Evkeeza

Description

Evinacumab-dgnb is an angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) inhibitor monoclonal antibody (IgG4 isotype) produced by recombinant DNA technology in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell suspension culture. Evinacumab-dgnb has an approximate molecular weight of 146 kDa.

EVKEEZA (evinacumab-dgnb) injection is a sterile, preservative-free solution for intravenous use. The solution is clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale-yellow, and free from visible particles.

Each vial contains 345 mg/2.3 mL or 1,200 mg/8 mL. Each mL contains 150 mg of evinacumab-dgnb, and L-arginine hydrochloride (14.8 mg), L-histidine (0.74 mg), L-histidine monohydrochloride monohydrate (1.1 mg), L-proline (30 mg), polysorbate 80 (1 mg) and Water for Injection, USP. The pH is 6.

EVKEEZA is indicated as an adjunct to other low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapies for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients, aged 5 years and older, with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH).

Limitations Of Use

• The safety and effectiveness of EVKEEZA have not been established in patients with other causes of hypercholesterolemia, including those with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).
• The effects of EVKEEZA on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality have not been determined.

Dosage And Administration

Recommended Dosage

• The recommended dosage of EVKEEZA is 15 mg/kg administered by intravenous (IV) infusion over 60 minutes once monthly (every 4 weeks).
• If a dosage of EVKEEZA is missed, administer as soon as possible. Thereafter, EVKEEZA should be scheduled monthly from the date of the last dosage.
• Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate. The LDL-lowering effect of EVKEEZA may be measured as early as 2 weeks after initiation.

Preparation Instructions For Intravenous Infusion

• Calculate the dose (mg), total volume (mL) of EVKEEZA required, and the number of vials required based on the patient’s current body weight.
• Visually inspect the solution for cloudiness, discoloration, and particulate matter prior to administration. EVKEEZA is a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale-yellow solution. Do not administer if the solution is cloudy or discolored or contains particulate matter.
• EVKEEZA vials are single-dose containers and do not contain a preservative. Observe aseptic technique when preparing EVKEEZA.
• Do not shake the vial. Withdraw the required volume from the vial(s) of EVKEEZA and transfer into an IV infusion bag containing a maximum volume of 250 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP or 5% Dextrose Injection, USP. Mix the diluted solution by gentle inversion; do not shake.
• The final concentration of the diluted solution should be between 0.5 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL depending on the patient’s current body weight.
• Administer the diluted solution immediately after preparation and discard any unused portion left in the vial.
• If not used immediately, store the diluted solution refrigerated at 2 °C to 8 °C (36 °F to 46 °F) for no more than 24 hours from the time of preparation OR at room temperature up to 25 °C (77 °F) for no more than 6 hours from the time of infusion preparation to the end of the infusion. Do not freeze the diluted solution.

Administration Instructions For Intravenous Infusion

• If refrigerated, allow the diluted solution to come to room temperature prior to administration.
• Administer EVKEEZA diluted solution via IV infusion over 60 minutes through an IV line containing a sterile, in-line or add-on, 0.2-micron to 5-micron filter.
• Do not mix other medications with EVKEEZA or administer other medications concomitantly via the same infusion line.
• The rate of infusion may be slowed, interrupted or discontinued if the patient develops any signs of adverse reactions, including infusion or hypersensitivity reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
• EVKEEZA can be administered without regard to the timing of lipoprotein apheresis.

How Supplied

Dosage Forms And Strengths

EVKEEZA is a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale yellow solution available as follows:

• Injection: 345 mg/2.3 mL (150 mg/mL) and 1,200 mg/8 mL (150 mg/mL) in single-dose vials.

Storage And Handling

EVKEEZA (evinacumab-dgnb) injection is a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale yellow solution. It is supplied as one single-dose vial per carton.

345 mg/2.3 mL (150 mg/mL) NDC 61755-013-01
1,200 mg/8 mL (150 mg/mL) NDC 61755-010-01

Storage

Store in a refrigerator at 2 °C to 8 °C (36 °F to 46 °F). Store the vial in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not shake.

EVKEEZA does not contain a preservative. If not used immediately, store the diluted solution refrigerated at 2 °C to 8 °C (36 °F to 46 °F) for no more than 24 hours from the time of preparation OR at room temperature up to 25 °C (77 °F) for no more than 6 hours from the time of infusion preparation to the end of the infusion [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Manufactured by: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 777 Old Saw Mill River Road Tarrytown, NY 10591-6707. Revised: Mar 2023

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

• Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Clinical Trials Experience

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.

Adverse Reactions In Adult And Pediatric Patients (aged 12 to 17 years) With HoFH

Safety data are based on pooled results from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that included 81 patients treated with EVKEEZA. The mean age of EVKEEZA-treated patients was 48 years (range: 15 to 75 years), 52% were women, 5% were Hispanic, 82% were White, 7% Asian, 3% Black or African American, and 9% other races. Forty-four (54%) EVKEEZA-treated patients had HoFH. Patients received EVKEEZA as add-on therapy to other lipid-lowering therapies, including maximally tolerated statin, ezetimibe, proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, lomitapide, and apheresis.

Adverse reactions led to discontinuation of treatment in 1 (2%) patient who received placebo, and 2 (2%) patients treated with EVKEEZA, including 1 case of anaphylaxis. The most common adverse reactions (reported in greater than 3% of EVKEEZA-treated patients and more frequently than in placebo) are shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in >3% of Adult and Pediatric Patients Aged 12 to 17 Years Treated with EVKEEZA and Greater than Placebo in 24­Week, Pooled, Placebo-Controlled Trials

Adverse Reactions	Placebo (N = 54) %	EVKEEZA (N = 81) %
Nasopharyngitis	13	16
Influenza like illness	6	7
Dizziness	0	6
Rhinorrhea	0	5
Nausea	2	5
Pain in extremity	0	4
Asthenia	0	4

 

Other adverse reactions occurring in less than 3% of patients treated with EVKEEZA and greater than placebo included constipation, upper respiratory tract infection, nasal congestion, and abdominal pain.

Transient, mild to moderate decreases in diastolic blood pressure and increases in heart rate occurred in clinical trials of EVKEEZA infusion but did not require intervention and resolved post-infusion.

Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions

Anaphylaxis was reported in 0% patients who received placebo and 1 (1%) patient treated with EVKEEZA.

Infusion Reactions

Infusion reactions were reported in 2 (4%) patients who received placebo and 6 (7%) patients treated with EVKEEZA. The following infusion reactions occurred in EVKEEZA-treated patients: infusion site pruritus, pyrexia, muscular weakness, nausea, and nasal congestion.

Adverse Reactions In Pediatric Patients (aged 5 to 11 years) With HoFH

Safety data are based on pooled results from a three-part, open-label trial in 20 pediatric patients with HoFH (aged 5 to 11 years) with a median treatment duration of 50 weeks. Part A was a trial of 6 patients who received a single intravenous dose of EVKEEZA 15 mg/kg to determine the dosage for the rest of the trial. Part B was a single-arm, 24-week trial of EVKEEZA 15 mg/kg given intravenously every 4 weeks in 14 unique patients [see Clinical Studies]. Part C was a 48-week extension trial of EVKEEZA 15 mg/kg given intravenously every 4 weeks that consisted of 20 patients who entered directly from Parts A or B. The mean age was 9 years (range: 5 to 11 years); 60% females; 70% White, 10% Asian, 5% Black or African American, 5% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 10% other races. The safety profile of EVKEEZA observed in these patients was consistent with the safety profile observed in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older, with the additional adverse reaction of fatigue. Fatigue was reported in 3 (15%) patients.

Drug Interactions

No Information provided

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Precautions

Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions

Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred with EVKEEZA [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. If signs or symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue EVKEEZA infusion, treat according to the standard-of-care, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. EVKEEZA is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reaction to evinacumab-dgnb.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Based on the findings in animal reproduction studies, EVKEEZA may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant patients. Administration of evinacumab-dgnb to rabbits during organogenesis caused increases in fetal malformations at doses below the human exposure. Advise patients who may become pregnant of the risk to a fetus. Consider obtaining a pregnancy test prior to initiating treatment with EVKEEZA. Advise patients who may become pregnant to use effective contraception during treatment with EVKEEZA and for at least 5 months following the last dosage of EVKEEZA [see Use In Specific Populations].

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Inform patients that hypersensitivity reactions have occurred with EVKEEZA. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Embryofetal Toxicity

Advise pregnant patients and patients that may become pregnant of the potential risk to a fetus and to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy. Advise patients who may become pregnant to use effective contraception during treatment with EVKEEZA and for 5 months after the final dosage. Encourage patients who become pregnant to report their pregnancy to 1-833-385-3392 [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Carcinogenesis And Mutagenesis

Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted with evinacumab-dgnb. The mutagenic potential of evinacumab-dgnb has not been evaluated; however, monoclonal antibodies are not expected to alter DNA or chromosomes.

Impairment Of Fertility

There were no adverse effects on surrogate markers of fertility (estrous cyclicity, testicular volume, ejaculate volume, sperm motility, total sperm count per ejaculate, and histology of reproductive organs) in a 6-month chronic toxicology study in sexually-mature male and female monkeys subcutaneously administered 10, 30, or 100 mg/kg/week (0.2, 1, and 3-fold MRHD based on AUC, respectively) and intravenously administered 100 mg/kg/week (4-fold MRHD, based on AUC).

In a combined fertility and early embryonic and pre-and postnatal development study in female rats administered evinacumab-dgnb via subcutaneous injection at dosages 30 and 100 mg/kg/Q3D beginning 2 weeks prior to mating, no adverse effect on female fertility were observed at any dosage. Exposures to evinacumab-dgnb represented less than the human exposure at the MRHD, based on AUC. No effects on male fertility were observed with evinacumab-dgnb administration to male rabbits for 40 days prior to mating with treatment-naïve females. Evinacumab-dgnb was administered to male rabbits intravenously at 100 and 300 mg/kg/Q5D, representing exposures 2-and 5-times, respectively, the human exposure at the MRHD, based on AUC.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Based on data from animal reproduction studies, EVKEEZA may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant patients. Available human data are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Evinacumab-dgnb is a human IgG4 monoclonal antibody [see DESCRIPTION], and human IgG is known to cross the placental barrier; therefore, evinacumab-dgnb has the potential to be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus.

Subcutaneous administration of evinacumab-dgnb to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in fetal malformations (domed head, hydrocephalus, and flexed limbs) at doses below the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD). No adverse embryofetal effects were observed with subcutaneous administration of evinacumab-dgnb to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at doses below the MRHD. Measurable evinacumab-dgnb serum concentrations were observed in fetal rabbit and rat sera at birth, indicating that evinacumab­dgnb, like other IgG antibodies, crosses the placental barrier (see Data). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

If a patient becomes pregnant while receiving EVKEEZA, healthcare providers should report EVKEEZA exposure by calling 1-833-385-3392.

Data

Animal Data

In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rabbits, evinacumab-dgnb was administered subcutaneously at doses of 1, 5, 10 and 30 mg/kg every 3 days (Q3D) during the period of organogenesis from gestation day 7 to day 19. Evinacumab-dgnb was teratogenic in rabbits, causing domed head, dilation of the lateral and third ventricles of the brain, and flexed fore/hind paws at maternal evinacumab-dgnb exposures below human exposure at the MRHD of 15 mg/kg every 4 weeks, based on AUC. Other fetal malformations, consisting of irregular and abnormal ossification in the skull, palate, and metacarpal, and enlarged anterior and/or posterior fontanelles occurred and were consistent with significant maternal toxicity (including early deaths due to abortion and premature delivery at all doses, reduction in maternal body weight gains, and reduced maternal food consumption). Increased incidences of post-implantation losses, resorptions (total, early, and late), and decreased fetal body weight were also consistent with maternal toxicity. Evinacumab-dgnb was present in the sera of fetuses born from mothers at 10 and 30 mg/kg/Q3D at levels higher than in maternal serum.

In an embryo-fetal development study in pregnant rats, evinacumab-dgnb was administered subcutaneously at doses of 5, 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg/Q3D during the period of organogenesis from gestation day 6 to day 18. Maternal exposures to evinacumab-dgnb were below the human exposure measured at the MRHD. Evinacumab-dgnb resulted in unexplained maternal deaths at 100 mg/kg/Q3D. Evinacumab-dgnb crossed the placenta and was present at ratios (CFetal/CMaternal) ranging from 0.42 to 0.65. No adverse effects on embryofetal development were observed at any dose.

In a combined fertility, embryofetal, and pre-and postnatal development study, female rats were administered evinacumab-dgnb via subcutaneous injection at doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg/Q3D beginning 2 weeks prior to mating and continuing to gestation day 21 or lactation day 21. Mean maternal systemic exposures were below the human exposure at the MRHD throughout the study. No maternal or developmental toxicity was observed.

Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of evinacumab-dgnb in human milk or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Maternal IgG is known to be present in human milk. The effects of local gastrointestinal exposure and limited systemic exposure in the breastfed infant to evinacumab-dgnb are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for EVKEEZA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from EVKEEZA or from the underlying maternal condition.

Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential

Pregnancy Testing

Consider pregnancy testing in patients who may become pregnant prior to starting treatment with EVKEEZA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].

Contraception

Females

Based on animal studies, EVKEEZA may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant patients [see Use In Specific Populations]. Patients who may become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment with EVKEEZA and for at least 5 months following the last dosage of EVKEEZA.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of EVKEEZA as an adjunct to other LDL-C-lowering therapies for the treatment of HoFH have been established in pediatric patients aged 5 years and older. Use of EVKEEZA for this indication is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials in adults with additional efficacy and safety data in pediatric patients aged 5 years and older [see ADVERSE REACTIONS and Clinical Studies]. The safety profile of EVKEEZA in pediatric patients aged 5 to 11 years was similar to the safety profile in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older, with the additional adverse reaction of fatigue.

The safety and effectiveness of EVKEEZA have not been established in pediatric patients with HoFH who are younger than 5 years old.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of EVKEEZA did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients.

No Information provided

Contraindications

EVKEEZA is contraindicated in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reaction to evinacumab-dgnb or to any of the excipients in EVKEEZA. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have occurred [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Mechanism Of Action

Evinacumab-dgnb is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits ANGPTL3. ANGPTL3 is a member of the angiopoietin-like protein family that is expressed primarily in the liver and plays a role in the regulation of lipid metabolism by inhibiting lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and endothelial lipase (EL). Evinacumab-dgnb inhibition of ANGPTL3 leads to reduction in LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). Evinacumab-dgnb reduces LDL-C independent of the presence of LDL receptor (LDLR) by promoting very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) processing and clearance upstream of LDL formation. Evinacumab-dgnb blockade of ANGPTL3 lowers TG and HDL-C by rescuing LPL and EL activities, respectively.

Pharmacodynamics

Administration of evinacumab-dgnb in HoFH patients resulted in reductions in LDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, apolipoprotein B and TG [see Clinical Studies].

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetic parameters described in this section are presented following administration of evinacumab-dgnb 15 mg/kg intravenously every 4 weeks, unless otherwise specified.

Steady-state is reached after 4 doses, and the accumulation ratio is 2. According to population pharmacokinetic modeling, the mean (standard deviation) steady-state trough concentration is 266 (120) mg/L in adult patients, whereas the mean (standard deviation) Cmax at the end of infusion is 718 (183) mg/L in adult patients. Due to non-linear clearance, a 4.3-fold increase in area under the concentration-time curve at steady-state (AUCtau.ss) for a 3-fold increase in evinacumab-dgnb dose up to 15 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks was predicted in patients with HoFH.

Distribution

The steady-state volume of distribution estimated via population pharmacokinetic analysis was approximately 4.7 L in adult patients.

Elimination

Evinacumab-dgnb elimination is mediated via parallel linear and non-linear pathways. At higher concentrations, evinacumab-dgnb elimination is primarily through a non-saturable proteolytic pathway, whereas at lower concentrations, the non-linear, saturable ANGPTL3 target-mediated elimination predominates. The elimination half-life is a function of serum evinacumab-dgnb concentrations and is not a constant.

Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, the median time for serum evinacumab-dgnb concentrations to decrease below the lower limit of quantitation (78 ng/mL) is approximately 20 weeks after the last steady-state dose of 15 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks.

Metabolism

The exact pathway through which evinacumab-dgnb is metabolized has not been characterized. As a human monoclonal IgG4 antibody, evinacumab-dgnb is expected to be degraded into small peptides and amino acids via catabolic pathways in the same manner as endogenous IgG.

Excretion

Evinacumab-dgnb, a monoclonal antibody, is not likely to undergo renal excretion.

Specific Populations

A population PK analysis conducted on data from 183 healthy subjects and 95 patients with HoFH suggests that the following factors have no clinically significant effect on the exposure of evinacumab-dgnb: age (12 to 75 years), gender, body weight (42 to 152 kg), and race (White, Asian, Black or African American, and other races).

Pediatric Patients

Three (3) patients aged 12 to 17 years with HoFH received evinacumab-dgnb at 15 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks. Steady-state trough and end-of-infusion concentrations were within the range observed in adult patients.

Twenty (20) patients aged 5 to 11 years with HoFH received evinacumab-dgnb at 15 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks. According to population pharmacokinetic modeling, the mean (standard deviation) steady-state trough concentration is 174 (74.1) mg/L in pediatric patients, whereas the mean (standard deviation) Cmax at the end of infusion is 444 (111) mg/L in pediatric patients. Steady-state trough and end-of-infusion concentrations were lower but within the range observed in adult patients.

Patients With Renal Impairment

Observed trough serum evinacumab-dgnb concentrations at steady-state were comparable between patients with mild or moderate renal impairment and patients with normal renal function. No data are available in patients with severe renal impairment.

Patients With Hepatic Impairment

No data are available in patients with hepatic impairment.

Drug Interaction Studies

Drug interaction studies have not been conducted with evinacumab-dgnb. In a clinical trial, the concentrations of statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin) were not meaningfully altered in patients taking statins prior to and post administration of evinacumab-dgnb. Concentrations of evinacumab-dgnb were comparable in patients with HoFH taking or not taking background lipid-lowering therapy.

Immunogenicity

The observed incidence of anti-drug antibodies is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Differences in assay methods preclude meaningful comparisons of the incidence of anti-drug antibodies in the trials described below with the incidence of anti-drug antibodies in other trials, including those of EVKEEZA or of other evinacumab-dgnb products. During the 24-week treatment period in the trials in:

• Adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with HoFH (Trials 1 and 2) [see Clinical Studies], the incidence of anti-evinacumab-dgnb antibody formation was 0% (0 of 56) in EVKEEZA-treated patients.
• Pediatric patients aged 5 to 11 years with HoFH (Trial 3) [see Clinical Studies], the incidence of anti-evinacumab-dgnb antibody formation was 5% (1 of 20) in EVKEEZA-treated patients. In the one patient that developed anti-evinacumab-dgnb antibodies, there were no effects on efficacy or evinacumab-dgnb concentrations.
• Because of the low occurrence of anti-evinacumab-dgnb antibodies, the effect of these antibodies on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and/or effectiveness of evinacumab products is unknown.

Clinical Studies

Adult and Pediatric Patients Aged 12 Years And Older With HoFH

Trial ELIPSE-HoFH (NCT03399786; Trial 1) was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that evaluated the efficacy of EVKEEZA compared to placebo in 65 patients with HoFH (63 adult patients and 2 pediatric patients). During the 24-week, double-blind treatment period, patients were randomized to receive EVKEEZA 15 mg/kg given intravenously every 4 weeks (n=43) or placebo given intravenously every 4 weeks (n=22). After the double-blind treatment period, 64 of 65 patients entered a 24-week open-label extension period in which all patients received EVKEEZA 15 mg/kg given intravenously every 4 weeks.

Patients were on a background of other lipid-lowering therapies, including maximally tolerated statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitor antibodies, lomitapide, and lipoprotein apheresis. Enrollment was stratified by apheresis status and geographical region. The diagnosis of HoFH was determined by genetic testing or by the presence of the following clinical criteria: history of an untreated total cholesterol (TC) >500 mg/dL and either xanthoma before 10 years of age or evidence of TC >250 mg/dL in both parents.

Baseline Disease And Demographic Characteristics

In this trial, 40% (26 of 65) patients had limited LDL receptor (LDLR) function, defined by either <15% receptor function by in vitro assays or by genetic variants likely to result in minimal to no LDLR function by mutation analysis.

The mean LDL-C at baseline was 255 mg/dL (in patients with limited LDLR function, the mean LDL-C at baseline was 307 mg/dL). At baseline, 94% of patients were on statins, 75% on ezetimibe, 77% on a PCSK9 inhibitor antibody, 22% on lomitapide, and 34% were receiving lipoprotein apheresis. The mean age at baseline was 42 years (range 12 to 75) with 12% ≥65 years old; 54% females, 3% Hispanic, 74% White, 15% Asian, 3% Black or African American, and 8% other races or race was not reported.

Endpoint Results

The primary efficacy endpoint was percent change in LDL-C from baseline to Week 24. At Week 24, the least squares (LS) mean treatment difference between the EVKEEZA and placebo groups in mean percent change in LDL-C from baseline was -49% (95% confidence interval: -65% to -33%; p <0.0001). After 24 weeks of open-label EVKEEZA treatment (Week 24 to Week 48), the observed LDL-C reduction from baseline was similar in patients who crossed over from placebo to EVKEEZA and was maintained in patients who remained on EVKEEZA for 48 weeks. For efficacy results see Table 2.

At Week 24, the observed reduction in LDL-C with EVKEEZA was similar across predefined subgroups, including age, sex, limited LDLR activity, concomitant treatment with lipoprotein apheresis, and concomitant background lipid-lowering medications (statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitor antibodies, and lomitapide).

Table 2: Lipid Parameters in Patients (63 Adults and 2 Pediatric Patients) with HoFH on Other Lipid-Lowering Therapies in Trial ELIPSE-HoFH (Trial 1)

	LDL-C	ApoB	Non-HDL-C	TC	TGa	HDL-Ca
Baseline (mean), mg/dL (N=65)	255	171	278	322	124	44
LS Mean: EVKEEZA (N = 43)	-47%	-41%	-50%	-47%	-55%	-30%b
LS Mean: Placebo (N = 22)	+2%	-5%	+2%	+1%	-5%	+1%b
LS Mean Difference from Placebo (95% CI)	-49% (-65 to -33)	-37% (-49 to -25)	-52% (-65 to -39)	-48% (-59 to -38)	-50% (-66 to -35)	–b
a Neither TG nor HDL-C were pre-specified in the hypothesis testing bMean percent change, based on safety population (EVKEEZA, n=44; placebo, n=21); HDL-C is presented for completeness but was not an efficacy endpoint that was statistically analyzed. One subject in the placebo group discontinued the trial before Week 24. The treatment difference and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using a mixed model repeated measures analysis. Abbreviations: HoFH=homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, ITT=intent-to-treat, LS mean=least squares mean, N=number of randomized patients, CI=confidence interval

 

The LS mean LDL-C percent changes over time are presented in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Calculated LDL-C LS Mean Percent Change from Baseline Over Time Through Week 24 in Patients (63 Adults and 2 Pediatric Patients) with HoFH in Trial ELIPSE-HoFH (Trial 1)

 

Abbreviations: LS mean=least squares mean, HoFH=homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, DBTP=double­blind treatment period, SE=standard error

Pediatric Patients (aged 12 to 17 years) With HoFH

In an open-label trial (Trial 2), 13 pediatric patients with HoFH (aged 12 to 17 years) received 15 mg/kg of EVKEEZA given intravenously every 4 weeks as an adjunct to other lipid-lowering therapies (e.g., statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitor antibodies and lipoprotein apheresis) for a median treatment duration of 33 weeks. The mean percent change from baseline in LDL-C at Week 24 was -52% in the 9 patients who completed treatment and had a lipid assessment at Week 24. Overall, the effect of EVKEEZA on lipid parameters in pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years with HoFH was generally similar to that seen in adults with HoFH.

Pediatric Patients (aged 5 to 11 years) With HoFH

Trial R1500-CL-17100 (NCT04233918; Trial 3) was a multicenter, three-part, single-arm, open-label trial in pediatric patients aged 5 to 11 years with HoFH [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Part B of this trial evaluated the efficacy of EVKEEZA 15 mg/kg given intravenously every 4 weeks as an adjunct to other lipid-lowering therapies (e.g., statins, ezetimibe, lomitapide, and lipoprotein apheresis) for 24 weeks in 14 patients with HoFH.

Baseline Disease And Demographic Characteristics

In Part B, the mean LDL-C at baseline was 264 mg/dL.

At baseline, 86% of patients were on statins, 93% on ezetimibe, 14% on lomitapide, and 50% were receiving lipoprotein apheresis.

The mean age at baseline was 9 years (range 5 to 11); 57% females; 0% Hispanic; 57% White, 14% Asian, 7% Black or African American, 7% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 14% other races. Mean body weight was 40 kg. Body mass index (BMI) was 20 kg/m².

Endpoint Results

The primary efficacy endpoint was percent change in calculated LDL-C from baseline to Week 24. At Week 24, the mean percent change in calculated LDL-C from baseline was -48% (95% confidence interval: -69% to -28%). For efficacy results see Table 3. HDL-C and TG reductions observed in this trial were similar to changes seen in Trial 1, see Table 2.

At Week 24, the reduction in LDL-C with EVKEEZA was similar across baseline characteristics, including age, sex, limited LDLR activity, concomitant treatment with lipoprotein apheresis, and concomitant background lipid-lowering medications (statins, ezetimibe, and lomitapide).

Table 3: Lipid Parameters in EVKEEZA-Treated Pediatric Patients (aged 5 to 11 years) with HoFH Who Received Concomitant Lipid-Lowering Therapies (Trial 3)

	LDL-C	ApoB	Non-HDL-C	TC
Baseline (mean) (N=14)	264mg/dL	168mg/dL	282mg/dL	316mg/dL
Percent Change from Baseline at Week 24 (95% CI)	-48 (-69 to -28)	-41 (-59 to -24)	-49 (-68 to -30)	-49 (-65 to -33)
Abbreviations: HoFH=homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, N=number of randomized patients, CI=confidence interval