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LAGEVRIO capsules contain molnupiravir, a nucleoside analogue that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication by viral mutagenesis and is the 5´-isobutyrate ester of the ribonucleoside analog N4- hydroxycytidine (NHC).
The chemical name for molnupiravir is {(2R,3S,4R,5R)-3,4-Dihydroxy-5-[(4Z)-4-(hydroxyimino)-2- oxo-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-1(2H)-yl]oxolan-2-yl}methyl 2-methylpropanoate. It has an empirical formula of C13H19N3O7 and its molecular weight is 329.31 g/mol. Its structural formula is:
 |
Molnupiravir is a white to off-white powder that is soluble in water.
Each LAGEVRIO capsule, for oral use, contains 200 mg of molnupiravir and the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose and purified water. The capsule shell is made of hypromellose, red iron oxide and titanium dioxide. The capsule is printed with white ink made of butyl alcohol, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, potassium hydroxide, propylene glycol, purified water, shellac, strong ammonia solution and titanium dioxide.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to permit the emergency use of the unapproved product LAGEVRIO™ for treatment of adults with mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19):
1 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-care/underlyingconditions.html. Healthcare providers should consider the benefit-risk for an individual patient.
2 Should a patient require hospitalization after starting treatment with LAGEVRIO, the patient may complete the full 5 day treatment course per the healthcare provider’s discretion.
LAGEVRIO may only be prescribed for an individual patient by physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants that are licensed or authorized under state law to prescribe drugs in the therapeutic class to which LAGEVRIO belongs (i.e., anti-infectives).
LAGEVRIO is not approved for any use, including for use for the treatment of COVID-19.
Prior to initiating treatment with LAGEVRIO, carefully consider the known and potential risks and benefits [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Use In Specific Populations and Nonclinical Toxicology].
LAGEVRIO is authorized only for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of the emergency use of LAGEVRIO under section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.
There is currently an outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus. The Secretary of HHS has:
3 See U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Determination of a Public Health Emergency and Declaration that Circumstances Exist Justifying Authorizations Pursuant to Section 564(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3. February 4, 2020; https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/02/07/2020-02496/determination-of-public-health-emergency. See also U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Amended Determination of a Public Health Emergency or Significant Potential for a Public Health Emergency Pursuant to Section 564(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b). March 15, 2023 (“Amended Determination”); https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/03/20/2023-05609/covid-19-emergency-use-authorization-declaration.
4 See U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Declaration that Circumstances Exist Justifying Authorizations Pursuant to Section 564(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3, 85 FR 18250 (April 1, 2020); https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/04/01/2020-06905/emergency-use-authorization-declaration. See also Amended Determination (“The declarations issued pursuant to section 564(b)(1) of the FD&C Act that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of certain in vitro diagnostics, personal respiratory protective devices, other medical devices and drugs and biological products, as set forth in those declarations, and that are based on the February 4, 2020 determination, remain in effect until those declarations are terminated in accordance with section 564 of the FD&C Act.”).
An EUA is a FDA authorization for the emergency use of an unapproved product or unapproved use of an approved product (i.e., drug, biological product, or device) in the United States under certain circumstances including, but not limited to, when the Secretary of HHS declares that there is a public health emergency that affects the national security or the health and security of United States citizens living abroad, and that involves biological agent(s) or a disease or condition that may be attributable to such agent(s). Criteria for issuing an EUA include:
Veklury (remdesivir) is FDA-approved for the treatment of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (at least 28 days old and weighing at least 3 kg) who are not hospitalized and have mild-to-moderate COVID-19, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. Veklury is administered via intravenous infusion for a total treatment duration of 3 days.
Although Veklury is an approved alternative to LAGEVRIO for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, FDA does not consider Veklury to be an adequate alternative to LAGEVRIO for this authorized use because it may not be feasible or clinically appropriate for certain patients (e.g., it requires a 3-day intravenous treatment duration).
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir tablets;ritonavir tablets co-packaged for oral use) is FDA-approved for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. Paxlovid is administered orally for a total treatment duration of 5 days. Although Paxlovid is an approved alternative to LAGEVRIO for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, FDA does not consider Paxlovid to be an adequate alternative to LAGEVRIO for this authorized use because it may not be clinically appropriate for patients on medications that are primarily metabolized by CYP3A and/or that are strong CYP3A inducers.
For additional information on all products authorized for treatment or prevention of COVID-19, please see https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-legal-regulatory-and-policy-framework/emergency-use-authorization.
For information on clinical studies of LAGEVRIO and other therapies for the treatment of COVID-19, see www.clinicaltrials.gov.
The dosage in adult patients is 800 mg (four 200 mg capsules) taken orally every 12 hours for 5 days, with or without food [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Take LAGEVRIO as soon as possible after a diagnosis of COVID-19 has been made, and within 5 days of symptom onset [see Emergency Use Authorization and Clinical Studies].
Completion of the full 5-day treatment course and continued isolation in accordance with public health recommendations are important to maximize viral clearance and minimize transmission of SARS-CoV-2 [see PATIENT INFORMATION].
LAGEVRIO is not authorized for use for longer than 5 consecutive days because the safety and efficacy have not been established.
If the patient misses a dose of LAGEVRIO within 10 hours of the time it is usually taken, the patient should take it as soon as possible and resume the normal dosing schedule. If the patient misses a dose by more than 10 hours, the patient should not take the missed dose and instead take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. The patient should not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.
Should a patient require hospitalization after starting treatment with LAGEVRIO, the patient may complete the full 5 day treatment course per the healthcare provider’s discretion.
No dosage adjustment is recommended based on renal or hepatic impairment or in geriatric patients [see Use In Specific Populations].
Capsules: 200 mg, Swedish Orange opaque size 0 capsules. The capsules have the corporate logo and “82” printed in white ink.
LAGEVRIO capsules are supplied as follows:
| Contents | Description | How Supplied | NDC |
| 200 mg molnupiravir | Swedish Orange opaque capsules with corporate logo and “82” printed in white ink | 40 count bottles | NDC-0006-5055-06 NDC-0006-5055-07 NDC-0006-5055-09 |
Store LAGEVRIO capsules at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Manufactured for: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC Rahway, NJ 07065, USA. Revised: N.A
The following adverse reactions have been observed in the clinical study of LAGEVRIO that supported the EUA. The adverse reaction rates observed in these clinical trials cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Additional adverse events associated with LAGEVRIO may become apparent with more widespread use.
Overall, more than 900 subjects have been exposed to LAGEVRIO 800 mg twice daily in clinical trials. The safety assessment of LAGEVRIO is primarily based on an analysis from subjects followed through Day 29 in the Phase 3 study in non-hospitalized subjects with COVID-19 (MOVe-OUT) [see Clinical Studies].
The safety of LAGEVRIO was evaluated based on an analysis of a Phase 3 double-blind trial (MOVe-OUT) in which 1,411 non-hospitalized subjects with COVID-19 were randomized and treated with LAGEVRIO (N=710) or placebo (N=701) for up to 5 days. Adverse events were those reported while subjects were on study intervention or within 14 days of study intervention completion/discontinuation.
Discontinuation of study intervention due to an adverse event occurred in 1% of subjects receiving LAGEVRIO and 3% of subjects receiving placebo. Serious adverse events occurred in 7% of subjects receiving LAGEVRIO and 10% receiving placebo; most serious adverse events were COVID-19 related. Adverse events leading to death occurred in 2 (<1%) subjects receiving LAGEVRIO and 12 (2%) of subjects receiving placebo.
The most common adverse reactions in the LAGEVRIO treatment group in MOVe-OUT are presented in Table 1, all of which were Grade 1 (mild) or Grade 2 (moderate).
Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in Greater Than or Equal to 1% of Subjects Receiving LAGEVRIO in MOVe-OUT*
| LAGEVRIO N=710 |
Placebo N=701 |
|
| Diarrhea | 2% | 2% |
| Nausea | 1% | 1% |
| Dizziness | 1% | 1% |
| *Frequencies of adverse reactions are based on all adverse events attributed to study intervention by the investigator. | ||
Selected Grade 3 and 4 laboratory abnormalities in chemistry (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and lipase) and hematology (hemoglobin, platelets, and leukocytes) parameters all occurred at a rate of less than or equal to 2% and occurred at a similar rate across arms in MOVe-OUT.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-authorization use of LAGEVRIO. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
vomiting
hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis, angioedema [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
erythema, pruritus, rash, urticaria
The prescribing healthcare provider and/or the provider’s designee is/are responsible for mandatory reporting of all serious adverse events* and medication errors potentially related to LAGEVRIO within 7 calendar days from the healthcare provider’s awareness of the event, using FDA Form 3500 (for information on how to access this form, see below). The FDA requires that such reports, using FDA Form 3500, include the following:
Submit adverse event and medication error reports, using Form 3500, to FDA MedWatch using one of the following methods:
In addition, please provide a copy of all FDA MedWatch forms to:
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ USA
Fax: 215-616-5677
E-mail: [email protected]
The prescribing healthcare provider and/or the provider’s designee is/are responsible for mandatory responses to requests from FDA for information about adverse events and medication errors following receipt of LAGEVRIO.
*Serious adverse events are defined as:
No drug interactions have been identified based on the limited available data on the emergency use of LAGEVRIO authorized under this EUA. No clinical drug-drug interaction trials of LAGEVRIO with concomitant medications, including other treatments for mild-to-moderate COVID-19, have been conducted [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
There are limited clinical data available for LAGEVRIO. Serious and unexpected adverse events may occur that have not been previously reported with LAGEVRIO use.
Based on findings from animal reproduction studies, LAGEVRIO may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant individuals. There are no available human data on the use of LAGEVRIO in pregnant individuals to evaluate the risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes; therefore, LAGEVRIO is not recommended for use during pregnancy. When considering LAGEVRIO for a pregnant individual, the prescribing healthcare provider must communicate the known and potential benefits and the potential risks of using LAGEVRIO during pregnancy to the pregnant individual. LAGEVRIO is authorized to be prescribed to a pregnant individual only after the healthcare provider has determined that the benefits would outweigh the risks for that individual patient. If the decision is made to use LAGEVRIO during pregnancy, the prescribing healthcare provider must document that the known and potential benefits and the potential risks of using LAGEVRIO during pregnancy were communicated to the pregnant individual.
Advise individuals of childbearing potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use an effective method of contraception correctly and consistently, as applicable, during treatment with LAGEVRIO and for 4 days after the final dose [see Use In Specific Populations and Nonclinical Toxicology].
Prior to initiating treatment with LAGEVRIO, assess whether an individual of childbearing potential is pregnant or not, if clinically indicated. Pregnancy status does not need to be confirmed in patients who have undergone permanent sterilization, are currently using an intrauterine system or contraceptive implant, or in whom pregnancy is not possible. In all other patients, assess whether the patient is pregnant based on the first day of last menstrual period in individuals who have regular menstrual cycles, is using a reliable method of contraception correctly and consistently or have had a negative pregnancy test. A pregnancy test is recommended if the individual has irregular menstrual cycles, is unsure of the first day of last menstrual period or is not using effective contraception correctly and consistently [see BOX WARNING].
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with LAGEVRIO. If signs and symptoms of a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction or anaphylaxis occur, immediately discontinue LAGEVRIO and initiate appropriate medications and/or supportive care.
LAGEVRIO is not authorized for use in patients less than 18 years of age because it may affect bone and cartilage growth. Bone and cartilage toxicity was observed in rats after repeated dosing [see Nonclinical Toxicology]. The safety and efficacy of LAGEVRIO have not been established in pediatric patients [see Use In Specific Populations].
Molnupiravir was not carcinogenic in a 6-month oral carcinogenicity study in RasH2 transgenic (Tg.RasH2) mice at any dose tested (30, 100 or 300 mg/kg/day).
Molnupiravir and NHC were positive in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames assay) with and without metabolic activation. Molnupiravir was studied in two in vivo rodent mutagenicity models. The in vivo Pig-a mutagenicity assay gave equivocal results. Molnupiravir was negative in the in vivo Big Blue® (cII Locus) transgenic rodent mutagenicity assay. Molnupiravir was negative for induction of chromosomal damage in in vitro micronucleus (with and without metabolic activation) and in vivo rat micronucleus assays. To assess effects on germ cells, a transgenic rodent male germ cell mutagenicity assay is planned.
Based on the totality of the available genotoxicity data and the duration of treatment (5 days), molnupiravir is low risk for genotoxicity.
There were no effects on fertility, mating performance or early embryonic development when molnupiravir was administered to female or male rats at NHC exposures approximately 2 and 6 times, respectively, the human NHC exposure at the RHD.
There is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in individuals exposed to LAGEVRIO during pregnancy. The prescribing healthcare provider must document that a pregnant individual was made aware of the pregnancy registry at https://covid-pr.pregistry.com or 1-800-616-3791. Pregnant individuals exposed to LAGEVRIO or their healthcare providers can also report the exposure by contacting Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ USA at 1-877-888-4231.
Based on animal data, LAGEVRIO may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant individuals. There are no available human data on the use of LAGEVRIO in pregnant individuals to evaluate the risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes; therefore, LAGEVRIO is not recommended during pregnancy [see BOX WARNING and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. In an animal reproduction study, oral administration of molnupiravir to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in embryofetal lethality and teratogenicity at 8 times the human NHC (N4-hydroxycytidine) exposures at the recommended human dose (RHD) and reduced fetal growth at ≥ 3 times the human NHC exposure at the RHD. Oral administration of molnupiravir to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in reduced fetal body weights at 18 times the human NHC exposure at the RHD (see Data). When considering LAGEVRIO for a pregnant individual, the prescribing healthcare provider must communicate the known and potential benefits and the potential risks of using LAGEVRIO during pregnancy to the pregnant individual. LAGEVRIO may only be prescribed to a pregnant individual after the prescribing healthcare provider has determined that the benefits would outweigh the risks for that individual patient. If the decision is made to use LAGEVRIO during pregnancy, the prescribing healthcare provider must document that the known and potential benefits and potential risks of using LAGEVRIO during pregnancy were communicated to the pregnant individual [see BOX WARNING]. There are maternal and fetal risks associated with untreated COVID-19 in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk
COVID-19 in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including preeclampsia, eclampsia, preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, venous thromboembolic disease, and fetal death.
Animal Data
In an embryofetal development (EFD) study in rats, molnupiravir was administered orally to pregnant rats at 0, 100, 250, or 500 mg/kg/day from gestation days (GDs) 6 to 17. Molnupiravir was also administered orally to pregnant rats at up to 1,000 mg/kg/day from GDs 6 to 17 in a preliminary EFD study. Developmental toxicities included post-implantation losses, malformations of the eye, kidney, and axial skeleton, and rib variations at 1,000 mg/kg/day (8 times the human NHC exposure at the RHD) and decreased fetal body weights and delayed ossification at ≥500 mg/kg/day (3 times the human NHC exposure at the RHD). There were no developmental toxicities at ≤250 mg/kg/day (less than the human NHC exposure at the RHD). Maternal toxicities included decreased food consumption and body weight losses, resulting in the early sacrifice of two of sixteen animals at 1,000 mg/kg/day, and decreased body weight gain at 500 mg/kg/day.
In an EFD study in rabbits, molnupiravir was administered orally to pregnant rabbits at 0, 125, 400, or 750 mg/kg/day from GDs 7 to 19. Developmental toxicity was limited to reduced fetal body weights at 750 mg/kg/day (18 times the human NHC exposures at the RHD). There was no developmental toxicity at ≤400 mg/kg/day (7 times the human NHC exposures at the RHD). Maternal toxicities included reduced food consumption and body weight gains, and abnormal fecal output at 750 mg/kg/day.
In a pre- and post-natal developmental study, molnupiravir was administered orally to female rats at doses up to 500 mg/kg/day (similar to the human NHC exposure at the RHD) from GD6 through lactation day 20. No effects were observed in offspring.
There are no data on the presence of molnupiravir or its metabolites in human milk. NHC was detected in the plasma of nursing pups from lactating rats administered molnupiravir (see Data). It is unknown whether molnupiravir has an effect on the breastfed infant or effects on milk production.
Based on the potential for adverse reactions in the infant from LAGEVRIO, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with LAGEVRIO and for 4 days after the final dose. A lactating individual may consider interrupting breastfeeding and may consider pumping and discarding breast milk during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose of LAGEVRIO [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
When molnupiravir was administered to lactating rats at ≥250 mg/kg/day in the pre- and post-natal development study, NHC was detected in plasma of nursing pups.
Based on animal studies, LAGEVRIO may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant individual.
Prior to initiating treatment with LAGEVRIO, assess whether an individual of childbearing potential is pregnant or not, if clinically indicated [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Females
Advise individuals of childbearing potential to use a reliable method of contraception correctly and consistently, as applicable for the duration of treatment and for 4 days after the last dose of LAGEVRIO [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Males
While the risk is regarded as low, nonclinical studies to fully assess the potential for LAGEVRIO to affect offspring of treated males have not been completed. Advise sexually active individuals with partners of childbearing potential to use a reliable method of contraception correctly and consistently during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose of LAGEVRIO. The risk beyond three months after the last dose of LAGEVRIO is unknown. Studies to understand the risk beyond three months are ongoing.
Molnupiravir was equivocal (neither clearly positive nor negative) in one in vivo mutagenicity assay of reticulocytes and RBCs which are used to reflect prior effects on hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow. Molnupiravir was not mutagenic when assessed in a second in vivo assay of liver (somatic cells) and bone marrow (somatic cells and stem cells) from transgenic rats administered molnupiravir for 28 days. In contrast to somatic cells, germ cells (eggs and sperm) pass genetic information from generation to generation. A planned study of male testicular germ cells from transgenic rats will assess the potential for molnupiravir to affect offspring of treated males [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
LAGEVRIO is not authorized for use in patients less than 18 years of age.
Bone and cartilage toxicity were observed in a 3-month, repeat-dose toxicology study in rats. The safety and efficacy of LAGEVRIO have not been established in pediatric patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Nonclinical Toxicology].
In MOVe-OUT, there was no difference in safety and tolerability between patients ≥65 years of age and younger patients who were treated with LAGEVRIO. No dosage adjustment is recommended based on age. The PK of NHC was similar in geriatric patients compared to younger patients [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
No dosage adjustment in patients with any degree of renal impairment is recommended. Renal clearance is not a meaningful route of elimination for NHC. Mild or moderate renal impairment did not have a meaningful impact on the PK of NHC. While the PK of NHC has not been evaluated in patients with eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73m2 or on dialysis, severe renal impairment, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are not expected to have a significant effect on NHC exposure [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
No dosage adjustment in patients with hepatic impairment is recommended. Preclinical data indicate that hepatic elimination is not expected to be a major route of NHC elimination therefore, hepatic impairment is unlikely to affect NHC exposure [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
There is no human experience of overdosage with LAGEVRIO. Treatment of overdose with LAGEVRIO should consist of general supportive measures including the monitoring of the clinical status of the patient. Hemodialysis is not expected to result in effective elimination of NHC.
No contraindications have been identified based on the limited available data on the emergency use of LAGEVRIO authorized under this EUA.
Molnupiravir is a prodrug with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. It is metabolized to the cytidine nucleoside analogue, NHC which distributes into cells where NHC is phosphorylated to form the pharmacologically active ribonucleoside triphosphate (NHC-TP). NHC-TP incorporation (as NHC-monophosphate [NHC-MP]) into SARS-CoV-2 RNA by the viral RNA polymerase (nsp12) results in an accumulation of errors in the viral genome leading to inhibition of replication. The mechanism of action (known as viral error catastrophe or viral lethal mutagenesis) is supported by biochemical and cell culture data, studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection in animal models, and analyses of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences in human subjects treated with LAGEVRIO.
The relationship between NHC and intracellular NHC-TP with antiviral efficacy has not been evaluated clinically.
Molnupiravir is a 5´-isobutyrate prodrug of NHC that is hydrolyzed during or after absorption. NHC, the primary circulating analyte, is taken up by cells and anabolized to NHC-TP. NHC is eliminated by metabolism to uridine and/or cytidine through the same pathways involved in endogenous pyrimidine metabolism. NHC pharmacokinetics are shown in Table 2.
Plasma NHC concentrations in patients (N=5) following administration of molnupiravir via nasogastric or orogastric tube fell within the range of NHC concentrations following oral molnupiravir capsule administration under the same dosing regimen.
Table 2: Pharmacokinetics of NHC After Multiple Oral Administration of 800 mg LAGEVRIO Every 12 Hours
| NHC Geometric Mean (%CV) | |
| Pharmacokinetics in Patients | |
| AUC0-12hr (ng*hr/mL)* | 8260 (41.0) |
| Cmax (ng/mL)* | 2330 (36.9) |
| C12hr (ng/mL)* | 31.1 (124) |
| Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Subjects | |
| AUC0-12hr (ng*hr/mL) | 8330 (17.9) |
| Cmax (ng/mL) | 2970 (16.8) |
| C12hr (ng/mL) | 16.7 (42.8) |
| AUC Accumulation Ratio | 1.09 (11.8) |
| Absorption | |
| Tmax (hr)† | 1.50 [1.00 – 2.02] |
| Effect of Food | 35% reduction in Cmax, no effect on AUC |
| Distribution | |
| Plasma Protein Binding (in vitro) | 0% |
| Apparent Volume of Distribution (L)* | 142 |
| Elimination | |
| Effective t1/2 (hr) | 3.3 |
| Apparent Clearance (L/hr)* | 76.9 |
| Fraction of dose excreted in urine over the time interval of 0-12 hours | 3% (81.6%) |
| Values were obtained from a Phase 1 study of healthy subjects, unless otherwise indicated. *Values were obtained from population PK analysis. †Median [min - max] |
|
Population PK analysis results indicated that age, sex, race, ethnicity, or disease severity do not meaningfully influence the PK of NHC.
LAGEVRIO has not been studied in pediatric patients.
Renal clearance is not a meaningful route of elimination for NHC. In a population PK analysis, mild or moderate renal impairment did not have a meaningful impact on the PK of NHC. The PK of molnupiravir and NHC has not been evaluated in patients with eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73m2 or on dialysis.
The PK of molnupiravir and NHC has not been evaluated in patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment. Preclinical data indicate that hepatic elimination is not expected to be a major route of NHC elimination; therefore, hepatic impairment is unlikely to affect NHC exposure.
In vitro study results indicated that molnupiravir and NHC are not substrates of CYP enzymes or human P-gp and BCRP transporters. In vitro study results also indicated that molnupiravir and NHC are not inhibitors of CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4 or inhibitors of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OCT1, OCT2, OAT1, OAT3, MATE1, MATE2K, MRP2, MDR1 and BCRP or inducers of CYP1A2, 2B6, and 3A4. The interaction between molnupiravir with concomitant medications, including other treatments for mild-to-moderate COVID-19, has not been evaluated.
NHC, the nucleoside analogue metabolite of molnupiravir, was active in cell culture assays against SARS-CoV-2 (USA-WA1/2020 isolate) with 50% effective concentrations (EC50 values) ranging between 0.67 to 2.7 μM in A-549 cells and 0.32 to 2.0 μM in Vero E6 cells. NHC had similar antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2), Lambda (C.37), Mu (B.1.621) and Omicron (B.1.1.529/BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5), with mean EC50 values of 0.55-3.0 μM. NHC had non-antagonistic antiviral activity with remdesivir against SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture.
No amino acid substitutions in SARS-CoV-2 associated with resistance to NHC have been identified in Phase 2 clinical trials evaluating LAGEVRIO for the treatment of COVID-19. Studies to evaluate selection of resistance to NHC with SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture have not been completed. Resistance selection studies have been conducted with other coronaviruses (MHV and MERS-CoV) and showed a low likelihood of resistance development to NHC. Following 30 passages in cell culture, only a 2-fold decrease in susceptibility was observed and no NHC resistance-associated amino acid substitutions were identified.
In clinical trials, encoded amino acid changes (substitutions, deletions or insertions) were more likely to be detected in viral sequences in subjects treated with LAGEVRIO compared to placebo. In a small number of subjects amino acid changes in the spike protein occurred at positions targeted by monoclonal antibodies and vaccines. The clinical and public health significance of these changes are unknown.
NHC retained activity in cell culture against virus with polymerase (nsp 12) substitutions (e.g., F480L, V557L and E802D) associated with decreased remdesivir susceptibility, indicating a lack of cross-resistance.
The antiviral activity of molnupiravir has been demonstrated in mouse, hamster, and ferret models of SARS-CoV-2 infection when dosing was administered prior to or within 1-2 days after viral challenge. In SARS-CoV-2 infected ferrets, molnupiravir significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral titers in the upper respiratory tract and completely inhibited viral spread to untreated contact animals. In SARS-CoV-2 infected Syrian hamsters, molnupiravir reduced viral RNA and infectious virus titers in the lungs of animals. Histopathological analysis of lung tissue harvested after infection showed significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral antigen levels and a lower abundance of pulmonary lesions in molnupiravir-treated animals compared with controls.
NHC, the nucleoside analogue metabolite of molnupiravir, had variable cytotoxicity against different mammalian cell types with CC50 values ranging from 7.5 μM (human lymphoid CEM cell line) to >100 μM, in 3-day exposure assays. Molnupiravir inhibited the proliferation of human bone marrow progenitor cells with CC50 values of 24.9 μM and 7.7 μM for erythroid and myeloid progenitor proliferation, respectively, in 14-day colony formation assays.
Post-treatment increases in SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding levels (i.e., viral RNA rebound) in nasopharyngeal samples were observed on Day 10, Day 15, and/or Day 29 in a subset of LAGEVRIO and placebo recipients in the Phase 3 MOVe-OUT trial. Approximately 1% of both LAGEVRIO and placebo recipients had evidence of recurrent COVID-19 symptoms coinciding with a rebound in viral RNA levels in nasopharyngeal samples.
Post-treatment viral RNA rebound was not associated with the primary clinical outcome of hospitalization or death through Day 29 following the single 5-day course of LAGEVRIO treatment. Post-treatment viral RNA rebound also was not associated with the detection of cell culture infectious virus in nasopharyngeal swab samples.
Bone and cartilage toxicity changes resulting in impaired transformation of growth cartilage into new bone were observed in the femur and tibia of rats in a 3-month toxicity study at ≥ 500 mg/kg/day (5 times the human NHC exposure at the RHD). There was no bone or cartilage toxicity in a 1-month toxicity study in rats up to 500 mg/kg/day (4 and 8 times the human NHC exposure at the RHD in females and males, respectively), in dogs dosed for 14 days up to 50 mg/kg/day (similar to the human NHC exposure at the RHD), or in a 1-month toxicity study in mice up to 2,000 mg/kg/day (19 times the human NHC exposure at the RHD).
Growth cartilage is not present in mature skeletons, therefore the bone and cartilage findings are not relevant for adult humans but may be relevant for pediatric patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Reversible, dose-related bone marrow toxicity affecting all hematopoietic cell lines was observed in dogs at ≥17 mg/kg/day (less than the human NHC exposure at the RHD). Mild decreases in peripheral blood cell and platelet counts were seen after 7 days of molnupiravir treatment progressing to more severe hematological changes after 14 days of treatment. Neither bone marrow nor hematological toxicity was observed in a 1-month toxicity study in mice up to 2,000 mg/kg/day (19 times the human NHC exposure at the RHD) and a 3-month toxicity study in rats up to 1,000 mg/kg/day (9 and 15 times the human NHC exposure at the RHD in females and males, respectively).
Clinical data supporting this EUA are based on data from 1,433 randomized subjects in the Phase 3 MOVe-OUT trial (NCT04575597). MOVe-OUT is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial studying LAGEVRIO for the treatment of non-hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who are at risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. Eligible subjects were 18 years of age and older and had one or more pre-defined risk factors for disease progression: over 60 years of age, diabetes, obesity (BMI ≥30), chronic kidney disease, serious heart conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or active cancer. The study included symptomatic subjects not vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 and who had laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptom onset within 5 days of randomization. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive 800 mg of LAGEVRIO or placebo orally twice daily for 5 days.
At baseline, in all randomized subjects, the median age was 43 years (range:18 to 90); 17% of subjects were over 60 years of age and 3% were 75 years of age or older; 49% of subjects were male; 57% were White, 5% Black or African American, 3% Asian, 50% Hispanic or Latino. The majority of subjects were enrolled from sites in Latin America (46%) and Europe (33%); 12% were enrolled in Africa, 6% were enrolled in North America and 3% were enrolled in Asia. Forty-eight percent of subjects received LAGEVRIO or placebo within 3 days of COVID-19 symptom onset. The most common risk factors were obesity (74%), over 60 years of age (17%), and diabetes (16%). Among 792 subjects (55% of total randomized population) with available baseline SARS-CoV-2 variant/clade identification results, 58% were infected with Delta (B.1.617.2 and AY lineages), 20% were infected with Mu (B.1.621), 11% were infected with Gamma (P.1), and the remainder were infected with other variants/clades. Overall, baseline demographic and disease characteristics were well balanced between the treatment arms.
Table 3 provides the results of the primary endpoint (the percentage of subjects who were hospitalized or died through Day 29 due to any cause). The efficacy results are based on unvaccinated adults who were 18 years of age and older and had one or more pre-defined risk factors for disease progression: over 60 years of age, diabetes, obesity (BMI ≥30), chronic kidney disease, serious heart conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or active cancer. Please refer to Figure 1 for results by certain subgroups. These subgroup analyses are considered exploratory. Data are not available in certain subgroups of subjects who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19 as defined by CDC.
Table 3. Efficacy Results in Non-Hospitalized Adults with COVID-19*
| LAGEVRIO (N=709) n (%) |
Placebo (N=699) n (%) |
Adjusted Risk Difference % (95% CI) |
| All-cause hospitalization ≥24 hours for acute care or death through Day 29 | ||
| 48 (6.8%) | 68 (9.7%) | -3.0% (-5.9%, -0.1%) |
| All-cause mortality through Day 29 | ||
| 1 (0.1%) | 9 (1.3%) | |
|
*The determination of primary efficacy was based on a planned interim analysis of 762 subjects. At the interim analysis, 7.3% of patients who received LAGEVRIO were either hospitalized or died through Day 29 (28/385), compared with 14.1% of placebo-treated patients (53/377). The adjusted risk difference was -6.8% with a 95% CI of (-11.3%, -2.4%) and 2-sided p-value = 0.0024. Adjusted relative risk reduction of LAGEVRIO compared to placebo for all randomized subjects was 30% (95% CI: 1%, 51%). Analyses are adjusted by the stratification factor of time of COVID-19 symptom onset (≤3 days vs. >3 [4- 5] days). |
||
Figure 1. Subgroup Efficacy Results in Non-Hospitalized Adults with COVID-19 - All-Randomized Subjects
 |
| The corresponding confidence interval is based on Miettinen & Nurminen method. The modified intent-to-treat population is the efficacy analysis population. Baseline serum samples were evaluated with the Roche Elecsys anti-N assay to test for the presence of antibodies (IgM, IgG and IgA) against the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. The findings of these subgroup analyses are considered exploratory. |
As a prescribing healthcare practitioner, you must communicate to the patient and/or caregiver information consistent with the “FACT SHEET FOR PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS” and document that information was provided. A copy of this Fact Sheet should be provided to the patient and/or caregiver prior to receiving LAGEVRIO [see BOX WARNING].
Inform patients that hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, even following a single dose of LAGEVRIO, and to discontinue the drug and to inform their healthcare provider at the first sign of a skin rash, hives or other skin reactions, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, any swelling suggesting angioedema (for example, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, tightness of the throat, hoarseness), or other symptoms of an allergic reaction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that LAGEVRIO is not recommended for use in pregnancy because it may cause fetal harm. Advise individuals of childbearing potential to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see BOX WARNING, Warnings and Precautions and Use In Specific Populations].
Advise individuals of childbearing potential to use effective contraception correctly and consistently while taking LAGEVRIO and for 4 days after the last dose.
While the risk is regarded as low, nonclinical studies to fully assess the potential for LAGEVRIO to affect offspring of treated males have not been completed. Advise sexually active individuals with partners of childbearing potential to use a reliable method of contraception consistently and correctly while taking LAGEVRIO and for at least 3 months after the last dose of LAGEVRIO. The risk beyond 3 months after the last dose of LAGEVRIO is unknown. Studies to understand the risk beyond three months are ongoing [see Use In Specific Populations].
LAGEVRIO is not authorized for use in patients less than 18 year of age as it may affect bone growth and cartilage formation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
There is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in individuals exposed to LAGEVRIO during pregnancy. Encourage participation and advise patients about how they may enroll in the pregnancy registry at https://covid-pr.pregistry.com or 1-800-616-3791 [see Use In Specific Populations].
Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking LAGEVRIO and for 4 days after the last dose of LAGEVRIO. Advise lactating individuals to consider interrupting breastfeeding and to consider pumping and discarding breast milk during treatment and for 4 days after the last dose of LAGEVRIO [see Use In Specific Populations].
Inform patients to take LAGEVRIO with or without food. Advise patients to swallow LAGEVRIO capsules whole, and to not open, break, or crush the capsules. Instruct patients that if they miss a dose of LAGEVRIO and it is within 10 hours of the time it is usually taken, the patient should take it as soon as possible and resume the normal dosing schedule. If the patient misses a dose by more than 10 hours, the patient should not take the missed dose and instead take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Advise the patient to not double the dose to make up for a missed dose [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
LAGEVRIO capsule contents can be mixed with water and given via NG/OG tube. Inform patients to follow the instructions as described in the fact sheet for patients and caregivers [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Alert the patient of the importance of completing the full 5-day treatment course and to continuing isolation in accordance with public health recommendations to maximize viral clearance and minimize transmission of SARS-CoV-2 [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
