Clinical Pharmacology for Edurant
Mechanism Of Action
Rilpivirine is an antiviral drug [see Microbiology].
Pharmacodynamics
Effects On Electrocardiogram
The effect of EDURANT at the recommended dose of 25 mg once daily on the QTcF interval was evaluated in a randomized, placebo and active (moxifloxacin 400 mg once daily) controlled crossover study in 60 healthy adults, with 13 measurements over 24 hours at steady state. The maximum mean time-matched (95% upper confidence bound) differences in QTcF interval from placebo after baseline-correction was 2.0 (5.0) milliseconds (i.e., below the threshold of clinical concern).
When doses of 75 mg once daily and 300 mg once daily of EDURANT (3 times and 12 times the dose in EDURANT) were studied in healthy adults, the maximum mean time-matched (95% upper confidence bound) differences in QTcF interval from placebo after baseline-correction were 10.7 (15.3) and 23.3 (28.4) milliseconds, respectively. Steady-state administration of EDURANT 75 mg once daily and 300 mg once daily resulted in a mean steady-state Cmax approximately 2.6-fold and 6.7-fold, respectively, higher than the mean Cmax observed with the recommended 25 mg once daily dose of EDURANT [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics In Adults
The pharmacokinetic properties of rilpivirine have been evaluated in adult healthy subjects and in adult antiretroviral treatment-naive HIV-1-infected subjects. Exposure to rilpivirine was generally lower in HIV-1 infected subjects than in healthy subjects.
Table 7: Pharmacokinetic Estimates of Rilpivirine 25 mg Once Daily in Antiretroviral Treatment- Naive HIV-1-Infected Adult Subjects (Pooled Data from Phase 3 Trials through Week 96)
| Parameter |
Rilpivirine 25 mg once daily N=679 |
| AUC24h (ng•h/mL) |
| Mean ± Standard Deviation |
2235 ± 851 |
| Median (Range) |
2096 (198 - 7307) |
| C0h (ng/mL) |
| Mean ± Standard Deviation |
79 ± 35 |
| Median (Range) |
73 (2 - 288) |
Absorption And Bioavailability
After oral administration, the maximum plasma concentration of rilpivirine is generally achieved within 4-5 hours. The absolute bioavailability of EDURANT and EDURANT PED is unknown.
Effects Of Food On Oral Absorption
The exposure to rilpivirine was approximately 40% lower when EDURANT was taken in a fasted condition as compared to a normal caloric meal (533 kcal) or high-fat high-caloric meal (928 kcal). When EDURANT was taken with only a protein-rich nutritional drink, exposures were 50% lower than when taken with a meal.
Administration of the EDURANT PED 2.5 mg tablets dispersed in drinking water in fasted conditions or after yogurt consumption resulted in a 31% and 28% lower exposure, respectively, compared to administration in fed conditions (a meal containing 533 kcal) in adults.
Distribution
Rilpivirine is approximately 99.7% bound to plasma proteins in vitro, primarily to albumin. The distribution of rilpivirine into compartments other than plasma (e.g., cerebrospinal fluid, genital tract secretions) has not been evaluated in humans.
Metabolism
In vitro experiments indicate that rilpivirine primarily undergoes oxidative metabolism mediated by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A system.
Elimination
The terminal elimination half-life of rilpivirine is approximately 50 hours. After single dose oral administration of 14C-rilpivirine, on average 85% and 6.1% of the radioactivity could be retrieved in feces and urine, respectively. In feces, unchanged rilpivirine accounted for on average 25% of the administered dose. Only trace amounts of unchanged rilpivirine (<1% of dose) were detected in urine.
Specific Populations
Pregnancy And Postpartum
The exposure (C0h and AUC24h) to total rilpivirine after intake of rilpivirine 25 mg once daily as
part of an antiretroviral regimen was 30 to 40% lower during pregnancy (similar for the second and third trimester), compared with postpartum (see Table 8). However, the exposure during pregnancy was not significantly different from exposures obtained in Phase 3 trials. Based on the exposure-response relationship for rilpivirine, this decrease is not considered clinically relevant in patients who are virollogically suppressed. The protein binding of rilpivirine was similar (>99%) during the second trimester, third trimester, and postpartum.
Table 8: Pharmacokinetic Results of Total Rilpivirine After Administration of Rilpivirine 25 mg Once Daily as Part of an Antiretroviral Regimen, During the 2nd Trimester of Pregnancy, the 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy and Postpartum
| Pharmacokinetics of total rilpivirine (mean ± SD, tmax: median [range]) |
Postpartum (6-12 Weeks)
(n=11) |
2nd Trimester of pregnancy
(n=15) |
3rd Trimester of pregnancy
(n=13) |
| C0h, ng/mL |
111 ± 69.2 |
65.0 ± 23.9 |
63.5 ± 26.2 |
| Cmin, ng/mL |
84.0 ± 58.8 |
54.3 ± 25.8 |
52.9 ± 24.4 |
| Cmax, ng/mL |
167 ± 101 |
121 ± 45.9 |
123 ± 47.5 |
| tmax, h |
4.00
(2.03-25.08) |
4.00
(1.00-9.00) |
4.00
(2.00-24.93) |
| AUC24h, ng•h/mL |
2714 ± 1535 |
1792 ± 711 |
1762 ± 662 |
Pediatric Patients
The pharmacokinetics of rilpivirine in HIV-1 infected pediatric patients 2 to less than 18 years of age and weighing at least 16 kg receiving the recommended weight-based dosing regimen of EDURANT and EDURANT PED were comparable or slightly higher than those obtained in treatment-naive HIV-1 infected adult patients (see Table 9 and Table 10).
Table 9: Pharmacokinetic Estimates of Rilpivirine After Administration of the Recommended Daily Oral Dosing Regimen in Pediatric Patients ≥6 to <18 Years (Trial TMC278-C213)a
| Pharmacokinetics of rilpivirineb Mean ± SD Median (range) |
12.5 mg once daily <20 kg |
15 mg once daily ≥20 to <25 kg |
25 mg once daily ≥25 kg |
| N |
2 |
2 |
44 |
| AUC24h (ng.h/mL) |
1974, 2707 NA
(1974 - 2707) |
1912, 2477 NA
(1912 - 2477) |
2536 ± 979 2413
(973 - 4848) |
| C0h (ng/mL) |
68.1, 86.7 NA
(68.1 - 86.7) |
48.3, 80.0 NA
(48.3 - 80.0) |
87.0 ± 34.5 82.7
(27.8 - 171) |
a The 12.5 mg and 15 mg doses were administered as 5 and 6 dispersed 2.5 mg tablets, respectively. The 25 mg dose was administered as one 25 mg tablet. Mean rilpivirine exposure was approximately 40% higher in TMC278HTX2002 compared to TMC278-C213
b Individual data when N=2
NA = not applicable |
Table 10: Pharmacokinetic Estimates of Rilpivirine After Administration of the Recommended Daily Oral Dosing Regimen in Pediatric Patients ≥2 to <18 Years (Trial TMC278HTX2002)a
| Pharmacokinetics of rilpivirineb Mean ± SD Median (range) |
12.5 mg once daily ≥10 to <20 kg |
15 mg once daily ≥20 to <25 kg |
25 mg once daily ≥25 kg |
| N |
2 |
5 |
18 |
| AUC24h (ng.h/mL) |
4375, 5057 NA
(4375 - 5057) |
3541 ± 949 3112
(2689 - 4947) |
4195 ± 1056 4016
(2732 - 6260) |
| C0h (ng/mL) |
151, 163 NA
(151 - 163) |
112 ± 39.8 91.8
(73.7 - 172) |
134 ± 38.7 121
(78.9 - 220) |
a The 12.5 mg and 15 mg doses were administered as 5 and 6 dispersed 2.5 mg tablets, respectively. The 25 mg dose was administered as one 25 mg tablet. Mean rilpivirine exposure was approximately 40% higher in TMC278HTX2002 compared to TMC278-C213
b Individual data when N=2
NA = not applicable |
Renal Impairment
Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that rilpivirine exposure was similar in HIV-1 infected subjects
with mild renal impairment relative to HIV-1 infected subjects with normal renal function. No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild renal impairment. There is limited or no information regarding the pharmacokinetics of rilpivirine in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment or in patients with end-stage renal disease, and rilpivirine concentrations may be increased due to alteration of drug absorption, distribution, and metabolism secondary to renal dysfunction. The potential impact is not expected to be of clinical relevance for HIV-1-infected subjects with moderate renal impairment, and no dose adjustment is required in these patients. Rilpivirine should be used with caution and with increased monitoring for adverse effects in patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease. As rilpivirine is highly bound to plasma proteins, it is unlikely that it will be significantly removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis [see Use In Specific Populations].
Hepatic Impairment
Rilpivirine is primarily metabolized and eliminated by the liver. In a study comparing 8 subjects with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score A) to 8 matched controls, and 8 subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score B) to 8 matched controls, the multiple dose exposure of rilpivirine was 47% higher in subjects with mild hepatic impairment and 5% higher in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment. EDURANT has not been studied in subjects with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score C) [see Use In Specific Populations].
Sex, Race, Hepatitis B And/Or Hepatitis C Virus Co-infection
No clinically relevant differences in the pharmacokinetics of rilpivirine have been observed between sex, race and patients with hepatitis B and/or C-virus co-infection.
Drug Interactions
[see CONTRAINDICATIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Rilpivirine is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A, and drugs that induce or inhibit CYP3A may thus affect the clearance of rilpivirine. Coadministration of EDURANT or EDURANT PED and drugs that induce CYP3A may result in decreased plasma concentrations of rilpivirine and loss of virologic response and possible resistance. Coadministration of EDURANT and EDURANT PED and drugs that inhibit CYP3A may result in increased plasma concentrations of rilpivirine. Coadministration of EDURANT and EDURANT PED with drugs that increase gastric pH may result in decreased plasma concentrations of rilpivirine and loss of virologic response and possible resistance to rilpivirine and to the class of NNRTIs.
EDURANT and EDURANT PED at the recommended doses are not likely to have a clinically relevant effect on the exposure of medicinal products metabolized by CYP enzymes.
Drug interaction studies were performed with EDURANT and other drugs likely to be coadministered or commonly used as probes for pharmacokinetic interactions. The effects of coadministration of other drugs on the Cmax, AUC, and Cmin values of rilpivirine are summarized in Table 11 (effect of other drugs on EDURANT). The effect of coadministration of EDURANT on the Cmax, AUC, and Cmin values of other drugs are summarized in Table 12 (effect of EDURANT on other drugs). [For information regarding clinical recommendations, see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Table 11: Drug Interactions: Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Rilpivirine in the Presence of Coadministered Drugs
| Coadministered Drug |
Dose/Schedule |
N |
Mean Ratio of Rilpivirine Pharmacokinetic Parameters With/Without Coadministered Drug (90% CI); No Effect=1.00 |
| Coadministered Drug |
Rilpivirine |
Cmax |
AUC |
Cmin |
| Coadministration With HIV Protease Inhibitors (PIs) |
| Darunavir/ ritonavir |
800/100 mg q.d. |
150 mg q.d.† |
14 |
1.79
(1.56-2.06) |
2.30
(1.98-2.67) |
2.78
(2.39-3.24) |
Lopinavir/ ritonavir
(soft gel capsule) |
400/100 mg b.i.d. |
150 mg q.d.† |
15 |
1.29
(1.18-1.40) |
1.52
(1.36-1.70) |
1.74
(1.46-2.08) |
Coadministration With HIV Nucleoside or Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
(NRTIs/N[t]RTIs) |
| Didanosine |
400 mg q.d. delayed release capsules taken 2 hours before rilpivirine |
150 mg q.d.† |
21 |
1.00
(0.90-1.10) |
1.00
(0.95-1.06) |
1.00
(0.92-1.09) |
| Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate |
300 mg q.d. |
150 mg q.d.† |
16 |
0.96
(0.81-1.13) |
1.01
(0.87-1.18) |
0.99
(0.83-1.16) |
| Coadministration With HIV Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors |
| Cabotegravir |
30 mg q.d. |
25 mg q.d. |
11 |
0.96
(0.85-1.09) |
0.99
(0.89-1.09) |
0.92
(0.79-1.07) |
| Raltegravir |
400 mg b.i.d. |
25 mg q.d. |
23 |
1.12
(1.04-1.20) |
1.12
(1.05-1.19) |
1.03
(0.96-1.12) |
| Coadministration With other Antivirals |
| Simeprevir |
150 mg q.d. |
25 mg q.d. |
23 |
1.04
(0.95-1.13) |
1.12
(1.05-1.19) |
1.25
(1.16-1.35) |
| Coadministration With Drugs other than Antiretrovirals |
| Acetaminophen |
500 mg single dose |
150 mg q.d.† |
16 |
1.09
(1.01-1.18) |
1.16
(1.10-1.22) |
1.26
(1.16-1.38) |
| Atorvastatin |
40 mg q.d. |
150 mg q.d.† |
16 |
0.91
(0.79-1.06) |
0.90
(0.81-0.99) |
0.90
(0.84-0.96) |
| Chlorzoxazone |
500 mg single dose taken 2 hours after rilpivirine |
150 mg q.d† |
16 |
1.17
(1.08-1.27) |
1.25
(1.16-1.35) |
1.18
(1.09-1.28) |
| Ethinylestradiol/ Norethindrone |
0.035 mg q.d./ 1 mg q.d. |
25 mg q.d. |
15 |
↔* |
↔* |
↔* |
| Famotidine |
40 mg single dose taken 12 hours before rilpivirine |
150 mg single dose† |
24 |
0.99
(0.84-1.16) |
0.91
(0.78-1.07) |
N.A. |
| Famotidine |
40 mg single dose taken 2 hours before rilpivirine |
150 mg single dose† |
23 |
0.15
(0.12-0.19) |
0.24
(0.20-0.28) |
N.A. |
| Famotidine |
40 mg single dose taken 4 hours after rilpivirine |
150 mg single dose† |
24 |
1.21
(1.06-1.39) |
1.13
(1.01-1.27) |
N.A. |
| Ketoconazole |
400 mg q.d. |
150 mg q.d.† |
15 |
1.30
(1.13-1.48) |
1.49
(1.31-1.70) |
1.76
(1.57-1.97) |
| Methadone |
60-100 mg q.d., individualized dose |
25 mg q.d. |
12 |
↔* |
↔* |
↔* |
| Omeprazole |
20 mg q.d. |
150 mg q.d.† |
16 |
0.60
(0.48-0.73) |
0.60
(0.51-0.71) |
0.67
(0.58-0.78) |
| Rifabutin |
300 mg q.d. |
25 mg q.d. |
18 |
0.69
(0.62-0.76) |
0.58
(0.52-0.65) |
0.52
(0.46-0.59) |
| Rifabutin |
300 mg q.d. |
50 mg q.d. |
18 |
1.43
(1.30-1.56) |
1.16
(1.06-1.26) |
0.93
(0.85-1.01) |
| (reference arm for comparison was 25 mg q.d. rilpivirine administered alone) |
| Rifampin |
600 mg q.d. |
150 mg q.d.† |
16 |
0.31
(0.27-0.36) |
0.20
(0.18-0.23) |
0.11
(0.10-0.13) |
| Sildenafil |
50 mg single dose |
75 mg q.d.† |
16 |
0.92
(0.85-0.99) |
0.98
(0.92-1.05) |
1.04
(0.98-1.09) |
CI=Confidence Interval; N=maximum number of subjects with data; N.A.=not available; ↑=increase; ↓=decrease; ↔=no change; q.d.=once daily; b.i.d.=twice daily
* Comparison based on historic controls
† This interaction study has been performed with a dose higher than the recommended dose for EDURANT assessing the maximal effect on the coadministered drug. |
Table 12: Drug Interactions: Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Coadministered Drugs in the Presence of EDURANT
| Coadministered Drug |
Dose/Schedule |
N |
Mean Ratio of Coadministered Drug Pharmacokinetic Parameters With/Without EDURANT (90% CI); No Effect=1.00 |
| Coadministered Drug |
Rilpivirine |
Cmax |
AUC |
Cmin |
| Coadministration With HIV Protease Inhibitors (PIs) |
| Darunavir/ ritonavir |
800/100 mg q.d. |
150 mg q.d.† |
15 |
0.90
(0.81-1.00) |
0.89
(0.81-0.99) |
0.89
(0.68-1.16) |
Lopinavir/ ritonavir
(soft gel capsule) |
400/100 mg b.i.d. |
150 mg q.d.† |
15 |
0.96
(0.88-1.05) |
0.99
(0.89-1.10) |
0.89
(0.73-1.08) |
Coadministration With HIV Nucleoside or Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
(NRTIs/N[t]RTIs) |
| Didanosine |
400 mg q.d. delayed release capsules taken 2 hours before rilpivirine |
150 mg q.d.† |
13 |
0.96
(0.80-1.14) |
1.12
(0.99-1.27) |
N.A. |
| Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate |
300 mg q.d. |
150 mg q.d.† |
16 |
1.19
(1.06-1.34) |
1.23
(1.16-1.31) |
1.24
(1.10-1.38) |
| Coadministration With HIV Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors |
| Cabotegravir |
30 mg q.d. |
25 mg q.d. |
11 |
1.05
(0.96-1.15) |
1.12
(1.05-1.19) |
1.14
(1.04-1.24) |
| Raltegravir |
400 mg b.i.d. |
25 mg q.d. |
23 |
1.10
(0.77-1.58) |
1.09
(0.81-1.47) |
1.27
(1.01-1.60) |
| Coadministration With other Antivirals |
| Simeprevir |
150 mg q.d. |
25 mg q.d. |
21 |
1.10
(0.97-1.26) |
1.06
(0.94-1.19) |
0.96
(0.83-1.11) |
| Coadministration With Drugs other than Antiretrovirals |
| Acetaminophen |
500 mg single dose |
150 mg q.d.† |
16 |
0.97
(0.86-1.10) |
0.91
(0.86-0.97) |
N.A. |
| Atorvastatin |
40 mg q.d. |
150 mg q.d.† |
16 |
1.35
(1.08-1.68) |
1.04
(0.97-1.12) |
0.85
(0.69-1.03) |
| 2-hydroxy- atorvastatin |
|
|
16 |
1.58
(1.33-1.87) |
1.39
(1.29-1.50) |
1.32
(1.10-1.58) |
| 4-hydroxy- atorvastatin |
|
|
16 |
1.28
(1.15-1.43) |
1.23
(1.13-1.33) |
N.A. |
| Chlorzoxazone |
500 mg single dose taken 2 hours after rilpivirine |
150 mg q.d.† |
16 |
0.98
(0.85-1.13) |
1.03
(0.95-1.13) |
N.A. |
| Digoxin |
0.5 mg single dose |
25 mg q.d. |
22 |
1.06
(0.97-1.17) |
0.98
(0.93-1.04)# |
N.A. |
| Ethinylestradiol |
0.035 mg q.d. |
25 mg q.d. |
17 |
1.17
(1.06-1.30) |
1.14
(1.10-1.19) |
1.09
(1.03-1.16) |
| Norethindrone |
1 mg q.d. |
|
17 |
0.94
(0.83-1.06) |
0.89
(0.84-0.94) |
0.99
(0.90-1.08) |
| Ketoconazole |
400 mg q.d. |
150 mg q.d.† |
14 |
0.85
(0.80-0.90) |
0.76
(0.70-0.82) |
0.34
(0.25-0.46) |
| R(-) methadone |
60-100 mg q.d., individualized dose |
25 mg q.d. |
13 |
0.86
(0.78-0.95) |
0.84
(0.74-0.95) |
0.78
(0.67-0.91) |
| S(+) methadone |
13 |
0.87
(0.78-0.97) |
0.84
(0.74-0.96) |
0.79
(0.67-0.92) |
| Metformin |
850 mg single dose |
25 mg q.d. |
20 |
1.02
(0.95-1.10) |
0.97
(0.90-1.06)^ |
N.A. |
| Omeprazole |
20 mg q.d. |
150 mg q.d.† |
15 |
0.86
(0.68-1.09) |
0.86
(0.76-0.97) |
N.A. |
| Rifampin |
600 mg q.d. |
150 mg q.d.† |
16 |
1.02
(0.93-1.12) |
0.99
(0.92-1.07) |
N.A. |
| 25-desacetylrifampin |
|
|
16 |
1.00
(0.87-1.15) |
0.91
(0.77-1.07) |
N.A. |
| Sildenafil |
50 mg single dose |
75 mg q.d† |
16 |
0.93
(0.80-1.08) |
0.97
(0.87-1.08) |
N.A. |
| N-desmethyl- sildenafil |
|
|
16 |
0.90
(0.80-1.02) |
0.92
(0.85-0.99)# |
N.A. |
CI=Confidence Interval; N=maximum number of subjects with data; N.A.=not available; ↑=increase; ↓=decrease; ↔=no change; q.d.=once daily; b.i.d.=twice daily
† This interaction study has been performed with a dose higher than the recommended dose for EDURANT (25 mg once daily) assessing the maximal effect on the coadministered drug.
# AUC(0-last)
^ N (maximum number of subjects with data) for AUC(0-∞)=15 |
Microbiology
Mechanism Of Action
Rilpivirine is a diarylpyrimidine non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and inhibits HIV-1 replication by non-competitive inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT). Rilpivirine does not inhibit the human cellular DNA polymerases α, β and γ.
Antiviral Activity In Cell Culture
Rilpivirine exhibited activity against laboratory strains of wild-type HIV-1 in an acutely infected T-cell line with a median EC50 value for HIV-1IIIB of 0.73 nM (0.27 ng/mL). Rilpivirine demonstrated limited activity in cell culture against HIV-2 with a median EC50 value of 5220 nM (range 2510 to 10830 nM) (920 to 3970 ng/mL).
Rilpivirine demonstrated antiviral activity against a broad panel of HIV-1 group M (subtype A, B, C, D, F, G, H) primary isolates with EC50 values ranging from 0.07 to 1.01 nM (0.03 to 0.37 ng/mL) and was less active against group O primary isolates with EC50 values ranging from 2.88 to 8.45 nM (1.06 to 3.10 ng/mL).
The antiviral activity of rilpivirine was not antagonistic when combined with the NNRTIs efavirenz, etravirine or nevirapine; the N(t)RTIs abacavir, didanosine, emtricitabine, lamivudine, stavudine, tenofovir or zidovudine; the PIs amprenavir, atazanavir, darunavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir or tipranavir; the fusion inhibitor enfuvirtide; the CCR5 coreceptor antagonist maraviroc, or the integrase strand transfer inhibitor raltegravir.
Resistance
In Cell Culture
Rilpivirine-resistant strains were selected in cell culture starting from wild-type HIV-1 of different origins and subtypes as well as NNRTI resistant HIV-1. The frequently observed amino acid substitutions that emerged and conferred decreased phenotypic susceptibility to rilpivirine included: L100I, K101E, V106I and A, V108I, E138K and G, Q, R, V179F and I, Y181C and I, V189I, G190E, H221Y, F227C and M230I and L.
In Treatment-Naive Adult Subjects
In the Week 96 pooled resistance analysis of the Phase 3 trials TMC278-C209 and TMC278-C215, the emergence of resistance was greater among subjects’ viruses in the EDURANT arm compared to the efavirenz arm, and was dependent on baseline viral load. In the pooled resistance analysis, 58% (57/98) of the subjects who qualified for resistance analysis (resistance analysis subjects) in the EDURANT arm had virus with genotypic and/or phenotypic resistance to rilpivirine compared to 45% (25/56) of the resistance analysis subjects in the efavirenz arm who had genotypic and/or phenotypic resistance to efavirenz. Moreover, genotypic and/or phenotypic resistance to a background drug (emtricitabine, lamivudine, tenofovir, abacavir or zidovudine) emerged in viruses from 52% (51/98) of the resistance analysis subjects in the rilpivirine arm compared to 23% (13/56) in the efavirenz arm.
Emerging NNRTI substitutions in the rilpivirine resistance analysis of subjects’ viruses included V90I, K101E/P/T, E138K/A/Q/G, V179I/L, Y181C/I, V189I, H221Y, F227C/L and M230L, which were associated with a rilpivirine phenotypic fold change range of 2.6 - 621. The E138K substitution emerged most frequently during rilpivirine treatment commonly in combination with the M184I substitution. The emtricitabine and lamivudine resistance-associated substitutions M184I or V and NRTI resistance-associated substitutions (K65R/N, A62V, D67N/G, K70E, Y115F, T215S/T, or K219E/R) emerged more frequently in rilpivirine resistance analysis subjects compared to efavirenz resistance analysis subjects (see Table 13).
NNRTI- and NRTI-resistance substitutions emerged less frequently in resistance analysis of viruses from subjects with baseline viral load of ≤100,000 copies/mL compared to viruses from subjects with baseline viral load of >100,000 copies/mL: 26% (14/54) compared to 74% (40/54) of NNRTI-resistance substitutions and 22% (11/50) compared to 78% (39/50) of NRTI-resistance substitutions. This difference was also observed for the individual emtricitabine/lamivudine and tenofovir resistance substitutions: 23% (11/47) compared to 77% (36/47) for M184I/V and 0% (0/8) compared to 100% (8/8) for K65R/N. Additionally, NNRTI- and NRTI-resistance substitutions emerged less frequently in the resistance analysis of viruses from subjects with baseline CD4+ cell counts ≥200 cells/mm³ compared to viruses from subjects with baseline CD4+ cell counts <200 cells/mm³: 37% (20/54) compared to 63% (34/54) of NNRTI-resistance substitutions and 28% (14/50) compared to 72% (36/50) of NRTI-resistance substitutions.
Table 13: Proportion of Resistance Analysis Subjects* with Frequently Emerging Reverse Transcriptase Substitutions from the Pooled Phase 3 TMC278-C209 and TMC278-C215 Trials in the Week 96 Analysis
|
TMC278-C209 and TMC278-C215
N=1368 |
EDURANT + BR
N=686 |
Efavirenz + BR
N=682 |
| Subjects who Qualified for Resistance Analysis |
15% (98/652) |
9% (56/604) |
| Subjects with Evaluable Post-Baseline Resistance Data |
87 |
43 |
| Emerging NNRTI Substitutions† |
| Any |
62% (54/87) |
53% (23/43) |
| V90I |
13% (11/87) |
2% (1/43) |
| K101E/P/T/Q |
20% (17/87) |
9% (4/43) |
| K103N |
1% (1/87) |
40% (17/43) |
| E138K/A/Q/G |
40% (35/87) |
2% (1/43) |
| E138K+ M184I‡ |
25% (22/87) |
0 |
| V179I/L/D |
6% (5/87) |
7% (3/43) |
| Y181C/I/S |
10% (9/87) |
2% (1/43) |
| V189I |
8% (7/87) |
2% (1/43) |
| H221Y |
9% (8/87) |
0 |
| Emerging NRTI Substitutions§ |
| Any |
57% (50/87) |
30% (13/43) |
| M184I/V |
54% (47/87) |
26% (11/43) |
| K65R/N |
9% (8/87) |
5% (2/43) |
| A62V, D67N/G, K70E, Y115F, T215S/T or K219E/R¶ |
21% (18/87) |
2% (1/43) |
BR=background regimen
* Subjects who qualified for resistance analysis.
† V90, L100, K101, K103, V106, V108, E138, V179, Y181, Y188, V189, G190, H221, P225, F227 or M230
‡ This combination of NNRTI and NRTI substitutions is a subset of those with the E138K.
§ A62V, K65R/N, D67N/G, K70E, L74I, V75I, Y115F, M184I/V, L210F, T215S/T, K219E/R
¶ These substitutions emerged in addition to the primary substitutions M184V/I or K65R/N; A62V (n=3), D67N/G (n=3), K70E (n=4), Y115F (n=2), T215S/T (n=1), K219E/R (n=8) in rilpivirine resistance analysis subjects. |
Treatment--Naive HIV-1-Infected Pediatric Subjects
In trial TMC278-C213 Cohort 1, a single-arm, open-label Phase 2 trial in antiretroviral treatmentnaive HIV-1-infected pediatric subjects ≥12 to less than 18 years [see Clinical Studies], rilpivirine resistance-associated substitutions were observed in 62.5% (5/8) of subjects with
virologic failure and post-baseline genotypic data at 48 weeks with 4 of 5 having ≥2.5-fold decrease in susceptibility to rilpivirine. In addition, 4 of the 5 subjects with rilpivirine resistance substitutions also had at least 1 treatment-emergent resistance substitution to nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
In trial TMC278-C213 Cohort 2, a single-arm, open-label Phase 2 trial in antiretroviral treatmentnaive HIV-1-infected pediatric subjects 6 to less than 12 years of age [see Clinical Studies], 83% (5/6) of subjects with virologic failure (3 subjects failed ≤48 weeks and 3 subjects failed after 48 weeks) had treatment-emergent rilpivirine resistance-associated substitutions with 4 showing reduced rilpivirine susceptibility. Additionally, 4 of the virologic failures also had treatment emergent resistance substitutions to nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
The emergent rilpivirine resistance-associated substitutions in pediatric patients are consistent with
those seen in adults failing on a rilpivirine-containing regimen (see Table 13).
Cross-Resistance
Site-Directed NNRTI Mutant Virus
Cross-resistance has been observed among NNRTIs. The single NNRTI substitutions K101P, Y181I and Y181V conferred 52-fold, 15-fold and 12-fold decreased susceptibility to rilpivirine, respectively. The combination of E138K and M184I showed 6.7-fold reduced susceptibility to rilpivirine compared to 2.8-fold for E138K alone. The K103N substitution did not result in reduced susceptibility to rilpivirine by itself. However, the combination of K103N and L100I resulted in a 7-fold reduced susceptibility to rilpivirine. Combinations of 2 or 3 NNRTI resistance-associated substitutions had decreased susceptibility to rilpivirine (fold change range of 3.7 - 554) in 38% and 66% of mutants analyzed, respectively.
Treatment-Naive HIV-1-Infected Adult Subjects
Considering all available cell culture and clinical data, any of the following amino acid substitutions, when present at baseline, are likely to decrease the antiviral activity of rilpivirine: K101E, K101P, E138A, E138G, E138K, E138R, E138Q, V179L, Y181C, Y181I, Y181V, Y188L, H221Y, F227C, M230I or M230L.
Cross-resistance to efavirenz, etravirine and/or nevirapine is likely after virologic failure and
development of rilpivirine resistance. In the Week 96 pooled analyses of the Phase 3 TMC278-C209 and TMC278-C215 clinical trials, 50 of the 87 (57%) rilpivirine resistance analysis subjects with post-baseline resistance data had virus with decreased susceptibility to rilpivirine (≥2.5-fold change). Of these, 86% (n=43/50) were resistant to efavirenz (≥3.3-fold change), 90% (n=45/50) were resistant to etravirine (≥3.2-fold change) and 62% (n=31/50) were resistant to nevirapine (≥6-fold change). In the efavirenz arm, 3 of the 21 (14%) efavirenz resistance analysis subjects’ viruses were resistant to etravirine and rilpivirine, and 95% (n=20/21) were resistant to nevirapine. Virus from subjects experiencing virologic failure on EDURANT developed more NNRTI resistance-associated substitutions conferring more cross-resistance to the NNRTI class and had a higher likelihood of cross-resistance to all NNRTIs in the class compared to virus from subjects who failed on efavirenz.
Clinical Studies
Treatment-Naive Adult Subjects
The evidence of efficacy of EDURANT is based on the analyses of 48- and 96-week data from 2 randomized, double-blinded, active controlled, Phase 3 trials TMC278-C209 (ECHO) and TMC278-C215 (THRIVE) in antiretroviral treatment-naive adults. Antiretroviral treatment-naive HIV-1 infected subjects enrolled in the Phase 3 trials had a plasma HIV-1 RNA ≥5000 copies/mL and were screened for susceptibility to N(t)RTIs and for absence of specific NNRTI resistance-associated substitutions (RASs). The Phase 3 trials were identical in design, apart from the background regimen (BR). In TMC278-C209, the BR was fixed to the N(t)RTIs, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine. In TMC278-C215, the BR consisted of 2 investigatorselected N(t)RTIs: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine or zidovudine plus lamivudine or abacavir plus lamivudine. In both trials, randomization was stratified by screening viral load. In TMC278-C215, randomization was also stratified by N(t)RTI BR.
In the pooled analysis for TMC278-C209 and TMC278-C215, demographics and baseline characteristics were balanced between the EDURANT arm and the efavirenz arm. Table 14 displays selected demographic and baseline disease characteristics of the subjects in the EDURANT and efavirenz arms.
Table 14: Demographic and Baseline Disease Characteristics of Antiretroviral Treatment-Naive HIV-1- Infected Adult Subjects in the TMC278-C209 and TMC278-C215 Trials (Pooled Analysis)
|
Pooled Data from the Phase 3 TMC278-C209 and TMC278-C215 Trials |
EDURANT + BR
N=686 |
Efavirenz + BR
N=682 |
| Demographic Characteristics |
| Median Age, years (range) |
36 (18-78) |
36 (19-69) |
| Sex |
| Male |
76% |
76% |
| Female |
24% |
24% |
| Race |
| White |
61% |
60% |
| Black/African American |
24% |
23% |
| Asian |
11% |
14% |
| Other |
2% |
2% |
| Not allowed to ask per local regulations |
1% |
1% |
| Baseline Disease Characteristics |
| Median Baseline Plasma HIV-1 RNA (range), log10 copies/mL |
5.0 (2-7) |
5.0 (3-7) |
| Percentage of Patients with Baseline Plasma Viral Load: |
| ≤100,000 |
54% |
48% |
| >100,000 to ≤500,000 |
36% |
40% |
| >500,000 |
10% |
12% |
| Median Baseline CD4+ Cell Count (range), cells/mm³ |
249 (1-888) |
260 (1-1137) |
| Percentage of Subjects with: |
| Hepatitis B/C Virus Co-infection |
7% |
10% |
| Percentage of Patients with the Following Background |
| Regimens: |
| tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine |
80% |
80% |
| zidovudine plus lamivudine |
15% |
15% |
| abacavir plus lamivudine |
5% |
5% |
| BR=background regimen |
Week 96 efficacy outcomes for subjects treated with EDURANT 25 mg once daily from the pooled analysis are shown in Table 15. The incidence of virologic failure was higher in the EDURANT arm than the efavirenz arm at Week 96. Virologic failures and discontinuations due to adverse events mostly occurred in the first 48 weeks of treatment. Regardless of HIV-1 RNA at the start of therapy, more EDURANT treated subjects with CD4+ cell count less than 200 cells/mm³ experienced virologic failure compared to EDURANT treated subjects with CD4+ cell count greater than or equal to 200 cells/mm³.
Table 15: Virologic Outcome of Randomized Treatment of Studies TMC278-C209 and TMC278-C215 (Pooled Data) at Week 96
|
EDURANT + BR
N=686 |
Efavirenz + BR
N=682 |
| HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL* |
76% |
77% |
| HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL† |
16% |
10% |
| No virologic data at Week 96 window |
| Reasons |
| Discontinued study due to adverse event or death‡ |
4% |
8% |
| Discontinued study for other reasons and last available HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL (or missing)§ |
4% |
5% |
| Missing data during window but on study |
<1% |
<1% |
| HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL by Baseline HIV-1 RNA (copies/mL) |
| ≤100,000 |
82% |
78% |
| >100,000 |
70% |
75% |
| HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL† by Baseline HIV-1 RNA (copies/mL) |
| ≤100,000 |
9% |
8% |
| >100,000 |
24% |
11% |
| HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL by CD4+ cell count (cells/mm³) |
| <200 |
68% |
74% |
| ≥200 |
81% |
77% |
| HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL1, by CD4+ cell count (cells/mm³) |
| <200 |
27% |
10% |
| ≥200 |
10% |
9% |
N=total number of subjects per treatment group; BR=background regimen.
* CI=Predicted difference (95% CI) of response rate is -0.2 (-4.7; 4.3) at Week 96.
† Includes subjects who had ≥50 copies/mL in the Week 96 window, subjects who discontinued early due to lack or loss of efficacy, subjects who discontinued for reasons other than an adverse event, death or lack or loss of efficacy and at the time of discontinuation had a viral value of ≥50 copies/mL, and subjects who had a switch in background regimen that was not permitted by the protocol.
‡ Includes subjects who discontinued due to an adverse event or death if this resulted in no on-treatment virologic data in the Week 96 window.
§ Includes subjects who discontinued for reasons other than an adverse event, death or lack or loss of efficacy, e.g., withdrew consent, loss to follow-up, etc.
Note: Analysis was based on the last observed viral load data within the Week 96 window (Week 90-103), respectively. |
At Week 96, the mean CD4+ cell count increase from baseline was 228 cells/mm³ for EDURANT-treated subjects and 219 cells/mm³ for efavirenz-treated subjects in the pooled analysis of the TMC278-C209 and TMC278-C215 trials.
Study TMC278-C204 was a randomized, active-controlled, Phase 2b trial in antiretroviral treatment-naive HIV-1-infected adult subjects consisting of 2 parts: an initial 96 weeks, partially-blinded dose-finding part [EDURANT doses blinded] followed by a long-term, open-label part. After Week 96, subjects randomized to one of the 3 doses of EDURANT were switched to EDURANT 25 mg once daily. Subjects in the control arm received efavirenz 600 mg once daily in addition to a BR in both parts of the study. The BR consisted of 2 investigator-selected N(t)RTIs: zidovudine plus lamivudine or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine.
Study TMC278-C204 enrolled 368 HIV-1-infected treatment-naive adult subjects who had a plasma HIV-1 RNA ≥5000 copies/mL, previously received ≤2 weeks of treatment with an N(t)RTI or protease inhibitor, had no prior use of NNRTIs, and were screened for susceptibility to N(t)RTI and for absence of specific NNRTI RASs.
At 96 weeks, the proportion of subjects with <50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL receiving EDURANT 25 mg (N=93) compared to subjects receiving efavirenz (N=89) was 76% and 71%, respectively. The mean increase from baseline in CD4+ counts was 146 cells/mm³ in subjects receiving EDURANT 25 mg and 160 cells/mm³ in subjects receiving efavirenz.
At 240 weeks, 60% (56/93) of subjects who originally received 25 mg once daily achieved HIV RNA <50 copies/mL compared to 57% (51/89) of subjects in the control group.
Virologically-Suppressed Adults Treated In Combination With Cabotegravir
The use of EDURANT in combination with VOCABRIA (cabotegravir) as an oral lead-in and in patients who miss planned injections with CABENUVA (cabotegravir extended-release injectable suspension; rilpivirine extended-release injectable suspension) was evaluated in two Phase 3 randomized, multicenter, active-controlled, parallel-arm, open-label, non-inferiority trials (Trial 201584: FLAIR [NCT02938520], Trial 201585: ATLAS [NCT2951052]), and one Phase 3b randomized, multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, non-inferiority trial (Trial 207966: ATLAS-2M [NCT03299049]) in subjects who were virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL). See full prescribing information for VOCABRIA and CABENUVA for additional information.
Treatment-Naive Pediatric Subjects (≥12 To Less Than 18 Years Of Age)
The pharmacokinetics, safety, tolerability and efficacy of EDURANT 25 mg once daily, in combination with an investigator-selected background regimen (BR) containing two NRTIs, was evaluated in trial TMC278-C213 Cohort 1, a single-arm, open-label Phase 2 trial in antiretroviral treatment-naive HIV-1 infected pediatric subjects 12 to less than 18 years of age and weighing at least 32 kg. Thirty six (36) subjects were enrolled in the trial to complete at least 48 weeks of treatment. The 36 subjects had a median age of 14.5 years (range: 12 to 17 years), and were 56% female, 89% Black and 11% Asian.
In the efficacy analysis, most subjects (75%; 28/36) had baseline HIV RNA <100,000 copies/mL. For these 28 subjects the median baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA was 44,250 (range: 2,060-92,600 copies/mL) and the median baseline CD4+ cell count was 445.5 cells/mm³ (range: 123 to 983 cells/mm³).
Among the subjects who had baseline HIV RNA ≤100,000, the proportion with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL at Week 48 was 79% (22/28), versus 50% (4/8) in those with >100,000 copies/mL. The proportion of virologic failures among subjects with a baseline viral load ≤100,000 copies/mL was 21% (6/28), versus 38% (3/8) in those with >100,000 copies/mL. At Week 48, the mean increase in CD4+ cell count from baseline was 201.2 cells/mm³.
Treatment-Naive Pediatric Subjects (2 To Less Than 12 Years Of Age)
The pharmacokinetics, safety, tolerability and efficacy of EDURANT and EDURANT PED weight-adjusted doses 25, 15 and 12.5 mg once daily in combination with an investigator-selected BR containing two NRTIs, was evaluated in trial TMC278-C213 Cohort 2, a single-arm, openlabel Phase 2 trial in antiretroviral treatment-naive HIV-1 infected pediatric subjects 6 to less than 12 years of age and weighing at least 17 kg. The Week 48 analysis included 18 subjects, 17 (94%) subjects completed the 48-week treatment period, and 1 (6%) subject discontinued the study early due to reaching a virologic endpoint. The 18 subjects had a median age of 9 years (range 6 to 11 years) and the median weight at baseline was 25 kg (range 17 to 51 kg). 89% were Black and 39% were female. The median baseline plasma viral load was 55,400 (range 567-149,000) copies/mL, and the median absolute baseline CD4+ cell count was 432.5 (range 12-2,068) cells/μL.
The number of subjects with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL at Week 48 was 13/18 (72%), while 3/18 (17%) subjects had HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL at Week 48 [see Microbiology]. Two out of 18 (11%) participants in the 15 mg once daily (20 to ≤25 kg) dose-weight group had missing viral load data at Week 48 but remained on study. The viral load for these 2 subjects was <50 copies/mL, post-Week 48. The mean increase (SE) in CD4+ from baseline was 215.9 (62.42) cells/μL at Week 48.
The safety and efficacy of EDURANT and EDURANT PED in treatment naive pediatric subjects 2 to less than 6 years of age is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of EDURANT in adults with additional population pharmacokinetic data from adults and pediatric subjects 6 years and older [see Use In Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].