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What is Zejula?
Zejula is a prescription medicine used for the:
Your healthcare provider will perform a test to make sure that Zejula is right for you.
It is not known if Zejula is safe and effective in children.
What are the possible side effects of Zejula?
Zejula can cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of Zejula include:
Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with Zejula, if you have certain side effects.
These are not all the possible side effects of Zejula. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Niraparib is an orally available poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor.
The chemical name for niraparib tosylate monohydrate is 2-{4-[(3S)-piperidin-3-yl]phenyl}-2Hindazole 7-carboxamide 4-methylbenzenesulfonate hydrate (1:1:1). The molecular formula is C26H30N4O5S and it has a molecular weight of 510.61 amu. The molecular structure is shown below:
 |
Niraparib tosylate monohydrate is a white to off-white, non-hygroscopic crystalline solid. Niraparib solubility is pH independent below the pKa of 9.95, with an aqueous free base solubility of 0.7 mg/mL to 1.1 mg/mL across the physiological pH range.
Each ZEJULA capsule contains 159.4 mg niraparib tosylate monohydrate equivalent to 100 mg niraparib free base as the active ingredient. The inactive ingredients in the capsule fill are magnesium stearate and lactose monohydrate. The capsule shell consists of titanium dioxide, gelatin in the white capsule body; and FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #3, FD&C Yellow #5 and gelatin in the purple capsule cap. The black printing ink consists of shellac, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, purified water, strong ammonia solution, potassium hydroxide and black iron oxide. The white printing ink consists of shellac, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, povidone and titanium oxide.
ZEJULA® is indicated for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in a complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy.
The recommended dose of ZEJULA as monotherapy is 300 mg (three 100 mg capsules) taken orally once daily.
Instruct patients to take their dose of ZEJULA at approximately the same time each day. Each capsule should be swallowed whole. ZEJULA may be taken with or without food. Bedtime administration may be a potential method for managing nausea.
Patients should start treatment with ZEJULA no later than 8 weeks after their most recent platinum-containing regimen.
ZEJULA treatment should be continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
In the case of a missed dose of ZEJULA, instruct patients to take their next dose at its regularly scheduled time. If a patient vomits or misses a dose of ZEJULA, an additional dose should not be taken.
To manage adverse reactions, consider interruption of treatment, dose reduction, or dose discontinuation. The recommended dose modifications for adverse reactions are listed in Tables 1, 2 and 3.
Table 1: Recommended dose modifications for adverse reactions
| Dose level | Dose |
| Starting dose | 300 mg/day (three 100 mg capsules) |
| First dose reduction | 200 mg/day (two 100 mg capsules) |
| Second dose reduction | 100 mg/day* (one 100 mg capsule) |
| *If further dose reduction below 100 mg/day is required, discontinue ZEJULA. | |
Table 2: Dose modifications for non-hematologic adverse reactions
| Non-hematologic CTCAE* ≥ Grade 3 adverse reaction where prophylaxis is not considered feasible or adverse reaction persists despite treatment |
|
| CTCAE ≥ Grade 3 treatment-related adverse reaction lasting more than 28 days while patient is administered ZEJULA 100 mg/day | Discontinue medication. |
| *CTCAE=Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events | |
Table 3: Dose modifications for hematologic adverse reactions
| Monitor complete blood counts weekly for the first month, monthly for the next 11 months of treatment and periodically after this time [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. | |
| Platelet count <100,000/μL | First occurrence:
|
Second occurrence:
| |
| Neutrophil <1,000/μL or Hemoglobin <8 g/dL |
|
| Hematologic adverse reaction requiring transfusion |
|
| *If myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML) is confirmed, discontinue ZEJULA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. | |
100 mg capsule having a white body with “100 mg” printed in black ink, and a purple cap with “Niraparib” printed in white ink.
ZEJULA is available as capsules having a white body printed with “100 mg” in black ink, and a purple cap printed with “Niraparib” in white ink.
Each capsule contains 100 mg of niraparib free base.
ZEJULA capsules are packaged as
90-count bottles - NDC 69656-103-90
30-count bottles - NDC 69656-103-30
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions are permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Manufactured for: TESARO, Inc. 1000 Winter St., Waltham, MA 02451. Revised: Feb 2020
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The safety of ZEJULA monotherapy 300 mg once daily has been studied in 367 patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer in Trial 1 (NOVA). Adverse reactions in Trial 1 led to dose reduction or interruption in 69% of patients, most frequently from thrombocytopenia (41%) and anemia (20%). The permanent discontinuation rate due to adverse reactions in Trial 1 was 15%. The median exposure to ZEJULA in these patients was 250 days.
Table 4 and Table 5 summarize the common adverse reactions and abnormal laboratory findings, respectively, observed in patients treated with ZEJULA.
Table 4: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥10% of Patients Receiving ZEJULA
| Grades 1-4* | Grades 3-4* | |||
| ZEJULA N=367 % | Placebo N=179 % | ZEJULA N=367 % | Placebo N=179 % | |
| Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders | ||||
| Thrombocytopenia | 61 | 5 | 29 | 0.6 |
| Anemia | 50 | 7 | 25 | 0 |
| Neutropenia† | 30 | 6 | 20 | 2 |
| Leukopenia | 17 | 8 | 5 | 0 |
| Cardiac Disorders | ||||
| Palpitations | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | ||||
| Nausea | 74 | 35 | 3 | 1 |
| Constipation | 40 | 20 | 0.8 | 2 |
| Vomiting | 34 | 16 | 2 | 0.6 |
| Abdominal pain/distention | 33 | 39 | 2 | 2 |
| Mucositis/stomatitis | 20 | 6 | 0.5 | 0 |
| Diarrhea | 20 | 21 | 0.3 | 1 |
| Dyspepsia | 18 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Dry mouth | 10 | 4 | 0.3 | 0 |
| General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions | ||||
| Fatigue/Asthenia | 57 | 41 | 8 | 0.6 |
| Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders | ||||
| Decreased appetite | 25 | 15 | 0.3 | 0.6 |
| Infections and Infestations | ||||
| Urinary tract infection | 13 | 8 | 0.8 | 1 |
| Investigations | ||||
| AST/ ALT elevation | 10 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders | ||||
| Myalgia | 19 | 20 | 0.8 | 0.6 |
| Back pain | 18 | 12 | 0.8 | 0 |
| Arthralgia | 13 | 15 | 0.3 | 0.6 |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||||
| Headache | 26 | 11 | 0.3 | 0 |
| Dizziness | 18 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Dysgeusia | 10 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Psychiatric Disorders | ||||
| Insomnia | 27 | 8 | 0.3 | 0 |
| Anxiety | 11 | 7 | 0.3 | 0.6 |
| Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders | ||||
| Nasopharyngitis | 23 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Dyspnea | 20 | 8 | 1 | 1 |
| Cough | 16 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders | ||||
| Rash | 21 | 9 | 0.5 | 0 |
| Vascular Disorders | ||||
| Hypertension | 20 | 5 | 9 | 2 |
| *CTCAE=Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.02 †Neutropenia includes preferred terms of neutropenic infection and neutropenic sepsis | ||||
Table 5: Abnormal Laboratory Findings in ≥25% of Patients Receiving ZEJULA
| Grades 1-4 | Grades 3-4 | |||
| ZEJULA N=367 (%) | Placebo N= 179 (%) | ZEJULA N= 367 (%) | Placebo N= 179 (%) | |
| Decrease in hemoglobin | 85 | 56 | 25 | 0.5 |
| Decrease in platelet count | 72 | 21 | 35 | 0.5 |
| Decrease in WBC count | 66 | 37 | 7 | 0.7 |
| Decrease in absolute neutrophil count | 53 | 25 | 21 | 2 |
| Increase in AST | 36 | 23 | 1 | 0 |
| Increase in ALT | 28 | 15 | 1 | 2 |
| N=number of patients; WBC=white blood cells; ALT=Alanine aminotransferase; AST=Aspartate aminotransferase | ||||
The following adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities have been identified in ≥1 to <10% of the 367 patients receiving ZEJULA in the NOVA trial and not included in the table: tachycardia, peripheral edema, hypokalemia, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, gamma-glutamyl transferase increased, blood creatinine increased, blood alkaline phosphatase increased, weight decreased, depression, epistaxis.
No Information Provided
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia (MDS/AML), including cases with fatal outcome, have been reported in patients who received ZEJULA. In Trial 1 (NOVA), MDS/AML occurred in 5 out of 367 (1.4%) of patients who received ZEJULA and in 2 out of 179 (1.1%) patients who received placebo. Overall, MDS/AML has been reported in 7 out of 751 (0.9%) patients treated with ZEJULA in clinical studies.
The duration of ZEJULA treatment in patients prior to developing MDS/AML varied from <1 month to 2 years. All patients had received previous chemotherapy with platinum and some had also received other DNA damaging agents and radiotherapy. Discontinue ZEJULA if MDS/AML is confirmed.
Hematologic adverse reactions (thrombocytopenia, anemia and neutropenia) have been reported in patients treated with ZEJULA. Grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia, anemia and neutropenia were reported, respectively, in 29%, 25%, and 20% of patients receiving ZEJULA. Discontinuation due to thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia occurred, respectively, in 3%, 1%, and 2% of patients.
Do not start ZEJULA until patients have recovered from hematological toxicity caused by previous chemotherapy (≤ Grade 1). Monitor complete blood counts weekly for the first month, monthly for the next 11 months of treatment, and periodically after this time. If hematological toxicities do not resolve within 28 days following interruption, discontinue ZEJULA, and refer the patient to a hematologist for further investigations, including bone marrow analysis and blood sample for cytogenetics [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Hypertension and hypertensive crisis have been reported in patients treated with ZEJULA. Grade 3-4 hypertension occurred in 9% of ZEJULA treated patients compared to 2% of placebo treated patients in Trial 1. Discontinuation due to hypertension occurred in <1% of patients.
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate monthly for the first year and periodically thereafter during treatment with ZEJULA. Closely monitor patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension. Medically manage hypertension with antihypertensive medications and adjustment of the ZEJULA dose, if necessary [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Nonclinical Toxicology].
Based on its mechanism of action, ZEJULA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. ZEJULA has the potential to cause teratogenicity and/or embryo-fetal death since niraparib is genotoxic and targets actively dividing cells in animals and patients (e.g., bone marrow) [see Bone Marrow Suppression and Nonclinical Toxicology]. Due to the potential risk to a fetus based on its mechanism of action, animal developmental and reproductive toxicology studies were not conducted with niraparib.
Apprise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose of ZEJULA [see Use In Specific Populations].
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they experience weakness, feeling tired, fever, weight loss, frequent infections, bruising, bleeding easily, breathlessness, blood in urine or stool, and/or laboratory findings of low blood cell counts, or a need for blood transfusions. This may be a sign of hematological toxicity or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) which has been reported in patients treated with ZEJULA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that periodic monitoring of their blood counts is required. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider for new onset of bleeding, fever, or symptoms of infection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to undergo monthly blood pressure and heart rate monitoring for the first year of treatment and then periodically thereafter and to contact their healthcare provider if blood pressure is elevated [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients on how to take ZEJULA [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. ZEJULA should be taken once daily. Instruct patients that if they miss a dose of ZEJULA, not to take an extra dose to make up for the one that they missed. They should take their next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Each capsule should be swallowed whole. ZEJULA may be taken with or without food. Bedtime administration may be a potential method for managing nausea.
Advise females to inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or become pregnant. Inform female patients of the risk to a fetus and potential loss of the pregnancy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ZEJULA and for at least 6 months after receiving the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Advise patients not to breastfeed while taking ZEJULA and for 1 month after the last dose [see Use In Special Populations].
Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted with niraparib.
Niraparib was clastogenic in an in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration assay and in an in vivo rat bone marrow micronucleus assay. This clastogenicity is consistent with genomic instability resulting from the primary pharmacology of niraparib and indicates potential for genotoxicity in humans. Niraparib was not mutagenic in a bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames) test.
Fertility studies in animals have not been conducted with niraparib. In repeat-dose oral toxicity studies, niraparib was administered daily for up to 3 months duration in rats and dogs. Reduced sperm, spermatids and germ cells in epididymides and testes were observed at doses ≥10 mg/kg and ≥1.5 mg/kg in rats and dogs, respectively. These dose levels resulted in systemic exposures approximately 0.3 and 0.012 times, respectively, the human exposure (AUC0-24hr) at the recommended dose of 300 mg daily. There was a trend toward reversibility of these findings 4 weeks after dosing was stopped.
Based on its mechanism of action, ZEJULA can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. There are no data regarding the use of ZEJULA in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk. ZEJULA has the potential to cause teratogenicity and/or embryo-fetal death since niraparib is genotoxic and targets actively dividing cells in animals and patients (e.g., bone marrow) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Nonclinical Toxicology]. Due to the potential risk to a fetus based on its mechanism of action, animal developmental and reproductive toxicology studies were not conducted with niraparib. Apprise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. 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.
No data are available regarding the presence of niraparib or its metabolites in human milk, or on its effects on the breastfed infant or milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from ZEJULA, advise a lactating woman not to breastfeed during treatment with ZEJULA and for 1 month after receiving the final dose.
ZEJULA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Pregnancy].
A pregnancy test is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ZEJULA treatment.
Females
ZEJULA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Pregnancy].
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception treatment with ZEJULA and for at least for 6 months following the last dose.
Males
Based on animal studies, ZEJULA may impair fertility in males of reproductive potential [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
Safety and effectiveness of ZEJULA have not been established in pediatric patients.
In Trial 1 (NOVA), 35% of patients were aged ≥65 years and 8% were aged ≥75 years. No overall differences in safety and effectiveness of ZEJULA were observed between these patients and younger patients but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with mild (CLcr:60 to 89 mL/min) to moderate (CLcr:30 to 59 mL/min) renal impairment. The degree of renal impairment was determined by creatinine clearance as estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault equation. The safety of ZEJULA in patients with severe renal impairment or end stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis is unknown.
No dose adjustment is needed in patients with mild hepatic impairment according to the National Cancer Institute – Organ Dysfunction Working Group (NCI-ODWG) criteria. The safety of ZEJULA in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment is unknown.
There is no specific treatment in the event of ZEJULA overdose, and symptoms of overdose are not established. In the event of an overdose, healthcare practitioners should follow general supportive measures and should treat symptomatically.
None.
Niraparib is an inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes, PARP-1 and PARP-2, which play a role in DNA repair. In vitro studies have shown that niraparib-induced cytotoxicity may involve inhibition of PARP enzymatic activity and increased formation of PARP-DNA complexes resulting in DNA damage, apoptosis and cell death. Increased niraparib-induced cytotoxicity was observed in tumor cell lines with or without deficiencies in BRCA1/2. Niraparib decreased tumor growth in mouse xenograft models of human cancer cell lines with deficiencies in BRCA1/2 and in human patient-derived xenograft tumor models with homologous recombination deficiency that had either mutated or wild type BRCA1/2.
The pharmacodynamic response of niraparib has not been characterized.
Niraparib has the potential to cause effects on pulse rate and blood pressure in patients receiving the recommended dose, which may be related to pharmacological inhibition of the dopamine transporter (DAT), norepinephrine transporter (NET) and serotonin transporter (SERT) [see Nonclinical Toxicology].
In the NOVA study, mean pulse rate and blood pressure increased over baseline in the niraparib arm relative to the placebo arm at all on-study assessments. Mean greatest increases from baseline in pulse rate on treatment were 24.1 and 15.8 beats/min in the niraparib and placebo arms, respectively. Mean greatest increases from baseline in systolic blood pressure on treatment were 24.5 and 18.3 mmHg in the niraparib and placebo arms, respectively. Mean greatest increases from baseline in diastolic blood pressure on treatment were 16.5 and 11.6 mmHg in the niraparib and placebo arms, respectively.
The potential for QTc prolongation with niraparib was evaluated in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in cancer patients (367 patients on niraparib and 179 patients on placebo). No large changes in the mean QTc interval (>20 ms) were detected in the trial following the treatment of niraparib 300 mg once daily.
Following a single-dose administration of 300 mg niraparib, the mean (±SD) peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was 804 (± 403) ng/mL. The systemic exposures (Cmax and AUC) of niraparib increased in a dose proportional manner with daily doses ranging from 30 mg (0.1 times the approved recommended dosage) to 400 mg (1.3 times the approved recommended dosage). The accumulation ratio of niraparib exposure following 21 days of repeated daily doses was approximately 2 fold for doses ranging from 30 mg to 400 mg.
The absolute bioavailability of niraparib is approximately 73%. Following oral administration of niraparib, peak plasma concentration, Cmax, is reached within 3 hours.
Concomitant administration of a high fat meal (800-1,000 calories with approximately 50% of total caloric content of the meal from fat) did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of niraparib.
Niraparib is 83.0% bound to human plasma proteins. The average (±SD) apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) was 1220 (±1114) L. In a population pharmacokinetic analysis, the Vd/F of niraparib was 1074 L in cancer patients.
Following multiple daily doses of 300 mg niraparib, the mean half-life (t1/2) is 36 hours. In a population pharmacokinetic analysis, the apparent total clearance (CL/F) of niraparib was 16.2 L/h in cancer patients.
Metabolism
Niraparib is metabolized primarily by carboxylesterases (CEs) to form a major inactive metabolite, which subsequently undergoes glucuronidation.
Excretion
Following administration of a single oral 300 mg dose of radio-labeled niraparib, the average percent recovery of the administered dose over 21 days was 47.5% (range 33.4% to 60.2%) in urine, and 38.8% (range 28.3% to 47.0%) in feces. In pooled samples collected over 6 days, unchanged niraparib accounted for 11% and 19% of the administered dose recovered in urine and feces, respectively.
Age (18 to 65 years old), race/ethnicity, and mild to moderate renal impairment had no clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of niraparib.
The effect of severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis on the pharmacokinetics of niraparib is unknown.
The effect of moderate or severe hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of niraparib is unknown.
No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with ZEJULA.
Inhibition of CYPs
Neither niraparib nor the major primary metabolite M1 is an inhibitor of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Induction of CYPs
Neither niraparib nor M1 is a CYP3A4 inducer. Niraparib weakly induces CYP1A2 in vitro.
Substrate of CYPs
Niraparib is a substrate of carboxylesterases (CEs) and UDPglucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in vivo.
Inhibition of Transporter Systems
Niraparib is a weak inhibitor of BCRP, but does not inhibit P-gp or BSEP. The M1 metabolite is not an inhibitor of P-gp, BCRP, or BSEP. Neither niraparib nor M1 is an inhibitor of organic anion transport polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1), 1B3 (OATP1B3), or organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1), organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), 3 (OAT3), or organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2).
Substrate of Transporter Systems
Niraparib is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP). Niraparib is not a substrate of bile salt export pump (BSEP). The M1 metabolite is not a substrate of P-gp, BCRP, or BSEP. Neither niraparib nor M1 is a substrate of organic anion transport polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1), 1B3 (OATP1B3), or organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1), organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), 3 (OAT3), or organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2).
In vitro, niraparib bound to the dopamine transporter (DAT), norepinephrine transporter (NET) and serotonin transporter (SERT) and inhibited uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in cells with IC50 values that were lower than the Cmin at steady-state in patients receiving the recommended dose. Niraparib has the potential to cause effects in patients related to inhibition of these transporters (e.g., cardiovascular or CNS).
Intravenous administration of niraparib to vagotomized dogs over 30 minutes at 1, 3 and 10 mg/kg resulted in an increased range of arterial pressures of 13-20, 18-27 and 19-25% and increased range of heart rates of 2-11, 4-17 and 12-21% above pre-dose levels, respectively. The unbound plasma concentrations of niraparib in dogs at these dose levels were approximately 0.7, 2 and 8 times the unbound Cmax at steady-state in patients receiving the recommended dose.
In addition, niraparib crossed the blood-brain barrier in rats and monkeys following oral administration. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF):plasma Cmax ratios of niraparib administered at 10 mg/kg orally to two Rhesus monkeys were 0.10 and 0.52.
Trial 1 (NOVA) was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which patients (n=553) with platinum-sensitive recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer were randomized 2:1 to ZEJULA 300 mg orally daily or matched placebo within 8 weeks of the last therapy. All patients had received at least two prior platinum-containing regimens and were in response (complete or partial) to their most recent platinum-based regimen.
Randomization was stratified by time to progression after the penultimate platinum therapy (6 to <12 months and ≥12 months); use of bevacizumab in conjunction with the penultimate or last platinum regimen (yes/no); and best response during the most recent platinum regimen (complete response and partial response). Eligible patients were assigned to one of two cohorts based on the results of the BRACAnalysis CDx. Patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA mutations (gBRCAm) were assigned to the germline BRCA mutated (gBRCAmut ) cohort (n=203), and those without germline BRCA mutations were assigned to the non-gBRCAmut cohort (n=350).
The major efficacy outcome measure, PFS (progression-free survival), was determined primarily by central independent assessment per RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1). In some cases, criteria other than RECIST, such as clinical signs and symptoms and increasing CA-125, were also applied.
The median age of patients ranged from 57-64 years among patients treated with ZEJULA and 58-67 years among patients treated with placebo. Eighty-six percent of all patients were white. Sixty-seven percent of patients receiving ZEJULA and 69% of patients receiving placebo had an ECOG of 0 at study baseline. Approximately 40% of patients were enrolled in the U.S. or Canada and 51% of all patients were in complete response to most recent platinum-based regimen, with 39% on both arms with an interval of 6-12 months since the penultimate platinum regimen. Twenty-six percent of those treated with ZEJULA and 31% treated with placebo had received prior bevacizumab therapy. Approximately 40% of patients had 3 or more lines of treatment.
The trial demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in PFS for patients randomized to ZEJULA as compared with placebo in the gBRCAmut cohort and the non-gBRCAmut cohort (Table 6, and Figures 1 and 2).
Table 6: Efficacy Results -Study 1 (IRC Assessmenta, Intent-To-Treat Population)
| gBRCAmut Cohort | non-gBRCAmut Cohort | |||
| ZEJULA (N=138) | Placebo (N=65) | ZEJULA (N=234) | Placebo (N=116) | |
| PFS Median in months (95% CI) | 21.0 (12.9, NR) | 5.5 (3.8, 7.2) | 9.3 (7.2, 11.2) | 3.9 (3.7, 5.5) |
| Hazard Ratio (HR)b (95% CI) | 0.26 (0.17, 0.41) | 0.45 (0.34, 0.61) | ||
| p-valuec | <0.0001 | <0.0001 | ||
| a efficacy analysis was based on blinded central independent radiologic and clinical oncology review committee (IRC). b based on a stratified Cox proportional hazards model c based on a stratified log-rank test NR=Not Reached | ||||
Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Plot for Progression-Free Survival in the gBRCAmut Cohort Based on IRC Assessment (ITT Population, N=203)
 |
Figure 2: Kaplan-Meier Plot for Progression-Free Survival in the Non-gBRCAmut Cohort Overall Based on IRC Assessment (ITT Population, N=350)
 |
At the time of the PFS analysis, limited overall survival data were available with 17% deaths across the two cohorts.
ZEJULA®
(zuh-JOO-luh)
(niraparib) capsules
What is the most important information I should know about ZEJULA?
ZEJULA may cause serious side effects including:
Symptoms of low blood cell counts (low red blood cells, low white blood cells, and low platelets) are common during treatment with ZEJULA, but can be a sign of serious bone marrow problems, including MDS or AML. Symptoms may include:
Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your blood cell counts:
See “What are the possible side effects of ZEJULA?” for more information about side effects.
What is ZEJULA?
ZEJULA is a prescription medicine used for the maintenance treatment of adults with ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer, when the cancer comes back. ZEJULA is used after the cancer has responded (complete or partial response) to treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy.
It is not known if ZEJULA is safe and effective in children.
Before taking ZEJULA, 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 and overthe-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How should I take ZEJULA?
What are the possible side effects of ZEJULA?
ZEJULA can cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of ZEJULA include:
Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with ZEJULA, if you have certain side effects.
These are not all the possible side effects of ZEJULA. 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 ZEJULA?
Store ZEJULA at room temperature between 68° to 77°F (20° to 25°C).
Keep ZEJULA and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of ZEJULA.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use ZEJULA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ZEJULA 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 ZEJULA that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in ZEJULA?
Active ingredient: niraparib
Inactive ingredients:
Capsule fill: magnesium stearate and lactose monohydrate
Capsule shell: titanium dioxide and gelatin in the white capsule body and FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #3, FD&C Yellow #5 and gelatin in the purple capsule cap.
The black printing ink: shellac, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, purified water, strong ammonia solution, potassium hydroxide and black iron oxide.
The white printing ink: shellac, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, propylene glycol,sodium hydroxide, povidone and titanium dioxide.
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
