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JAKAFI®
(ruxolitinib) Tablets, for Oral Use
Ruxolitinib phosphate is a kinase inhibitor with the chemical name (R)-3-(4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3d] pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-cyclopentylpropanenitrile phosphate and a molecular weight of 404.36. Ruxolitinib phosphate has the following structural formula:
 |
Ruxolitinib phosphate is a white to off-white to light pink powder and is soluble in aqueous buffers across a pH range of 1 to 8.
Jakafi (ruxolitinib) Tablets are for oral administration. Each tablet contains ruxolitinib phosphate equivalent to 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg and 25 mg of ruxolitinib free base together with microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium starch glycolate, povidone and hydroxypropyl cellulose.
Jakafi is indicated for treatment of patients with intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis (MF), including primary MF, post-polycythemia vera MF and post-essential thrombocythemia MF.
Jakafi is indicated for treatment of patients with polycythemia vera (PV) who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant of hydroxyurea.
The recommended starting dose of Jakafi is based on platelet count (Table 1). A complete blood count (CBC) and platelet count must be performed before initiating therapy, every 2 to 4 weeks until doses are stabilized, and then as clinically indicated [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Doses may be titrated based on safety and efficacy.
Table 1: Jakafi Starting Doses for Myelofibrosis
| Platelet Count | Starting Dose |
| Greater than 200 X 109/L | 20 mg orally twice daily |
| 100 X 109/L to 200 X 109/L | 15 mg orally twice daily |
| 50 X 109/L to less than 100 X 109/L | 5 mg orally twice daily |
Treatment Interruption and Restarting Dosing
Interrupt treatment for platelet counts less than 50 X 109/L or absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 0.5 X 109/L.
After recovery of platelet counts above 50 X 109/L and ANC above 0.75 X 109/L, dosing may be restarted. Table 2 illustrates the maximum allowable dose that may be used in restarting Jakafi after a previous interruption.
Table 2: Myelofibrosis: Maximum Restarting Doses for Jakafi after Safety Interruption for Thrombocytopenia for Patients Starting Treatment with a Platelet Count of 100 X 109/L or Greater
| Current Platelet Count | Maximum Dose When Restarting Jakafi Treatment* |
| Greater than or equal to 125 X 109/L | 20 mg twice daily |
| 100 to less than 125 X 109/L | 15 mg twice daily |
| 75 to less than 100 X 109/L | 10 mg twice daily for at least 2 weeks; if stable, may increase to 15 mg twice daily |
| 50 to less than 75 X 109/L | 5 mg twice daily for at least 2 weeks; if stable, may increase to 10 mg twice daily |
| Less than 50 X 109/L | Continue hold |
| *Maximum doses are displayed. When restarting, begin with a dose at least 5 mg twice daily below the dose at interruption. | |
Following treatment interruption for ANC below 0.5 X 109/L, after ANC recovers to 0.75 X 109/L or greater, restart dosing at the higher of 5 mg once daily or 5 mg twice daily below the largest dose in the week prior to the treatment interruption.
Dose Reductions
Dose reductions should be considered if the platelet counts decrease as outlined in Table 3 with the goal of avoiding dose interruptions for thrombocytopenia.
Table 3: Myelofibrosis: Dosing Recommendations for Thrombocytopenia for Patients Starting Treatment with a Platelet Count of 100 X 109/L or Greater
| Platelet Count | Dose at Time of Platelet Decline | ||||
| 25 mg twice daily | 20 mg twice daily | 15 mg twice daily | 10 mg twice daily | 5 mg twice daily | |
| New Dose | New Dose | New Dose | New Dose | New Dose | |
| 100 to less than 125 X 109/L | 20 mg twice daily | 15 mg twice daily | No Change | No Change | No Change |
| 75 to less than 100 X 109/L | 10 mg twice daily | 10 mg twice daily | 10 mg twice daily | No Change | No Change |
| 50 to less than 75 X 109/L | 5 mg twice daily | 5 mg twice daily | 5 mg twice daily | 5 mg twice daily | No Change |
| Less than 50 X 109/L | Hold | Hold | Hold | Hold | Hold |
If the response is insufficient and platelet and neutrophil counts are adequate, doses may be increased in 5 mg twice daily increments to a maximum of 25 mg twice daily. Doses should not be increased during the first 4 weeks of therapy and not more frequently than every 2 weeks.
Consider dose increases in patients who meet all of the following conditions:
Based on limited clinical data, long-term maintenance at a 5 mg twice daily dose has not shown responses and continued use at this dose should be limited to patients in whom the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Discontinue Jakafi if there is no spleen size reduction or symptom improvement after 6 months of therapy.
This section applies only to patients with platelet counts of 50 X 109/L to less than 100 X 109/L prior to any treatment with Jakafi. See Section 2.1.1 for dose modifications for hematological toxicity in patients whose platelet counts were 100 X 109/L or more prior to starting treatment with Jakafi.
Treatment Interruption and Restarting Dosing
Interrupt treatment for platelet counts less than 25 X 109/L or ANC less than 0.5 X 109/L.
After recovery of platelet counts above 35 X 109/L and ANC above 0.75 X 109/L, dosing may be restarted. Restart dosing at the higher of 5 mg once daily or 5 mg twice daily below the largest dose in the week prior to the decrease in platelet count below 25 X 109/L or ANC below 0.5 X 109/L that led to dose interruption.
Dose Reductions
Reduce the dose of Jakafi for platelet counts less than 35 X 109/L as described in Table 4.
Table 4: Myelofibrosis: Dosing Modifications for Thrombocytopenia for Patients with
Starting Platelet Count of 50 X 109/L to Less Than 100 X 109/L
| Platelet Count | Dosing Recommendations |
| Less than 25 X 109/L |
|
| 25 X 109/L to less than 35 X 109/L AND the platelet count decline is less than 20% during the prior four weeks |
|
| 25 X 109/L to less than 35 X 109/L AND the platelet count decline is 20% or greater during the prior four weeks |
|
Do not increase doses during the first 4 weeks of therapy, and do not increase the dose more frequently than every 2 weeks.
If the response is insufficient as defined in Section 2.1.2, doses may be increased by increments of 5 mg daily to a maximum of 10 mg twice daily if:
Continuation of treatment for more than 6 months should be limited to patients in whom the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Discontinue Jakafi if there is no spleen size reduction or symptom improvement after 6 months of therapy.
Interrupt treatment for bleeding requiring intervention regardless of current platelet count. Once the bleeding event has resolved, consider resuming treatment at the prior dose if the underlying cause of bleeding has been controlled. If the bleeding event has resolved but the underlying cause persists, consider resuming treatment with Jakafi at a lower dose.
The recommended starting dose of Jakafi is 10 mg twice daily. Doses may be titrated based on safety and efficacy.
A complete blood count (CBC) and platelet count must be performed before initiating therapy, every 2 to 4 weeks until doses are stabilized, and then as clinically indicated [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Dose Reductions
Dose reductions should be considered for hemoglobin and platelet count decreases as described in Table 5.
Table 5: Polycythemia Vera: Dose Reductions
| Hemoglobin and/or Platelet Count | Dosing Recommendations |
| Hemoglobin greater than or equal to 12 g/dL AND platelet count greater than or equal to 100 X 109/L |
|
| Hemoglobin 10 to less than 12 g/dL AND platelet count 75 to less than 100 X 109/L |
|
| Hemoglobin 8 to less than 10 g/dL OR platelet count 50 to less than 75 X 109/L |
|
| Hemoglobin less than 8 g/dL OR platelet count less than 50 X 109/L |
|
Treatment Interruption and Restarting Dosing
Interrupt treatment for hemoglobin less than 8 g/dL, platelet counts less than 50 X 109/L or ANC less than 1.0 X 109/L.
After recovery of the hematologic parameter(s) to acceptable levels, dosing may be restarted.
Table 6 illustrates the dose that may be used in restarting Jakafi after a previous interruption.
Table 6: Polycythemia Vera: Restarting Doses for Jakafi after Safety Interruption for Hematologic Parameter(s)
Use the most severe category of a patient’s hemoglobin, platelet count, or ANC abnormality to determine the corresponding maximum restarting dose.
| Hemoglobin, Platelet Count, or ANC | Maximum Restarting Dose |
| Hemoglobin less than 8 g/dL OR platelet count less than 50 X 109/L OR ANC less than 1 X 109/L | Continue hold |
| Hemoglobin 8 to less than 10 g/dL OR platelet count 50 to less than 75 X 109/L OR ANC 1 to less than 1.5 X 109/L | 5 mg twice dailya or no more than 5 mg twice daily less than the dose which resulted in dose interruption |
| Hemoglobin 10 to less than 12 g/dL OR platelet count 75 to less than 100 X 109/L OR ANC 1.5 to less than 2 X 109/L | 10 mg twice dailya or no more than 5 mg twice daily less than the dose which resulted in dose interruption |
| Hemoglobin greater than or equal to 12 g/dL OR platelet count greater than or equal to 100 X 109/L OR ANC greater than or equal to 2 X 109/L | 15 mg twice dailya or no more than 5 mg twice daily less than the dose which resulted in dose interruption |
| a Continue treatment for at least 2 weeks; if stable, may increase dose by 5 mg twice daily. | |
Patients who had required dose interruption while receiving a dose of 5 mg twice daily, may restart at a dose of 5 mg twice daily or 5 mg once daily, but not higher, once hemoglobin is greater than or equal to 10 g/dL, platelet count is greater than or equal to 75 X 109/L, and ANC is greater than or equal to 1.5 X 109/L.
Dose Management after Restarting Treatment
After restarting Jakafi following treatment interruption, doses may be titrated, but the maximum total daily dose should not exceed 5 mg less than the dose that resulted in the dose interruption. An exception to this is dose interruption following phlebotomy-associated anemia, in which case the maximal total daily dose allowed after restarting Jakafi would not be limited.
If the response is insufficient and platelet, hemoglobin, and neutrophil counts are adequate, doses may be increased in 5 mg twice daily increments to a maximum of 25 mg twice daily. Doses should not be increased during the first 4 weeks of therapy and not more frequently than every two weeks.
Consider dose increases in patients who meet all of the following conditions:
Modify the Jakafi dosage when coadministered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and fluconazole doses of less than or equal to 200 mg [see DRUG INTERACTIONS], according to Table 7.
Additional dose modifications should be made with frequent monitoring of safety and efficacy.
Avoid the use of fluconazole doses of greater than 200 mg daily with Jakafi.
Table 7: Dose Modifications for Concomitant Use with Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors or Fluconazole
| For patients coadministered strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or fluconazole doses of less than or equal to 200 mg | Recommended Dose Modification |
| Starting dose for patients with MF with a platelet count: | |
|
10 mg twice daily |
|
5 mg once daily |
| Starting dose for patients with PV: | 5 mg twice daily |
| If on stable dose for patients with PV: | |
|
Decrease dose by 50% (round up to the closest available tablet strength) |
|
5 mg once daily |
|
Avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitor or fluconazole treatment or interrupt Jakafi treatment for the duration of strong CYP3A4 inhibitor or fluconazole use |
Patients with Moderate or Severe Renal Impairment
Modify the Jakafi dosage for patients with moderate or severe renal impairment according to Table 8.
Table 8: Dose Modifications for Renal Impairment
| Renal Impairment Status | Platelet Count | Recommended Starting Dosage |
| Patients with MF Moderate (CLcr 30 to 59 mL/min) or Severe (CLcr 15 to 29 mL/min) |
Greater than 150 X 109/L | No dose modification needed |
| 100 X 109/L to 150 X 109/L | 10 mg twice daily | |
| 50 to less than 100 X 109/L | 5 mg daily | |
| Less than 50 X 109/L | Avoid use [see Use In Specific Populations] | |
| Patients with PV Moderate (CLcr 30 to 59 mL/min) or Severe (CLcr 15 to 29 mL/min) |
Any | 5 mg twice daily |
Patients with End Stage Renal Disease on Dialysis
The recommended starting dose for patients with MF with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis is 15 mg once after a dialysis session for patients with a platelet count between 100 X 109/L and 200 X 109/L or 20 mg once after a dialysis session for patients with a platelet count of greater than 200 X 109/L.
The recommended starting dose for patients with PV with ESRD on dialysis is 10 mg.
Make additional dose modifications with frequent monitoring of safety and efficacy. Avoid use of Jakafi in patients with ESRD (CLcr less than 15 mL/min) not requiring dialysis [see Use In Specific Populations].
Modify the Jakafi dosage for patients with hepatic impairment according to Table 9.
Table 9: Dose Modifications for Hepatic Impairment
| Hepatic Impairment Status | Platelet Count | Recommended Starting Dosage |
| Patients with MF Mild, Moderate, or Severe (Child Pugh Class A, B, C) |
Greater than 150 X 109/L | No dose modification needed |
| 100 X 109/L to 150 X 109/L | 10 mg twice daily | |
| 50 to less than 100 X 109/L | 5 mg daily | |
| Less than 50 X 109/L | Avoid use [see Use In Specific Populations] | |
| Patients with PV Mild, Moderate, or Severe (Child-Pugh Class A, B, C) |
Any | 5 mg twice daily |
Jakafi is dosed orally and can be administered with or without food.
If a dose is missed, the patient should not take an additional dose, but should take the next usual prescribed dose.
When discontinuing Jakafi therapy for reasons other than thrombocytopenia, gradual tapering of the dose of Jakafi may be considered, for example by 5 mg twice daily each week.
For patients unable to ingest tablets, Jakafi can be administered through a nasogastric tube (8 French or greater) as follows:
The tube should be rinsed with approximately 75 mL of water. The effect of tube feeding preparations on Jakafi exposure during administration through a nasogastric tube has not been evaluated.
5 mg tablets -round and white with “INCY” on one side and “5” on the other.
10 mg tablets -round and white with “INCY” on one side and “10” on the other.
15 mg tablets -oval and white with “INCY” on one side and “15” on the other.
20 mg tablets -capsule-shaped and white with “INCY” on one side and “20” on the other.
25 mg tablets -oval and white with “INCY” on one side and “25” on the other.
Jakafi (ruxolitinib) Tablets are available as follows:
Jakafi Trade Presentations
| NDC Number | Strength | Description | Tablets per Bottle |
| 50881-005-60 | 5 mg | Round tablet with “INCY” on one side and “5” on the other | 60 |
| 50881-010-60 | 10 mg | Round tablet with “INCY” on one side and “10” on the other | 60 |
| 50881-015-60 | 15 mg | Oval tablet with “INCY” on one side and “15” on the other | 60 |
| 50881-020-60 | 20 mg | Capsule shaped tablet with “INCY” on one side and “20” on the other | 60 |
| 50881-025-60 | 25 mg | Oval tablet with “INCY” on one side and “25” on the other | 60 |
Store at room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Manufactured for: Incyte Corporation Wilmington, DE 19803. Revised: Dec 2017
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The safety of Jakafi was assessed in 617 patients in six clinical studies with a median duration of follow-up of 10.9 months, including 301 patients with MF in two Phase 3 studies.
In these two Phase 3 studies, patients had a median duration of exposure to Jakafi of 9.5 months (range 0.5 to 17 months), with 89% of patients treated for more than 6 months and 25% treated for more than 12 months. One hundred and eleven (111) patients started treatment at 15 mg twice daily and 190 patients started at 20 mg twice daily. In patients starting treatment with 15 mg twice daily (pretreatment platelet counts of 100 to 200 X 109/L) and 20 mg twice daily (pretreatment platelet counts greater than 200 X 109/L), 65% and 25% of patients, respectively, required a dose reduction below the starting dose within the first 8 weeks of therapy.
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of Jakafi, among the 155 patients treated with Jakafi, the most frequent adverse drug reactions were thrombocytopenia and anemia [see Table 11]. Thrombocytopenia, anemia and neutropenia are dose related effects. The three most frequent non-hematologic adverse reactions were bruising, dizziness and headache [see Table 10].
Discontinuation for adverse events, regardless of causality, was observed in 11% of patients treated with Jakafi and 11% of patients treated with placebo.
Table 10 presents the most common adverse reactions occurring in patients who received Jakafi in the double-blind, placebo-controlled study during randomized treatment.
Table 10: Myelofibrosis: Adverse Reactions Occurring in Patients on Jakafi in the Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study During Randomized Treatment
| Adverse Reactions | Jakafi (N=155) |
Placebo (N=151) |
||||
| All Gradesa (%) |
Grade 3 (%) |
Grade 4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3 (%) |
Grade 4 (%) |
|
| Bruisingb | 23 | <1 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| Dizzinessc | 18 | <1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Headache | 15 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Urinary Tract Infectionsd | 9 | 0 | 0 | 5 | <1 | <1 |
| Weight Gaine | 7 | <1 | 0 | 1 | <1 | 0 |
| Flatulence | 5 | 0 | 0 | <1 | 0 | 0 |
| Herpes Zosterf | 2 | 0 | 0 | <1 | 0 | 0 |
|
a National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 3.0 b includes contusion, ecchymosis, hematoma, injection site hematoma, periorbital hematoma, vessel puncture site hematoma, increased tendency to bruise, petechiae, purpura c includes dizziness, postural dizziness, vertigo, balance disorder, Meniere’s Disease, labyrinthitis d includes urinary tract infection, cystitis, urosepsis, urinary tract infection bacterial, kidney infection, pyuria, bacteria urine, bacteria urine identified, nitrite urine present e includes weight increased, abnormal weight gain f includes herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia |
||||||
In the two Phase 3 clinical studies, median time to onset of first CTCAE Grade 2 or higher anemia was approximately 6 weeks. One patient (<1%) discontinued treatment because of anemia. In patients receiving Jakafi, mean decreases in hemoglobin reached a nadir of approximately 1.5 to 2.0 g/dL below baseline after 8 to 12 weeks of therapy and then gradually recovered to reach a new steady state that was approximately 1.0 g/dL below baseline. This pattern was observed in patients regardless of whether they had received transfusions during therapy.
In the randomized, placebo-controlled study, 60% of patients treated with Jakafi and 38% of patients receiving placebo received red blood cell transfusions during randomized treatment. Among transfused patients, the median number of units transfused per month was 1.2 in patients treated with Jakafi and 1.7 in placebo treated patients.
In the two Phase 3 clinical studies, in patients who developed Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, the median time to onset was approximately 8 weeks. Thrombocytopenia was generally reversible with dose reduction or dose interruption. The median time to recovery of platelet counts above 50 X 109/L was 14 days. Platelet transfusions were administered to 5% of patients receiving Jakafi and to 4% of patients receiving control regimens. Discontinuation of treatment because of thrombocytopenia occurred in <1% of patients receiving Jakafi and <1% of patients receiving control regimens. Patients with a platelet count of 100 X 109/L to 200 X 109/L before starting Jakafi had a higher frequency of Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia compared to patients with a platelet count greater than 200 X 109/L (17% versus 7%).
In the two Phase 3 clinical studies, 1% of patients reduced or stopped Jakafi because of neutropenia.
Table 11 provides the frequency and severity of clinical hematology abnormalities reported for patients receiving treatment with Jakafi or placebo in the placebo-controlled study.
Table 11: Myelofibrosis: Worst Hematology Laboratory Abnormalities in the Placebo-Controlled Studya
| Laboratory Parameter | Jakafi (N=155) |
Placebo (N=151) |
||||
| All Gradesb (%) |
Grade 3 (%) |
Grade 4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3 (%) |
Grade 4 (%) |
|
| Thrombocytopenia | 70 | 9 | 4 | 31 | 1 | 0 |
| Anemia | 96 | 34 | 11 | 87 | 16 | 3 |
| Neutropenia | 19 | 5 | 2 | 4 | <1 | 1 |
|
a Presented values are worst Grade values regardless of baseline b National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0 |
||||||
25% of patients treated with Jakafi and 7% of patients treated with placebo developed newly occurring or worsening Grade 1 abnormalities in alanine transaminase (ALT). The incidence of greater than or equal to Grade 2 elevations was 2% for Jakafi with 1% Grade 3 and no Grade 4 ALT elevations.
17% of patients treated with Jakafi and 6% of patients treated with placebo developed newly occurring or worsening Grade 1 abnormalities in aspartate transaminase (AST). The incidence of Grade 2 AST elevations was <1% for Jakafi with no Grade 3 or 4 AST elevations.
17% of patients treated with Jakafi and <1% of patients treated with placebo developed newly occurring or worsening Grade 1 elevations in cholesterol. The incidence of Grade 2 cholesterol elevations was <1% for Jakafi with no Grade 3 or 4 cholesterol elevations.
In a randomized, open-label, active-controlled study, 110 patients with PV resistant to or intolerant of hydroxyurea received Jakafi and 111 patients received best available therapy [see Clinical Studies]. The most frequent adverse drug reaction was anemia. Table 12 presents the most frequent non-hematologic treatment emergent adverse events occurring up to Week 32.
Discontinuation for adverse events, regardless of causality, was observed in 4% of patients treated with Jakafi.
Table 12: Polycythemia Vera: Treatment Emergent Adverse Events Occurring in ≥ 6% of Patients on Jakafi in the Open-Label, Active-controlled Study up to Week 32 of Randomized Treatment
| Adverse Events | Jakafi (N=110) |
Best Available Therapy (N=111) |
||
| All Gradesa (%) |
Grade 3-4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3-4 (%) |
|
| Headache | 16 | <1 | 19 | <1 |
| Abdominal Painb | 15 | <1 | 15 | <1 |
| Diarrhea | 15 | 0 | 7 | <1 |
| Dizzinessc | 15 | 0 | 13 | 0 |
| Fatigue | 15 | 0 | 15 | 3 |
| Pruritus | 14 | <1 | 23 | 4 |
| Dyspnead | 13 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| Muscle Spasms | 12 | <1 | 5 | 0 |
| Nasopharyngitis | 9 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Constipation | 8 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Cough | 8 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Edemae | 8 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Arthralgia | 7 | 0 | 6 | <1 |
| Asthenia | 7 | 0 | 11 | 2 |
| Epistaxis | 6 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Herpes Zosterf | 6 | <1 | 0 | 0 |
| Nausea | 6 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
|
a National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), version 3.0 b includes abdominal pain, abdominal pain lower, and abdominal pain upper c includes dizziness and vertigo d includes dyspnea and dyspnea exertional e includes edema and peripheral edema f includes herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia |
||||
Other clinically important treatment emergent adverse events observed in less than 6% of patients treated with Jakafi were:
Weight gain, hypertension, and urinary tract infections
Clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities are shown in Table 13.
Table 13: Polycythemia Vera: Selected Laboratory Abnormalities in the Open-Label, Active-controlled Study up to Week 32 of Randomized Treatmenta
| Laboratory Parameter | Jakafi (N=110) |
Best Available Therapy (N=111) |
||||
| All Gradesb (%) |
Grade 3 (%) |
Grade 4 (%) |
All Grades (%) |
Grade 3 (%) |
Grade 4 (%) |
|
| Hematology | ||||||
| Anemia | 72 | <1 | <1 | 58 | 0 | 0 |
| Thrombocytopenia | 27 | 5 | <1 | 24 | 3 | <1 |
| Neutropenia | 3 | 0 | <1 | 10 | <1 | 0 |
| Chemistry | ||||||
| Hypercholesterolemia | 35 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Elevated ALT | 25 | <1 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| Elevated AST | 23 | 0 | 0 | 23 | <1 | 0 |
| Hypertriglyceridemia | 15 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
|
a Presented values are worst Grade values regardless of baseline b National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0 |
||||||
Concomitant administration of Jakafi with fluconazole doses greater than 200 mg daily may increase ruxolitinib exposure due to inhibition of both the CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 metabolic pathways [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Increased exposure may increase the risk of exposure-related adverse reactions. Avoid the concomitant use of Jakafi with fluconazole doses of greater than 200 mg daily [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Concomitant administration of Jakafi with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increases ruxolitinib exposure [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Increased exposure may increase the risk of exposure-related adverse reactions. Consider dose reduction when administering Jakafi with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Concomitant administration of Jakafi with strong CYP3A4 inducers may decrease ruxolitinib exposure [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. No dose adjustment is recommended; however, monitor patients frequently and adjust the Jakafi dose based on safety and efficacy [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Treatment with Jakafi can cause thrombocytopenia, anemia and neutropenia. [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Manage thrombocytopenia by reducing the dose or temporarily interrupting Jakafi. Platelet transfusions may be necessary [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Patients developing anemia may require blood transfusions and/or dose modifications of Jakafi.
Severe neutropenia (ANC less than 0.5 X 109/L) was generally reversible by withholding Jakafi until recovery [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Perform a pre-treatment complete blood count (CBC) and monitor CBCs every 2 to 4 weeks until doses are stabilized, and then as clinically indicated. [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal and viral infections have occurred. Delay starting therapy with Jakafi until active serious infections have resolved. Observe patients receiving Jakafi for signs and symptoms of infection and manage promptly.
Tuberculosis infection has been reported in patients receiving Jakafi. Observe patients receiving Jakafi for signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis and manage promptly.
Prior to initiating Jakafi, patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis risk factors, and those at higher risk should be tested for latent infection. Risk factors include, but are not limited to, prior residence in or travel to countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, close contact with a person with active tuberculosis, and a history of active or latent tuberculosis where an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed.
For patients with evidence of active or latent tuberculosis, consult a physician with expertise in the treatment of tuberculosis before starting Jakafi. The decision to continue Jakafi during treatment of active tuberculosis should be based on the overall risk-benefit determination.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has occurred with Jakafi treatment. If PML is suspected, stop Jakafi and evaluate.
Advise patients about early signs and symptoms of herpes zoster and to seek treatment as early as possible if suspected [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Hepatitis B viral load (HBV-DNA titer) increases, with or without associated elevations in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, have been reported in patients with chronic HBV infections taking Jakafi. The effect of Jakafi on viral replication in patients with chronic HBV infection is unknown. Patients with chronic HBV infection should be treated and monitored according to clinical guidelines.
Following discontinuation of Jakafi, symptoms from myeloproliferative neoplasms may return to pretreatment levels over a period of approximately one week. Some patients with MF have experienced one or more of the following adverse events after discontinuing Jakafi: fever, respiratory distress, hypotension, DIC, or multi-organ failure. If one or more of these occur after discontinuation of, or while tapering the dose of Jakafi, evaluate for and treat any intercurrent illness and consider restarting or increasing the dose of Jakafi. Instruct patients not to interrupt or discontinue Jakafi therapy without consulting their physician. When discontinuing or interrupting therapy with Jakafi for reasons other than thrombocytopenia or neutropenia [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION], consider tapering the dose of Jakafi gradually rather than discontinuing abruptly.
Non-melanoma skin cancers including basal cell, squamous cell, and Merkel cell carcinoma have occurred in patients treated with Jakafi. Perform periodic skin examinations.
Treatment with Jakafi has been associated with increases in lipid parameters including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. The effect of these lipid parameter elevations on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined in patients treated with Jakafi. Assess lipid parameters approximately 8-12 weeks following initiation of Jakafi therapy. Monitor and treat according to clinical guidelines for the management of hyperlipidemia.
See FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Discuss the following with patients prior to and during treatment with Jakafi:
Inform patients that Jakafi is associated with thrombocytopenia, anemia and neutropenia, and of the need to monitor complete blood counts before and during treatment. Advise patients to observe for and report bleeding.
Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of infection and to report any such signs and symptoms promptly.
Inform patients regarding the early signs and symptoms of herpes zoster and of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and advise patients to seek advice of a clinician if such symptoms are observed.
Inform patients that after discontinuation of treatment, signs and symptoms from myeloproliferative neoplasms are expected to return. Instruct patients not to interrupt or discontinue Jakafi therapy without consulting their physician.
Inform patients that Jakafi may increase their risk of certain non-melanoma skin cancers. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider if they have ever had any type of skin cancer or if they observe any new or changing skin lesions.
Inform patients that Jakafi may increase blood cholesterol, and of the need to monitor blood cholesterol levels.
Advise patients to inform their healthcare providers of all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter medications, herbal products and dietary supplements.
Inform patients on dialysis that their dose should not be taken before dialysis but only following dialysis.
Inform women not to breastfeed during treatment with Jakafi and for two weeks after the final dose.
Advise patients to continue taking Jakafi every day for as long as their physician tells them and that this is a long-term treatment. Patients should not change dose or stop taking Jakafi without first consulting their physician. Patients should be aware that after discontinuation of treatment, signs and symptoms from myeloproliferative neoplasms are expected to return.
Ruxolitinib was not carcinogenic in the 6-month Tg.rasH2 transgenic mouse model or in a 2-year carcinogenicity study in the rat.
Ruxolitinib was not mutagenic in a bacterial mutagenicity assay (Ames test) or clastogenic in in vitro chromosomal aberration assay (cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes) or in vivo in a rat bone marrow micronucleus assay.
In a fertility study, ruxolitinib was administered to male rats prior to and throughout mating and to female rats prior to mating and up to the implantation day (gestation day 7). Ruxolitinib had no effect on fertility or reproductive function in male or female rats at doses of 10, 30 or 60 mg/kg/day. However, in female rats doses of greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg/day resulted in increased post-implantation loss. The exposure (AUC) at the dose of 30 mg/kg/day is approximately 34% the clinical exposure at the maximum recommended dose of 25 mg twice daily.
When pregnant rats and rabbits were administered ruxolitinib during the period of organogenesis adverse developmental outcomes occurred at doses associated with maternal toxicity (see Data). There are no studies with the use of Jakafi in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. Adverse outcomes in pregnancy occur regardless of the health of the mother or the use of medications. The background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2% to 4% and miscarriage is 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
Animal Data
Ruxolitinib was administered orally to pregnant rats or rabbits during the period of organogenesis, at doses of 15, 30 or 60 mg/kg/day in rats and 10, 30 or 60 mg/kg/day in rabbits. There were no treatment-related malformations. Adverse developmental outcomes, such as decreases of approximately 9% in fetal weights were noted in rats at the highest and maternally toxic dose of 60 mg/kg/day. This dose results in an exposure (AUC) that is approximately 2 times the clinical exposure at the maximum recommended dose of 25 mg twice daily. In rabbits, lower fetal weights of approximately 8% and increased late resorptions were noted at the highest and maternally toxic dose of 60 mg/kg/day. This dose is approximately 7% the clinical exposure at the maximum recommended dose.
In a pre-and post-natal development study in rats, pregnant animals were dosed with ruxolitinib from implantation through lactation at doses up to 30 mg/kg/day. There were no drug-related adverse findings in pups for fertility indices or for maternal or embryofetal survival, growth and development parameters at the highest dose evaluated (34% the clinical exposure at the maximum recommended dose of 25 mg twice daily).
No data are available regarding the presence of ruxolitinib in human milk, the effects on the breast fed infant, or the effects on milk production. Ruxolitinib and/or its metabolites were present in the milk of lactating rats (see Data). Because many drugs are present in human milk and because of the potential for thrombocytopenia and anemia shown for Jakafi in human studies, discontinue breastfeeding during treatment with Jakafi and for two weeks after the final dose.
Animal Data
Lactating rats were administered a single dose of [14C]-labeled ruxolitinib (30 mg/kg) on postnatal Day 10, after which plasma and milk samples were collected for up to 24 hours. The AUC for total radioactivity in milk was approximately 13-fold the maternal plasma AUC. Additional analysis showed the presence of ruxolitinib and several of its metabolites in milk, all at levels higher than those in maternal plasma.
The safety and effectiveness of Jakafi in pediatric patients have not been established.
Of the total number of patients with MF in clinical studies with Jakafi, 52% were 65 years and older, while 15% were 75 years and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness of Jakafi were observed between these patients and younger patients.
Reduce the Jakafi dosage when administering Jakafi to patients with MF and moderate (CLcr 30 mL/min to 59 mL/min as estimated using Cockcroft-Gault) or severe renal impairment (CLcr 15 mL/min to 29 mL/min) with a platelet count between 50 X 109/L and 150 X 109/L [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Reduce the Jakafi dosage for patients with PV and moderate (CLcr 30 to 59 mL/min) or severe renal impairment (CLcr 15 to 29 mL/min) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Reduce the Jakafi dosage for all patients with ESRD on dialysis [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Reduce the Jakafi dosage when administering Jakafi to patients with MF and any degree of hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A, B and C) and with a platelet count between 50 X 109/L and 150 X 109/L [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Reduce the Jakafi dosage for patients with PV and hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A, B and C) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
There is no known antidote for overdoses with Jakafi. Single doses up to 200 mg have been given with acceptable acute tolerability. Higher than recommended repeat doses are associated with increased myelosuppression including leukopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia. Appropriate supportive treatment should be given.
Hemodialysis is not expected to enhance the elimination of Jakafi.
None.
Ruxolitinib, a kinase inhibitor, inhibits Janus Associated Kinases (JAKs) JAK1 and JAK2 which mediate the signaling of a number of cytokines and growth factors that are important for hematopoiesis and immune function. JAK signaling involves recruitment of STATs (signal transducers and activators of transcription) to cytokine receptors, activation and subsequent localization of STATs to the nucleus leading to modulation of gene expression.
MF and PV are myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) known to be associated with dysregulated JAK1 and JAK2 signaling. In a mouse model of JAK2V617F-positive MPN, oral administration of ruxolitinib prevented splenomegaly, preferentially decreased JAK2V617F mutant cells in the spleen and decreased circulating inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF- α, IL-6).
Jakafi inhibits cytokine induced STAT3 phosphorylation in whole blood from patients with MF and PV. Jakafi administration resulted in maximal inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation 2 hours after dosing which returned to near baseline by 10 hours in patients with MF and PV.
At a dose of 1.25 to 10 times the highest recommended starting dosage, Jakafi does not prolong the QT interval to any clinically relevant extent.
Mean ruxolitinib maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) and AUC increased proportionally over a single dose range of 5 mg to 200 mg. Mean ruxolitinib Cmax ranged from 205 nM to 7100 nM and AUC ranged from 862 nM*hr to 30700 nM*hr over a single dose range of 5 mg to 200 mg.
Ruxolitinib achieves Cmax within 1 hour to 2 hours post-dose. Oral absorption of ruxolitinib is estimated to be at least 95%.
Food Effect
No clinically relevant changes in the pharmacokinetics of ruxolitinib were observed upon administration of Jakafi with a high-fat, high-calorie meal (approximately 800 to 1000 calories of which 50% were derived from fat).
The mean volume of distribution at steady-state is 72 L (coefficient of variation [CV] 29%) in patients with MF and 75 L (23%) in patients with PV.
Binding to plasma proteins is approximately 97%, mostly to albumin.
The mean elimination half-life of ruxolitinib is approximately 3 hours and the mean half-life of ruxolitinib + metabolites is approximately 5.8 hours.
Ruxolitinib clearance was 17.7 L/h in women and 22.1 L/h in men with MF (39% inter-subject variability).
Ruxolitinib clearance was 12.7 L/h in patients with PV (42% inter-subject variability).
Metabolism
Ruxolitinib is metabolized by CYP3A4 and to a lesser extent by CYP2C9.
Excretion
Following a single oral dose of radiolabeled ruxolitinib, elimination was predominately through metabolism with 74% of radioactivity excreted in urine and 22% excretion via feces. Unchanged drug accounted for less than 1% of the excreted total radioactivity.
No clinically relevant differences in ruxolitinib pharmacokinetics were observed with regard to age, race, sex, or weight.
The safety and pharmacokinetics of single dose Jakafi (25 mg) were evaluated in a study in healthy subjects [CLcr 72 mL/min to 164 mL/min as estimated using Cockcroft-Gault] and in subjects with mild [CLcr 53 mL/min to 83 mL/min], moderate [CLcr 38 mL/min to 57 mL/min], or severe renal impairment [CLcr 15 mL/min to 51 mL/min]. Additional subjects with ESRD requiring hemodialysis were also enrolled.
The pharmacokinetics of ruxolitinib was similar in subjects with various degrees of renal impairment and in those with normal renal function, but the plasma AUC values of ruxolitinib metabolites increased with increasing severity of renal impairment. This was most marked in the subjects with ESRD requiring hemodialysis. The change in the pharmacodynamic marker, pSTAT3 inhibition, was consistent with the corresponding increase in metabolite exposure. Ruxolitinib is not removed by dialysis; however, the removal of some active metabolites by dialysis cannot be ruled out.
The safety and pharmacokinetics of single dose Jakafi (25 mg) were evaluated in a study in healthy subjects and in subjects with mild [Child-Pugh A], moderate [Child-Pugh B], or severe hepatic impairment [Child-Pugh C]. The mean AUC for ruxolitinib was increased by 87% in patients with mild impairment, 28% in patients with moderate impairment and 65% in patients with severe hepatic impairment compared to patients with normal hepatic function. The terminal elimination half-life was prolonged in patients with hepatic impairment compared to healthy subjects (4.1 hours to 5 hours versus 2.8 hours). The change in the pharmacodynamic marker, pSTAT3 inhibition, was consistent with the corresponding increase in ruxolitinib exposure except in the severe hepatic impairment cohort where the pharmacodynamic activity was more prolonged in some subjects than expected based on plasma concentrations of ruxolitinib.
Simulations suggest that fluconazole (a dual CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 inhibitor) increases steady state ruxolitinib AUC by approximately 100% to 300% following concomitant administration of 10 mg of Jakafi twice daily with 100 mg to 400 mg of fluconazole once daily [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Ketoconazole (a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) increased ruxolitinib Cmax by 33% and AUC by 91%. Ketoconazole also prolonged ruxolitinib half-life from 3.7 hours to 6 hours [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Erythromycin (a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor) increased ruxolitinib Cmax by 8% and AUC by 27% [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Rifampin (a strong CYP3A4 inducer) decreased ruxolitinib Cmax by 32% and AUC by 61%. The relative exposure to ruxolitinib’s active metabolites increased approximately 100% [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Ruxolitinib and its M18 metabolite did not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 or CYP3A4. Ruxolitinib did not induce CYP1A2, CYP2B6 or CYP3A4 at clinically relevant concentrations.
Ruxolitinib and its M18 metabolite did not inhibit the P-gp, BCRP, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OCT1, OCT2, OAT1 or OAT3 transport systems at clinically relevant concentrations. Ruxolitinib is not a substrate for the P-gp transporter.
Two randomized Phase 3 studies (Studies 1 and 2) were conducted in patients with MF (either primary MF, post-polycythemia vera MF or post-essential thrombocythemia-MF). In both studies, patients had palpable splenomegaly at least 5 cm below the costal margin and risk category of intermediate 2 (2 prognostic factors) or high risk (3 or more prognostic factors) based on the International Working Group Consensus Criteria (IWG).
The starting dose of Jakafi was based on platelet count. Patients with a platelet count between 100 and 200 X 109/L were started on Jakafi 15 mg twice daily and patients with a platelet count greater than 200 X 109/L were started on Jakafi 20 mg twice daily. Doses were then individualized based upon tolerability and efficacy with maximum doses of 20 mg twice daily for patients with platelet counts between 100 to less than or equal to 125 X 109/L, of 10 mg twice daily for patients with platelet counts between 75 to less than or equal to 100 X 109/L, and of 5 mg twice daily for patients with platelet counts between 50 to less than or equal to 75 X 109/L.
Study 1 (NCT00952289) was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 309 patients who were refractory to or were not candidates for available therapy. The median age was 68 years (range 40 to 91 years) with 61% of patients older than 65 years and 54% were male. Fifty percent (50%) of patients had primary MF, 31% had post-polycythemia vera MF and 18% had post-essential thrombocythemia MF. Twenty-one percent (21%) of patients had red blood cell transfusions within 8 weeks of enrollment in the study. The median hemoglobin count was 10.5 g/dL and the median platelet count was 251 X 109/L. Patients had a median palpable spleen length of 16 cm below the costal margin, with 81% having a spleen length 10 cm or greater below the costal margin. Patients had a median spleen volume as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) of 2595 cm3 (range 478 cm3 to 8881 cm3). (The upper limit of normal is approximately 300 cm3).
Patients were dosed with Jakafi or matching placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving greater than or equal to a 35% reduction from baseline in spleen volume at Week 24 as measured by MRI or CT.
Secondary endpoints included duration of a 35% or greater reduction in spleen volume and proportion of patients with a 50% or greater reduction in Total Symptom Score from baseline to Week 24 as measured by the modified Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form (MFSAF) v2.0 diary.
Study 2 (NCT00934544) was an open-label, randomized study in 219 patients. Patients were randomized 2:1 to Jakafi versus best available therapy. Best available therapy was selected by the investigator on a patient-by-patient basis. In the best available therapy arm, the medications received by more than 10% of patients were hydroxyurea (47%) and glucocorticoids (16%). The median age was 66 years (range 35 to 85 years) with 52% of patients older than 65 years and 57% were male. Fifty-three percent (53%) of patients had primary MF, 31% had post24 polycythemia vera MF and 16% had post-essential thrombocythemia MF. Twenty-one percent (21%) of patients had red blood cell transfusions within 8 weeks of enrollment in the study. The median hemoglobin count was 10.4 g/dL and the median platelet count was 236 X 109/L. Patients had a median palpable spleen length of 15 cm below the costal margin, with 70% having a spleen length 10 cm or greater below the costal margin. Patients had a median spleen volume as measured by MRI or CT of 2381 cm3 (range 451 cm3 to 7765 cm3).
The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving 35% or greater reduction from baseline in spleen volume at Week 48 as measured by MRI or CT.
A secondary endpoint in Study 2 was the proportion of patients achieving a 35% or greater reduction of spleen volume as measured by MRI or CT from baseline to Week 24.
Efficacy analyses of the primary endpoint in Studies 1 and 2 are presented in Table 14 below. A significantly larger proportion of patients in the Jakafi group achieved a 35% or greater reduction in spleen volume from baseline in both studies compared to placebo in Study 1 and best available therapy in Study 2. A similar proportion of patients in the Jakafi group achieved a 50% or greater reduction in palpable spleen length.
Table 14: Percent of Patients with Myelofibrosis Achieving 35% or Greater Reduction
from Baseline in Spleen Volume at Week 24 in Study 1 and at Week 48 in
Study 2 (Intent to Treat)
| Study 1 | Study 2 | |||
| Jakafi (N=155) |
Placebo (N=154) |
Jakafi (N=146) |
Best Available Therapy (N=73) |
|
| Time Points | Week 24 | Week 48 | ||
| Number (%) of Patients with Spleen Volume Reduction by 35% or More | 65 (42) | 1 (<1) | 41 (29) | 0 |
| P-value | < 0.0001 | < 0.0001 | ||
Figure 1 shows the percent change from baseline in spleen volume for each patient at Week 24 (Jakafi N=139, placebo N=106) or the last evaluation prior to Week 24 for patients who did not complete 24 weeks of randomized treatment (Jakafi N=16, placebo N=47). One (1) patient (placebo) with a missing baseline spleen volume is not included.
Figure 1: Percent Change from Baseline in Spleen Volume at Week 24 or Last
Observation for Each Patient (Study 1)
 |
In Study 1, MF symptoms were a secondary endpoint and were measured using the modified Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form (MFSAF) v2.0 diary. The modified MFSAF is a daily diary capturing the core symptoms of MF (abdominal discomfort, pain under left ribs, night sweats, itching, bone/muscle pain and early satiety). Symptom scores ranged from 0 to 10 with 0 representing symptoms “absent” and 10 representing “worst imaginable” symptoms. These scores were added to create the daily total score, which has a maximum of 60.
Table 15 presents assessments of Total Symptom Score from baseline to Week 24 in Study 1 including the proportion of patients with at least a 50% reduction (ie, improvement in symptoms). At baseline, the mean Total Symptom Score was 18.0 in the Jakafi group and 16.5 in the placebo group. A higher proportion of patients in the Jakafi group had a 50% or greater reduction in Total Symptom Score than in the placebo group, with a median time to response of less than 4 weeks.
Table 15: Improvement in Total Symptom Score in Patients with Myelofibrosis
| Jakafi (N=148) |
Placebo (N=152) |
|
| Number (%) of Patients with 50% or Greater Reduction in Total Symptom Score by Week 24 | 68 (46) | 8 (5) |
| P-value | < 0.0001 | |
Figure 2 shows the percent change from baseline in Total Symptom Score for each patient at Week 24 (Jakafi N=129, placebo N=103) or the last evaluation on randomized therapy prior to Week 24 for patients who did not complete 24 weeks of randomized treatment (Jakafi N=16, placebo N=42). Results are excluded for 5 patients with a baseline Total Symptom Score of zero, 8 patients with missing baseline and 6 patients with insufficient post-baseline data.
Figure 2: Percent Change from Baseline in Total Symptom Score at Week 24 or Last Observation for Each Patient (Study 1)
 |
Figure 3 displays the proportion of patients with at least a 50% improvement in each of the individual symptoms that comprise the Total Symptom Score indicating that all 6 of the symptoms contributed to the higher Total Symptom Score response rate in the group treated with Jakafi.
Figure 3: Proportion of Patients with Myelofibrosis Achieving 50% or Greater
Reduction in Individual Symptom Scores at Week 24
 |
An exploratory analysis of patients receiving Jakafi also showed improvement in fatigue-related symptoms (i.e., tiredness, exhaustion, mental tiredness, and lack of energy) and associated impacts on daily activities (i.e., activity limitations related to work, self-care, and exercise) as measured by the PROMIS® Fatigue 7-item short form total score at Week 24. Patients who achieved a reduction of 4.5 points or more from baseline to Week 24 in the PROMIS® Fatigue total score were considered to have achieved a fatigue response. Fatigue response was reported in 35% of patients in the Jakafi group versus 14% of the patients in the placebo group.
Overall survival was a secondary endpoint in both Study 1 and Study 2. Patients in the control groups were eligible for crossover in both studies, and the median times to crossover were 9 months in Study 1 and 17 months in Study 2.
Figure 4 and Figure 5 show Kaplan-Meier curves of overall survival at prospectively planned analyses after all patients remaining on study had completed 144 weeks on study.
Figure 4: Overall Survival -Kaplan-Meier Curves by Treatment Group in Study 1
 |
Figure 5: Overall Survival -Kaplan-Meier Curves by Treatment Group in Study 2
 |
Study 3 (NCT01243944) was a randomized, open-label, active-controlled Phase 3 study conducted in 222 patients with PV. Patients had been diagnosed with PV for at least 24 weeks, had an inadequate response to or were intolerant of hydroxyurea, required phlebotomy and exhibited splenomegaly. All patients were required to demonstrate hematocrit control between 40-45% prior to randomization. The age ranged from 33 to 90 years with 30% of patients over 65 years of age and 66% were male. Patients had a median spleen volume as measured by MRI or CT of 1272 cm3 (range 254 cm3 to 5147 cm3) and median palpable spleen length below the costal margin was 7 cm.
Patients were randomized to Jakafi or best available therapy. The starting dose of Jakafi was 10 mg twice daily. Doses were then individualized based upon tolerability and efficacy with a maximum dose of 25 mg twice daily. At Week 32, 98 patients were still on Jakafi with 8% receiving greater than 20 mg twice daily, 15% receiving 20 mg twice daily, 33% receiving 15 mg twice daily, 34% receiving 10 mg twice daily, and 10% receiving less than 10 mg twice daily. Best available therapy (BAT) was selected by the investigator on a patient-by-patient basis and included hydroxyurea (60%), interferon/pegylated interferon (12%), anagrelide (7%), pipobroman (2%), lenalidomide/thalidomide (5%), and observation (15%).
The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects achieving a response at Week 32, with response defined as having achieved both hematocrit control (the absence of phlebotomy eligibility beginning at the Week 8 visit and continuing through Week 32) and spleen volume reduction (a greater than or equal to 35% reduction from baseline in spleen volume at Week 32). Phlebotomy eligibility was defined as a confirmed hematocrit greater than 45% that is at least 3 percentage points higher than the hematocrit obtained at baseline or a confirmed hematocrit greater than 48%, whichever was lower. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of all randomized subjects who achieved the primary endpoint and who maintained their response 48 weeks after randomization, and the proportion of subjects achieving complete hematological remission at Week 32 with complete hematological remission defined as achieving hematocrit control, platelet count less than or equal to 400 X 109/L, and white blood cell count less than or equal to 10 X 109/L.
Results of the primary and secondary endpoints are presented in Table 16. A significantly larger proportion of patients on the Jakafi arm achieved a response for the primary endpoint compared to best available therapy at Week 32 and maintained their response 48 weeks after randomization. A significantly larger proportion of patients on the Jakafi arm compared to best available therapy also achieved complete hematological remission at Week 32.
Table 16: Percent of Patients with Polycythemia Vera Achieving the Primary and Key Secondary Endpoints in Study 3 (Intent to Treat)
| Jakafi (N=110) |
Best Available Therapy (N=112) |
|
| Number (%) of Patients Achieving a Primary Response at Week 32 | 25 (23%) | 1 (<1%) |
| 95% CI of the response rate (%) | (15%, 32%) | (0%, 5%) |
| P-value | < 0.0001 | |
| Number (%) of Patients Achieving a Durable Primary Response at Week 48 | 22 (20%) | 1 (<1%) |
| 95% CI of the response rate (%) | (13%, 29%) | (0%, 5%) |
| P-value | < 0.0001 | |
| Number (%) of Patients Achieving Complete Hematological Remission at Week 32 | 26 (24%) | 9 (8%) |
| 95% CI of the response rate (%) | (16%, 33%) | (4%, 15%) |
| P-value | 0.0016 | |
| Primary Response defined as having achieved both the absence of phlebotomy eligibility beginning at the Week 8 visit and continuing through Week 32 and a greater than or equal to 35% reduction from baseline in spleen volume at Week 32. | ||
Additional analyses for Study 3 to assess durability of response were conducted at Week 80 only in the Jakafi arm. On this arm, 91 (83%) patients were still on treatment at the time of the Week 80 data cut-off. Of the 25 patients who achieved a primary response at Week 32, 19 (76% of the responders) maintained their response through Week 80, and of the 26 patients who achieved complete hematological remission at Week 32, 15 (58% of the responders) maintained their response through Week 80.
In an assessment of the individual components that make up the primary endpoint, there were 66 (60%) patients with hematocrit control on the Jakafi arm vs. 21 (19%) patients on best available therapy at Week 32; 51 (77% of hematocrit responders) patients on the Jakafi arm maintained hematocrit control through Week 80. There were 44 (40%) patients with spleen volume reduction from baseline greater than or equal to 35% on the Jakafi arm vs. 1 (<1%) patient on best available therapy at Week 32; 43 (98% of spleen volume reduction responders) patients on the Jakafi arm maintained spleen volume reduction through Week 80.
No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS sections.
