for 6 months did not affect 24-hour urinary cortisol excretion. A separate trial with patients with COPD demonstrated no effects on serum cortisol after 28 days of treatment with fluticasone furoate (50, 100, or 200 mcg)/vilanterol 25 mcg.
Patients with Asthma
A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial in 104 pediatric patients with asthma (aged 5 to 11 years) showed no difference between once-daily treatment with inhaled fluticasone furoate 50 mcg compared with placebo on serum cortisol weighted mean (0 to 24 hours) and serum cortisol AUC(0-24) following 6 weeks of treatment.
A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial in 185 patients with asthma aged 12 to 65 years showed no difference between once-daily treatment with fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 100/25 mcg or fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 200/25 mcg compared with placebo on serum cortisol weighted mean (0 to 24 hours), serum cortisol AUC(0-24), and 24-hour urinary cortisol after 6 weeks of treatment, whereas prednisolone 10 mg given once daily for 7 days resulted in significant cortisol suppression.
Pharmacokinetics
Linear pharmacokinetics was observed for fluticasone furoate (200 to 800 mcg) and vilanterol (25 to 100 mcg). On repeated once-daily inhalation administration, steady state of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol plasma concentrations was achieved after 6 days, and the accumulation was up to 2.6-fold for fluticasone furoate and 2.4-fold for vilanterol as compared with single dose.
Absorption
Fluticasone Furoate
Fluticasone furoate plasma levels may not predict therapeutic effect. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 0.5 to 1 hour. Absolute bioavailability of fluticasone furoate when administered by inhalation was 15.2%, primarily due to absorption of the inhaled portion of the dose delivered to the lung. Oral bioavailability from the swallowed portion of the dose is low (approximately 1.3%) due to extensive first-pass metabolism. Systemic exposure (AUC) in patients with COPD or asthma was 46% or 7% lower, respectively, than observed in healthy subjects.
Vilanterol
Vilanterol plasma levels may not predict therapeutic effect. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 10 minutes following inhalation. Absolute bioavailability of vilanterol when administered by inhalation was 27.3%, primarily due to absorption of the inhaled portion of the dose delivered to the lung. Oral bioavailability from the swallowed portion of the dose of vilanterol is low (<2%) due to extensive first-pass metabolism. Systemic exposure (AUC) in patients with COPD was 24% higher than observed in healthy subjects. Systemic exposure (AUC) in patients with asthma was 21% lower than observed in healthy subjects.
Distribution
Fluticasone Furoate
Following intravenous administration to healthy subjects, the mean volume of distribution at steady state was 661 L. Binding of fluticasone furoate to human plasma proteins was high (>99%).
Vilanterol
Following intravenous administration to healthy subjects, the mean volume of distribution at steady state was 165 L. Binding of vilanterol to human plasma proteins was on average 94%.
Elimination
Metabolism
Fluticasone Furoate
Fluticasone furoate is cleared from systemic circulation principally by hepatic metabolism via CYP3A4 to metabolites with significantly reduced corticosteroid activity. There was no in vivo evidence for cleavage of the furoate moiety resulting in the formation of fluticasone.
Vilanterol
Vilanterol is mainly metabolized, principally via CYP3A4, to a range of metabolites with significantly reduced β1- and β2-agonist activity.
Excretion
Fluticasone Furoate
Fluticasone furoate and its metabolites are eliminated primarily in the feces, accounting for approximately 101% and 90% of the orally and intravenously administered doses, respectively. Urinary excretion accounted for approximately 1% and 2% of the orally and intravenously administered doses, respectively. Following repeat-dose inhaled administration, the plasma elimination phase half-life averaged 24 hours.
Vilanterol
Following oral administration, vilanterol was eliminated mainly by metabolism followed by excretion of metabolites in urine and feces (approximately 70% and 30%, respectively, of the recovered radioactive dose). The plasma elimination half-life of vilanterol, as determined from inhalation administration of multiple doses of vilanterol 25 mcg, is 21.3 hours in patients with COPD and 16.0 hours in patients with asthma.
Specific Populations
The effects of renal and hepatic impairment and other intrinsic factors on the pharmacokinetics of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol are shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Impact of Intrinsic Factors on the Pharmacokinetics (PK) of Fluticasone Furoate (FF) and Vilanterol (VI) Following Administration as Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol Combination
 |
a Severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) compared with healthy subjects; mild (Child-Pugh A), moderate (Child-Pugh B), and severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment compared with healthy subjects.
b For COPD and asthma, the following comparisons were made: age compared with ≤65 years, gender compared with female, and ethnicity compared with White. |
Pediatric Patients
Fluticasone Furoate
A population pharmacokinetics analysis to assess impact of age on fluticasone furoate systemic exposure was conducted using combined data from clinical trials in pediatric patients aged 5 to 11 years (n = 306). There was no relevant effect of age on the apparent clearance of fluticasone furoate. The dose-adjusted fluticasone furoate systemic exposure at steady state in children aged 5 to 11 years following 50 mcg were comparable to that observed in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older following dosing with fluticasone furoate 100 mcg monotherapy.
Vilanterol
A population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted to characterize vilanterol pharmacokinetics using combined data from clinical trials in pediatric patients aged 5 to 11 years (n = 142). There was no relevant effect of age, weight, body mass index, sex, ethnicity, and race on vilanterol clearance. A cross-study comparison in pediatric patients with asthma showed that at steady-state, when combined with fluticasone furoate, vilanterol had similar AUC values but lower Cmax values compared to vilanterol administered alone. Vilanterol systemic exposure at steady state, in patients with asthma aged 5 to 11 years, was similar to those observed in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with asthma following repeat dosing of BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg.
Racial or Ethnic Groups
Fluticasone Furoate
Systemic exposure [AUC(0-24)] to inhaled fluticasone furoate 200 mcg was 27% to 49% higher in healthy subjects of Japanese, Korean, and Chinese heritage compared with White subjects. Similar differences were observed for patients with COPD or asthma (Figure 1). However, there is no evidence that this higher exposure to fluticasone furoate results in clinically relevant effects on urinary cortisol excretion or on efficacy in these racial groups.
Vilanterol
There was no effect of race on the pharmacokinetics of vilanterol in patients with COPD. In patients with asthma, vilanterol Cmax is estimated to be higher (3-fold) and AUC(0-24) comparable for those patients from an Asian heritage compared with patients from a non-Asian heritage. However, the higher Cmax values are similar to those seen in healthy subjects.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
Fluticasone Furoate
Following repeat dosing of fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 200/25 mcg (100/12.5 mcg in the severe impairment group) for 7 days, there was an increase of 34%, 83%, and 75% in fluticasone furoate systemic exposure (AUC) in patients with mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment, respectively, compared with healthy subjects (Figure 1).
In patients with moderate hepatic impairment receiving fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 200/25 mcg, mean serum cortisol (0 to 24 hours) was reduced by 34% (90% CI: 11%, 51%) compared with healthy subjects. In patients with severe hepatic impairment receiving fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 100/12.5 mcg, mean serum cortisol (0 to 24 hours) was increased by 14% (90% CI: -16%, 55%) compared with healthy subjects. Patients with moderate to severe hepatic disease should be closely monitored.
Vilanterol
Hepatic impairment had no effect on vilanterol systemic exposure [Cmax and AUC(0-24) on Day 7] following repeat-dose administration of fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 200/25 mcg (100/12.5 mcg in the severe impairment group) for 7 days (Figure 1).
There were no additional clinically relevant effects of the fluticasone furoate/vilanterol combinations on heart rate or serum potassium in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (vilanterol 25 mcg combination) or with severe hepatic impairment (vilanterol 12.5 mcg combination) compared with healthy subjects.
Patients with Renal Impairment
Fluticasone furoate systemic exposure was not increased and vilanterol systemic exposure [AUC(0-24)] was 56% higher in patients with severe renal impairment compared with healthy subjects (Figure 1). There was no evidence of greater corticosteroid or beta-agonist class-related systemic effects (assessed by serum cortisol, heart rate, and serum potassium) in patients with severe renal impairment compared with healthy subjects.
Drug Interaction Studies
There were no clinically relevant differences in the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of either fluticasone furoate or vilanterol when administered in combination compared with administration alone. The potential for fluticasone furoate and vilanterol to inhibit or induce metabolic enzymes and transporter systems is negligible at low inhalation doses.
Inhibitors Of Cytochrome P450 3A4
The exposure (AUC) of fluticasone furoate and vilanterol were 36% and 65% higher, respectively, when coadministered with ketoconazole 400 mg compared with placebo (Figure 2). The increase in fluticasone furoate exposure was associated with a 27% reduction in weighted mean serum cortisol (0 to 24 hours). The increase in vilanterol exposure was not associated with an increase in beta-agonist–related systemic effects on heart rate or blood potassium.
Figure 2. Impact of Coadministered Drugsa on the Pharmacokinetics (PK) of Fluticasone Furoate (FF) and Vilanterol (VI) Following Administration as Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol Combination or Vilanterol Coadministered with a Long-acting Muscarinic Antagonist
 |
| a Compared with placebo group. |
Inhibitors Of P-glycoprotein
Fluticasone furoate and vilanterol are both substrates of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Coadministration of repeat-dose (240 mg once daily) verapamil (a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor and a P-gp inhibitor) did not affect the vilanterol Cmax or AUC in healthy subjects (Figure 2). Drug interaction trials with a specific P-gp inhibitor and fluticasone furoate have not been conducted.
Clinical Studies
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Four trials evaluated the efficacy of BREO ELLIPTA on lung function (Trial 1, NCT01053988 and Trial 2, NCT01054885) and exacerbations (Trial 3, NCT01009463 and Trial 4, NCT01017952).
Lung Function
Trials 1 and 2 were 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials designed to evaluate the efficacy of BREO ELLIPTA on lung function in patients with COPD. In Trial 1, patients were randomized to BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg, BREO ELLIPTA 200/25 mcg, fluticasone furoate 100 mcg, fluticasone furoate 200 mcg, vilanterol 25 mcg, and placebo. In Trial 2, patients were randomized to BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg, fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 50/25 mcg, fluticasone furoate 100 mcg, vilanterol 25 mcg, and placebo. All treatments were administered as 1 inhalation once daily.
Of the 2,254 patients, 70% were male and 84% were White. They had a mean age of 62 years and an average smoking history of 44 pack years, with 54% identified as current smokers. At screening, the mean postbronchodilator percent predicted FEV1 was 48% (range: 14% to 87%), mean postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio was 47% (range: 17% to 88%), and the mean percent reversibility was 14% (range: -41% to 152%).
The co-primary efficacy variables in both trials were weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 4 hours) postdose on Day 168 and change from baseline in trough FEV1 on Day 169 (the mean of the FEV1 values obtained 23 and 24 hours after the final dose on Day 168). The weighted mean comparison of the fluticasone furoate/vilanterol combination with fluticasone furoate was assessed to evaluate the contribution of vilanterol to BREO ELLIPTA. The trough FEV1 comparison of the fluticasone furoate/vilanterol combination with vilanterol was assessed to evaluate the contribution of fluticasone furoate to BREO ELLIPTA.
BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg demonstrated a larger increase in the weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 4 hours) relative to placebo and fluticasone furoate 100 mcg at Day 168 (Table 6).
Table 6. Least Squares Mean Change from Baseline in Weighted Mean FEV1 (0-4 h) and Trough FEV1 at 6 Months
| Treatment |
N |
Weighted Mean FEV1 (0-4 h)a (mL) |
Trough FEV1b (mL) |
| Difference from |
Difference from |
Placebo
(95% CI) |
Fluticasone Furoate
100 mcg
(95% CI) |
Fluticasone Furoate
200 mcg
(95% CI) |
Placebo
(95% CI) |
Vilanterol 25 mcg
(95% CI) |
| Trial 1 |
| BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg |
204 |
214
(161, 266) |
168
(116, 220) |
–– |
144
(91, 197) |
45
(-8, 97) |
| BREO ELLIPTA 200/25 mcg |
205 |
209
(157, 261) |
–– |
168
(117, 219) |
131
(80, 183) |
32
(-19, 83) |
| Trial 2 |
| BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg |
206 |
173
(123, 224) |
120
(70, 170) |
–– |
115
(60, 169) |
48
(-6, 102) |
FEV1 = Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second.
a At Day 168.
b At Day 169. |
Serial spirometric evaluations were performed predose and up to 4 hours after dosing. Results from Trial 1 at Day 1 and Day 168 are shown in Figure 3. Similar results were seen in Trial 2 (not shown).
Figure 3. Raw Mean Change from Baseline in Postdose Serial FEV1 (0-4 h) (mL) on Days 1 and 168
The second co-primary variable was change from baseline in trough FEV1 following the final treatment day. At Day 169, both Trials 1 and 2 demonstrated significant increases in trough FEV1 for all strengths of the fluticasone furoate/vilanterol combination compared with placebo (Table 7). The comparison of BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg with vilanterol did not achieve statistical significance (Table 7).
Trials 1 and 2 evaluated FEV1 as a secondary endpoint. Peak FEV1 was defined as the maximum postdose FEV1 recorded within 4 hours after the first dose of trial medicine on Day 1 (measurements recorded at 5, 15, and 30 minutes and 1, 2, and 4 hours). In both trials, differences in mean change from baseline in peak FEV1 were observed for the groups receiving BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg compared with placebo (152 and 139 mL, respectively). The median time to onset, defined as a 100-mL increase from baseline in FEV1, was 16 minutes in patients receiving BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg.
Exacerbations
Trials 3 and 4 were randomized, double-blind, 52-week trials designed to evaluate the effect of BREO ELLIPTA on the rate of moderate and severe COPD exacerbations. All patients were treated with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol 250/50 mcg twice daily during a 4-week run-in period prior to being randomly assigned to 1 of the following treatment groups: BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg, BREO ELLIPTA 200/25 mcg, fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 50/25 mcg, or vilanterol 25 mcg.
The primary efficacy variable in both trials was the annual rate of moderate/severe exacerbations. The comparison of the fluticasone furoate/vilanterol combination with vilanterol was assessed to evaluate the contribution of fluticasone furoate to BREO ELLIPTA. In these 2 trials, exacerbations were defined as worsening of 2 or more major symptoms (dyspnea, sputum volume, and sputum purulence) or worsening of any 1 major symptom together with any 1 of the following minor symptoms: sore throat, colds (nasal discharge and/or nasal congestion), fever without other cause, and increased cough or wheeze for at least 2 consecutive days. COPD exacerbations were considered to be of moderate severity if treatment with systemic corticosteroids and/or antibiotics was required and were considered to be severe if hospitalization was required.
Trials 3 and 4 included 3,255 patients, of which 57% were male and 85% were White. They had a mean age of 64 years and an average smoking history of 46 pack years, with 44% identified as current smokers. At screening, the mean postbronchodilator percent predicted FEV1 was 45% (range: 12% to 91%), and mean postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio was 46% (range: 17% to 81%), indicating that the patient population had moderate to very severely impaired airflow obstruction. The mean percent reversibility was 15% (range: -65% to 313%).
Patients treated with BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg had a lower annual rate of moderate/severe COPD exacerbations compared with vilanterol in both trials (Table 7).
Table 7. Moderate and Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations
| Treatment |
n |
Mean Annual Rate
(exacerbations/ year) |
Ratio vs.
Vilanterol |
95% CI |
| Trial 3 |
| BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg |
403 |
0.90 |
0.79 |
0.64, 0.97 |
| BREO ELLIPTA 200/25 mcg |
409 |
0.79 |
0.69 |
0.56, 0.85 |
| Fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 50/25 mcg |
412 |
0.92 |
0.81 |
0.66, 0.99 |
| Vilanterol 25 mcg |
409 |
1.14 |
–– |
–– |
| Trial 4 |
| BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg |
403 |
0.70 |
0.66 |
0.54, 0.81 |
| BREO ELLIPTA 200/25 mcg |
402 |
0.90 |
0.85 |
0.70, 1.04 |
| Fluticasone furoate/vilanterol 50/25 mcg |
408 |
0.92 |
0.87 |
0.72, 1.06 |
| Vilanterol 25 mcg |
409 |
1.05 |
–– |
–– |
Comparator Trials
Three 12-week, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy trials were conducted with BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg once daily versus fluticasone propionate/salmeterol 250/50 mcg twice daily to evaluate the efficacy of serial lung function of BREO ELLIPTA in patients with COPD.
The primary endpoint of each trial was change from baseline in weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) on Day 84. Of the 519 patients in Trial 5 (NCT01323634), 64% were male and 97% were White; mean age was 61 years; average smoking history was 40 pack years, with 55% identified as current smokers. At screening in the treatment group using BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg, the mean postbronchodilator percent predicted FEV1 was 48% (range: 19% to 70%), the mean (SD) FEV1/FVC ratio was 0.51 (0.11), and the mean percent reversibility was 11% (range: -12% to 83%). At screening in the treatment group using fluticasone propionate/salmeterol 250/50 mcg, the mean postbronchodilator percent predicted FEV1 was 47% (range: 14% to 71%), the mean (SD) FEV1/FVC ratio was 0.49 (0.10), and the mean percent reversibility was 11% (range: -13% to 50%).
Of the 511 patients in Trial 6 (NCT01323621), 68% were male and 94% were White; mean age was 62 years; average smoking history was 35 pack years, with 52% identified as current smokers. At screening in the treatment group using BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg, the mean postbronchodilator percent predicted FEV1 was 48% (range: 18% to 70%), the mean (SD) FEV1/FVC ratio was 0.51 (0.10), and the mean percent reversibility was 12% (range: -56% to 77%). At screening in the treatment group using fluticasone propionate/salmeterol 250/50 mcg, the mean postbronchodilator percent predicted FEV1 was 49% (range: 15% to 70%), the mean (SD) FEV1/FVC ratio was 0.50 (0.10), and the mean percent reversibility was 12% (range: -66% to 72%).
Of the 828 patients in Trial 7 (NCT01706328), 72% were male and 98% were White; mean age was 61 years; average smoking history was 38 pack years, with 60% identified as current smokers. At screening in the treatment group using BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg, the mean postbronchodilator percent predicted FEV1 was 48% (range: 18% to 70%), the mean (SD) FEV1/FVC ratio was 0.52 (0.10), and the mean percent reversibility was 12% (range: -26% to 84%). At screening in the treatment group using fluticasone propionate/salmeterol 250/50 mcg, the mean postbronchodilator percent predicted FEV1 was 48% (range: 16% to 70%), the mean (SD) FEV1/FVC ratio was 0.51 (0.10), and the mean percent reversibility was 12% (range: -15% to 67%).
In Trial 5, the mean (SE) change from baseline in weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) with BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg was 174 (15) mL compared with 94 (16) mL with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol 250/50 mcg (treatment difference 80 mL; 95% CI: 37, 124; P<0.001). In Trials 6 and 7, the mean (SE) change from baseline in weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) with BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg was 142 (18) mL and 168 (12) mL, respectively, compared with 114 (18) mL and 142 (12) mL, respectively, for fluticasone propionate/salmeterol 250/50 mcg (Trial 6 treatment difference 29 mL; 95% CI: -22, 80; P = 0.267; Trial 7 treatment difference 25 mL; 95% CI: -8, 59; P = 0.137).
Mortality Trial
A randomized, double-blind, multicenter, multinational trial (NCT01313676) prospectively evaluated the efficacy of BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg compared with placebo on survival. The trial was event-driven and patients were followed until a sufficient number of deaths occurred. In this trial, 16,568 patients aged 40 to 80 years received BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg (n = 4,140), fluticasone furoate 100 mcg (n = 4,157), vilanterol 25 mcg (n = 4,140), or placebo (n = 4,131). Patients were treated for up to 4 years, with a median treatment duration of 1.5 years. Median duration of follow-up for the endpoint of survival was 1.8 years for all treatment groups. All patients had COPD with moderate airflow limitation (≥50% and ≤70% predicted FEV1) and either had a history of, or were at risk of, cardiovascular disease. The primary endpoint was allcause mortality. Secondary efficacy endpoints included the rate of decline in FEV1, annual rate of moderate/severe COPD exacerbations, and health-related quality of life as measured by the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire for COPD patients (SGRQ-C).
Survival
Survival with BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg was not significantly improved compared with placebo (hazard ratio 0.88; 95% CI: 0.74, 1.04). Mortality per 100 patient-years was 3.1 for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg, 3.5 for placebo, 3.2 for fluticasone furoate, and 3.4 for vilanterol.
Lung Function
A reduction of 8 mL/year was estimated on-treatment for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg compared with placebo in the rate of lung function decline as measured by FEV1 (95% CI: 1, 15).
Exacerbations
Treatment with BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg reduced the on-treatment annual rate of moderate/severe exacerbations by 29% compared with placebo (95% CI: 22, 35). Treatment with BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg reduced the annual rate of moderate/severe exacerbations by 19% compared with fluticasone furoate (95% CI: 12, 26) and by 21% compared with vilanterol (95% CI: 14, 28). The on-treatment annual rate of moderate/severe exacerbations was 0.25 for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg, 0.35 for placebo, 0.31 for fluticasone furoate, and 0.31 for vilanterol.
Treatment with BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg reduced the on-treatment annual rate of severe exacerbations (i.e., requiring hospitalization) by 27% compared with placebo (95% CI: 13, 39). Treatment with BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg reduced the on-treatment annual rate of exacerbations requiring hospitalization by 11% compared with fluticasone furoate (95% CI: -6, 25) and by 9% compared with vilanterol (95% CI: -8, 24).
Health-Related Quality of Life
The St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) is a disease-specific patient-reported instrument that measures symptoms, activities, and impact on daily life. The SGRQ-C, a shorter version derived from the original SGRQ, was used in this trial. Results were transformed to the SGRQ for reporting purposes. In a subset of 4,443 patients, the on-treatment SGRQ responder rates at 1 year (defined as a change in score of 4 or more as threshold) were 49% for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg, 47% for placebo, 48% for fluticasone furoate, and 48% for vilanterol (odds ratio 1.18; 95% CI: 0.97, 1.44 for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg compared with placebo).
Asthma
Adult Patients
The efficacy of BREO ELLIPTA for the maintenance treatment of asthma was based on data from 4 randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trials (Trial 8 [NCT01165138], Trial 9 [NCT01686633], Trial 10 [NCT01134042] and Trial 12 [NCT01086384]). While these 4 trials enrolled pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age, these trials only support efficacy in adults [see Use In Specific Populations]. In addition, patients in these trials were treated with BREO ELLIPTA 200/25 mcg once daily by oral inhalation, which is not the approved recommended dosage for pediatric patients 12 years of age and older [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Trials 8, 9, and 10 were designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BREO ELLIPTA given once daily in patients who were not controlled on their current treatments of ICS or combination therapy consisting of an ICS plus a LABA. Trial 12 (24- to 76-week exacerbation trial) was designed to demonstrate that treatment with BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg significantly decreased the risk of asthma exacerbations as measured by time to first asthma exacerbation when compared with fluticasone furoate 100 mcg. This trial enrolled patients who had 1 or more asthma exacerbations in the year prior to trial entry. The demographics of these 4 trials and the comparator trial (Trial 13, NCT01147848) are provided in Table 8.
Table 8. Demography of Asthma Trials 8, 9, 10, 12, and 13
| Parameter |
Trial 8
n = 609 |
Trial 9
n = 1,039 |
Trial 10
n = 586 |
Trial 12
n = 2,019 |
Trial 13
n = 806 |
| Mean age (years) (range) for all patients |
40
(12, 84) |
46
(12, 82) |
46
(12, 76) |
42
(12, 82) |
43
(12, 80) |
| Mean age (years) (range) for adult patients |
44 (18, 84) |
48 (18, 82) |
47 (18, 76) |
46 (18, 82) |
46 (18, 80) |
| Female (%) |
58 |
60 |
59 |
67 |
61 |
| White (%) |
84 |
88 |
84 |
73 |
59 |
| Duration of asthma (years) |
12 |
18 |
16 |
16 |
21 |
| Never smokeda (%) |
N/A |
84 |
N/A |
86 |
81 |
| Predose FEV1 (L) at baseline |
2.32 |
1.97 |
2.15 |
2.20 |
2.03 |
Mean percent predicted
FEV1 at baseline (%) |
70 |
62 |
67 |
72 |
68 |
| % Reversibility |
29 |
30 |
29 |
24 |
28 |
| Absolute reversibility (mL) |
614 |
563 |
571 |
500 |
512 |
N/A = Data not collected.
a Trials did not include current smokers; past smokers had fewer than 10 packs per year history. |
Trials 8, 9, and 10 were 12- or 24-week trials that evaluated the efficacy of BREO ELLIPTA on lung function in patients with asthma. In Trial 8, patients were randomized to BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg, fluticasone furoate 100 mcg, or placebo. In Trial 9, patients were randomized to BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg, BREO ELLIPTA 200/25 mcg, or fluticasone furoate 100 mcg. In Trial 10, patients were randomized to BREO ELLIPTA 200/25 mcg, fluticasone furoate 200 mcg, or fluticasone propionate 500 mcg. All inhalations were administered once daily, with the exception of fluticasone propionate, which was administered twice daily. Patients receiving an ICS or an ICS plus a LABA (doses of ICS varied by trial and asthma severity) entered a 4- week run-in period during which LABA treatment was stopped. Patients reporting symptoms and/or rescue beta2-agonist medication use during the run-in period were continued in the trial.
In Trials 8 and 10, change from baseline in weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) and change from baseline in trough FEV1 at approximately 24 hours after the last dose at study endpoint (12 and 24 weeks, respectively) were co-primary efficacy endpoints. In Trial 9, change from baseline in weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) at Week 12 was the primary efficacy endpoint; change from baseline in trough FEV1 at approximately 24 hours after the last dose at Week 12 was a secondary endpoint. Table 9 provides the change from baseline in weighted mean FEV1 in mL (0 to 24 hours) and trough FEV1 in mL at study endpoint. Weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) was derived from serial measurements taken within 30 minutes prior to dosing and post-dose assessments at 5, 15, and 30 minutes and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 16, 20, 23, and 24 hours after the final dose. Other secondary endpoints included change from baseline in percentage of rescue-free 24- hour periods and percentage of symptom-free 24-hour periods over the treatment period.
Table 9. Change from Baseline in Weighted Mean FEV1 (0-24 h) (mL) and Trough FEV1 (mL) at Study Endpoint (Trials 8, 9, and 10)a
Study (Duration)
Background Treatment |
n |
Weighted Mean FEV1 (0-24 h) (mL) |
| Difference from |
| Treatment |
Placebo
(95% CI) |
Fluticasone
Furoate 100 mcg
(95% CI) |
Fluticasone
Furoate 200 mcg (95% CI) |
| Trial 8 (12 Weeks) |
| Low- to mid-dose ICS or low-dose ICS + LABA |
BREO ELLIPTA
100/25 mcg |
108 |
302
(178, 426) |
116
(-5, 236) |
–– |
| Trial 9 (12 Weeks) |
| Mid- to high-dose ICS or mid-dose ICS + LABA |
BREO ELLIPTA
100/25 mcg |
312 |
–– |
108
(45, 171) |
–– |
| Trial 10 (24 Weeks) |
| High-dose ICS or mid-dose ICS + LABA |
BREO ELLIPTA
200/25 mcg |
89 |
–– |
–– |
136
(1, 270) |
| Study (Duration) Background Treatment |
n |
Trough FEV1 (mL) |
| Difference from |
| Treatment |
Placebo
(95% CI) |
Fluticasone
Furoate 100 mcg
(95% CI) |
Fluticasone
Furoate 200 mcg (95% CI) |
| Trial 8 (12 Weeks) |
| Low- to mid-dose ICS or low-dose ICS + LABA |
BREO ELLIPTA
100/25 mcg |
200 |
172
(87, 258) |
36
(-48, 120) |
–– |
| Trial 9 (12 Weeks) |
| Mid- to high-dose ICS or mid-dose ICS + LABA |
BREO ELLIPTA
100/25 mcg |
334 |
–– |
77
(16, 138) |
–– |
| Trial 10 (24 Weeks) |
| High-dose ICS or mid-dose ICS + LABA |
BREO ELLIPTA
200/25 mcg |
187 |
–– |
–– |
193
(108, 277) |
FEV1 = Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second, ICS = inhaled corticosteroid, LABA = longacting beta2-adrenergic agonist.
a Although these trials included pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age, they only support the efficacy in adult patients. |
In Trial 8, weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) was assessed in a subset of patients (n = 309). At Week 12, change from baseline in weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) was significantly greater for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg compared with placebo (302 mL; 95% CI: 178, 426; P<0.001) (Table 9); change from baseline in weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg was numerically greater than fluticasone furoate 100 mcg, but not statistically significant (116 mL; 95% CI: -5, 236). At Week 12, change from baseline in trough FEV1 was significantly greater for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg compared with placebo (172 mL; 95% CI: 87, 258; P<0.001) (Table 9); change from baseline in trough FEV1 for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg was numerically greater than fluticasone furoate 100 mcg, but not statistically significant (36 mL; 95% CI: -48, 120).
In Trial 9, the change from baseline in weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) was significantly greater for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg compared with fluticasone furoate 100 mcg (108 mL; 95% CI: 45, 171; P<0.001) at Week 12 (Table 9). In a descriptive analysis, the change from baseline in weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) for BREO ELLIPTA 200/25 mcg was numerically greater than BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg (24 mL; 95% CI: -37, 86) at Week 12.
The change from baseline in trough FEV1 was significantly greater for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg compared with fluticasone furoate 100 mcg (77 mL, 95% CI: 16, 138; P = 0.014) at Week 12 (Table 9). In a descriptive analysis, the change from baseline in trough FEV1 for BREO ELLIPTA 200/25 mcg was numerically greater than BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg (16 mL; 95% CI: -46, 77) at Week 12.
In Trial 10, the change from baseline in weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) was significantly greater for BREO ELLIPTA 200/25 mcg compared with fluticasone furoate 200 mcg (136 mL; 95% CI: 1, 270; P = 0.048) at Week 24 (Table 0). The change from baseline in trough FEV1 was significantly greater for BREO ELLIPTA 200/25 mcg compared with fluticasone furoate 200 mcg (193 mL, 95% CI: 108, 277; P<0.001) at Week 24.
Lung function improvements were demonstrated through weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) over the 24-hour period following the final dose of BREO ELLIPTA in Trials 9 and 10. Serial FEV1 measurements were taken within 30 minutes prior to dosing and postdose assessments at 5, 15, and 30 minutes and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 16, 20, 23, and 24 hours in Trials 1, 2, and 3. A representative figure is shown from Trial 9 in Figure 4.
Figure 4. Least Squares (LS) Mean Change from Baseline in Individual Serial FEV1 (mL) Assessments over 24 Hours after 12 Weeks of Treatment (Trial 9)a
 |
| a Although these trials included pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age, the data only support the efficacy in adult patients. |
Patients receiving BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg (Trial 9) or BREO ELLIPTA 200/25 mcg (Trial 10) had significantly greater improvements from baseline in percentage of 24-hour periods without need of beta2-agonist rescue medication use and percentage of 24-hour periods without asthma symptoms compared with patients receiving fluticasone furoate 100 mcg or fluticasone furoate 200 mcg, respectively. In a descriptive analysis (Trial 9), patients receiving BREO ELLIPTA 200/25 mcg had numerical improvements from baseline in percentage of 24-hour periods without need of beta2-agonist rescue medication use and percentage of 24-hour periods without asthma symptoms compared with patients receiving BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg.
Trial 12 was a 24- to 76-week event-driven exacerbation trial that evaluated whether BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg significantly decreased the risk of asthma exacerbations as measured by time to first asthma exacerbation when compared with fluticasone furoate 100 mcg in patients with asthma. Patients receiving low- to high-dose ICS (fluticasone propionate 100 mcg to 500 mcg twice daily or equivalent) or low- to mid-dose ICS plus a LABA (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol 100/50 mcg to 250/50 mcg twice daily or equivalent) and a history of 1 or more asthma exacerbations that required treatment with oral/systemic corticosteroid or emergency department visit or in-patient hospitalization for the treatment of asthma in the year prior to trial entry, entered a 2-week run-in period during which LABA treatment was stopped. Patients reporting symptoms and/or rescue beta2-agonist medication use during the run-in period were continued in the trial.
The primary endpoint was time to first asthma exacerbation. Asthma exacerbation was defined as deterioration of asthma requiring the use of systemic corticosteroid for at least 3 days or an in-patient hospitalization or emergency department visit due to asthma that required systemic corticosteroid. Rate of asthma exacerbation was a secondary endpoint. The hazard ratio from the Cox Model for the analysis of time to first asthma exacerbation for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg compared with fluticasone furoate 100 mcg was 0.795 (95% CI: 0.642, 0.985). This represents a 20% reduction in the risk of experiencing an asthma exacerbation for patients treated with BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg compared with fluticasone furoate 100 mcg (P = 0.036). Mean yearly rates of asthma exacerbations of 0.14 and 0.19 in patients treated with BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg compared with fluticasone furoate 100 mcg, respectively, were observed (25% reduction in rate; 95% CI: 5%, 40%).
Comparator Trial
Trial 13 was a 24-week trial that compared the efficacy of BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg once daily with fluticasone propionate/salmeterol 250/50 mcg twice daily (N = 806). Patients receiving mid-dose ICS (fluticasone propionate 250 mcg twice daily or equivalent) entered a 4-week run-in period during which all patients received fluticasone propionate 250 mcg twice daily. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) at Week 24.
The mean change (SE) from baseline in weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 24 hours) for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg was 341 (18.4) mL compared with 377 (18.5) mL for fluticasone propionate/salmeterol 250/50 mcg (treatment difference -37 mL; 95% CI: -88, 15; P = 0.162).
Pediatric Patients Aged 5 To 17 Years
The efficacy of BREO ELLIPTA for the maintenance treatment of asthma in pediatric patients aged 5 to 17 years of age was based on Trial 14 (NCT03248128), a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, stratified, parallel-group clinical trial. This trial evaluated the efficacy of BREO ELLIPTA compared with fluticasone furoate in 902 pediatric patients with asthma aged 5 to 17 years who were uncontrolled on their current ICS treatment. All inhalations were administered once daily in the morning. At trial entry patients had at least a 6-month history of asthma and had been receiving stable asthma therapy for at least 4 weeks prior to screening. Patients had to have a pre-bronchodilator FEV1 >50% to ≤100% of predicted normal and demonstrate a ≥12% reversibility of FEV1 within 15 to 40 minutes following 2 to 4 inhalations of albuterol inhalation aerosol (or 1 nebulized treatment with albuterol solution). Exclusion criteria included a history of life-threatening asthma or any asthma exacerbation requiring the use of oral corticosteroids, systemic or depot corticosteroids, emergency department visit, or hospitalization within 6 weeks, 3 months, 3 months, or 6 months of screening, respectively.
Patients entered a 4-week open-label run-in period during which all patients received fluticasone propionate 100 mcg twice daily. Patients reporting symptoms and/or rescue beta2-agonist medication use during the last week of the run-in period were continued in the trial and were stratified by age. Pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years (n = 229) were randomized 1:1 to BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg once daily (n = 117) or fluticasone furoate 100 mcg once daily (n = 112). Pediatric patients aged 5 to 11 years (n = 673) were randomized 1:1 to BREO ELLIPTA 50/25 mcg once daily (n = 337) or fluticasone furoate 50 mcg once daily (n = 336). The primary endpoint was weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 4 hours) at Week 12. Of the 902 patients, the mean age was 10.0 years, 61% were male, and 73% were White, 8% African American, 6% American Indian or Alaska Native, 6% Asian, and 7% Other. Lung function improvements based on the primary endpoint of weighted mean FEV1 (0 to 4 hours) are presented in Table 10.
Table 10. Weighted Mean FEV1 (0-4 h) (mL) at Week 12 in Patients Aged 5 to 17 Years (Intent to Treat Population)
| Primary Endpoint |
Fluticasone Furoatea
(N = 448) |
BREO ELLIPTAb
(N = 454) |
| Weighted Mean FEV1 (0-4 h) (mL) |
n = 397 |
n = 394 |
| LS mean |
1999 |
2081 |
| LS mean change (SE) |
323 (16.4) |
406 (16.5) |
| Difference vs fluticasone furoate |
|
83 |
| (95% CI) |
|
(37, 129) |
FEV1 = Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second, LS = Least squares, SE = standard error.
aThe dose of fluticasone furoate was 100 mcg once daily for pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years and 50 mcg once daily for pediatric patients aged 5 to 11 years.
bThe dose of BREO ELLIPTA was 100/25 mcg once daily for pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years and 50/25 mcg once daily for pediatric patients aged 5 to 11 years. |
Difference in LS mean change from baseline at Week 12 for BREO ELLIPTA 100/25 mcg compared with fluticasone furoate 100 mcg was 106 mL (95% CI: -8, 220) in pediatric patients 12 to 17 years of age, and difference in LS mean change from baseline at Week 12 for BREO ELLIPTA 50/25 mcg compared with fluticasone furoate 50 mcg was 73 mL (95% CI:28,118) in pediatric patients 5 to 11 years of age.