CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Kcentra has not been studied in patients with congenital
factor deficiencies.
Mechanism of Action
Kcentra contains the Vitamin K-dependent coagulation
Factors II (FII), VII (FVII), IX (FIX), Â and X (FX), together known as the
Prothrombin Complex, and the antithrombotic Protein C and Protein S. If the
patient has an acquired coagulation factor deficiency where one or more of the
Vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors are deficient, bleeding may occur.
The coagulation cascade is a series of pro-coagulant and
antithrombotic reactions involving the activation of zymogens. The vascular
endothelium provides a protective barrier separating blood cells and plasma
factors from subendothelial vessel wall reactive adhesive proteins and tissue
factor (TF). The latter proteins trigger blood coagulation. Thrombin converts
fibrinogen to fibrin for clot formation.
A dose-dependent acquired deficiency of the Vitamin
K-dependent coagulation factors occurs during Vitamin K antagonist treatment.
Vitamin K antagonists exert anticoagulant effects by blocking carboxylation of
glutamic acid residues of the Vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors during
hepatic synthesis, lowering both factor synthesis and function. Â The
administration of Kcentra rapidly increases plasma levels of the Vitamin
K-dependent coagulation Factors II, VII, IX, and X as well as the
anti-thrombotic Proteins C and S.
Coagulation Factor II
Factor II (prothrombin) is converted to thrombin by
activated FX (FXa) in the presence of Ca2+, FV, and phospholipids.
Coagulation Factor VII
Factor VII (proconvertin) is converted to the activated
form (FVIIa) by splitting of an internal peptide link. The FVIIa-TF complex
activates Factor IX and initiates the primary coagulation pathway by activating
FX in the presence of phospholipids and calcium ions.
Coagulation Factor IX
Factor IX (antihemophilic globulin B, or Christmas
factor) is activated by the FVIIa-TF complex and by FXIa. Factor IXa in the
presence of FVIIIa activates FX to FXa.
Coagulation Factor X
Factor X (Stuart-Prower factor) activation involves the
cleavage of a peptide bond by the FVIIIa-Factor IXa complex or the TF-FVIIa
complex. Factor Xa forms a complex with activated FV (FVa) that converts
prothrombin to thrombin in the presence of phospholipids and calcium ions.
Protein C
Protein C, when activated by thrombin, exerts an
antithrombotic effect by inhibiting FVa and FVIIIa leading to a decrease in
thrombin formation, and has indirect profibrinolytic activity by inhibiting
plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.
Protein S
Protein S exists in a free form (40%) and in a complex
with C4b-binding protein (60%). Protein S (free form) functions as a cofactor
for activated Protein C in the inactivation of FVa and FVIIIa, leading to
antithrombotic activity.
Pharmacodynamics
International Normalized Ratio (INR)
In the plasma-controlled RCT in acute major bleeding, the
INR was determined at varying time points after the start or end of infusion,
depending upon study design. The median INR was above 3.0 prior to the infusion
and dropped to a median value of 1.20 by the 30 minute time point after start
of Kcentra infusion. By contrast, the median value for plasma was 2.4 at 30
minutes after the start of infusion. The INR differences between Kcentra and plasma
were statistically significant in randomized plasma-controlled trial in
bleeding up to 12 hours after start of infusion [see Table 9].
The relationship between these or other INR values and
clinical hemostasis in patients has not been established [see Clinical
Studies].
Table 9: Median INR after Start of Infusion
Study |
Treat- ment |
Baseline |
30 min |
1 hr |
2-3 hr |
6-8 hr |
12 hr |
24 hr |
Acute Major Bleeding Study |
Kcentra
(N = 98) |
3.90 (1.8- 20.0) |
1.20* (0.9- 6.7) |
1.30* (0.9- 5.4) |
1.30* (0.9- 2.5) |
1.30* (0.9- 2.1) |
1.20* (0.9- 2.2) |
1.20 (0.9- 3.8) |
Plasma
(N = 104) |
3.60 (1.9- 38.9) |
2.4 (1.4- 11.4) |
2.1 (1.0- 11.4) |
1.7 (1.1- 4.1) |
1.5 (1.0- 3.0) |
1.4 (1.0- 3.0) |
1.3 (1.0- 2.9) |
*Statistically significant difference compared to plasma
by 2-sided Wilcoxon test in Study 3002
 INR = international normalized ratio. |
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were obtained in healthy
subjects. PK parameters obtained from data derived from the study of healthy
subjects may not be directly applicable to those with acute major bleeding and
INR elevation due to VKA anticoagulation therapy.
Fifteen healthy subjects received 50 units/kg of Kcentra.
No subjects were receiving VKA therapy or were experiencing acute bleeding. A
single intravenous Kcentra infusion produced a rapid and sustained increase in
plasma concentration of Factors II, VII, IX and X. Â Concentrations of Proteins
C and S also increased rapidly and substantially. The PK analysis [see Table 10
and Table 11] shows that factor II had the longest half-life (59.7 hours) Â and
factor VII the shortest (4.2 hours) in healthy subjects. The mean residence
time (MRT) Â was longest for factor II (81.7 hours) and shortest for factor VII
(6.1 hours).
Table 10: Vitamin K-Dependent Coagulation Factor
Pharmacokinetics after a Single Kcentra Infusion in Healthy Subjects (n=15)
Median (IQR)*
Parameter |
Factor IX |
Factor II |
Factor VII |
Factor X |
Terminal half-life (h) |
16.7 (14.267.7) |
59.7 (45.565.9) |
4.2 (3.9-6.6) |
30.7 ( 23.741.4) |
IVR (%/units/kg bw)† |
1.57 (1.381.90) |
2.11 ( 1.952.45) |
2.43 (2.332.77) |
2.08 (1.942.39) |
AUC (IU/dL x h) |
1490 (1 1532376) |
6577 (58707912) |
424 (331-742) |
6707(5234-8577) |
Clearance (mL/ kg x h) |
3.63 (2.274.68) |
0.97 (0.811.09) |
7.06 (4.049.05) |
1.25 (0.981.60) |
MRT (h)‡ |
21.6 (17.183.8) |
81.7 (62.087.6) |
6.1 (5.6-9.5) |
44.3 (34.259.8) |
Vdss (mL/kg)§ |
92.4 (76.2182.2) |
71.0 (61.278.9) |
41.8 (39.352.5) |
56.1 (52.960.1) |
* IQR: Interquartile Range
† IVR: In Vivo Recovery
‡ MRT: Mean Residence Time
§ Vdss: Volume of Distribution at steady state |
Table 11: Antithrombotic Proteins C and S
Pharmacokinetics after a Single Kcentra Infusion in Healthy Subjects- PK Study
in Healthy Subjects (n=15) Median (Min – Max)
Parameter |
Protein C |
Protein S |
Terminal half-life (h) |
47.2 (9.3-121.7) |
49.1 (33.1-83.3) |
IVR (%/units/kg bw)* |
2.76 (2.16-3.31) |
2.02(1.46-2.70) |
AUC (IU/dL x h) |
5,276 (1,772-10,444) |
3,667 (2,218-3,667) |
Clearance (mL/ kg x h) |
1.1 (0.6-3.3) |
1.1 (0.7-1.8) |
MRT (h)† |
57.0-13.4-161.4) |
69.2 (45.3-1 13.5) |
Vdss (mL/kg)‡ |
62.9 (43.9-109.3) |
76.6 (61.9-105.0) |
* IVR: In Vivo Recovery
† MRT: Mean Residence Time
‡ Vdss: Volume of Distribution at steady state |
Plasma levels of Coagulation Factors II, VII, IX, X, and
Antithrombotic Proteins C and S were measured after the infusion of Kcentra or
plasma in studies of subjects requiring urgent reversal due to acquired
deficiency of Vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. Â In randomized,
plasma-controlled study in acute major bleeding, the mean duration of Kcentra
infusion was 24 minutes (+/- 32 minutes) and the mean duration of infusion for plasma
was 169 minutes (+/-143 minutes). The mean infusion volume of Kcentra was 105 mL
+/-37 mL and the mean infusion volume of plasma was 865 mL +/- 269 mL.
The increase in mean factor levels over time following
Kcentra and plasma administration in the plasma-controlled RCT in acute major
bleeding is shown in Figure 9 below. Levels of some factors continued to
increase at later time points, consistent with the effect of concomitant
Vitamin K treatment. Formal pharmacokinetic parameters were not derived because
of the effect of Vitamin K on factor levels at time points required for pharmacokinetic
profiling.
Figure 9: Mean Factor Levels (Factors II, VII, IX, X,
Proteins C & S) over 24 Hours
Time axis is scheduled measuring time: hours after start
of infusion (P=pre-infusion)
The mean in vivo recovery (IVR) of infused factors was
calculated in subjects who received Kcentra. The IVR is the increase in
measurable factor levels in plasma (units/dL) that may be expected following an
infusion of factors (units/kg) administered as a dose of Kcentra. The in vivo
recovery ranged from 1.29 (Factor IX) to 2.4 (Protein S) [see Table 12 and
Table 13].
Table 12: In vivo Recovery (Single-Arm European Study
in Bleeding and Surgery, ITT*, N=43)
Analyte |
Incremental (units/dL per units/kg b.w.) |
Mean (SD) |
95% CI† |
Factor IX |
1.37 (0.50) |
(1.21-1.53) |
Factor II |
1.91 (0.52) |
(1.75-2.08) |
Factor VII |
1.60 (0.54) |
(1.43-1.77) |
Factor X |
1.93 (0.47) |
(1.78-2.07) |
Protein C |
2.07 (0.44) |
(1.94-2.21) |
Protein S |
2.44 (0.82) |
(2.18-2.69) |
* ITT: Intention to Treat
† CI: Confidence Interval |
Table 13: In vivo Recovery (Plasma-Controlled RCT in
Acute Major Bleeding, Â Kcentra, N=98*)
Parameter |
Incremental (units/dL per units/kg b.w.) |
Mean (SD) |
95% CI† |
Factor IX |
1.29 (0.71) |
(1.14-1.43) |
Factor II |
2.00 (0.88) |
(1.82-2.18) |
Factor VII |
2.15 (2.96) |
(1.55-2.75) |
Factor X |
1.96 (0.87) |
(1.79-2.14) |
Protein C |
2.04 (0.96) |
(1.85-2.23) |
Protein S |
2.17 (1.66) |
(1.83-2.50) |
* ITT-E: Intention to Treat – Efficacy Population
† CI: Confidence Interval |
Clinical Studies
The efficacy of Kcentra has been evaluated in a
prospective, open-label, (blinded assessor), Â active-controlled,
non-inferiority, multicenter RCT in subjects who had been treated with VKA
therapy and who required urgent replacement of their Vitamin K-dependent
clotting factors to treat acute major bleeding. A total of 216 subjects with
acquired coagulation factor deficiency due to oral Vitamin K antagonist therapy
were randomized to a single dose of Kcentra or plasma. Two hundred twelve (212)
subjects received Kcentra or plasma for acute major bleeding in the setting of
a baseline INR ≥ 2.0 and recent use of a VKA anticoagulant. The doses of
Kcentra (25 units/kg, 35 units/kg, or 50 units/kg) based on nominal Factor IX
content and plasma (10 mL/kg, 12 mL/kg, or 15 mL/kg) were calculated according
to the subject's baseline INR (2- < 4, 4-6, > 6, respectively). The
observation period lasted for 90 days after the infusion of Kcentra or plasma.
The modified efficacy (ITT-E) population for Kcentra included 98 subjects and
for plasma included 104 subjects. Â Additionally, intravenous Vitamin K was
administered.
The efficacy endpoint was hemostatic efficacy for the
time period from the start of infusion of Kcentra or plasma until 24 hours.
Efficacy was adjudicated as “effective” or “not effective” by a blinded,
independent Endpoint Adjudication Board for all subjects who received study
product. Criteria for effective hemostasis were based upon standard clinical assessments
including vital signs, hemoglobin measurements, and CT assessments at predefined
time points, as relevant to the type of bleeding (i.e., gastrointestinal,
intracranial hemorrhage, visible, musculoskeletal, etc.). The proportion of
subjects with effective hemostasis was 72.4% in the Kcentra group and 65.4% in
the plasma group. The lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the
difference in proportions of Kcentra minus plasma was -5.8%, which exceeded
-10% and thereby demonstrated the non-inferiority of Kcentra versus plasma (the
study's primary objective) [see Table 14]. Because the lower limit of the CI
was not greater than zero, the prospectively defined criterion for superiority of
Kcentra for hemostatic efficacy (a secondary objective) was not met.
Table 14: Rating of Hemostatic Efficacy in Subjects
with Acute Major Bleeding
Rating |
No. (%) of subjects [95% CI] |
Difference Kcentra - plasma (%) [95% CI]* |
Kcentra
(N = 98) |
Plasma
(N = 104) |
“Effective” hemostasis |
71 (72.4%) [62.3; 82.6] |
68 (65.4%) [54.9; 75.8] |
(7.1%) [-5.8; 19.9] |
Kcentra non-inferior to plasma if lower limit of 95% CI
> –10%; Kcentra superior to plasma if lower limit of 95% CI > 0.
CI = confidence interval; N = number of subjects |
Results of a post-hoc analysis of hemostatic efficacy
stratified by actual dose of Kcentra or plasma administered are presented in Table
15.
Table 15: Primary Rating of Hemostatic Efficacy
Stratified by Actual Dose of Kcentra or Plasma (Number and % of Subjects rated
“Effective” in Acute Major Bleeding RCT
|
Low Dose |
Mid Dose |
High Dose |
N = 49 (K) |
N = 22 (K) |
N = 26 |
N = 55 (P) |
N = 18 (P) |
N = 31 |
Kcentra |
36 (74.5%) |
16 (72.7%) |
18 (69.2%) |
Plasma |
38 (69.1%) |
11 (61.1%) |
19 (61.3%) |
Difference* |
(4.4%) |
(11.6%) |
(7.9%) |
95% CI K- P |
-13.2 - 21.9 |
-17.4 - 40.6 |
-17.0 - 32.9 |
* Kcentra minus Plasma |
An additional endpoint was the reduction of INR to ≤
1.3 at 30 minutes after the end of infusion of Kcentra or plasma for all
subjects that received study product. The proportion of subjects with this
decrease in INR was 62.2% in the Kcentra group and 9.6% in the plasma group.
The 95% confidence interval for the difference in proportions of Kcentra minus plasma
was 39.4% to 65.9%. The lower limit of the 95% CI of 39.4% demonstrated superiority
of Kcentra versus plasma for this endpoint [see Table 16].
Table 16: Decrease of INR (1.3 or Less at 30 Minutes
after End of Infusion)
Rating |
No. (%) of subjects [95% CI] |
Difference Kcentra -plasma (%) [95% CI]* |
Kcentra
(N = 98) |
Plasma
(N = 104) |
Decrease of |
61 (62.2%) |
10 (9.6%) |
(52.6%) |
INR to ≤ 1.3 at 30 min |
[52.6; 71.8] |
[3.9; 15.3] |
[39.4; 65.9] |
* Kcentra non-inferior to plasma if lower limit of 95% CI
> –10%; Kcentra superior to plasma if lower limit of 95% CI > 0.
CI = confidence interval; INR = international normalized ratio; N = total
subjects |
The Bleeding and Surgical Study – European Study was an
open-label, single-arm, Â multicenter study.1 Forty-three (43) subjects who were
receiving VKA were treated with Kcentra, because they either (1) required a
surgical or an invasive diagnostic intervention (26 subjects), or (2)
experienced an acute bleeding event (17 subjects). The dose of Kcentra (25
units/kg, 35 units/kg, or 50 units/kg) based on nominal Factor IX content was calculated
according to the subject's baseline INR value (2- < 4, 4-6, > 6). The
endpoint was the decrease of the INR to ≤ 1.3 within 30 minutes after end
of Kcentra infusion in subjects who received any portion of study product.
Of the 17 evaluable subjects receiving Kcentra for acute
bleeding, 16 subjects (94%) experienced a decrease in INR to ≤ 1.3 within
30 minutes after the end of the Kcentra infusion.
REFERENCES
1. Pabinger I, Brenner B, Kalina U, et al. Prothrombin
complex concentrate (Beriplex P/N) for emergency anticoagulation reversal: a
prospective multinational clinical trial. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis
2008; 6: 622-631.