CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Mechanism Of Action
Regadenoson is a low affinity agonist (Ki ≈ 1.3 μM) for the A2A adenosine receptor, with at least
10-fold lower affinity for the A1 adenosine receptor (Ki > 16.5 μM), and weak, if any, affinity for
the A2B and A3 adenosine receptors. Activation of the A2A adenosine receptor by regadenoson
produces coronary vasodilation and increases coronary blood flow (CBF).
Pharmacodynamics
Coronary Blood Flow
LEXISCAN causes a rapid increase in CBF which is sustained for a short duration. In patients
undergoing coronary catheterization, pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure
the average peak velocity (APV) of coronary blood flow before and up to 30 minutes after
administration of regadenoson (0.4 mg, intravenously). Mean APV increased to greater than twice
baseline by 30 seconds and decreased to less than twice the baseline level within 10 minutes [see Pharmacokinetics].
Myocardial uptake of the radiopharmaceutical is proportional to CBF. Because LEXISCAN
increases blood flow in normal coronary arteries with little or no increase in stenotic arteries,
LEXISCAN causes relatively less uptake of the radiopharmaceutical in vascular territories supplied
by stenotic arteries. MPI intensity after LEXISCAN administration is therefore greater in areas
perfused by normal relative to stenosed arteries.
Effect Of Duration Of Injection
A study in dogs compared the effects of intravenous injection of 2.5 μg/kg regadenoson (in 10 mL)
over 10 seconds and 30 seconds on CBF. The duration of a two-fold increase in CBF was 97±14
seconds (n=6) and 221±20 seconds (n=4), respectively, for the 10 second and 30 second injections.
The peak effects (i.e., maximal increase) on CBF after the 10 second and 30 second injections were
217±15% and 297±33% above baseline, respectively. The times to peak effect on CBF were 17±2
seconds and 27±6 seconds, respectively.
Effect Of Aminophylline
Aminophylline (100 mg, administered by slow intravenous injection over 60 seconds) injected 1
minute after 0.4 mg LEXISCAN in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, was shown to
shorten the duration of the coronary blood flow response to LEXISCAN as measured by pulsedwave
Doppler ultrasonography [see OVERDOSE].
Effect Of Caffeine
Ingestion of caffeine decreases the ability to detect reversible ischemic defects. In a placebocontrolled,
parallel group clinical study, patients with known or suspected myocardial ischemia
received a baseline rest/stress MPI followed by a second stress MPI. Patients received caffeine or
placebo 90 minutes before the second LEXISCAN stress MPI. Following caffeine administration
(200 or 400 mg), the mean number of reversible defects identified was reduced by approximately
60%. This decrease was statistically significant [see DRUG INTERACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].
Hemodynamic Effects
In clinical studies, the majority of patients had an increase in heart rate and a decrease in blood
pressure within 45 minutes after administration of LEXISCAN. Maximum hemodynamic changes
after LEXISCAN and ADENOSCAN in Studies 1 and 2 are summarized in Table 5.
Table 5 - Hemodynamic Effects in Studies 1 and 2
Vital Sign Parameter |
LEXISCAN
N = 1,337 |
ADENOSCAN
N = 678 |
Heart Rate |
|
|
> 100 bpm |
22% |
13% |
Increase > 40 bpm |
5% |
3% |
Systolic Blood Pressure |
|
|
< 90 mm Hg |
2% |
3% |
Decrease > 35 mm Hg |
7% |
8% |
≥ 200 mm Hg |
1.9% |
1.9% |
Increase ≥ 50 mm Hg |
0.7% |
0.8% |
≥ 180 mm Hg and increase of
≥ 20 mm Hg from baseline |
4.6% |
3.2% |
Diastolic Blood Pressure |
|
|
< 50 mm Hg |
2% |
4% |
Decrease > 25 mm Hg |
4% |
5% |
≥ 115 mm Hg |
0.9% |
0.9% |
Increase ≥ 30 mm Hg |
0.5% |
1.1% |
Hemodynamic Effects Following Inadequate Exercise
In a clinical study, LEXISCAN was administered for MPI following inadequate exercise stress. More
patients with LEXISCAN administration three minutes following inadequate exercise stress had an increase
in heart rate and a decrease in systolic blood pressure compared with LEXISCAN administered at rest. The
changes were not associated with any clinically significant adverse reactions. Maximum hemodynamic
changes are presented in Table 6.
Table 6 - Hemodynamic Effects in Inadequate Exercise Stress Study
Vital Sign Parameter |
Group 1 / MPI 1
LEXISCAN 3 minutes
following exercise
(N=575) |
Group 2 / MPI 1
LEXISCAN 1 hour
following exercise
(N=567) |
Heart Rate |
|
|
> 100 bpm |
44% |
31% |
Increase > 40 bpm |
5% |
16% |
Systolic Blood Pressure |
|
|
< 90 mm Hg |
2% |
4% |
Decrease > 35 mm Hg |
29% |
10% |
≥ 200 mm Hg |
0.9% |
0.4% |
Increase ≥ 50 mm Hg |
2% |
0.4% |
≥ 180 mm Hg and increase of
≥ 20 mm Hg from baseline |
5% |
2% |
Diastolic Blood Pressure |
|
|
< 50 mm Hg |
3% |
3% |
Decrease > 25 mm Hg |
6% |
5% |
≥ 115 mm Hg |
0.7% |
0.4% |
Increase ≥ 30 mm Hg |
2% |
1% |
Respiratory Effects
The A2B and A3 adenosine receptors have been implicated in the pathophysiology of
bronchoconstriction in susceptible individuals (i.e., asthmatics). In in vitro studies, regadenoson has
not been shown to have appreciable binding affinity for the A2B and A3 adenosine receptors.
In a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 999 patients with a diagnosis, or risk factors
for, coronary artery disease and concurrent asthma or COPD, the incidence of respiratory adverse
reactions (dyspnea, wheezing) was greater with LEXISCAN compared to placebo. Moderate
(2.5%) or severe (< 1%) respiratory reactions were observed more frequently in the LEXISCAN
group compared to placebo [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Pharmacokinetics
In healthy subjects, the regadenoson plasma concentration-time profile is multi-exponential in
nature and best characterized by 3-compartment model. The maximal plasma concentration of
regadenoson is achieved within 1 to 4 minutes after injection of LEXISCAN and parallels the onset
of the pharmacodynamic response. The half-life of this initial phase is approximately 2 to 4
minutes. An intermediate phase follows, with a half-life on average of 30 minutes coinciding with
loss of the pharmacodynamic effect. The terminal phase consists of a decline in plasma
concentration with a half-life of approximately 2 hours [see Pharmacodynamics]. Within
the dose range of 0.3–20 μg/kg in healthy subjects, clearance, terminal half-life or volume of
distribution do not appear dependent upon the dose.
A population pharmacokinetic analysis including data from subjects and patients demonstrated that
regadenoson clearance decreases in parallel with a reduction in creatinine clearance and clearance
increases with increased body weight. Age, gender, and race have minimal effects on the
pharmacokinetics of regadenoson.
Specific Populations
Renally Impaired Patients
The disposition of regadenoson was studied in 18 patients with various
degrees of renal function and in 6 healthy subjects. With increasing renal impairment, from mild
(CLcr 50 to < 80 mL/min) to moderate (CLcr 30 to < 50 mL/min) to severe renal impairment
(CLcr < 30 mL/min), the fraction of regadenoson excreted unchanged in urine and the renal
clearance decreased, resulting in increased elimination half-lives and AUC values compared to
healthy subjects (CLcr ≥ 80 mL/min). However, the maximum observed plasma concentrations as
well as volumes of distribution estimates were similar across the groups. The plasma concentrationtime
profiles were not significantly altered in the early stages after dosing when most
pharmacologic effects are observed. No dose adjustment is needed in patients with renal
impairment.
Patients With End Stage Renal Disease
The pharmacokinetics of regadenoson in patients on
dialysis has not been assessed; however, in an in vitro study regadenoson was found to be
dialyzable.
Hepatically Impaired Patients
The influence of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of
regadenoson has not been evaluated. Because greater than 55% of the dose is excreted in the urine
as unchanged drug and factors that decrease clearance do not affect the plasma concentration in the
early stages after dosing when clinically meaningful pharmacologic effects are observed, no dose
adjustment is needed in patients with hepatic impairment.
Geriatric Patients
Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, age has a minor influence on
the pharmacokinetics of regadenoson. No dose adjustment is needed in elderly patients.
Metabolism
The metabolism of regadenoson is unknown in humans. Incubation with rat, dog, and human liver
microsomes as well as human hepatocytes produced no detectable metabolites of regadenoson.
Excretion
In healthy volunteers, 57% of the regadenoson dose is excreted unchanged in the urine (range 19-
77%), with an average plasma renal clearance around 450 mL/min, i.e., in excess of the glomerular
filtration rate. This indicates that renal tubular secretion plays a role in regadenoson elimination.
Animal Toxicology And/Or Pharmacology
Cardiomyopathy
Minimal cardiomyopathy (myocyte necrosis and inflammation) was observed in rats following
single-dose administration of regadenoson. Increased incidence of minimal cardiomyopathy was
observed on day 2 in males at doses of 0.08, 0.2 and 0.8 mg/kg (1/5, 2/5, and 5/5) and in females
(2/5) at 0.8 mg/kg. In a separate study in male rats, the mean arterial pressure was decreased by 30
to 50% of baseline values for up to 90 minutes at regadenoson doses of 0.2 and 0.8 mg/kg,
respectively. No cardiomyopathy was noted in rats sacrificed 15 days following single
administration of regadenoson. The mechanism of the cardiomyopathy induced by regadenoson
was not elucidated in this study but was associated with the hypotensive effects of regadenoson.
Profound hypotension induced by vasoactive drugs is known to cause cardiomyopathy in rats.
Local Irritation
Intravenous administration of LEXISCAN to rabbits resulted in perivascular hemorrhage, vein
vasculitis, inflammation, thrombosis and necrosis, with inflammation and thrombosis persisting
through day 8 (last observation day). Perivascular administration of LEXISCAN to rabbits resulted
in hemorrhage, inflammation, pustule formation and epidermal hyperplasia, which persisted
through day 8 except for the hemorrhage which resolved. Subcutaneous administration of
LEXISCAN to rabbits resulted in hemorrhage, acute inflammation, and necrosis; on day 8 muscle
fiber regeneration was observed.
Clinical Studies
Agreement Between LEXISCAN And ADENOSCAN
The efficacy and safety of LEXISCAN were determined relative to ADENOSCAN in two
randomized, double-blind studies (Studies 1 and 2) in 2,015 patients with known or suspected
coronary artery disease who were indicated for pharmacologic stress MPI. A total of 1,871 of these
patients had images considered valid for the primary efficacy evaluation, including 1,294 (69%)
men and 577 (31%) women with a median age of 66 years (range 26–93 years of age). Each patient
received an initial stress scan using ADENOSCAN (6-minute infusion using a dose of 0.14
mg/kg/min, without exercise) with a radionuclide gated SPECT imaging protocol. After the initial
scan, patients were randomized to either LEXISCAN or ADENOSCAN, and received a second
stress scan with the same radionuclide imaging protocol as that used for the initial scan. The median
time between scans was 7 days (range of 1–104 days).
The most common cardiovascular histories included hypertension (81%), CABG, PTCA or stenting
(51%), angina (63%), and history of myocardial infarction (41%) or arrhythmia (33%); other
medical history included diabetes (32%) and COPD (5%). Patients with a recent history of serious
uncontrolled ventricular arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, or unstable angina, a history of greater
than first-degree AV block, or with symptomatic bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, or a heart
transplant were excluded. A number of patients took cardioactive medications on the day of the
scan, including β-blockers (18%), calcium channel blockers (9%), and nitrates (6%). In the pooled
study population, 68% of patients had 0–1 segments showing reversible defects on the initial scan,
24% had 2–4 segments, and 9% had ≥ 5 segments.
Comparison of the images obtained with LEXISCAN to those obtained with ADENOSCAN was
performed as follows. Using the 17-segment model, the number of segments showing a reversible
perfusion defect was calculated for the initial ADENOSCAN study and for the randomized study
obtained using LEXISCAN or ADENOSCAN. The agreement rate for the image obtained with
LEXISCAN or ADENOSCAN relative to the initial ADENOSCAN image was calculated by
determining how frequently the patients assigned to each initial ADENOSCAN category (0–1, 2–4,
5–17 reversible segments) were placed in the same category with the randomized scan. The
agreement rates for LEXISCAN and ADENOSCAN were calculated as the average of the
agreement rates across the three categories determined by the initial scan. Studies 1 and 2 each
demonstrated that LEXISCAN is similar to ADENOSCAN in assessing the extent of reversible
perfusion abnormalities (Table 7).
Table 7 - Agreement Rates in Studies 1 and 2
|
Study 1 |
Study 2 |
ADENOSCAN – ADENOSCAN Agreement Rate (± SE) |
61 ± 3% |
64 ± 4% |
ADENOSCAN – LEXISCAN Agreement Rate (± SE) |
62 ± 2% |
63 ± 3% |
Rate Difference (LEXISCAN – ADENOSCAN) (± SE) 95% Confidence Interval |
1 ± 4%
-7.5,9.2% |
-1 ± 5%
-11.2,8.7% |
Use Of LEXISCAN In Patients With Inadequate Exercise Stress
The efficacy and safety of LEXISCAN administered 3 minutes (Group 1) or 1 hour (Group 2) following
inadequate exercise stress were evaluated in an open-label randomized, multi-center, non-inferiority study.
Adequate exercise was defined as ≥ 85% maximum predicted heart rate and ≥ 5 METS. SPECT MPI was
performed 60-90 minutes after LEXISCAN administration in each group (MPI 1). Patients returned 1-14
days later to undergo a second stress MPI with LEXISCAN without exercise (MPI 2).
All patients were referred for evaluation of coronary artery disease. Of the 1,147 patients randomized, a
total of 1,073 patients received LEXISCAN and had interpretable SPECT scans at all visits; 538 in Group 1
and 535 in Group 2. The median age of the patients was 62 years (range 28 to 90 years) and included 633
(59%) men and 440 (41%) women.
Images from MPI 1 and MPI 2 for the two groups were compared for presence or absence of perfusion
defects. The level of agreement between the MPI 1 and the MPI 2 reads in Group 1 was similar to the level
of agreement between MPI 1 and MPI 2 reads in Group 2. However, two patients receiving LEXISCAN 3
minutes following inadequate exercise experienced a serious cardiac adverse reaction. No serious cardiac
adverse reactions occurred in patients receiving LEXISCAN 1 hour following inadequate exercise stress
[see ADVERSE REACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].