Welireg
- Generic Name: belzutifan tablets
- Brand Name: Welireg
- Drug Class: Hypoxia-inducible factors inhibitors
Patient Information
No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section.
Description
Belzutifan is an inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α). The chemical name of belzutifan is 3- [[(1S,2S,3R)-2,3-Difluoro-2,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-7-(methylsulfonyl)-1H-inden-4-yl]oxy]-5- fluorobenzonitrile. The molecular formula is C17H12F3NO4S and the molecular weight is 383.34 Daltons. The chemical structure is:
 |
Belzutifan is a white to light brown powder that is soluble in acetonitrile, dimethoxyethane, and acetone, sparingly soluble in ethyl acetate, very slightly soluble in isopropanol and toluene, and insoluble in water.
WELIREG is supplied as blue, film-coated tablets for oral use containing 40 mg of belzutifan together with croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose acetate succinate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide, as inactive ingredients. In addition, the film-coating contains FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide.
Indications
WELIREG is indicated for treatment of adult patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease who require therapy for associated renal cell carcinoma (RCC), central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas, or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET), not requiring immediate surgery.
Dosage And Administration
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage of WELIREG is 120 mg administered orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. WELIREG should be taken at the same time each day and may be taken with or without food.
Advise patients to swallow tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or split WELIREG prior to swallowing.
If a dose of WELIREG is missed, it can be taken as soon as possible on the same day. Resume the regular daily dose schedule for WELIREG the next day. Do not take extra tablets to make up for the missed dose.
If vomiting occurs any time after taking WELIREG, do not retake the dose. Take the next dose on the next day.
Dosage Modifications For Adverse Reactions
Dosage modifications for WELIREG for adverse reactions are summarized in Table 1.
The recommended dose reductions are:
- First dose reduction: WELIREG 80 mg orally once daily
- Second dose reduction: WELIREG 40 mg orally once daily
- Third dose reduction: Permanently discontinue
Table 1: Recommended Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions
| Adverse Reaction | Severity | Dosage Modification |
| Anemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] | Hemoglobin <9 g/dL or transfusion indicated |
|
| Life-threatening or urgent intervention indicated |
|
|
| Hypoxia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] | Decreased oxygen saturation with exercise (e.g., pulse oximeter <88%) |
|
| Decreased oxygen saturation at rest (e.g., pulse oximeter <88% or PaO2 ≤55 mm Hg) or urgent intervention indicated |
|
|
| Life-threatening or recurrent symptomatic hypoxia |
|
|
| Other Adverse Reactions [see ADVERSE REACTIONS] | Grade 3 |
|
| Grade 4 |
|
How Supplied
Dosage Forms And Strengths
Tablets
40 mg, blue, oval shaped, film-coated, debossed with “177” on one side and plain on the other
WELIREG tablets are supplied as 40 mg blue, oval shaped, film-coated, debossed with “177” on one side and plain on the other side, available in:
- bottles of 90 tablets with child-resistant closure: NDC 0006-5331-01.
The bottle also contains two desiccant canisters. Do not eat.
Storage And Handling
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Manufactured for: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC Rahway, NJ 07065, USA. Revised: May 2022.
Side Effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling:
- Anemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
- Hypoxia [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.
The safety of WELIREG was evaluated in an open-label clinical trial (Study 004) in 61 patients with VHL disease who had at least one measurable solid tumor localized to the kidney [see Clinical Studies]. Patients received WELIREG 120 mg orally once daily. The median duration of exposure to WELIREG was 68 weeks (range: 8.4 to 104.7 weeks).
Serious adverse reactions occurred in 15% of patients who received WELIREG, including anemia, hypoxia, anaphylaxis reaction, retinal detachment, and central retinal vein occlusion (1 patient each). Permanent discontinuation of WELIREG due to adverse reactions occurred in 3.3% of patients. Adverse reactions which resulted in permanent discontinuation of WELIREG were dizziness and opioid overdose (1.6% each).
Dosage interruptions of WELIREG due to an adverse reaction occurred in 39% of patients. Adverse reactions which required dosage interruption in >2% of patients were fatigue, decreased hemoglobin, anemia, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, and influenza-like illness.
Dose reductions of WELIREG due to an adverse reaction occurred in 13% of patients. The most frequently reported adverse reaction which required dose reduction was fatigue (7%).
The most common (≥25%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, that occurred in patients who received WELIREG were decreased hemoglobin, anemia, fatigue, increased creatinine, headache, dizziness, increased glucose, and nausea.
Table 2 summarizes the adverse reactions reported in patients treated with WELIREG in Study 004.
Table 2: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥10% of Patients Who Received WELIREG in Study 004
| Adverse Reaction | WELIREG N=61 |
|
| All Grades* (%) |
Grade 3-4 (%) |
|
| Blood and Lymphatic | ||
| Anemia | 90 | 7 |
| General | ||
| Fatigue† | 64 | 5 |
| Nervous system | ||
| Headache‡ | 39 | 0 |
| Dizziness§ | 38 | 0 |
| Gastrointestinal | ||
| Nausea | 31 | 0 |
| Constipation | 13 | 0 |
| Abdominal pain¶ | 13 | 0 |
| Eye Disorders | ||
| Visual impairment# | 21 | 3.3 |
| Infections | ||
| Upper respiratory tract infection Þ | 21 | 0 |
| Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal | ||
| Dyspnea | 20 | 1.6 |
| Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue | ||
| Arthralgia | 18 | 0 |
| Myalgia | 16 | 0 |
| Vascular | ||
| Hypertension | 13 | 3.3 |
| Metabolism and Nutrition | ||
| Weight increased | 12 | 1.6 |
| *Graded per NCI CTCAE v4.0 † includes fatigue and asthenia ‡ includes headache and migraine § incudes dizziness and vertigo ¶ includes abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper and abdominal pain lower # includes visual impairment, vision blurred, central retinal vein occlusion and retinal detachment includes bronchitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and viral upper respiratory infection |
||
Table 3 summarizes the laboratory abnormalities in Study 004.
Table 3: Select Laboratory Abnormalities (≥10%) That Worsened from Baseline in Patients Who Received WELIREG in Study 004
| Laboratory Abnormality* | WELIREG (n=61) |
|
| Grades 1-4 % |
Grades 3-4 % |
|
| Chemistry | ||
| Increased creatinine | 64 | 0 |
| Increased glucose | 34 | 4.9 |
| Increased ALT | 20 | 0 |
| Increased AST | 16 | 0 |
| Decreased calcium (corrected) | 10 | 0 |
| Decreased phosphate | 10 | 1.6 |
| Hematology | ||
| Decreased hemoglobin | 93 | 7 |
| Decreased leukocytes | 11 | 0 |
| *The denominator used to calculate the rate is based on all patients in the safety analysis population. | ||
Other Clinical Trials Experience
In Study 001 (NCT02974738), a clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors (n=58) treated at the recommended dose in which the median age of enrollment was 62.5 years (range 39-75) and the median number of prior therapies for cancer was 3 (range 1-9), the following additional adverse reactions have been reported following administration of WELIREG at the recommended dosage: edema, cough, musculoskeletal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.
Drug Interactions
Effects Of Other Drugs On WELIREG
UGT2B17 Or CYP2C19 Inhibitors
Coadministration of WELIREG with inhibitors of UGT2B17 or CYP2C19 increases plasma exposure of belzutifan [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of WELIREG. Monitor for anemia and hypoxia and reduce the dosage of WELIREG as recommended [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Effect Of WELIREG On Other Drugs
Sensitive CYP3A4 Substrates
Coadministration of WELIREG with CYP3A4 substrates decreases concentrations of CYP3A substrates [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], which may reduce the efficacy of these substrates. The magnitude of this decrease may be more pronounced in patients who are dual UGT2B17 and CYP2C19 poor metabolizers [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Avoid coadministration of WELIREG with sensitive CYP3A4 substrates, for which minimal decrease in concentration may lead to therapeutic failures of the substrate. If coadministration cannot be avoided, increase the sensitive CYP3A4 substrate dosage in accordance with its Prescribing Information.
Hormonal Contraceptives
Coadministration of WELIREG with hormonal contraceptives may lead to contraceptive failure or an increase in breakthrough bleeding [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Use In Specific Populations].
WarningS
Included as part of the “PRECAUTIONS” Section
Precautions
Anemia
WELIREG can cause severe anemia that can require blood transfusion.
In Study 004, anemia occurred in 90% of patients and 7% had Grade 3 anemia [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Median time to onset of anemia was 31 days (range: 1 day to 8.4 months). In another clinical trial [Study 001 (n=58)] in patients with advanced solid tumors who received the same dosage of WELIREG, anemia occurred in 76% of patients and 28% had Grade 3 anemia.
Monitor for anemia before initiation of, and periodically throughout, treatment with WELIREG. Closely monitor patients who are dual UGT2B17 and CYP2C19 poor metabolizers due to potential increases in exposure that may increase the incidence or severity of anemia [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Transfuse patients as clinically indicated. For patients with hemoglobin <9g/dL, withhold WELIREG until ≥9g/dL, then resume at reduced dose or permanently discontinue WELIREG, depending on the severity of anemia. For life threatening anemia or when urgent intervention is indicated, withhold WELIREG until hemoglobin ≥9g/dL, then resume at a reduced dose or permanently discontinue WELIREG [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
The use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) for treatment of anemia is not recommended in patients treated with WELIREG. For patients treated with WELIREG who develop anemia, the safety and effectiveness for use of ESAs have not been established. Randomized controlled trials in patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy with ESAs have shown that ESAs increased the risks of death and serious cardiovascular reactions, and decreased progression-free survival and/or overall survival. See the prescribing information for ESAs for more information.
Hypoxia
WELIREG can cause severe hypoxia that may require discontinuation, supplemental oxygen, or hospitalization [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
In Study 004, hypoxia occurred in 1.6% of patients [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. In another clinical trial [Study 001 (n=58)] in patients with advanced solid tumors who received the same dosage of WELIREG, hypoxia occurred in 29% of patients, including Grade 3 hypoxia in 16%.
Monitor oxygen saturation before initiation of, and periodically throughout, treatment with WELIREG. For decreased oxygen saturation with exercise (e.g., pulse oximeter <88% or PaO2 ≤55 mm Hg), consider withholding WELIREG until pulse oximetry with exercise is greater than 88%, then resume at the same dose or at a reduced dose. For decreased oxygen saturation at rest (e.g., pulse oximeter <88% or PaO2 ≤55 mm Hg) or urgent intervention indicated, withhold WELIREG until resolved and resume at a reduced dose or discontinue. For life-threatening hypoxia or for recurrent symptomatic hypoxia, permanently discontinue WELIREG [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Advise patients to report signs and symptoms of hypoxia immediately to a healthcare provider.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on findings in animals, WELIREG can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In an animal reproduction study, oral administration of belzutifan to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis caused embryo-fetal lethality, reduced fetal body weight, and fetal skeletal malformations at maternal exposures ≥0.2 times the human exposures (AUC) at the recommended dose of 120 mg daily.
Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with WELIREG and for 1 week after the last dose, since WELIREG can render some hormonal contraceptives ineffective [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with WELIREG and for 1 week after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION).
Anemia
Inform patients that WELIREG can cause severe anemia that may require blood transfusions and that red blood cell levels will be monitored routinely during treatment. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if the patient experiences any symptoms suggestive of anemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Hypoxia
Inform patients that WELIREG can cause severe hypoxia that may require discontinuation, supplemental oxygen, or hospitalization; and that oxygen levels will be monitored routinely during treatment. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if the patient experiences any symptoms suggestive of hypoxia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
- Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the risk to a fetus. Advise females to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
- Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with WELIREG and for 1 week after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
- Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with WELIREG and for 1 week after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Lactation
Advise females not to breastfeed during treatment with WELIREG and for 1 week after the last dose [see Use In Specific Populations].
Infertility
Advise male and female patients that WELIREG may impair fertility [see Use In Specific Populations].
Dosage And Administration
Instruct patients to take their dose of WELIREG at the same time each day (once daily). Advise patients WELIREG can be taken with or without food. Each tablet should be swallowed whole [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted with belzutifan.
Belzutifan was not mutagenic in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay. Belzutifan was not clastogenic in either an in vitro micronucleus assay or an in vivo rat bone marrow micronucleus assay.
Fertility studies in animals have not been conducted with belzutifan. In repeat-dose toxicity studies up to 3-month duration, belzutifan-related findings included degeneration/atrophy of testes and hypospermia and cellular debris of the epididymis in rats administered ≥2 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.1 times the human exposure at the recommended dose of 120 mg daily). Findings in testes and epididymis were associated with decreased sperm count and motility and abnormal sperm morphology at ≥6 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.2 times the human exposure at the recommended dose of 120 mg daily) and did not reverse by the end of the recovery period. Belzutifan had no adverse effects on female reproductive organs in repeat-dose toxicity studies up to 3-month duration; however, belzutifan caused embryo-fetal lethality (post-implantation loss) in pregnant rats given oral doses ≥60 mg/kg/day (approximately 1 time the human exposure at the recommended dose based on AUC) during the period of organogenesis [see Use In Specific Populations].
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Based on findings in animal studies, WELIREG can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data on the use of WELIREG in pregnant women to inform the drugassociated risk. In an animal reproduction study, oral administration of belzutifan to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis caused embryo-fetal lethality, reduced fetal body weight, and fetal skeletal malformations at maternal exposures ≥0.2 times the human exposure (AUC) at the recommended dose of 120 mg daily (see Data). Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential 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 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively.
Data
Animal Data
In a pilot embryo-fetal development study, pregnant rats received oral doses of 6, 60, or 200 mg/kg/day of belzutifan during the period of organogenesis. Belzutifan caused embryo-fetal lethality at doses ≥60 mg/kg/day (approximately 1 time the human exposure at the recommended dose based on AUC). Reduced fetal body weights, fetal rib malformations, and reduced skeletal ossification occurred at doses of 6 and 60 mg/kg/day (approximately ≥0.2 times the human exposure at the recommended dose based on AUC).
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are no data on the presence of belzutifan or its metabolites in human milk or their effects on the breastfed child or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with WELIREG and for 1 week after the last dose.
Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential
WELIREG can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Pregnancy].
Pregnancy Testing
Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating treatment with WELIREG.
Contraception
Females
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with WELIREG and for 1 week after the last dose. WELIREG can render some hormonal contraceptives ineffective [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Males
Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with WELIREG and for 1 week after the last dose.
Infertility
Based on findings in animals, WELIREG may impair fertility in males and females of reproductive potential [see Nonclinical Toxicology]. The reversibility of the effect on fertility is unknown.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of WELIREG have not been established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use
Of the patients who received WELIREG in Study 004, 3.3% were ≥65 years old [see Clinical Studies]. Clinical trials of WELIREG did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.
Renal Impairment
No dosage modification of WELIREG is recommended in patients with mild (eGFR 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m2 estimated by MDRD) and moderate (eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2) renal impairment [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. WELIREG has not been studied in patients with severe (eGFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m2) renal impairment.
Hepatic Impairment
No dosage modification of WELIREG is recommended in patients with mild [total bilirubin ≤ upper limit of normal (ULN) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > ULN or total bilirubin >1 to 1.5 x ULN and any AST] hepatic impairment. WELIREG has not been studied in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin >1.5 x ULN and any AST) [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Dual UGT2B17 And CYP2C19 Poor Metabolizers
Patients who are dual UGT2B17 and CYP2C19 poor metabolizers have higher belzutifan exposures, which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of WELIREG. Closely monitor for adverse reactions in patients who are dual UGT2B17 and CYP2C19 poor metabolizers [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Overdose
There is no specific treatment for WELIREG overdose. In cases of suspected overdose, withhold WELIREG and institute supportive care. Grade 3 hypoxia occurred at dosages of 120 mg twice a day and Grade 4 thrombocytopenia occurred at dosages of 240 mg once daily (approximately 2 times the recommended dosage).
Contraindications
None.
Clinical Pharmacology
Mechanism Of Action
Belzutifan is an inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF-2α). HIF-2α is a transcription factor that plays a role in oxygen sensing by regulating genes that promote adaptation to hypoxia. Under normal oxygen levels, HIF-2α is targeted for ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation by VHL protein. Lack of functional VHL protein results in stabilization and accumulation of HIF-2α. Upon stabilization, HIF-2α translocates into the nucleus and interacts with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 beta (HIF-1β) to form a transcriptional complex that induces expression of downstream genes, including genes associated with cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, and tumor growth. Belzutifan binds to HIF-2α, and in conditions of hypoxia or impairment of VHL protein function, belzutifan blocks the HIF-2α-HIF-1β interaction, leading to reduced transcription and expression of HIF-2α target genes. In vivo, belzutifan demonstrated anti-tumor activity in mouse xenograft models of renal cell carcinoma.
Pharmacodynamics
Reductions in plasma levels of erythropoietin (EPO) were observed to be dose- and exposure-dependent at dosages up to 120 mg once daily. The maximum EPO suppression occurred following 2 weeks of consecutive dosing of WELIREG (mean percent decrease from baseline of approximately 60%). Mean EPO levels gradually returned to baseline values after 12 weeks of treatment.
The incidence of Grade 3 anemia increased with higher belzutifan exposure in patients with baseline hemoglobin levels <12 g/dL [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Cardiac Electrophysiology
At the recommended dosage, WELIREG does not cause large mean increases (i.e., >20 msec) in the QT interval.
Pharmacokinetics
The mean steady-state (CV%) Cmax is 1.3 μg/mL (42%) and AUC0-24h is 16.7 μg•hr/mL (52%) in patients with VHL disease-associated RCC. Steady state is reached after approximately 3 days. Cmax and AUC increase proportionally over a dose range of 20 mg to 120 mg (0.17 to 1 times the approved recommended dose).
Absorption
The median Tmax occurs at 1 to 2 hours after administration.
Effect of Food
A high-fat, high-calorie meal (total calories approximately 1000 kcal, 56 g fat, 55 g carbohydrate, and 31 g protein) delayed time to reach peak belzutifan concentration by approximately 2 hours, had no clinically meaningful effect on Cmax, and had no effect on AUC.
Distribution
The mean (CV%) steady-state volume of distribution is 130 L (35%). Plasma protein binding of belzutifan is 45%. The blood-to-plasma concentration ratio of belzutifan is 0.88.
Elimination
The mean (CV%) clearance is 7.3 L/hr (51%) and the mean elimination half-life is 14 hrs.
Metabolism
Belzutifan is primarily metabolized by UGT2B17 and CYP2C19 and to a lesser extent by CYP3A4 [see Pharmacogenomics].
Specific Populations
Patients who are poor metabolizers of UGT2B17 and CYP2C19 had higher belzutifan AUC [see Pharmacogenomics].
There were no clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of belzutifan based on age (19 to 84 years), sex, ethnicity (non-Hispanic, Hispanic), race (White, Black, Asian, Pacific Islander), body weight (42 to 166 kg), mild to moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30-89 mL/min/1.73 m2 estimated by MDRD), or mild hepatic impairment (total bilirubin ≤ ULN with AST > ULN or total bilirubin > ULN to 1.5 x ULN with any AST). The effect of severe renal impairment (eGFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m2) and moderate to severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin > 1.5 x ULN and any AST) have not been studied.
Drug Interaction Studies
Clinical Studies And Model-Informed Approaches
Effect of Belzutifan on CYP3A Substrates
Coadministration of WELIREG 120 mg once daily with midazolam (a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate) decreased the midazolam AUC by 40% and the Cmax by 34%. Midazolam AUC is predicted to decrease up to 70% in patients with higher belzutifan concentrations (e.g., dual poor metabolizers) [see Pharmacogenomics].
In Vitro Studies
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzymes
Belzutifan does not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4.
Belzutifan does not induce CYP1A2 or CYP2B6.
Transporter Systems
Belzutifan is a substrate of P-gp, OATP1B1, and OATP1B3, but is not a substrate of BCRP.
Belzutifan inhibits MATE2K. Belzutifan does not inhibit P-gp, BCRP, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, or MATE1.
Pharmacogenomics
Patients who are UGT2B17, CYP2C19, or dual UGT2B17 and CYP2C19 poor metabolizers have 2-, 1.6-, or 3.2-fold higher belzutifan steady state AUC0-24h (respectively) compared to patients who are UGT2B17 normal (extensive) metabolizers and CYP2C19 non-poor (ultrarapid, rapid, normal, and intermediate) metabolizers [see Use In Specific Populations].
UGT2B17 poor metabolizers who are homozygous for the UGT2B17*2 allele have no UGT2B17 enzyme activity. CYP2C19 poor metabolizers (such as *2/*2, *3/*3, *2/*3) have significantly reduced or absent CYP2C19 enzyme activity. Approximately 15% of White, 6% of Black or African American, and up to 77% of certain Asian populations are UGT2B17 poor metabolizers. Approximately 2% of White, 5% of Black or African American, and up to 19% of certain Asian populations are CYP2C19 poor metabolizers. Approximately 0.4% of White, 0.3% of Black or African American, and up to 15% of certain Asian populations are dual UGT2B17 and CYP2C19 poor metabolizers.
Clinical Studies
The efficacy of WELIREG was evaluated in Study 004 (NCT03401788), an open-label clinical trial in 61 patients with VHL-associated RCC diagnosed based on a VHL germline alteration and with at least one measurable solid tumor localized to the kidney as defined by response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) v1.1. Enrolled patients had other VHL-associated tumors including CNS hemangioblastomas and pNET. CNS hemangioblastomas and pNET in these patients were diagnosed based on the presence of at least one measurable solid tumor in brain/spine or pancreas, respectively, as defined by RECIST v1.1 and identified by IRC.
The study excluded patients with metastatic disease. Patients received WELIREG 120 mg once daily until progression of disease or unacceptable toxicity. The study population characteristics were: median age 41 years [range 19-66 years], 3.3% age 65 or older; 53% male; 90% were White, 3.3% were Black or African-American, 1.6% were Asian, and 1.6% were Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; 82% had an ECOG PS of 0, 16% had an ECOG PS of 1, and 1.6% had an ECOG PS of 2; and 84% had VHL Type I Disease. The median diameter of RCC target lesions per central independent review committee (IRC) was 2.2 cm (range 1-6.1). Median time from initial radiographic diagnosis of VHL-associated RCC tumors that led to enrollment on Study 004 to the time of treatment with WELIREG was 17.9 months (range 2.8-96.7). Seventy-seven percent of patients had prior surgical procedures for RCC.
The major efficacy endpoint for the treatment of VHL-associated RCC was overall response rate (ORR) measured by radiology assessment using RECIST v1.1 as assessed by IRC. Additional efficacy endpoints included duration of response (DoR), and time to response (TTR).
Table 4 summarizes the efficacy results for VHL-associated RCC in Study 004.
Table 4: Efficacy Results (IRC assessment) for WELIREG for VHL-Associated RCC
| Efficacy Outcome Measure | WELIREG n=61 |
| Overall Response Rate, % (n) (95% CI) |
49% (30)* (36, 62) |
| Complete response | 0% |
| Partial response | 49% |
| Duration of Response | |
| Median in months (range) | Not reached (2.8+, 22+) |
| % (n) with DoR ≥ 12 months | 56% (17/30) |
| * All patients with a response were followed for a minimum of 18 months from the start of treatment. + Denotes ongoing response. |
|
For VHL-associated RCC, median TTR was 8 months (range 2.7, 19).
Table 5 summarizes the efficacy results for VHL-associated pNET or CNS hemangioblastomas in Study 004.
Table 5. Efficacy Results (IRC assessment) for WELIREG for VHL-Associated Subgroups with CNS Hemangioblastomas or pNET
| Endpoint | Patients with CNS Hemangioblastomas n=24* |
Patients with pNET n=12* |
| Overall Response Rate, % (n) (95% CI) |
63%, (15) (41, 81) |
83% (10) (52, 98) |
| Complete response | 4% (1) | 17% (2) |
| Partial response | 58% (14) | 67% (8) |
| Duration of Response | ||
| Median in months (range) | Not reached (3.7+, 22+) |
Not reached (11+, 19+) |
| % (n) with DoR ≥12 months | 73% (11/15) | 50% (5/10) |
| * Number of patients with measurable solid lesions, based on IRC assessment. + Denotes ongoing response. |
||
For VHL-associated CNS hemangioblastomas, TTR was 3.1 months (range 2.5, 11). For VHL-associated pNET, median TTR was 8.1 months (range 2.7, 11).
Decreases in size of CNS hemangioblastoma-associated peri-tumoral cysts and syringes were observed.