2012年12月14日，美国食品药品管理局(FDA)和阿瑞雅德制药公司(Ariad Pharmaceuticals)宣布Iclusig(ponatinib)已被加速批准用于对此前酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(TKI)治疗耐药或不耐受的成年慢性期、加速期或急变期粒细胞性白血病(CML)患者。Iclusig还同时获准用于对此前TKI治疗耐药或不耐受的成年费城染色体阳性急性淋巴细胞性白血病(Ph+ALL)。
Iclusig是唯一被证明具有对抗BCR-ABL T315I管家基因突变活性的TKI，这是一种最常见的突变，大约10%的耐药患者发生该突变。
Iclusig获得FDA批准是基于2项针对449例对此前TKI治疗耐药或不耐受的CML或Ph+ALL患者的关键2期试验结果。所有受试者均接受Iclusig治疗，Iclusig显示出强有力的抗白血病活性，54%的慢性期CML患者(70%为T315I突变携带者)获得主要细胞遗传学应答。
临床试验期间报告的最常见不良反应包括高血压、皮疹、腹痛、疲乏、头痛、皮肤干燥、便秘、发热、关节痛以及恶心。血液学不良反应包括血小板减少、贫血、中性粒细胞减少、淋巴细胞减少和白细胞减少。
一些Iclusig治疗患者发生了心血管、脑血管和外周血管血栓形成，包括致命性心梗和卒中。8%的Iclusig治疗患者发生严重动脉血栓形成。应建议发生动脉血栓形成事件患者间断给药和考虑停止用药。Iclusig的获批附带了一项黑框警告，警示患者或医护人员该药物可导致血栓形成和肝脏毒性。
Iclusig推荐剂量为1片(45 mg)/次，1次/d，可与食物同服。Iclusig将在约2周内开始向美国患者出售。
FDA血液学和肿瘤学产品办公室药物评价与研究中心主任Richard Pazdur在一份声明中称，“Iclusig的批准是很重要的，因为它为对其他药物不反应的CML患者，特别是那些几乎没有治疗选择余地的携带T315I突变的患者，提供了治疗选择!

Iclusig
Generic Name: ponatinib hydrochloride
Dosage Form: tablet, film coated
WARNING: ARTERIAL THROMBOSIS and HEPATOTOXICITY
Arterial Thrombosis:

•Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular thrombosis, including fatal myocardial infarction and stroke have occurred in Iclusig-treated patients. In clinical trials, serious arterial thrombosis occurred in 8% of Iclusig-treated patients. Interrupt and consider discontinuation of Iclusig in patients who develop arterial thrombotic events [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Hepatotoxicity:
•Hepatotoxicity, liver failure and death have occurred in Iclusig-treated patients. Monitor hepatic function prior to and during treatment. Interrupt and then reduce or discontinue Iclusig for hepatotoxicity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Indications and Usage for Iclusig
Iclusig® (ponatinib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic phase, accelerated phase, or blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) that is resistant or intolerant to prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy or Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ALL) that is resistant or intolerant to prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.
This indication is based upon response rate [see Clinical Studies (14)]. There are no trials verifying an improvement in disease-related symptoms or increased survival with Iclusig.
Iclusig Dosage and Administration
Recommended Dosing
The recommended dose and schedule for Iclusig is 45 mg administered orally once daily. Continue treatment as long as the patient does not show evidence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Iclusig may be taken with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole.
Dose Modifications for Myelosuppression
Suggested dose modifications for neutropenia (ANC* less than 1.0 × 109/L) and thrombocytopenia (platelet less than 50 × 109/L) that are unrelated to leukemia are summarized in Table 1.
Dose Modifications for Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions
If a serious non-hematologic adverse reaction occurs, modify the dose or interrupt treatment. Do not restart Iclusig in patients with serious ischemic reactions unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk of recurrent ischemia and the patient has no other treatment options. For serious reactions other than ischemia, do not restart Iclusig until the serious event has resolved or the potential benefit of resuming therapy is judged to outweigh the risk.
Hepatic Toxicity
Recommended modifications for hepatic toxicity are summarized in Table 2.
Pancreatitis and Elevation of Lipase
Recommended modifications for pancreatic adverse reactions are summarized in Table 3.
Dose Modification for Use With Strong CYP3A Inhibitors
The recommended dose should be reduced to 30 mg once daily when administering Iclusig with strong CYP3A inhibitors [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Dosage Forms and Strengths
15 mg and 45 mg round, white, film-coated tablets
Contraindications
None
Warnings and Precautions
Thrombosis and Thromboembolism
Arterial Thrombosis
Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular thrombosis, including fatal myocardial infarction and stroke have occurred in Iclusig-treated patients.
Serious arterial thrombosis occurred in 8% (34/449) of Iclusig-treated patients. Twenty-one patients required a revascularization procedure (16 patients with coronary revascularization, 4 patients with peripheral arterial revascularization, and 1 patient with cerebrovascular revascularization). Overall, fifty-one patients (11%) experienced an arterial thrombosis event of any grade.
Myocardial infarction or worsening coronary artery disease was the most common arterial thrombosis event and occurred in 21 patients (5%) of Iclusig-treated patients. Eleven of these patients developed congestive heart failure concurrent or subsequent to the myocardial ischemic event.
Serious cerebrovascular events were reported in 2% (8/449) of Iclusig-treated patients. Two patients experienced hemorrhagic conversion of the initial ischemic event. Four patients developed stenosis of large arterial vessels of the brain (e.g., carotid, vertebral, middle cerebral artery).
Serious peripheral arterial events were reported in 2% (7/449) of Iclusig treated patients. Three patients developed digital or distal extremity necrosis; 2 of these patients had diabetes mellitus and peripheral arterial disease and required amputations.
Thirty of 34 Iclusig patients who experienced a serious arterial thrombosis event had one or more cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, angina, stroke, transient ischemic attack, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and smoking). Patients with cardiovascular risk factors are at increased risk for arterial thrombosis with Iclusig. Interrupt and consider discontinuation of Iclusig in patients who develop arterial thrombotic events [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Venous Thromboembolism
Venous thromboembolic events occurred in 3% of Iclusig-treated patients, including deep venous thrombosis (9 patients), pulmonary embolism (4 patients), and 1 case each of portal vein thrombosis, and retinal vein thrombosis. Consider dose modification or discontinuation of Iclusig in patients who develop serious venous thromboembolism [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Hepatotoxicity
Hepatotoxicity that has resulted in liver failure and death occurred in Iclusig-treated patients. Fulminant hepatic failure leading to death occurred in an Iclusig-treated patient within one week of starting Iclusig. Two additional fatal cases of acute liver failure also occurred. The fatal cases occurred in patients with BP-CML or Ph+ALL. Severe hepatotoxicity occurred in all disease cohorts.
The incidence of aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) or alanine aminotransferase (AST) elevation was 56% (all grades) and 8% (grade 3 or 4). Iclusig-treatment may result in elevation in ALT, AST, or both. ALT or AST elevation was not reversed by the date of last follow-up in 5% of patients.
Monitor liver function tests at baseline, at least monthly or as clinically indicated. Interrupt, reduce or discontinue Iclusig as clinically indicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Congestive Heart Failure
Twenty patients treated with Iclusig (4%) experienced serious congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction, with 4 fatalities. Thirty-three patients treated with Iclusig (7%) experienced any grade of congestive heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms consistent with congestive heart failure and treat as clinically indicated, including interruption of Iclusig. Consider discontinuation of Iclusig in patients who develop serious congestive heart failure [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Hypertension
Eight patients treated with Iclusig (2%) experienced treatment-emergent symptomatic hypertension as a serious adverse reaction, including hypertensive crisis. These patients required urgent clinical intervention for hypertension associated with confusion, headache, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Treatment-emergent hypertension occurred in 67% of patients (300/449) [see Adverse Reactions (6)]. In patients with baseline systolic BP<140 mm Hg and baseline diastolic BP<90mm Hg, 78% (220/282) experienced treatment-emergent hypertension; 49% (139/282) developed Stage 1 hypertension (defined as systolic BP≥140 mm Hg or diastolic BP≥90 mm Hg) while 29% developed Stage 2 hypertension (defined as systolic BP≥160 mm Hg or diastolic BP≥100 mm Hg. In 131 patients with Stage 1 hypertension at baseline, 61% (80/131) developed Stage 2 hypertension. Monitor and manage blood pressure elevations.
Pancreatitis
Clinical pancreatitis occurred in 6% (28/449) of patients (5% Grade 3) treated with Iclusig. Pancreatitis resulted in discontinuation or treatment interruption in 6% of patients (25/449). Twenty-two of the 28 cases of pancreatitis resolved within 2 weeks with dose interruption or reduction. The incidence of treatment-emergent lipase elevation was 41%.
Check serum lipase every 2 weeks for the first 2 months and then monthly thereafter or as clinically indicated. Consider additional serum lipase monitoring in patients with a history of pancreatitis or alcohol abuse. Dose interruption or reduction may be required. In cases where lipase elevations are accompanied by abdominal symptoms, interrupt treatment with Iclusig and evaluate patients for pancreatitis [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Do not consider restarting Iclusig until patients have complete resolution of symptoms and lipase levels are less than 1.5 × ULN.
Hemorrhage
Serious bleeding events, occurred in 5% (22/449) of patients treated with Iclusig, including fatalities. Hemorrhagic events occurred in 24% of patients. The incidence of serious bleeding events was higher in patients with AP-CML, BP-CML, and Ph+ALL. Cerebral hemorrhage and gastrointestinal hemorrhage were the most commonly reported serious bleeding events. Most hemorrhagic events occurred in patients with grade 4 thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. Interrupt Iclusig for serious or severe hemorrhage [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Fluid Retention
Fluid retention events judged as serious occurred in 3% (13/449) of patients treated with Iclusig. One instance of brain edema was fatal. Serious fluid retention events in more than 1 patient included: pericardial effusion (6/449, 1%), pleural effusion (5/449, 1%), and ascites (2/449, <1%).
In total, fluid retention occurred in 23% of the patients. The most common fluid retention events were peripheral edema (16%), pleural effusion (7%), and pericardial effusion (3%).
Monitor patients for fluid retention and manage patients as clinically indicated. Interrupt, reduce, or discontinue Iclusig as clinically indicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Cardiac Arrhythmias
Symptomatic bradyarrhythmias that led to a requirement for pacemaker implantation occurred in 3 (1%) Iclusig-treated patients. The cardiac rhythms (1 case each) identified were complete heart block, sick sinus syndrome, and atrial fibrillation with bradycardia and pauses. Advise patients to report signs and symptoms suggestive of slow heart rate (fainting, dizziness, or chest pain).
Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias occurred in 25 (5%) Iclusig-treated patients. Atrial fibrillation was the most common supraventricular tachyarrhythmia and occurred in 20 patients. The other supraventricular tachyarrhythmias were atrial flutter (4 patients), supraventricular tachycardia (4 patients), and atrial tachycardia (1 patient). For 13 patients, the event led to hospitalization. Advise patients to report signs and symptoms of rapid heart rate (palpitations, dizziness).
Myelosuppression
Severe (grade 3 or 4) myelosuppression occurred in 48% (215/449) of patients treated with Iclusig. The incidence of these events was greater in patients with accelerated phase CML (AP-CML), blast phase CML (BP-CML) and Ph+ALL than in patients with chronic phase CML (CP-CML). Obtain complete blood counts every 2 weeks for the first 3 months and then monthly or as clinically indicated, and adjust the dose as recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Tumor Lysis Syndrome
Two patients (<1%) treated with Iclusig developed serious tumor lysis syndrome. Both cases occurred in patients with advanced CML. Hyperuricemia occurred in 7% (30/449) of patients, the majority had chronic phase CML (19 patients). Due to the potential for tumor lysis syndrome in patients with advanced disease (AP-CML, BP-CML, or Ph+ ALL), ensure adequate hydration and treat high uric acid levels prior to initiating therapy with Iclusig.
Compromised Wound Healing and Gastrointestinal Perforation
No formal studies of the effect of Iclusig on wound healing have been conducted. Based on the mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)], Iclusig could compromise wound healing. Serious gastrointestinal perforation (fistula) occurred in one patient 38 days post-cholecystectomy.
Interrupt Iclusig for at least 1 week prior to major surgery. The decision when to resume Iclusig after surgery should be based on clinical judgment of adequate wound healing.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Iclusig can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman based on its mechanism of action and findings in animals. Ponatinib caused embryo-fetal toxicity in rats at exposures lower than human exposures at the recommended human dose. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Advise women to avoid pregnancy while taking Iclusig [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Adverse Reactions
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the prescribing information:
•Thrombosis and Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
•Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Dosage and Administration (2.3)]
•Congestive Heart Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
•Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
•Pancreatitis [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
•Hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
•Fluid Retention [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
•Cardiac Arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
•Myelosuppression [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
The adverse reactions described in this section were identified in a single-arm, open-label, international, multicenter trial in 449 patients with CML or Ph+ALL whose disease was considered to be resistant or intolerant to prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy including those with the BCR-ABL T315I mutation. All patients received a starting dose of 45 mg Iclusig once daily. At the time of analysis, the median duration of treatment with Iclusig was 337 days in patients with chronic phase CP-CML, 362 days in patients with accelerated phase AP-CML, 89 days in patients with BP-CML, and 81 days in patients with Ph+ALL. The median dose intensity was 37 mg or, 83% of the expected 45 mg dose.
Adverse reactions reported in more than 10% of all patients treated with Iclusig in this trial are presented in Table 4. Overall, the most common non-hematologic adverse reactions (≥ 20%) were hypertension, rash, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dry skin, constipation, arthralgia, and nausea, and pyrexia.
The rates of treatment-emergent adverse events resulting in discontinuation were 13% in CP-CML, 11% in AP-CML, 15% in BP-CML, and 9% in Ph+ALL. The most common adverse events that led to treatment discontinuation were thrombocytopenia (4%) and infections (1%).
Dose modifications (dose delays or dose reduction) due to adverse reactions occurred in 74% of the patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥5%) that led to dose modifications include thrombocytopenia (30%), neutropenia (13%), lipase increased (12%), rash (11%), abdominal pain (11%), pancreatitis (6%), and ALT, AST, or GGT increased (6%).
Laboratory Abnormalities
Myelosuppression was commonly reported in all patient populations. The frequency of Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and anemia was higher in patients with AP-CML, BP-CML, and Ph+ALL than in patients with CP-CML (see Table 6).
Drug Interactions
Based on in vitro studies ponatinib is a substrate of CYP3A4/5 and to a lesser extent CYP2C8 and CYP2D6. Ponatinib also inhibits the P-glycoprotein (P-gp), ATP-binding cassette G2 (ABCG2) [also known as BCRP], and bile salt export pump (BSEP) transporter systems in vitro [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Drugs That Are Strong Inhibitors of CYP3A Enzymes
In a drug interaction study in healthy volunteers, co-administration of Iclusig with ketoconazole increased plasma ponatinib AUC0-inf and Cmax by 78% and 47%, respectively [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. When administering Iclusig with strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., boceprevir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, grapefruit juice, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, posaconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, voriconazole), the recommended starting dose should be reduced to 30 mg once daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. Patients taking concomitant strong inhibitors may be at increased risk for adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Drugs That Are Strong Inducers of CYP3A Enzymes
Coadministration of Iclusig with strong CYP3A inducers was not evaluated in vitro or in a clinical trial; however, a reduction in ponatinib exposure is likely [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Coadministration of strong CYP3A inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, and St. John's Wort) with Iclusig should be avoided unless the benefit outweighs the possible risk of ponatinib underexposure. Monitor patients for signs of reduced efficacy.
Drugs That Elevate Gastric pH
Coadministration of Iclusig with drugs that elevate the gastric pH was not evaluated in a clinical trial. Based on the chemical properties of ponatinib, elevated gastric pH may reduce bioavailability and exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Coadministration of Iclusig with drugs that elevate the gastric pH (e.g., proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, or antacids) should be avoided unless the benefit outweighs the possible risk of ponatinib underexposure. Monitor patients for signs of reduced efficacy.
Drugs That Are Substrates of the P-gp or ABCG2 Transporter Systems
In vitro studies demonstrate that Iclusig inhibits the P-gp and ABCG2 [also known as BCRP] transporter systems. The effect of coadministration of Iclusig with sensitive substrates of the P-gp (e.g., aliskiren, ambrisentan, colchicine, dabigatran etexilate, digoxin, everolimus, fexofenadine, imatinib, lapatinib, maraviroc, nilotinib, posaconazole, ranolazine, saxagliptin, sirolimus, sitagliptin, tolvaptan, topotecan) and ABCG2 [also known as BCRP] (e.g., methotrexate, mitoxantrone, imatinib, irinotecan, lapatinib, rosuvastatin, sulfasalazine, topotecan) transporter systems on exposure of these substrates has not been evaluated in clinical studies.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category D
Risk Summary
Based on its mechanism of action and findings in animals, Iclusig can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with Iclusig in pregnant women. Advise women to avoid becoming pregnant while taking Iclusig. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus.
Animal Data
Ponatinib was studied for effects on embryo-fetal development in pregnant rats given oral doses of 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg/day during organogenesis. At the maternally toxic dose of 3 mg/kg/day (equivalent to the AUC in patients receiving the recommended dose of 45 mg/day), ponatinib caused embryo-fetal toxicity as shown by increased resorptions, reduced body weight, external alterations, multiple soft tissue and skeletal alterations, and reduced ossification. Embryo-fetal toxicities also were observed at 1 mg/kg/day (approximately 24% the AUC in patients receiving the recommended dose) and involved multiple fetal soft tissue and skeletal alterations, including reduced ossification.
Nursing Mothers
It is unknown whether ponatinib is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from ponatinib, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue Iclusig, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
The safety and efficacy of Iclusig in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.
Geriatric Use
One hundred and fifty-five of 449 patients (35%) in the clinical trial of Iclusig were 65 years of age and over. In patients with CP-CML, patients of age ≥ 65 years had a lower major cytogenetic response rate (38%) as compared with patients < 65 years of age (64%). In patients with AP-CML, BP-CML, and Ph+ ALL, patients of age ≥ 65 years had a higher major hematologic response rate (47%) as compared with patients < 65 years of age (40%). Patients of age ≥ 65 years may be more likely to experience adverse reactions including decreased platelet count, peripheral edema, increased lipase, dyspnea, asthenia, muscle spasms, and decreased appetite. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Hepatic Impairment
Iclusig has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment.
As hepatic elimination is a major route of excretion for Iclusig, hepatic impairment may result in increased ponatinib exposure. Avoid Iclusig in patients with moderate to severe (Child-Pugh B or C) hepatic impairment unless the benefit outweighs the possible risk of ponatinib overexposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment may be at increased risk for adverse reactions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Renal Impairment
Iclusig has not been studied in patients with renal impairment. Although renal excretion is not a major route of ponatinib elimination, the potential for moderate or severe renal impairment to affect hepatic elimination has not been determined [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Overdosage
Overdoses with Iclusig were reported in clinical trials. One patient was accidentally administered the entire contents of a bottle of study medication via nasogastric tube. The investigator estimated that the patient received 540 mg of Iclusig. Two hours after the overdose, the patient had an uncorrected QT interval of 520 ms. Subsequent ECGs showed normal sinus rhythm with uncorrected QT intervals of 480 and 400 ms. The patient died 9 days after the overdose from pneumonia and sepsis. Another patient accidentally self-administered 165 mg on cycle 1 day 2. The patient experienced fatigue and non-cardiac chest pain on day 3. Multiple doses of 90 mg per day for 12 days in a patient resulted in pneumonia, systemic inflammatory response, atrial fibrillation, and a moderate pericardial effusion.
In the event of an overdose of Iclusig, stop Iclusig, observe the patient and provide appropriate supportive treatment.
Iclusig Description
Iclusig (ponatinib) is a kinase inhibitor. The chemical name for ponatinib hydrochloride is 3 - (imidazo[1,2 - b]pyridazin - 3 - ylethynyl) - 4 - methyl - N - {4 - [(4 - methylpiperazin - 1 - yl)methyl] - 3 - (trifluoromethyl)phenyl}benzamide hydrochloride. The molecular formula is C29H28ClF3N6O which corresponds to a formula weight of 569.02 g/mol. Its structure is shown below:
Ponatinib HCl is an off-white to yellow powder with pKa of 2.77 and 7.8. The solubility of ponatinib in pH 1.7, 2.7, and 7.5 buffers is 7790 mcg/ml, 3.44 mcg/ml, and 0.16 mcg/ml, respectively, indicating a decrease in solubility with increasing pH. Iclusig tablets are available as white, round, film-coated tablets for oral administration. Each tablet contains ponatinib hydrochloride equivalent to 15 or 45 mg ponatinib with the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate (type B), colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate and a tablet coating. The tablet coating consists of talc, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, and titanium dioxide.
Iclusig - Clinical Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Ponatinib is a kinase inhibitor. Ponatinib inhibited the in vitro tyrosine kinase activity of ABL and T315I mutant ABL with IC50 concentrations of 0.4 and 2.0 nM, respectively. Ponatinib inhibited the in vitro activity of additional kinases with IC50 concentrations between 0.1 and 20 nM, including members of the VEGFR, PDGFR, FGFR, EPH receptors and SRC families of kinases, and KIT, RET, TIE2, and FLT3. Ponatinib inhibited the in vitro viability of cells expressing native or mutant BCR-ABL, including T315I. In mice, treatment with ponatinib reduced the size of tumors expressing native or T315I mutant BCR-ABL when compared to controls.
Pharmacokinetics
The geometric mean (CV%) Cmax and AUC(0-τ) of Iclusig 45 mg daily at presumed steady state in patients with advanced hematologic malignancies were 73 ng/mL (74%) and 1253 ng•hr/mL (73%), respectively. Ponatinib administered as an investigational capsule formulation to patients with cancer exhibited approximately dose proportional increases in both Cmax and AUC over the dose range of 15 to 60 mg. A dose intensity safety analysis showed a significant increase in grade 3 or higher adverse reactions (i.e., thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, rash, ALT elevation, AST elevation, pancreatitis, and lipase elevation) with an increase in dose intensity.
Absorption
The absolute bioavailability of ponatinib is unknown. Peak concentrations of ponatinib are observed within 6 hours after Iclusig oral administration. Following ingestion of either a high-fat or low-fat meal by 22 healthy volunteers, plasma ponatinib exposures (AUC and Cmax) were not different when compared to fasting conditions. The aqueous solubility of ponatinib is pH dependent, with higher pH resulting in lower solubility [see Description (11)]. Drugs that elevate the gastric pH may reduce ponatinib bioavailability [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].
Distribution
Ponatinib is greater than 99% bound to plasma proteins in vitro. The geometric mean (CV%) apparent steady state volume of distribution is 1223 liters (102%) following oral administration of Iclusig 45 mg once daily for 28 days in patients with cancer. Ponatinib is a weak substrate for both P-gp and ABCG2 [also known as BCRP] in vitro. Ponatinib is not a substrate for organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATP1B1, OATP1B3) and organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) in vitro.
Metabolism
At least 64% of a ponatinib dose undergoes phase I and phase II metabolism. CYP3A4 and to a lesser extent CYP2C8, CYP2D6 and CYP3A5 are involved in the phase I metabolism of ponatinib in vitro. Ponatinib is also metabolized by esterases and/or amidases.
Elimination
The geometric mean (range) terminal elimination half-life of ponatinib was approximately 24 (12 to 66) hours following Iclusig 45 mg oral administration once daily for 28 days in patients with cancer. Exposure increased by approximately 90% (median) [range: 20% to 440%] between the first dose and presumed steady state. Ponatinib is mainly eliminated via feces. Following a single oral dose of [14C]-labeled ponatinib, approximately 87% of the radioactive dose is recovered in the feces and approximately 5% in the urine.
Drug Interactions
Coadministration of Ponatinib and CYP3A Inhibitors
Coadministration of a single 15 mg oral dose of ponatinib in the presence of ketoconazole (400 mg daily), a strong CYP3A inhibitor to 22 healthy volunteers, increases the AUC0-∞ and Cmax of ponatinib by 78% and 47%, respectively, when compared to administration of ponatinib alone [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Coadministration of Ponatinib and CYP3A Inducers
Since the human oxidative metabolism of ponatinib via the cytochrome P450 system primarily involves CYP3 isozymes, a reduction in ponatinib exposure is likely and was observed in simulations using a mechanistic model [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].
Coadministration With Other CYP Substrates
In vitro studies indicate that ponatinib does not inhibit the metabolism of substrates for CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A, or CYP2D6 and does not induce the metabolism of substrates for CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A.
Coadministration With Substrates of Transporters
In vitro, ponatinib is an inhibitor of P-gp and ABCG2 [also known as BCRP], and BSEP [see Drug Interactions (7.4)].
In vitro, ponatinib did not inhibit the human organic anion transporting polypeptides OATP1B1 or OATP1B3, or the organic cation transporters OCT1, OCT2, OAT1, and OAT3.
Pharmacokinetics in Specific Populations
Hepatic Impairment
Iclusig has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. As hepatic elimination is a major route of excretion for ponatinib, hepatic impairment may result in increased plasma ponatinib concentrations [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Renal Impairment
Iclusig has not been studied in patients with renal impairment. Although renal excretion is not a major route of ponatinib elimination, the potential for moderate or severe renal impairment to affect hepatic elimination has not been determined [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].
QT/QTc Prolongation
A QT assessment was performed in 39 patients with cancer who received 30 mg, 45 mg, or 60 mg Iclusig once daily. No large changes in the mean QTc interval (i.e., > 20 ms) from baseline were detected in the study. However, a small increase in the mean QTc interval (i.e., < 10 ms) cannot be excluded because of study design limitations.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenicity studies have not been performed with ponatinib.
Ponatinib was not mutagenic in a bacterial mutagenesis (Ames) assay, was not clastogenic in a chromosome aberration assay in human lymphocytes, nor was it clastogenic in an in vivo mouse micronucleus assay at oral doses up to 2000 mg/kg.
Ponatinib may impair male and female fertility. Fertility studies using ponatinib were not conducted. However, ponatinib effects on male and female reproductive organs observed during general toxicology studies included degeneration of epithelium of the testes in rats and monkeys and follicular atresia in the monkey ovary with associated endometrial atrophy. Effects seen in rats were at exposures approximating the AUC in patients receiving the recommended dose of 45 mg/day and in monkeys were approximately 4 times the AUC in patients.
Clinical Studies
The safety and efficacy of Iclusig in patients with CML and Ph+ALL whose disease was considered to be resistant or intolerant to prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy were evaluated in a single-arm, open-label, international, multicenter trial. All patients were administered a starting dose of 45 mg of Iclusig once daily. Patients were assigned to one of six cohorts based on disease phase (chronic phase CML [CP-CML]; accelerated phase CML [AP-CML]; or blast phase CML [BP-CML]/Ph+ALL), resistance or intolerance (R/I) to prior TKI therapy, and the presence of the T315I mutation.
Resistance in CP-CML while on prior TKI therapy, was defined as failure to achieve either a complete hematologic response (by 3 months), a minor cytogenetic response (by 6 months), or a major cytogenetic response (by 12 months). Patients with CP-CML who experienced a loss of response or development of a kinase domain mutation in the absence of a complete cytogenetic response or progression to AP-CML or BP-CML at any time on prior TKI therapy were also considered resistant. Resistance in AP-CML, BP-CML, and Ph+ALL was defined as failure to achieve either a major hematologic response (by 3 months in AP-CML, and by 1 month in BP-CML and Ph+ALL), loss of major hematologic response (at any time), or development of a kinase domain mutation in the absence of a complete major hematologic response while on prior TKI therapy.
Intolerance was defined as the discontinuation of prior TKI therapy due to toxicities despite optimal management in the absence of a complete cytogenetic response in patients with CP-CML or major hematologic response for patients with AP-CML, BP-CML, or Ph+ALL.
The primary efficacy endpoint in CP-CML was major cytogenetic response (MCyR), which included complete and partial cytogenetic responses (CCyR and PCyR). The primary efficacy endpoint in AP-CML, BP-CML, and Ph+ALL was major hematologic response (MaHR), defined as either a complete hematologic response (CHR) or no evidence of leukemia (NEL).
The trial enrolled 449 patients, of which 444 were eligible for efficacy analysis: 267 patients with CP-CML (R/I Cohort: n=203, T315I: n=64), 83 patients with AP-CML, 62 patients with BP-CML, and 32 patients with Ph+ALL. Five patients were not eligible for efficacy analysis due to lack of confirmation of T315I mutation status, and these patients had not received prior dasatinib or nilotinib.
At the time of analysis, the median follow-up was 10 months (minimum of 6 months of follow-up for all ongoing patients). Baseline demographic characteristics are described in Table 8
At the time of analysis, the median duration of Iclusig treatment was 281 days in patients with CP-CML, 286 days in patients with AP-CML, 89 days in patients with BP-CML, and 81 days in patients with Ph+ALL. Efficacy results are summarized in Table 9, and Table 10.
In patients with CP-CML patients who achieved MCyR, the median time to MCyR was 84 days (range: 49 to 334 days). At the time of analysis, the median durations of MCyR had not yet been reached.
The median time to MaHR in patients with AP-CML, BP-CML, and Ph+ALL was 21 days (range: 12 to 176 days), 29 days (range 12 to 113 days), and 20 days (range: 11 to 168 days), respectively. The median duration of MaHR for patients with AP-CML, BP-CML, and Ph+ALL was 9.5 months (range: 1.1 to 17.7 months), 4.7 months (range: 1.8 to 14.1+ months), and 3.2 months (range: 1.8 to 8.8+ months), respectively.
How Supplied/Storage and Handling
Iclusig tablets are available in the following configurations:
Iclusig tablets should be stored at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°to30° C (59° to 86° F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep away from children.
PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 15 mg Bottle Label
NDC 76189-535-80
Iclusig®
(ponatinib) tablets
15 mg
Rx only
Each tablet contains ponatinib HCl
equivalent to 15 mg ponatinib
Dispense Attached Medication Guide
180 Tablets
ARIAD®

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 45 mg Bottle Label
NDC 76189-534-90
Iclusig®
(ponatinib) tablets
45 mg
Rx only
Each tablet contains ponatinib HCl
equivalent to 45 mg ponatinib
Dispense Attached Medication Guide
90 Tablets
ARIAD®