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PONVORY (ponesimod) is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator. The chemical name for ponesimod is (2Z,5Z)-5-[3-chloro-4-[(2R)-2,3- dihydroxypropoxy]benzylidene]-3-(2-methylphenyl)-2-(propylimino)-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one. It has one chiral center with absolute configuration of (R). Its molecular formula is C23H25ClN2O4S and its molecular weight is 460.97 g/mol. Ponesimod has the following structural formula:
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Ponesimod is a white to light yellowish powder that is practically insoluble or insoluble in water.
PONVORY (ponesimod) is provided as 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg, 5 mg, 6 mg, 7 mg, 8 mg, 9 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg film-coated tablets for oral administration.
Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K30, silica colloidal anhydrous, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Each tablet coating contains ferrosoferric oxide (included in 4 mg, 5 mg, 8 mg, and 9 mg filmcoated tablets), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2910, iron oxide red (included in 3 mg, 4 mg, 7 mg, 8 mg, 9 mg, and 10 mg film-coated tablets), iron oxide yellow (included in 3 mg, 5 mg, 7 mg, 9 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg film-coated tablets), lactose monohydrate, polyethylene glycol 3350, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.
PONVORY is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults.
Before initiation of treatment with PONVORY, assess the following:
Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine whether preexisting conduction abnormalities are present. In patients with certain preexisting conditions, advice from a cardiologist should be sought and first-dose monitoring is recommended [see First Dose Monitoring In Patients With Certain Preexisting Cardiac Conditions and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Obtain a recent (i.e., within the last 6 months or after discontinuation of prior MS therapy) complete blood count (CBC), including lymphocyte count [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Determine whether patients are taking drugs that could slow heart rate or atrioventricular (AV) conduction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Obtain recent (i.e., within the last 6 months) transaminase and bilirubin levels [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Obtain a baseline evaluation of the fundus, including the macula, near the start of treatment with PONVORY [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Obtain a baseline skin examination prior to or shortly after initiation of PONVORY. If a suspicious skin lesion is observed, it should be promptly evaluated [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
If patients are taking anti-neoplastic, immunosuppressive, or immune-modulating therapies, or if there is a history of prior use of these drugs, consider possible unintended additive immunosuppressive effects before initiating treatment with PONVORY [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Test patients for antibodies to varicella zoster virus (VZV) before initiating PONVORY; VZV vaccination of antibody-negative patients is recommended prior to commencing treatment with PONVORY [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. If live attenuated vaccine immunizations are required, administer at least 1 month prior to initiation of PONVORY.
After dose titration is complete (see Treatment Initiation), the recommended maintenance dosage of PONVORY is 20 mg taken orally once daily starting on Day 15.
Administer PONVORY orally once daily. Swallow the tablet whole. PONVORY can be taken with or without food.
A starter pack must be used for patients initiating treatment with PONVORY [see HOW SUPPLIED]. Initiate PONVORY treatment with a 14-day titration; start with one 2 mg tablet orally once daily and progress with the titration schedule as shown in Table 1 [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Table 1: Dose Titration Regimen
| Titration Day | Daily Dose |
| Days 1 and 2 | 2 mg |
| Days 3 and 4 | 3 mg |
| Days 5 and 6 | 4 mg |
| Day 7 | 5 mg |
| Day 8 | 6 mg |
| Day 9 | 7 mg |
| Day 10 | 8 mg |
| Day 11 | 9 mg |
| Days 12, 13, and 14 | 10 mg |
| Maintenance | Daily Dose |
| Day 15 and thereafter | 20 mg |
If dose titration is interrupted, missed dose instructions must be followed [see Reinitiation Of PONVORY After Treatment Interruption].
Because initiation of PONVORY treatment results in a decrease in heart rate, first-dose 4-hour monitoring is recommended for patients with sinus bradycardia [heart rate less than 55 beats per minute (bpm)], first- or second-degree [Mobitz type I] AV block, or a history of myocardial infarction or heart failure occurring more than 6 months prior to treatment initiation and in stable condition [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Administer the first dose of PONVORY in a setting where resources to appropriately manage symptomatic bradycardia are available. Monitor patients for 4 hours after the first dose for signs and symptoms of bradycardia with a minimum of hourly pulse and blood pressure measurements. Obtain an ECG in these patients prior to dosing and at the end of the 4-hour observation period.
If any of the following abnormalities are present after 4 hours (even in the absence of symptoms), continue monitoring until the abnormality resolves:
If post-dose symptomatic bradycardia, bradyarrhythmia, or conduction related symptoms occur, or if ECG 4 hours post-dose shows new onset second degree or higher AV block or QTc greater than or equal to 500 msec, initiate appropriate management, begin continuous ECG monitoring, and continue monitoring until the symptoms have resolved if no pharmacological treatment is required. If pharmacological treatment is required, continue monitoring overnight and repeat 4-hour monitoring after the second dose.
Advice from a cardiologist should be sought to determine the most appropriate monitoring strategy (which may include overnight monitoring) during treatment initiation, if treatment with PONVORY is considered in patients:
Interruption during treatment, especially during titration, is not recommended; however:
If treatment needs to be reinitiated with Day 1 of the titration regimen (new starter pack), complete first-dose monitoring in patients for whom it is recommended [see First Dose Monitoring In Patients With Certain Preexisting Cardiac Conditions].
PONVORY is available as round, biconvex, film-coated tablets for oral use. PONVORY contains ponesimod in the following dosage strengths (see Table 2):
Table 2: Dosage Form and Strengths for PONVORY
| Tablet Strength | Tablet Color | Tablet Size | Tablet Debossing |
| 2 mg | White | 5.0 mm | "2" on one side and an arch on the other side. |
| 3 mg | Red | 5.0 mm | "3" on one side and an arch on the other side. |
| 4 mg | Purple | 5.0 mm | "4" on one side and an arch on the other side. |
| 5 mg | Green | 8.6 mm | "5" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. |
| 6 mg | White | 8.6 mm | "6" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. |
| 7 mg | Red | 8.6 mm | "7" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. |
| 8 mg | Purple | 8.6 mm | "8" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. |
| 9 mg | Brown | 8.6 mm | "9" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. |
| 10 mg | Orange | 8.6 mm | "10" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. |
| 20 mg | Yellow | 8.6 mm | "20" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. |
PONVORY® (ponesimod) tablet is available as round, biconvex, film-coated tablets supplied in the following dosage strengths and package configurations.
| Tablet Strength | Tablet Color | Tablet Size | Tablet Debossing | Pack Size | NDC Code |
| 2 mg | White | 5.0 mm | "2" on one side and an arch on the other side. | Child Resistant Starter Pack(14 tablets) | NDC 50458-707-14 |
| 3 mg | Red | 5.0 mm | "3" on one side and an arch on the other side. | ||
| 4 mg | Purple | 5.0 mm | "4" on one side and an arch on the other side. | ||
| 5 mg | Green | 8.6 mm | "5" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. | ||
| 6 mg | White | 8.6 mm | "6" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. | ||
| 7 mg | Red | 8.6 mm | "7" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. | ||
| 8 mg | Purple | 8.6 mm | "8" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. | ||
| 9 mg | Brown | 8.6 mm | "9" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. | ||
| 10 mg | Orange | 8.6 mm | "10" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. |
| Tablet Strength | Tablet Color | Tablet Size | Tablet Debossing | Pack Size | NDC Code |
| 20 mg | Yellow | 8.6 mm | "20" on one side and an arch and an "A" on the other side. | Bottle of 30 tablets with childresistant closure. Each bottle contains a desiccant sachet. | NDC 50458-720-30 |
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Store in the original package.
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Store in the original package. Do not discard desiccant. Protect from moisture.
Keep out of reach of children.
Manufactured for: Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Titusville, NJ 08560, USA. Revised: Jun 2024
The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in 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.
A total of 1438 MS patients have received PONVORY at doses of at least 2 mg daily. These patients were included in Study 1 (2-year active-controlled versus teriflunomide 14 mg) [see Clinical Studies] and in a Phase 2 (6-month placebo-controlled) study in patients with MS and the uncontrolled extension studies.
In Study 1, 82% of PONVORY-treated patients completed 2 years of study treatment, compared to 82.2% of patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg. Adverse events led to discontinuation of treatment in 8.7% of PONVORY-treated patients, compared to 6% of patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg. The most common adverse reactions (incidence at least 10%) in PONVORY-treated patients in Study 1 were upper respiratory tract infection, hepatic transaminase elevation, and hypertension. Table 3 lists adverse reactions that occurred in at least 2% of PONVORY-treated patients and at a higher rate than in patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg.
Table 3: Adverse Reactions Reported in Study 1 Occurring in at Least 2% of PONVORY-Treated Patients and at a Higher Rate Than in Patients Receiving Teriflunomide 14 mg
| Adverse Reaction | PONVORY N=565 (%) |
Teriflunomide 14 mg N=566 (%) |
| Upper respiratory infection a | 37 | 34 |
| Hepatic transaminase elevation b | 23 | 12 |
| Hypertension c | 10 | 9 |
| Urinary tract infection | 6 | 5 |
| Dyspnea | 5 | 1 |
| Dizziness | 5 | 3 |
| Cough | 4 | 2 |
| Pain in extremity | 4 | 3 |
| Somnolence | 3 | 2 |
| Pyrexia | 2 | 1 |
| C-reactive protein increased | 2 | 1 |
| Hypercholesterolemia | 2 | 1 |
| Vertigo | 2 | 1 |
| aIncludes the following terms: nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, respiratorytract infection, bronchitis, respiratory tract infection viral, viral upper respiratory tract infection, tracheitis, and laryngitis. b Includes the following terms: alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased,hepatic enzyme increased, and transaminases increased. c Includes the following terms: hypertension, hypertensive crisis, blood pressure increased, bloodpressure systolic increased, and blood pressure diastolic increased. |
||
In Study 1, the following adverse reactions occurred in less than 2% of PONVORY-treated patients, but at a rate at least 1% higher than in patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg: viral infection, herpes zoster, hyperkalemia, lymphopenia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, and macular edema [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Adverse reactions in patients treated with PONVORY in an additional 6-month placebo-controlled study were generally similar to those in Study 1. The following additional adverse reactions occurred in at least 2% of PONVORY 20 mg-treated patients and at a higher rate than in patients receiving placebo (but did not meet the reporting rate criteria for inclusion in Study 1): rhinitis, fatigue, chest discomfort, peripheral edema, joint swelling, blood cholesterol increased, migraine, insomnia, depression, dyspepsia, dry mouth, bradycardia, back pain, and sinusitis.
Additionally, in uncontrolled extension trials, the adverse reaction of pneumonia was reported.
In Study 1, cases of seizures were reported in 1.4% of PONVORY-treated patients, compared to 0.2% in patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg. It is not known whether these events were related to the effects of MS, to PONVORY, or to a combination of both.
In Study 1, dose-dependent reductions in FEV1 were observed in patients treated with PONVORY [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In Study 1, two cases of basal cell carcinoma (0.4%) were reported in PONVORY-treated patients, compared to one case of basal cell carcinoma (0.2%) in patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg, and a case of malignant melanoma was reported in a PONVORY-treated patient. An increased risk of cutaneous malignancies has been reported in association with other S1P receptor modulators, including PONVORY [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
PONVORY has not been studied in combination with anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies. Caution should be used during concomitant administration because of the risk of additive immune effects during such therapy and in the weeks following administration [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, the half-life and mode of action of these drugs must be considered in order to avoid unintended additive effects on the immune system [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Because of the characteristics and duration of alemtuzumab immune suppressive effects, initiating treatment with PONVORY after alemtuzumab is not recommended.
PONVORY can generally be started immediately after discontinuation of beta interferon or glatiramer acetate.
PONVORY has not been studied in patients taking QT prolonging drugs.
Class Ia (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) and Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) anti-arrhythmic drugs have been associated with cases of Torsades de Pointes in patients with bradycardia. If treatment with PONVORY is considered, advice from a cardiologist should be sought.
Because of the potential additive effects on heart rate, treatment with PONVORY should generally not be initiated in patients who are concurrently treated with QT prolonging drugs with known arrhythmogenic properties, heart rate lowering calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, diltiazem), or other drugs that may decrease heart rate (e.g., digoxin) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Beta-Blockers]. If treatment with PONVORY is considered, advice from a cardiologist should be sought.
Caution should be applied when PONVORY is initiated in patients receiving treatment with a beta-blocker because of the additive effects on lowering heart rate; temporary interruption of the beta-blocker treatment may be needed prior to initiation of PONVORY [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Beta-blocker treatment can be initiated in patients receiving stable doses of PONVORY.
During, and for up to 1 to 2 weeks after discontinuation of, treatment with PONVORY, vaccinations may be less effective. The use of live attenuated vaccines may carry the risk of infection and should therefore be avoided during PONVORY treatment and for 1 to 2 weeks after discontinuation of treatment with PONVORY [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
PONVORY causes a dose-dependent reduction in peripheral lymphocyte count to 30-40% of baseline values because of reversible sequestration of lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. PONVORY may therefore increase the susceptibility to infections. Life-threatening and rare fatal infections have been reported in association with other sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators.
In Study 1 [see Clinical Studies], the overall rate of infections was comparable between the PONVORY-treated patients and those receiving teriflunomide 14 mg (54.2% vs 52.1%, respectively). PONVORY increased the risk of upper respiratory tract infections. Serious or severe infections occurred in 1.6% of PONVORY-treated patients compared to 0.9% of patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg.
Before initiating treatment with PONVORY, results from a recent (i.e., within 6 months or after discontinuation of prior therapy) complete blood count including lymphocyte count should be reviewed.
Initiation of treatment with PONVORY should be delayed in patients with active infection until resolution. Lymphocyte counts returned to the normal range in 90% of patients within 1 week of stopping therapy in modeling studies [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In Study 1, peripheral lymphocyte counts returned to normal range within 2 weeks after discontinuation of PONVORY, which was the first timepoint evaluated. Because residual pharmacodynamic effects, such as lowering effects on peripheral lymphocyte count, may persist for 1 to 2 weeks after discontinuation of PONVORY, vigilance for infection should be continued for 1 to 2 weeks after PONVORY is discontinued [see Immune System Effects After Stopping PONVORY].
In Study 1, the proportion of patients who experienced lymphocyte counts less than 0.2x109/L was 3.2%. Effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies should be employed in patients with symptoms of infection while on therapy. Consider interruption of treatment with PONVORY if a patient develops a serious infection.
Herpes Viral Infections
Cases of herpes viral infection have been reported in the development program of PONVORY; herpes simplex encephalitis and varicella zoster meningitis have been reported with other S1P receptor modulators.
In Study 1, the rate of herpetic infections was 4.8% for both PONVORY-treated patients and those receiving teriflunomide 14 mg. Patients without a healthcare professional confirmed history of varicella (chickenpox) or without documentation of a full course of vaccination against VZV should be tested for antibodies to VZV before initiating PONVORY (see Vaccinations).
Cryptococcal Infections
Cases of fatal cryptococcal meningitis (CM) and disseminated cryptococcal infections have been reported with other S1P receptor modulators. Physicians should be vigilant for clinical symptoms or signs of CM. Patients with symptoms or signs consistent with a cryptococcal infection should undergo prompt diagnostic evaluation and treatment. PONVORY treatment should be suspended until a cryptococcal infection has been excluded. If CM is diagnosed, appropriate treatment should be initiated.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an opportunistic viral infection of the brain caused by the JC virus (JCV) that typically only occurs in patients who are immunocompromised, and that usually leads to death or severe disability. Typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes.
PML has been reported in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators and other multiple sclerosis (MS) therapies and has been associated with some risk factors (e.g., immunocompromised patients, polytherapy with immunosuppressants, duration of use). Longer treatment duration increases the risk of PML in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators, and the majority of PML cases have occurred in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators for at least 18 months. Physicians should be vigilant for clinical symptoms or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings that may be suggestive of PML. MRI findings may be apparent before clinical signs or symptoms. If PML is suspected, treatment with PONVORY should be suspended until PML has been excluded.
If PML is confirmed, treatment with PONVORY should be discontinued.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) has been reported in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators who developed PML and subsequently discontinued treatment. IRIS presents as a clinical decline in the patient’s condition that may be rapid, can lead to serious neurological complications or death, and is often associated with characteristic changes on MRI. The time to onset of IRIS in patients with PML was generally within a few months after S1P receptor modulator discontinuation. Monitoring for development of IRIS and appropriate treatment of the associated inflammation should be undertaken.
Anti-neoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies (including corticosteroids) should be coadministered with caution because of the risk of additive immune system effects [see DRUG INTERACTIONS ].
Patients without a healthcare professional confirmed history of chickenpox or without documentation of a full course of vaccination against VZV should be tested for antibodies to VZV before initiating PONVORY treatment. A full course of vaccination for antibody-negative patients with varicella vaccine is recommended prior to commencing treatment with PONVORY, following which initiation of treatment with PONVORY should be postponed for 4 weeks to allow the full effect of vaccination to occur.
No clinical data are available on the efficacy and safety of vaccinations in patients taking PONVORY. Vaccinations may be less effective if administered during PONVORY treatment.
If live attenuated vaccine immunizations are required, administer at least 1 month prior to initiation of PONVORY. Avoid the use of live attenuated vaccines during and for 1 to 2 weeks after treatment with PONVORY.
Since initiation of PONVORY treatment results in a transient decrease in heart rate and AV conduction delays, an up-titration scheme must be used to reach the maintenance dosage of PONVORY (20 mg) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Study 1 did not include patients who had:
Initiation of PONVORY may result in a transient decrease in heart rate. In Study 1, bradycardia at treatment initiation and sinus bradycardia on ECG (defined as heart rate less than 50 bpm) occurred in 5.8% of PONVORY-treated patients compared to 1.6% of patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg. After the first titration dose of PONVORY, the decrease in heart rate typically begins within an hour and reaches its nadir within 2-4 hours. The heart rate typically recovers to baseline levels 4-5 hours after administration. The mean decrease in heart rate on Day 1 of dosing was 6 bpm. With up-titration after Day 1, the post-dose decrease in heart rate is less pronounced. Bradycardia resolved in all patients in Study 1 without intervention and did not require discontinuation of PONVORY treatment. On Day 1, 3 patients treated with PONVORY had asymptomatic post-dose heart rate below or equal to 40 bpm; all 3 patients had baseline heart rates below 55 bpm.
Initiation of PONVORY treatment has been associated with transient atrioventricular conduction delays that follow a similar temporal pattern as the observed decrease in heart rate during dose titration. In Study 1, the AV conduction delays manifested as first-degree AV block (prolonged PR interval on ECG), which occurred in 3.4% of PONVORY-treated patients and in 1.2% of patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg. The conduction abnormalities typically were transient, asymptomatic, resolved within 24 hours, resolved without intervention, and did not require discontinuation of PONVORY treatment. In Study 1, second- and third-degree AV blocks were not reported in patients treated with PONVORY.
If treatment with PONVORY is considered, advice from a cardiologist should be sought for individuals:
If 4 or more consecutive daily doses are missed during treatment initiation or maintenance treatment, reinitiate Day 1 of the dose titration (new starter pack) and follow first-dose monitoring recommendations [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Dose-dependent reductions in forced expiratory volume over 1 second (FEV1) and reductions in diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were observed in PONVORY-treated patients mostly occurring in the first month after treatment initiation. In Study 1, the reduction from baseline in percent predicted FEV1 at 2 years was 8.3% in PONVORY-treated patients compared to 4.4% in patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg. In Study 1, 7 patients discontinued PONVORY because of pulmonary adverse events. There is insufficient information to determine the reversibility of the decrease in FEV1 or FVC after treatment discontinuation. PONVORY should be used with caution in patients with severe respiratory disease (i.e., pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Spirometric evaluation of respiratory function should be performed during therapy with PONVORY if clinically indicated.
Elevations of transaminases may occur in PONVORY-treated patients.
Obtain transaminase and bilirubin levels, if not recently available (i.e., within last 6 months) before initiation of PONVORY.
In Study 1, elevations of ALT to 5-fold the upper limit of normal (ULN) or greater occurred in 4.6% of patients treated with PONVORY compared to 2.5% of patients who received teriflunomide 14 mg. Elevation of ALT to 3-fold the ULN or greater occurred in 17.3% of patients treated with PONVORY and 8.3% of patients treated with teriflunomide 14 mg. The median time to an elevation of 3-fold the ULN was 3 months. The majority (89%) of patients with ALT increases 3-fold or greater the ULN continued treatment with PONVORY with values returning to less than three times the ULN within approximately 2-4 weeks.
In Study 1, the discontinuation rate because of elevations in hepatic enzymes was 2.3% of patients treated with PONVORY and 1.9% of patients who received teriflunomide 14 mg.
Patients who develop symptoms suggestive of hepatic dysfunction, such as unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, rash with eosinophilia, or jaundice and/or dark urine during treatment, should have hepatic enzymes checked. PONVORY should be discontinued if significant liver injury is confirmed.
No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A). PONVORY is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child- Pugh class B and C, respectively) [see Use In Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ].
In Study 1, PONVORY-treated patients had an average increase of 2.9 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 2.8 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure compared to 2.8 mm Hg and 3.1 mm Hg in patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg, respectively. An increase in blood pressure with PONVORY was first detected after approximately 1 month of treatment initiation and persisted with continued treatment. Hypertensive events were reported as an adverse reaction in 10.1% of PONVORY-treated patients and in 9.0% of patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg. One patient treated with PONVORY experienced a hypertensive crisis but had evidence of longstanding hypertensive heart disease. Blood pressure should be monitored during treatment with PONVORY and managed appropriately.
The risk of cutaneous malignancies (including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma) is increased in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators. Use of PONVORY has been associated with an increased risk of BCC.
In Study 1, the incidence of basal cell carcinoma was 0.4% in PONVORY-treated patients compared to 0.2% in patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Cases of other cutaneous malignancies, including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, have also been reported in patients treated with PONVORY and in patients treated with other S1P receptor modulators. Kaposi’s sarcoma and Merkel cell carcinoma have also been reported in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators in the postmarketing setting.
Skin examinations are recommended prior to or shortly after the start of treatment and periodically thereafter for all patients, particularly those with risk factors for skin cancer. Providers and patients are advised to monitor for suspicious skin lesions. If a suspicious skin lesion is observed, it should be promptly evaluated. As usual for patients with increased risk for skin cancer, exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor. Concomitant phototherapy with UV-B radiation or PUVA photochemotherapy is not recommended in patients taking PONVORY.
Based on animal studies, PONVORY may cause fetal harm [see Use In Specific Populations]. Because it takes approximately 1 week to eliminate PONVORY from the body, women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy during and for 1 week after stopping PONVORY treatment.
S1P receptor modulators, including PONVORY, have been associated with an increased risk of macular edema. Obtain a baseline evaluation of the fundus, including the macula, near the start of treatment with PONVORY. Perform an examination of the fundus, including the macula, periodically while on therapy and any time there is a change in vision.
In Study 1, macular edema was reported in 1.1% of PONVORY-treated patients compared to none of the patients receiving teriflunomide 14 mg.
Continuation of PONVORY therapy in patients with macular edema has not been evaluated. Macular edema over an extended period of time (i.e., 6 months) can lead to permanent visual loss. Consider discontinuing PONVORY if macular edema develops; this decision should include an assessment of the potential benefits and risks for the individual patient. The risk of recurrence after rechallenge has not been evaluated.
Patients with a history of uveitis and patients with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of macular edema during therapy with S1P receptor modulators, including PONVORY.
Rare cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) have been reported in patients receiving a S1P receptor modulator. Such events have not been reported for PONVORY-treated patients in the development program. However, should a PONVORY-treated patient develop any unexpected neurological or psychiatric symptoms/signs (e.g., cognitive deficits, behavioral changes, cortical visual disturbances, or any other neurological cortical symptoms/signs), any symptom/sign suggestive of an increase of intracranial pressure, or accelerated neurological deterioration, the physician should promptly schedule a complete physical and neurological examination and should consider an MRI. Symptoms of PRES are usually reversible but may evolve into ischemic stroke or cerebral hemorrhage. Delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to permanent neurological sequelae. If PRES is suspected, PONVORY should be discontinued.
When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, the half-life and mode of action of these drugs must be considered in order to avoid unintended additive effects on the immune system while at the same time minimizing risk of disease reactivation, when initiating PONVORY.
Initiating treatment with PONVORY after treatment with alemtuzumab is not recommended.
Severe exacerbation of disease, including disease rebound, has been rarely reported after discontinuation of a S1P receptor modulator. The possibility of severe exacerbation of disease should be considered after stopping PONVORY treatment. Patients should be observed for a severe increase in disability upon PONVORY discontinuation and appropriate treatment should be instituted, as required.
After stopping PONVORY in the setting of PML, monitor for development of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (PML-IRIS) [see Infections].
After stopping PONVORY therapy, ponesimod remains in the blood for up to 1 week. Starting other therapies during this interval will result in concomitant exposure to ponesimod. Lymphocyte counts returned to the normal range in 90% of patients within 1 week of stopping PONVORY therapy in modeling studies [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. However, residual pharmacodynamics effects, such as lowering effects on peripheral lymphocyte count, may persist for 1 to 2 weeks after the last dose. Use of immunosuppressants within this period may lead to an additive effect on the immune system, and therefore caution should be applied 1 to 2 weeks after the last dose of PONVORY [see DRUG INTERACTIONS ].
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Tell patients not to discontinue PONVORY without first discussing this with the prescribing healthcare provider. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they accidently take more PONVORY than prescribed.
Instruct patients to administer tablets whole.
Inform patients that they may have an increased risk of infections, some of which could be life-threatening, when taking PONVORY and for 1 to 2 weeks after stopping it, and that they should contact their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms of infection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Advise patients that the use of some vaccines containing live virus (live attenuated vaccines) should be avoided during treatment with PONVORY, and PONVORY should be paused 1 to 2 weeks prior and until 4 weeks after a planned vaccination. Recommend that patients postpone treatment with PONVORY for at least 1 month after VZV vaccination. Inform patients that prior or concomitant use of drugs that suppress the immune system may increase the risk of infection.
Inform patients that cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have occurred in patients treated with S1P receptor modulators. Inform the patient that PML is characterized by a progression of deficits and usually leads to death or severe disability over weeks or months. Instruct the patient of the importance of contacting their doctor if they develop any symptoms suggestive of PML. Inform the patient that typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that initiation of PONVORY treatment results in transient decrease in heart rate [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Inform patients that to reduce this effect, dose titration is required. Advise patients that dose titration is also required if 4 or more consecutive daily doses are missed during treatment initiation or maintenance treatment [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Inform certain patients with certain preexisting cardiac conditions that they will need to be observed in the doctor's office or other facility for at least 4 hours after the first dose and after reinitiation if treatment is interrupted or discontinued for certain periods [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Advise patients that they should contact their healthcare provider if they experience new onset or worsening of dyspnea [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that PONVORY may increase liver enzymes. Advise patient that they should contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, or jaundice and/or dark urine during treatment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that the risk of basal cell carcinoma is increased with the use of PONVORY and that cases of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma have been reported. Advise patients that any suspicious skin lesions should be promptly evaluated. Advise patients to limit exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with high protection factor [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that, based on animal studies, PONVORY may cause fetal harm. Discuss with women of childbearing age whether they are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant. Advise women of childbearing potential of the need for effective contraception during treatment with PONVORY and for one week after stopping PONVORY. Advise a female patient to immediately inform her healthcare provider if she is pregnant or planning to become pregnant [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that PONVORY may cause macular edema, and that they should obtain an eye exam near the start of treatment with PONVORY, have their eyes monitored periodically by an eye care professional while receiving therapy, and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any changes in their vision while taking PONVORY [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Inform patients with diabetes mellitus or a history of uveitis that their risk of macular edema is increased.
Advise patients to immediately report to their healthcare provider any symptoms involving sudden onset of severe headache, altered mental status, visual disturbances, or seizure. Inform patients that delayed treatment could lead to permanent neurological sequelae [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that severe increase in disability has been reported after discontinuation of another S1P receptor modulator like PONVORY. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they develop worsening symptoms of MS following discontinuation of PONVORY [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that PONVORY continues to have effects, such as lowering effects on peripheral lymphocyte count, for 1 to 2 weeks after the last dose [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Oral administration of ponesimod to mice (0, 50, 150, or 400 mg/kg/day in males and 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day in females) for up to 2 years resulted in incidences in hemangiosarcoma and combined hemangioma and hemangiosarcoma in males at all doses and at the highest dose tested in females. Plasma exposure (AUC) at the lowest dose tested in males (50 mg/kg/day) was approximately 5 times that in humans at the recommended human dose (RHD) of 20 mg.
Oral administration of ponesimod to rats (0, 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg/day in males and 0, 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg/day in females) for up to 2 years did not result in an increase in tumors. Plasma exposure at the highest dose tested in males (30 mg/kg/day) was approximately 4 times that in humans at the RHD of 20 mg.
Ponesimod was negative in a battery of in vitro (Ames, chromosomal aberration in mammalian cells) and in vivo (micronucleus in rat) assays.
In separate studies, oral administration of ponesimod (0, 10, 30, or 100 mg/kg/day) to male and female rats prior to and throughout the mating period and continuing in females to Day 6 of gestation resulted in no effects on fertility. Plasma ponesimod exposures (AUC) at the highest dose tested were approximately 10 (males) and 30 (females) times that in humans at the RHD of 20 mg/day.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of PONVORY in pregnant women. In animal studies, administration of ponesimod during pregnancy produced adverse effects on development, including embryo lethality and fetal malformations, in the absence of maternal toxicity. In rats and rabbits, visceral and skeletal malformations occurred at clinically relevant maternal ponesimod exposures (see Data). The receptor affected by ponesimod (sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1) has been demonstrated to have an important role in embryogenesis, including vascular and neural development.
In the US general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2%-4% and 15%-20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
Animal Data
When ponesimod (0, 1, 10, or 40 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis, increased incidences of fetal malformations primarily involving the limbs (syndactyly and ectrodactyly) and cardiovascular system (including ventricular septal defects) were observed at all but the lowest dose tested. A high incidence of embryofetal death was observed at the highest dose tested. Maternal toxicity was not observed, indicating a selective effect on the fetus. Plasma exposure (AUC) at the no-effect dose (1 mg/kg/day) for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rats was lower than that in humans at the recommended human dose (RHD) of 20 mg/day.
When ponesimod (0, 0.25, 1, or 4 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis, an increase in post-implantation loss and fetal variations (visceral and skeletal) were noted at the highest dose tested. No maternal toxicity was observed. Plasma exposure at the no-effect dose (1 mg/kg/day) for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rabbits was lower than that in humans at the RHD. In a dose-range finding study in pregnant rabbits, oral administration of ponesimod (0, 6, 20, or 60 mg/kg/day) during organogenesis, an increase in embryofetal death and fetal limb malformation (brachydactyly) were observed at the lowest dose tested; at the higher doses, there were no live fetuses.
When ponesimod (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) was orally administered to female rats throughout pregnancy and lactation, the offspring exhibited decreased survival, reduced body weight gain, and reduced fertility and reproductive performance (increases in pre- and post-implantation loss) at the highest dose tested, neurobehavioral impairment (increased locomotor activity) at the mid and high doses, and delayed sexual maturation at all doses tested. A no-effect dose for adverse effects on pre- and postnatal development in rats was not identified. Plasma exposure (AUC) in dams at the lowest dose tested was less than that in humans at the RHD.
There are no data on the presence of PONVORY in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. When ponesimod was orally administered to female rats during pregnancy and lactation, ponesimod was detected in the plasma of the offspring, suggesting excretion of ponesimod in milk.
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for PONVORY and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from PONVORY or from the underlying maternal condition.
Females
Before initiation of PONVORY treatment, women of childbearing potential should be counseled on the potential for a serious risk to the fetus and the need for effective contraception during treatment with PONVORY [see Pregnancy]. Since it takes approximately one week to eliminate ponesimod from the body after stopping treatment, the potential risk to the fetus may persist, and women should use effective contraception during this period [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Oral administration of ponesimod (0, 1, 10, 30, or 100 mg/kg/day) to young rats from postnatal day 28 to 91 resulted in lung histopathology (alveolar histiocytosis/edema) and decreased immune function (T-cell dependent antibody response) at the two highest doses tested. Decreased growth (body weight gain and/or long bone length) was observed at all but the low dose, and neurobehavioral impairment (increased locomotor activity) was observed at the highest dose tested. Decreased lymphocyte count and neurobehavioral impairment persisted at the end of a 4- week recovery period.
Clinical studies of PONVORY did not include patients 65 years of age and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Use of PONVORY in elderly patients should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ].
No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A) [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ].
PONVORY is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B and C, respectively), as the risk of adverse reactions may be greater [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ].
In patients with overdosage of PONVORY, especially upon initiation/reinitiation of treatment, it is important to observe for signs and symptoms of bradycardia as well as AV conduction blocks, which may include overnight monitoring. Regular measurements of pulse rate and blood pressure are required, and ECGs should be performed [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
There is no specific antidote to ponesimod. Neither dialysis nor plasma exchange would result in meaningful removal of ponesimod from the body. The decrease in heart rate induced by PONVORY can be reversed by atropine.
In the event of overdose, PONVORY should be discontinued, and general supportive treatment given until clinical toxicity has been diminished or resolved. It is advisable to contact a poison control center to obtain the latest recommendations for the management of an overdose.
PONVORY is contraindicated in patients who:
Ponesimod is a sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor 1 modulator that binds with high affinity to S1P receptor 1.
Ponesimod blocks the capacity of lymphocytes to egress from lymph nodes, reducing the number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood. The mechanism by which ponesimod exerts therapeutic effects in multiple sclerosis is unknown, but may involve reduction of lymphocyte migration into the central nervous system.
In healthy volunteers, PONVORY induces a dose-dependent reduction of the peripheral blood lymphocyte count from a single dose of 5 mg onwards, with the greatest reduction observed 6 hours post-dose, caused by reversible sequestration of lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues. After 7 daily doses of 20 mg, the greatest decrease in absolute mean lymphocyte count was to 26% of baseline (650 cells/μL), observed 6 hours after administration. Peripheral blood B cells [CD19+] and T cells [CD3+], T-helper [CD3+CD4+], and T-cytotoxic [CD3+CD8+] cell subsets are all affected, while NK cells are not. T-helper cells were more sensitive to the effects of ponesimod than T-cytotoxic cells.
PK/PD modeling indicates lymphocyte counts returned to the normal range in greater than 90% of healthy subjects within 1 to 2 weeks of stopping therapy. In Study 1, peripheral lymphocyte counts returned to the normal range within 2 weeks after discontinuation of PONVORY.
PONVORY causes a transient dose-dependent reduction in heart rate (HR) and AV conduction delays upon treatment initiation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. The heart rate decreases plateaued at doses greater than or equal to 40 mg [2 times the recommended maintenance dosage], and bradyarrhythmic events (AV blocks) were detected at a higher incidence under PONVORY treatment, compared to placebo. This effect starts within the first hour of dosing and is maximal at 2-4 hours post-dose. HR generally returns to pre-dose values by 4-5 hours postdose on Day 1, and the effect diminishes with repeated administration, indicating tolerance.
The decrease in heart rate induced by ponesimod can be reversed by atropine.
The negative chronotropic effect of coadministration of PONVORY and propranolol was evaluated in a dedicated pharmacodynamics safety study. The addition of PONVORY to propranolol at steady state has an additive effect on HR effect [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
In a thorough QT study, daily administration of ponesimod doses of 40 mg and 100 mg (respectively 2- and 5-fold the recommended maintenance dose) until steady-state conditions were achieved resulted in prolongation of Fridericia-corrected QT (QTcF) intervals, with the maximum mean (upper bound of 90% two-sided confidence interval) at 11.8 ms (40 mg) and 16.2 ms (100 mg). No subject had absolute QTcF greater than 480 ms or ΔQTcF greater than 90 ms for ponesimod treatment.
Dose-dependent reductions in FEV1 and FVC were observed in PONVORY-treated subjects, and were greater than in subjects taking placebo [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. These effects can be reversed with administration of a short acting beta2 agonist.
Following ponesimod oral dosing, Cmax and AUC increased approximately dose-proportionally in the dose-range studied (1-75 mg). Steady-state levels are approximately 2.0- to 2.6-fold greater than with a single dose, and are achieved following 3 days of administration of the maintenance dose of ponesimod.
The pharmacokinetics of ponesimod are similar in healthy subjects and patients with multiple sclerosis, with 25% inter-subject variability across studies.
The time to reach maximum plasma concentration of ponesimod is 2-4 hours post-dose. The absolute oral bioavailability of a 10 mg dose is 84%.
Food Effect
Food does not have a clinically relevant effect on ponesimod pharmacokinetics; therefore, PONVORY may be taken with or without food.
Following IV administration in healthy subjects, the steady-state volume of distribution of ponesimod is 160 L.
Ponesimod is highly bound to plasma proteins (> 99%) and is mainly (78.5%) distributed in the plasma fraction of whole blood. Animal studies show that ponesimod readily crosses the blood-brain-barrier.
Ponesimod is extensively metabolized prior to excretion in humans, though unchanged ponesimod was the main circulating component in plasma. Two inactive circulating metabolites, M12 and M13, have also been identified in human plasma. M13 and M12 are respectively about 20% and 6% of total drug-related exposure. Both metabolites are inactive at S1P receptors at concentrations achieved with recommended doses of ponesimod.
Experiments with human liver preparations indicate that metabolism of ponesimod to M13 occurs primarily through a combination of non-Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymatic activities. Multiple CYP450 (CYP2J2, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP4F3A, and CYP4F12) and non- CYP450 enzymes catalyze the oxidation of ponesimod to M12. Ponesimod also undergoes direct glucuronidation (mainly UGT1A1 and UGT2B7).
After a single IV administration, the total clearance of ponesimod is 3.8 L/hour. The elimination half-life after oral administration is approximately 33 hours.
Following a single oral administration of 14C-ponesimod, 57% to 80% of the dose was recovered in feces (16% as unchanged ponesimod), and 10% to 18% in urine (no unchanged ponesimod).
No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with renal impairment. In adult subjects with moderate or severe renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance [CrCl], as determined by the Cockcroft-Gault, between 30-59 mL/min for moderate and <30 mL/min for severe), there were no significant changes in ponesimod Cmax and AUC, compared to subjects with normal renal function (CrCl>90 mL/min). The effect of dialysis on the PK of ponesimod has not been studied. Due to the high plasma protein binding (greater than 99%) of ponesimod, dialysis is not expected to alter the total and unbound ponesimod concentration, and no dose adjustments are anticipated based on these considerations.
In adult subjects with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A, B and C, respectively), no change in ponesimod Cmax was observed, but ponesimod AUC0-&infin was increased by 1.3-, 2.0-, and 3.1-fold, respectively, compared to healthy subjects [see Use In Specific Populations].
Age (range: 17 to 65 years) was not identified to significantly influence the PK of ponesimod in population pharmacokinetics analyses. The effect of age (65 years of age and older) on the pharmacokinetics of ponesimod is unknown [see Use In Specific Populations].
Gender has no clinically significant influence on ponesimod pharmacokinetics.
No clinically relevant pharmacokinetic differences were observed between Japanese and Caucasian subjects.
In a drug-drug interaction study, the dose titration regimen of ponesimod [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION] was administered to subjects receiving propranolol (80 mg) once daily at steady state. No significant changes in pharmacokinetics of ponesimod or propranolol were observed. Compared to ponesimod alone, the combination of propranolol and the first dose of ponesimod (2 mg) led to a mean hourly heart rate decrease of 12.4 bpm (90% CI: -15.6 to -9.1). Compared to ponesimod alone, propranolol administered in combination with the first maintenance dose of ponesimod (20 mg) led to a 7.4 bpm (90% CI: -10.9 to -3.9) mean hourly heart rate decrease.
In vitro studies with human liver preparations indicate that metabolism of ponesimod occurs through multiple distinct enzyme systems, including multiple CYP450 (CYP2J2, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP4F3A, and CYP4F12), UGT (mainly UGT1A1 and UGT2B7), and non-CYP450 oxidative enzymes, without major contribution by any single enzyme.
Ponesimod is not a substrate of P-gp, BCRP, OATP1B1, or OATP1B3 transporters. Drugs that are inhibitors of these transporters are unlikely to impact the PK of ponesimod.
In vitro assessments and limited clinical data indicated that concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 and UGT1A1 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine) may decrease the systemic exposure of ponesimod [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
In vitro investigations indicate that at the recommended dose of 20 mg once-daily, ponesimod and its metabolite M13 do not show any clinically relevant drug-drug interaction potential for CYP or UGT enzymes, or transporters.
Coadministration of ponesimod with an oral hormonal contraceptive (containing 1 mg norethisterone/norethindrone and 35 μg ethinyl estradiol) showed no clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interaction with ponesimod. Therefore, concomitant use of ponesimod is not expected to decrease the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives. No interaction studies have been performed with oral contraceptives containing other progestogens; however, an effect of ponesimod on their exposure is not expected.
Increases in lung weight and histopathology (alveolar histiocytosis, edema) were observed in oral toxicity studies in mice, rats, and dogs. At the higher doses tested in short-term studies, alveolar histiocytosis was associated with lung edema, emphysema, or hyalinosis, and with bronchioloalveolar hyperplasia after cessation of dosing in rats and alveolar histiocytosis and hyalinosis in dogs. Effects tended to be absent or less severe after chronic treatment. These findings are considered secondary to increased vascular permeability caused by S1P1 receptor modulation. The NOAELs for lung findings in the 4-week oral toxicity studies in rats and dogs were associated with plasma exposures (AUC) similar or lower than that expected in humans at the recommended human dose (RHD) of 20 mg/day.
In dogs, coronary arterial lesions (thickening of the vessel wall, hyperplasia/hypertrophy of smooth muscles cells of the tunica media, subendocardial fibrosis) involving the papillary muscle of the left ventricle were observed in oral toxicity studies of 13 to 52 weeks in duration. At the NOAEL (2 mg/kg/day) for these findings, plasma exposures (AUC) were approximately 2 times that expected in humans at the RHD.
The efficacy of PONVORY was demonstrated in Study 1, a randomized, double-blind, parallel group, active-controlled superiority study in patients with relapsing forms of MS (NCT02425644). Patients were treated for 108 weeks. This study included patients who had an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 0 to 5.5 at baseline, had experienced at least one relapse within the year prior, or two relapses within the prior 2 years, or who had at least one gadolinium-enhancing (Gd-enhancing) lesion on a brain MRI within the prior 6 months or at baseline. Patients with primary progressive MS were excluded.
Patients were randomized to receive either once daily PONVORY, beginning with a 14-day dose titration [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION] or teriflunomide 14 mg. Neurological evaluations were performed at baseline, every 3 months during the study, and at the time of a suspected relapse. Brain MRI scans were performed at baseline and at Weeks 60 and 108.
The primary endpoint was the annualized relapse rate (ARR) over the study period. Additional outcome measures included: 1) the number of new Gd-enhancing T1 lesions from baseline to Week 108, 2) the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions (without double-counting of lesions) from baseline to Week 108, and 3) the time to 3-month and 6-month confirmed disability progression. A confirmed disability progression was defined as an increase of at least 1.5 in EDSS for patients with a baseline EDSS score of 0, an increase of at least 1.0 in EDSS for patients with a baseline EDSS score of 1.0 to 5.0, or an increase of at least 0.5 in EDSS for patients with a baseline EDSS score at least 5.5, which was confirmed after 3 months and 6 months.
A total of 1133 patients were randomized to either PONVORY (N=567) or teriflunomide 14 mg (N=566); 86.4% of PONVORY-treated patients and 87.5% of teriflunomide 14 mg-treated patients completed the study as per protocol. At baseline, the mean age of patients was 37 years, 97% were White, and 65% were female. The mean disease duration was 7.6 years, the mean number of relapses in the previous year was 1.3, and the mean EDSS score was 2.6; 57% of patients had not received any prior non-steroid treatments for MS. At baseline, 42.6% of patients had one or more Gd-enhancing T1 lesions (mean 2.0) on their baseline MRI scan.
The ARR was statistically significantly lower in patients treated with PONVORY than in patients who received teriflunomide 14 mg. The number of Gd-enhancing T1 lesions and the number of new or enlarging T2 lesions were statistically significantly lower in patients treated with PONVORY than in patients who received teriflunomide 14 mg.
There was no statistically significant difference in the 3-month and 6-month confirmed disability progression outcomes between PONVORY- and teriflunomide 14 mg-treated patients over 108 weeks.
The efficacy results for Study 1 are presented in Table 4.
Table 4: Clinical and MRI Endpoints from Study 1
| Endpoints | PONVORY 20 mg N=567 |
Teriflunomide 14 mg N=566 |
| Clinical Endpoints | ||
| Annualized Relapse Ratea | 0.202 | 0.290 |
| Relative reduction | 30.5% (p=0.0003) | |
| Percentage of patients without relapseb | 70.7% | 60.6% |
| Proportion of Patients with 3-month Confirmed Disability Progressionc | 10.8% | 13.2% |
| Hazard Ratiod | 0.83 (p=0.29)e | |
| MRI Endpointsb, f | ||
| Mean number of new or enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions per year | 1.40 | 3.16 |
| Relative reduction | 55.7% (p <.0001) | |
| Mean number of T1 Gd-enhancing lesions per MRI | 0.18 | 0.43 |
| Relative reduction | 58.5% (p <.0001) | |
| All analyses are based on the full analysis set (FAS), which includes all randomized patients. N refers to the number of patients included in the FAS, per treatment group. a Defined as confirmed relapses per year through the study period (Negative binomial regression model with stratification variables (EDSS ≤ 3.5 versus EDSS > 3.5; non-steroid treatment for MS within last 2 years prior to randomization [Yes/No]) and the number of relapses in the year prior to study entry (<=1, >=2) as covariates) b Over the study period of approximately 108 weeks c Disability progression defined as 1.5-point increase in EDSS for patients with a baseline EDSS score of 0, 1.0-point increase in EDSS for patients with a baseline EDSS score of 1.0 to 5.0, or 0.5-point increase in EDSS for patients with a baseline EDSS score at least 5.5 confirmed 3 months later. Proportion of patients with 3-month confirmed disability progression refers to Kaplan-Meier estimates at Week 108. d Defined as time to 3 months confirmed disability progression through the study period (Stratified Cox proportional hazard model, p-value based on the stratified log rank test) e Not statistically significant f Cumulative number of combined unique active lesions (CUALs), defined as new or enlarging T2 lesions or Gd-enhancing T1 lesions (without double counting), mean lesions per year were 1.41 on ponesimod 20 mg (N=539), and 3.16 on teriflunomide 14 mg (N=536), a relative reduction of 56% (p<0.0001). |
||
A similar effect of PONVORY on the ARR and secondary MRI outcomes compared to teriflunomide 14 mg was observed in exploratory subgroups defined by age, gender, prior nonsteroid therapy for MS, and baseline disease activity.
PONVORY®
(pon-VOR-ee)
(ponesimod) tablets, for oral use
What is the most important information I should know about PONVORY?
PONVORY may cause serious side effects, including:
Your healthcare provider may delay starting or may stop your PONVORY treatment if you have an infection.
Only start your treatment with PONVORY using the Starter Pack. You must use the PONVORY Starter Pack to slowly increase the dose over a 14-day period to help reduce the effect of slowing of your heart rate. It is important to follow the recommended dosing instructions. See “How should I take PONVORY?” Call your healthcare provider if you experience the following symptoms of slow heart rate:
Follow directions from your healthcare provider when starting PONVORY and when you miss a dose. See “How should I take PONVORY?”
See "What are possible side effects of PONVORY?" for more information about side effects.
What is PONVORY?
Do not take PONVORY if you:
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking PONVORY if you have any of these conditions, or do not know if you have any of these conditions.
Before you take PONVORY, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Using PONVORY and other medicines together may affect each other causing serious side effects.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take or have taken:
Talk with your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you take any of these medicines.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I take PONVORY?
You will receive a 14-day starter pack. You must start PONVORY by slowly increasing doses over the first two weeks. Follow the dose schedule in the table below. This may reduce the risk of slowing of the heart rate.
| Starter Pack Day | Daily Dose |
| Day 1 | 2 mg tablet 1 time a day |
| Day 2 | 2 mg tablet 1 time a day |
| Day 3 | 3 mg tablet 1 time a day |
| Day 4 | 3 mg tablet 1 time a day |
| Day 5 | 4 mg tablet 1 time a day |
| Day 6 | 4 mg tablet 1 time a day |
| Day 7 | 5 mg tablet 1 time a day |
| Day 8 | 6 mg tablet 1 time a day |
| Day 9 | 7 mg tablet 1 time a day |
| Day 10 | 8 mg tablet 1 time a day |
| Day 11 | 9 mg tablet 1 time a day |
| Day 12 | 10 mg tablet 1 time a day |
| Day 13 | 10 mg tablet 1 time a day |
| Day 14 | 10 mg tablet 1 time a day |
| Maintenance | Daily Dose |
| Day 15 and thereafter | 20 mg tablet 1 time a day |
What are the possible side effects of PONVORY?
PONVORY may cause serious side effects, including:
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
The most common side effects of PONVORY include:
These are not all of the possible side effects of PONVORY.
For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store PONVORY?
Keep PONVORY and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of PONVORY.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use PONVORY for conditions for which it was not prescribed. Do not give PONVORY to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about PONVORY that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in PONVORY?
Active ingredient: ponesimod
Inactive ingredients:
Tablet core: croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K30, silica colloidal anhydrous, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Tablet coating: ferrosoferric oxide (included in 4 mg, 5 mg, 8 mg and 9 mg film-coated tablets), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2910, iron oxide red (included in 3 mg, 4 mg, 7 mg, 8 mg, 9 mg and 10 mg film-coated tablets), iron oxide yellow (included in 3 mg, 5 mg, 7 mg, 9 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg film-coated tablets), lactose monohydrate, polyethylene glycol 3350, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
