Evotaz
(atazanavir / cobicistat)Dosage & Administration
Evotaz Prescribing Information
Indications
EVOTAZ® is indicated in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection in the following populations [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.3)]:
- •
- Adult patients
- •
- Pediatric patients weighing at least 35 kg.
Limitations of Use
Use of EVOTAZ in treatment-experienced patients should be guided by the number of baseline primary protease inhibitor resistance substitutions [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.4)].
Laboratory Testing Prior to Initiation and During Treatment with EVOTAZ
Renal Testing
Renal laboratory testing should be performed in all patients prior to initiation of EVOTAZ and continued during treatment with EVOTAZ. Renal laboratory testing should include estimated creatinine clearance, serum creatinine, and urinalysis with microscopic examination [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5, 5.6)]. Cobicistat decreases estimated creatinine clearance due to inhibition of tubular secretion of creatinine without affecting actual renal glomerular function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
When coadministering EVOTAZ with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF), assess estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein at baseline and routinely monitor during treatment. In patients with chronic kidney disease, also monitor serum phosphorus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Hepatic Testing
Hepatic laboratory testing should be performed in patients with underlying liver disease prior to initiation of EVOTAZ and continued during treatment with EVOTAZ [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Recommended Dosage
EVOTAZ is a fixed-dose tablet containing 300 mg of atazanavir and 150 mg of cobicistat. The recommended dosage of EVOTAZ is one tablet taken once daily orally with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] in HIV-1-infected treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced:
- •
- Adult patients
- •
- Pediatric patients weighing at least 35 kg
Administer EVOTAZ in conjunction with other antiretroviral agents [see Drug Interactions (7)]. Dose separation may be required when taken with H2-receptor antagonists or proton-pump inhibitors [see Drug Interactions (7.2, 7.3)].
Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment
EVOTAZ is not recommended in treatment-experienced patients with HIV-1 infection who have end-stage renal disease managed with hemodialysis [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
EVOTAZ coadministered with tenofovir DF is not recommended in patients with estimated creatinine clearance below 70 mL/min. Coadministration of EVOTAZ and tenofovir DF in combination with concomitant or recent use of a nephrotoxic agent is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Not Recommended in Patients with Any Degree of Hepatic Impairment
EVOTAZ is not recommended in patients with any degree of hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7), Use in Specific Populations (8.7), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Not Recommended During Pregnancy
EVOTAZ is not recommended for use during pregnancy and should not be initiated in pregnant individuals due to substantially lower exposures of cobicistat and consequently, lower exposures of atazanavir, during the second and third trimesters. An alternative regimen is recommended for individuals who become pregnant during therapy with EVOTAZ [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
EVOTAZ tablets contain 342 mg atazanavir sulfate, equivalent to 300 mg of atazanavir, and 150 mg of cobicistat and are oval, biconvex, pink, film-coated, and debossed with “3641” on one side and plain on the other side.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in individuals exposed to EVOTAZ during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) at 1-800-258-4263.
Risk Summary
EVOTAZ is not recommended for use during pregnancy and should not be initiated in pregnant individuals [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)]; use of an alternative regimen is recommended for individuals who become pregnant during therapy with EVOTAZ. Pharmacokinetic data from studies conducted in pregnant individuals receiving cobicistat showed substantially lower exposures during the second and third trimesters, and consequently also for the coadministered antiretroviral agent. Consult the full prescribing information for cobicistat for additional information. Pharmacokinetic data from the evaluation of atazanavir and cobicistat in a limited number of pregnant individuals showed a similar trend in lower exposures of the antiretroviral component, atazanavir.
Prospective pregnancy data from the APR are not sufficient to adequately assess the risk of birth defects or miscarriage. Atazanavir use during pregnancy has been evaluated in a limited number of individuals. Available data from the APR show no increase in the risk of overall major birth defects for atazanavir compared with the background rate for major birth defects of 2.7% in a U.S. reference population of the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program (MACDP) (see Data). The rate of miscarriage is not reported in the APR. The estimated background rate of miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies in the U.S. general population is 15−20%.
In animal reproduction studies, no evidence of adverse developmental outcomes was observed following oral administration of the components of EVOTAZ (atazanavir or cobicistat) to pregnant rats and rabbits (see Data). During organogenesis in the rat and rabbit, atazanavir exposures (AUC) were similar to those observed at the human clinical dose (300 mg/day atazanavir boosted with 100 mg/day ritonavir), while exposures were up to 1.4 (rats) and 3.3 (rabbits) times human exposures at the maximal recommended human dose (MRHD) of 150 mg (see Data).
Clinical Considerations
EVOTAZ is not recommended for use during pregnancy and should not be initiated in pregnant individuals. An alternative regimen is recommended for individuals who become pregnant during therapy with EVOTAZ (see Risk Summary).
Maternal Adverse Reactions
Atazanavir
Reports of lactic acidosis syndrome, sometimes fatal, and symptomatic hyperlactatemia have occurred in pregnant individuals using atazanavir in combination with nucleoside analogues, which are associated with an increased risk of lactic acidosis syndrome.
Hyperbilirubinemia occurs frequently in patients who take atazanavir, including pregnant individuals. Refer to the atazanavir prescribing information for use of atazanavir in pregnancy.
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Atazanavir
Infants exposed to atazanavir in utero may develop severe hyperbilirubinemia during the first few days of life.
Data
Human Data
Atazanavir
The APR has received prospective reports of live births following exposure to atazanavir-containing regimens during pregnancy, including 1361 exposures in the first trimester and 737 exposures in second/third trimester. Birth defects occurred in live births in 30 of 1361 (2.2%, 95% CI: 1.5% to 3.1%) with first trimester exposure to atazanavir-containing regimens and 17 of 737 (2.3%, 95% CI: 1.3% to 3.7%) with second/third trimester exposure to atazanavir-containing regimens. There was no increase in the overall rate of birth defects for atazanavir compared with the background birth defect rate of 2.7% in the U.S. reference population of the MACDP.
Cobicistat
The APR has received prospective reports of live births following exposure to cobicistat-containing regimens during pregnancy, including 347 exposures in the first trimester and 79 exposures in the second/third trimester. Birth defects occurred in 13 of 347 (3.7%, 95% CI: 2.0% to 6.3%) live births with first trimester exposure and 1 of 79 (1.3%, 95% CI: 0.0% to 6.9%) with second/third trimester exposure to cobicistat-containing regimens. Among pregnant individuals in the U.S. reference population, the background rate of birth defects is 2.7%. There was no increase in the overall rate of birth defects for cobicistat compared with the background birth defect rate of 2.7% in the U.S. reference population of the MACDP. Methodological limitations of the APR include the use of MACDP as the external comparator group. Limitations of using an external comparator include differences in methodology and populations, as well as confounding due to the underlying disease.
Animal Data
Atazanavir
Atazanavir was administered orally to pregnant rats (at 0, 200, 600, and 1920 mg/kg/day) and rabbits (at 0, 4, 15, and 60 mg/kg/day) during organogenesis (on gestation Days 6 through 15 and 7 through 19, respectively). No significant toxicological effects were observed in embryo-fetal toxicity studies performed with atazanavir at exposures (AUC) approximately 1.2 times higher (rats) and 0.7 times (rabbits) human exposures at the MRHD. In a rat pre- and postnatal developmental study, atazanavir was administered orally at doses of 0, 50, 220, and 1000 mg/kg/day from gestation Day 6 to postnatal Day 20. At a maternal toxic dose (1000 mg/kg/day), atazanavir caused body weight loss or weight gain suppression in the animal offspring at atazanavir exposures (AUC) of approximately 1.3 times higher than human exposures at the MRHD.
Cobicistat
Cobicistat was administered orally to pregnant rats at doses of 0, 25, 50, 125 mg/kg/day on gestation Day 6 to 17. Maternal toxicity was noted at 125 mg/kg/day and was associated with increases in post-implantation loss and decreased fetal weights. No malformations were noted at doses up to 125 mg/kg/day. Systemic exposures (AUC) at 50 mg/kg/day in pregnant females were 1.4 times higher than the human exposures at the MRHD. In pregnant rabbits, cobicistat was administered orally at doses of 0, 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day during the gestation Days 7 to 20. No maternal or embryo/fetal effects were noted at the highest dose of 100 mg/kg/day. Systemic exposures (AUC) at 100 mg/kg/day were 3.3 times higher than exposures at the MRHD.
In a pre- and postnatal developmental study in rats, cobicistat was administered orally at doses of 0, 10, 30, and 75 mg/kg from gestation Day 6 to postnatal Day 20, 21, or 22. At doses of 75 mg/kg/day of cobicistat, neither maternal nor developmental toxicity was noted. Systemic exposures (AUC) at this dose were 0.9 times lower than exposures at the MRHD.
Lactation
Risk Summary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that HIV-1-infected mothers not breastfeed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV-1.
There is no information regarding the effects of EVOTAZ on the breastfed infant or on milk production.
Atazanavir has been detected in human milk. No data are available regarding atazanavir effects on milk production. Cobicistat is present in rat milk (see Data). There is no information regarding the presence of cobicistat in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for (1) HIV-1 transmission (in HIV-1 negative infants), (2) developing viral resistance (in HIV-1 positive infants), and (3) adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, instruct individuals with HIV-1 infection not to breastfeed.
Data
Animal Data
Cobicistat: During the prenatal and postnatal development toxicology study at doses up to 75 mg/kg/day, mean cobicistat milk to plasma ratio of up to 1.9 was measured 2 hours after administration to rats on lactation Day 10.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential
Contraception
Atazanavir and cobicistat, components of EVOTAZ, interact with certain oral contraceptives [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7.3)]. Nonhormonal forms of contraceptive should be considered.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of EVOTAZ for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in pediatric subjects weighing at least 35 kg was established through a study with components of EVOTAZ. Use of EVOTAZ for this indication is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults, and by pharmacokinetic, safety, and virologic data from an open-label trial of components of EVOTAZ (Study GS-US-216-0128) in pediatric subjects with HIV-1 infection aged 12 years and older. The safety in these subjects through 48 weeks was similar to that in antiretroviral treatment-naive adults [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), and Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Safety and effectiveness of EVOTAZ in the pediatric population weighing less than 35 kg have not been established. Atazanavir, a component of EVOTAZ, is not recommended for use in pediatric patients below the age of 3 months due to the risk of kernicterus.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies with the components of EVOTAZ did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, appropriate caution should be exercised in the administration and monitoring of EVOTAZ in elderly patients reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Renal Impairment
EVOTAZ is not recommended for use in treatment-experienced patients with HIV-1 infection who have end-stage renal disease managed with hemodialysis [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Warnings and Precautions (5.3), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Hepatic Impairment
EVOTAZ is not recommended for use in patients with any degree of hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Warnings and Precautions (5.7), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
The concomitant use of EVOTAZ and the following drugs in Table 1, are contraindicated due to the potential for serious and/or life-threatening events or loss of therapeutic effect [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8, 5.9), Drug Interactions (7), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
EVOTAZ is contraindicated:
- •
- in patients with previously demonstrated clinically significant hypersensitivity (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, or toxic skin eruptions) to any of the components of this product [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
- •
- when coadministered with drugs that are highly dependent on CYP3A or UGT1A1 for clearance, and for which elevated plasma concentrations of the interacting drugs are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events (see Table 5).
- •
- when coadministered with drugs that strongly induce CYP3A and may lead to lower exposure and loss of efficacy of EVOTAZ (see Table 1).
- •
- For additional information, including clinical comments and potential impact on exposure levels associated with drugs that are contraindicated with EVOTAZ, refer to Table 5 [see Drug Interactions (7.3)].
Table 1: Drugs Contraindicated with EVOTAZ
| Drug Class | Drugs within class that are contraindicated with EVOTAZ |
|---|---|
| a Refer to Table 5 for sildenafil when administered for erectile dysfunction [see Drug Interactions (7.3)]. | |
| b Refer to Table 5 for parenterally administered midazolam [see Drug Interactions (7.3)]. | |
Alpha 1-adrenoreceptor antagonist | alfuzosin |
Antianginal | ranolazine |
Antiarrhythmics | dronedarone |
Anticonvulsants | carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin |
Antigout | colchicine (when used in patients with hepatic and/or renal impairment) |
Antimycobacterials | rifampin |
Antineoplastics | irinotecan |
Antipsychotics | lurasidone, pimozide |
Ergot Derivatives | dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine |
GI Motility Agent | cisapride |
Hepatitis C Direct-Acting Antivirals | elbasvir/grazoprevir; glecaprevir/pibrentasvir |
Herbal Products | St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) |
Hormonal Contraceptives | drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol |
Lipid-modifying Agents | lomitapide, lovastatin, simvastatin |
Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor | nevirapine |
Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitor | sildenafila when administered for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension |
Protease Inhibitors | indinavir |
Sedative/hypnotics | triazolam, orally administered midazolamb |
Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities
Atazanavir prolongs the PR interval of the electrocardiogram in some patients. In healthy subjects and in subjects with HIV-1 infection treated with atazanavir, abnormalities in atrioventricular (AV) conduction were asymptomatic and generally limited to first-degree AV block. There have been reports of second-degree AV block and other conduction abnormalities [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Overdosage (10)]. In clinical trials of atazanavir in subjects with HIV-1 infection that included electrocardiograms, asymptomatic first-degree AV block was observed in 6% of subjects treated with atazanavir (n=920) and 5% of subjects (n=118) treated with atazanavir coadministered with ritonavir. Because of limited clinical experience in patients with preexisting conduction system disease (e.g., marked first-degree AV block or second- or third-degree AV block), consider ECG monitoring in these patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].
Severe Skin Reactions
Cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, and toxic skin eruptions, including drug rash, eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, have been reported in patients receiving atazanavir [see Contraindications (4) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. EVOTAZ should be discontinued if severe rash develops.
Mild-to-moderate maculopapular skin eruptions have also been reported in atazanavir clinical trials. These reactions had a median time to onset of 7.3 weeks and median duration of 1.4 week and generally did not result in treatment discontinuation.
Effects on Serum Creatinine
Cobicistat decreases estimated creatinine clearance due to inhibition of tubular secretion of creatinine without affecting actual renal glomerular function. This effect should be considered when interpreting changes in estimated creatinine clearance in patients initiating EVOTAZ, particularly in patients with medical conditions or receiving drugs needing monitoring with estimated creatinine clearance.
Prior to initiating therapy with EVOTAZ, assess estimated creatinine clearance [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. Dosage recommendations are not available for drugs that require dosage adjustments in cobicistat-treated patients with renal impairment [see Adverse Reactions (6.1), Drug Interactions (7.3), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. Consider alternative medications that do not require dosage adjustments in patients with renal impairment.
Although cobicistat may cause modest increases in serum creatinine and modest declines in estimated creatinine clearance without affecting renal glomerular function, patients who experience a confirmed increase in serum creatinine of greater than 0.4 mg/dL from baseline should be closely monitored for renal safety.
New Onset or Worsening Renal Impairment When Used with Tenofovir DF
Renal impairment, including cases of acute renal failure and Fanconi syndrome, has been reported when cobicistat was used in an antiretroviral regimen that contained tenofovir DF. Therefore, coadministration of EVOTAZ and tenofovir DF is not recommended in patients who have an estimated creatinine clearance below 70 mL/min [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
- •
- When EVOTAZ is used with tenofovir DF, document urine glucose and urine protein at baseline and perform routine monitoring of estimated creatinine clearance, urine glucose, and urine protein during treatment.
- •
- Measure serum phosphorus in patients with or at risk for renal impairment.
- •
- Coadministration of EVOTAZ and tenofovir DF in combination with concomitant or recent use of a nephrotoxic agent is not recommended.
In a clinical trial over 144 weeks (N=692), 10 (2.9%) subjects treated with atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat and tenofovir DF and 11 (3.2%) subjects treated with atazanavir coadministered with ritonavir and tenofovir DF discontinued study drug due to a renal adverse event. Seven of the 10 subjects (2.0% overall) in the cobicistat group had laboratory findings consistent with proximal renal tubulopathy leading to study drug discontinuation, compared to 7 of 11 subjects (2.0% overall) in the ritonavir group. One subject in the cobicistat group had renal impairment at baseline (e.g., estimated creatinine clearance less than 70 mL/min). The laboratory findings in these 7 subjects treated with cobicistat, with evidence of proximal tubulopathy improved but did not completely resolve in all subjects upon discontinuation of cobicistat coadministered with atazanavir and tenofovir DF. Renal replacement therapy was not required in any subject.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease in patients with HIV-1 infection treated with atazanavir, with or without ritonavir, has been reported during postmarketing surveillance. Reports included biopsy-proven cases of granulomatous interstitial nephritis associated with the deposition of atazanavir drug crystals in the renal parenchyma. Consider alternatives to EVOTAZ in patients at high risk for renal disease or with preexisting renal disease. Renal laboratory testing (including serum creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, and urinalysis with microscopic examination) should be conducted in all patients prior to initiating therapy with EVOTAZ and continued during treatment with EVOTAZ. Expert consultation is advised for patients who have confirmed renal laboratory abnormalities while taking EVOTAZ. In patients with progressive kidney disease, discontinuation of EVOTAZ may be considered [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.3) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Nephrolithiasis and Cholelithiasis
Cases of nephrolithiasis and/or cholelithiasis have been reported during postmarketing surveillance in patients with HIV-1 infection receiving atazanavir therapy. Some patients required hospitalization for additional management and some had complications. Because these events were reported voluntarily during clinical practice, estimates of frequency cannot be made. If signs or symptoms of nephrolithiasis and/or cholelithiasis occur, temporary interruption or discontinuation of therapy may be considered [see Adverse Reactions (6, 6.1)].
Hepatotoxicity
Patients with underlying hepatitis B or C viral infections or marked elevations in transaminases may be at increased risk for developing further transaminase elevations or hepatic decompensation. In these patients, hepatic laboratory testing should be conducted prior to initiating therapy with EVOTAZ and during treatment [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].
Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions or Loss of Virologic Response Due to Drug Interactions
Initiation of EVOTAZ, a CYP3A inhibitor, in patients receiving medications metabolized by CYP3A or initiation of medications metabolized by CYP3A in patients already receiving EVOTAZ, may increase plasma concentrations of medications metabolized by CYP3A.
Initiation of medications that inhibit or induce CYP3A may increase or decrease concentrations of EVOTAZ, respectively.
Increased concentrations of EVOTAZ may lead to:
- •
- clinically significant adverse reactions, potentially leading to severe, life threatening, or fatal events from higher exposures of concomitant medications.
- •
- clinically significant adverse reactions from higher exposures of EVOTAZ.
Decreased concentrations of EVOTAZ may lead to:
- •
- loss of therapeutic effect of EVOTAZ and possible development of resistance.
See Table 5 for steps to prevent or manage these possible and known significant drug interactions, including dosing recommendations [see Drug Interactions (7.3)]. Consider the potential for drug interactions prior to and during EVOTAZ therapy; review concomitant medications during EVOTAZ therapy; and monitor for the adverse reactions associated with the concomitant medications [see Contraindications (4)and Drug Interactions (7)].
When used with concomitant medications, EVOTAZ may result in different drug interactions than those observed or expected with atazanavir coadministered with ritonavir. Complex or unknown mechanisms of drug interactions preclude extrapolation of drug interactions with atazanavir coadministered with ritonavir to certain EVOTAZ interactions [see Drug Interactions (7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Antiretrovirals that are Not Recommended
EVOTAZ is not recommended in combination with other antiretroviral drugs that require CYP3A inhibition to achieve adequate exposures (e.g., other HIV protease inhibitors or elvitegravir) because dosing recommendations for such combinations have not been established and coadministration may result in decreased plasma concentrations of the antiretroviral agents, leading to loss of therapeutic effect and development of resistance.
EVOTAZ is not recommended in combination with ritonavir or products containing ritonavir due to similar effects of cobicistat and ritonavir on CYP3A.
See Drug Interactions (7) for additional recommendations on use with other antiretroviral agents.
Hyperbilirubinemia
Most patients taking atazanavir experience asymptomatic elevations in indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin related to inhibition of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT). This hyperbilirubinemia is reversible upon discontinuation of atazanavir. Hepatic transaminase elevations that occur with hyperbilirubinemia should be evaluated for alternative etiologies. No long-term safety data are available for patients experiencing persistent elevations in total bilirubin greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Alternative antiretroviral therapy to EVOTAZ may be considered if jaundice or scleral icterus associated with bilirubin elevations presents cosmetic concerns for patients [see Adverse Reactions (6)].
Immune Reconstitution Syndrome
Immune reconstitution syndrome has been reported in patients treated with combination antiretroviral therapy, including atazanavir, a component of EVOTAZ. During the initial phase of combination antiretroviral treatment, patients whose immune system responds may develop an inflammatory response to indolent or residual opportunistic infections (such as Mycobacterium avium infection, cytomegalovirus, Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, or tuberculosis), which may necessitate further evaluation and treatment.
Autoimmune disorders (such as Graves’ disease, polymyositis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and autoimmune hepatitis) have also been reported to occur in the setting of immune reconstitution; however, the time to onset is more variable, and can occur many months after initiation of treatment.
Diabetes Mellitus/Hyperglycemia
New-onset diabetes mellitus, exacerbation of preexisting diabetes mellitus, and hyperglycemia have been reported during postmarketing surveillance in patients with HIV-1 infection receiving protease inhibitor therapy. Some patients required either initiation or dose adjustments of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents for treatment of these events. In some cases, diabetic ketoacidosis has occurred. In those patients who discontinued protease inhibitor therapy, hyperglycemia persisted in some cases. Because these events have been reported voluntarily during clinical practice, estimates of frequency cannot be made and a causal relationship between protease inhibitor therapy and these events has not been established.
Fat Redistribution
Redistribution/accumulation of body fat including central obesity, dorsocervical fat enlargement (buffalo hump), peripheral wasting, facial wasting, breast enlargement, and “cushingoid appearance” have been observed in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. The mechanism and long-term consequences of these events are currently unknown. A causal relationship has not been established.
Hemophilia
There have been reports of increased bleeding, including spontaneous skin hematomas and hemarthrosis, in patients with hemophilia type A and B treated with protease inhibitors. In some patients additional factor VIII was given. In more than half of the reported cases, treatment with protease inhibitors was continued or reintroduced. A causal relationship between protease inhibitor therapy and these events has not been established.
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:
- •
- cardiac conduction abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- •
- rash [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
- •
- effects on serum creatinine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
- •
- new onset or worsening renal impairment when used with tenofovir DF [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
- •
- chronic kidney disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
- •
- nephrolithiasis and cholelithiasis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
- •
- hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
- •
- hyperbilirubinemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]
For additional safety information about atazanavir and cobicistat, consult the full prescribing information for these individual products.
Clinical Trial 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 from Clinical Trial Experience in Adult Subjects
The safety of atazanavir and cobicistat coadministered as single agents is based on Week 144 data from a Phase 3 trial, Study GS-US-216-0114, in which 692 antiretroviral treatment-naive subjects with HIV-1 infection received:
- •
- atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat and emtricitabine/tenofovir DF (N=344) or
- •
- atazanavir coadministered with ritonavir and emtricitabine/tenofovir DF (N=348).
The most common adverse reactions (Grades 2-4) and reported in ≥5% of subjects in the atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat group were jaundice (6%) and rash (5%).
The proportion of subjects who discontinued study treatment due to adverse events regardless of severity, was 11% in both the atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat and atazanavir coadministered with ritonavir groups. Table 2 lists the frequency of adverse reactions (Grades 2-4) occurring in at least 2% of subjects in the atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat group in Study GS-US-216-0114.
| Atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat and emtricitabine/tenofovir DF (n=344) | Atazanavir coadministered with ritonavir and emtricitabine/tenofovir DF (n=348) | |
|---|---|---|
Jaundice | 6% | 3% |
Rashb | 5% | 4% |
Ocular icterus | 4% | 2% |
Nausea | 2% | 2% |
Diarrhea | 2% | 1% |
Headache | 2% | 1% |
a Frequencies of adverse reactions are based on Grades 2-4 adverse events attributed to study drugs.
b Rash events include dermatitis allergic, drug hypersensitivity, pruritus generalized, eosinophilic pustular folliculitis, rash, rash generalized, rash macular, rash maculopapular, rash morbilliform, rash papular, and urticaria.
Less Common Adverse Reactions
Selected adverse reactions of at least moderate severity (≥ Grade 2) occurring in less than 2% of subjects receiving atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat and emtricitabine/tenofovir DF are listed below. These events have been included because of investigator’s assessment of potential causal relationship and were considered serious or have been reported in more than one subject treated with atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat, and reported with greater frequency compared with the atazanavir coadministered with ritonavir group.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: vomiting, upper abdominal pain
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: fatigue
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: rhabdomyolysis
Psychiatric Disorders: depression, abnormal dreams, insomnia
Renal and Urinary Disorders: nephropathy, Fanconi syndrome acquired, nephrolithiasis
Laboratory Abnormalities
The frequency of laboratory abnormalities (Grades 3-4) occurring in at least 2% of subjects in the atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat group in Study GS-US-216-0114 is presented in Table 3.
| 144 weeks Atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat and emtricitabine/tenofovir DF | 144 weeks Atazanavir coadministered with ritonavir and emtricitabine/tenofovir DF | |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Parameter Abnormality | (n=344) | (n=348) |
| a For subjects with serum amylase >1.5 × upper limit of normal, lipase test was also performed. The frequency of increased lipase (Grades 3-4) occurring in the atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat group (N=46) and atazanavir coadministered with ritonavir group (N=35) was 7% and 3%, respectively. | ||
Total Bilirubin (>2.5 × ULN) | 73% | 66% |
Creatine Kinase (≥10.0 × ULN) | 8% | 9% |
Urine RBC (Hematuria) (>75 RBC/HPF) | 6% | 3% |
ALT (>5.0 × ULN) | 6% | 3% |
AST (>5.0 × ULN) | 4% | 3% |
GGT (>5.0 × ULN) | 4% | 2% |
Serum Amylasea (>2.0 × ULN) | 4% | 2% |
Urine Glucose (Glycosuria ≥1000 mg/dL) | 3% | 3% |
Neutrophils (<750/mm3) | 3% | 2% |
Serum Glucose (Hyperglycemia) (≥250 mg/dL) | 2% | 2% |
Increase in Serum Creatinine: Cobicistat, a component of EVOTAZ, has been shown to increase serum creatinine and decrease estimated creatinine clearance due to inhibition of tubular secretion of creatinine without affecting actual renal glomerular function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. In Study GS-US-216-0114, increases in serum creatinine and decreases in estimated creatinine clearance occurred early in treatment in the atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat group, after which they stabilized. The mean (± SD) change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by Cockcroft-Gault method after 144 weeks of treatment was −15.1 ± 16.5 mL/min in the atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat group and −8.0 ± 16.8 mL/min in the atazanavir coadministered with ritonavir group.
Serum Lipids
Changes from baseline in total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides are presented in Table 4. In both groups, mean values for serum lipids remained within the normal range for each laboratory test. The clinical significance of these changes is unknown.
| Atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat and emtricitabine/tenofovir DF | Atazanavir coadministered with ritonavir and emtricitabine/tenofovir DF | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline mg/dL | Week 144 change from baselinea | Baseline mg/dL | Week 144 change from baselinea | |
Total Cholesterol (fasted) | 163 | +11 | 165 | +13 |
HDL-cholesterol (fasted) | 43 | +7 | 43 | +6 |
LDL-cholesterol (fasted) | 102 | +11 | 104 | +16 |
Triglycerides (fasted) | 130 | +14 | 131 | +14 |
- a The change from baseline is the mean of within-subject changes from baseline for subjects with both baseline and Week 144 values and excludes subjects receiving an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor drug.
Adverse Reactions from Clinical Trial Experience in Pediatric Subjects
Although no clinical trial with EVOTAZ as the fixed-dose tablet was conducted in a pediatric population, the safety of atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat plus two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors was evaluated in treatment-experienced virologically suppressed subjects with HIV-1 infection between the ages of 12 to less than 18 years (N=14) through Week 48 in an open-label clinical trial (Study GS-US-216-0128) [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. Results from this study showed that the safety profile of atazanavir and cobicistat coadministered with a background regimen was similar to that in adults.
Postmarketing Experience
See the full prescribing information for atazanavir for postmarketing information on atazanavir.
Drug Interactions
EVOTAZ may interact with many drugs; therefore, inform patients of the potential for serious drug interactions with EVOTAZ, and that some drugs are contraindicated with EVOTAZ and other drugs require dosage adjustment. Advise patients to report to their healthcare provider the use of any other prescription, nonprescription medication, or herbal products, particularly St. John’s wort.
Instruct patients receiving hormonal contraceptives to use additional or alternative non-hormonal contraceptive measures during therapy with EVOTAZ because no data are available to make recommendations regarding use of hormonal contraceptives and atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.8, 5.9), and Drug Interactions (7)].
EVOTAZ® is a fixed-dose tablet for oral administration containing the active ingredients atazanavir and cobicistat. Atazanavir is an HIV-1 protease inhibitor. Cobicistat is a mechanism-based inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes of the CYP3A family. EVOTAZ tablets contain 342 mg of atazanavir sulfate, equivalent to 300 mg of atazanavir, and 150 mg of cobicistat, as well as the following inactive ingredients in the tablet core: croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, sodium starch glycolate, and stearic acid. The tablets are film-coated with a coating material containing the following inactive ingredients: hypromellose, red iron oxide, talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin.
Atazanavir: Atazanavir is present as the sulfate salt. The chemical name for atazanavir sulfate is (3S,8S,9S,12S)-3,12-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-8-hydroxy-4,11-dioxo-9-(phenylmethyl)-6-[[4-(2-pyridinyl)phenyl]methyl]-2,5,6,10,13-pentaazatetradecanedioic acid dimethyl ester, sulfate (1:1). Its molecular formula is C38H52N6O7•H2SO4, which corresponds to a molecular weight of 802.9 (sulfuric acid salt). The free base molecular weight is 704.9. Atazanavir sulfate has the following structural formula:
Atazanavir sulfate is a white to pale-yellow crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in water (4-5 mg/mL, free base equivalent) with the pH of a saturated solution in water being about 1.9 at 24 ± 3°C.
Cobicistat: The chemical name for cobicistat is 1,3-thiazol-5-ylmethyl [(2R,5R)-5-{[(2S)-2-[(methyl{[2-(propan-2-yl)-1,3-thiazol-4-yl]methyl}carbamoyl)amino]-4-(morpholin-4-yl)butanoyl]amino}-1,6-diphenylhexan-2-yl]carbamate. It has a molecular formula of C40H53N7O5S2 and a molecular weight of 776.0. It has the following structural formula:
Cobicistat is adsorbed onto silicon dioxide. Cobicistat on silicon dioxide is a white to pale yellow solid with a solubility of 0.1 mg/mL in water at 20°C.
Mechanism of Action
EVOTAZ is a fixed-dose tablet consisting of the HIV-1 antiretroviral drug, atazanavir and the CYP3A inhibitor, cobicistat [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.4)].
Pharmacodynamics
Cardiac Electrophysiology
Atazanavir: In a thorough QT/QTc study in 72 healthy subjects (Study AI424-076), atazanavir 400 mg and 800 mg (Cmax was 1.2 times and 2.4 times the Cmax observed with the recommended dosage of EVOTAZ, respectively) without a CYP3A inhibitor did not prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent. Asymptomatic prolongation of the PR interval was noted in subjects receiving atazanavir. The mean (±SD) maximum change in PR interval from the predose for atazanavir 400 mg (n=65), atazanavir 800 mg (n=66), and placebo (n=67) was 24 (±15) msec, 60 (±25) msec, and 13 (±11) msec, respectively. Steady state atazanavir exposures (Cmax and AUCtau) observed in this healthy subject study exceeded those observed in subjects treated with atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat. There is limited information on the potential for a pharmacodynamic interaction in humans between atazanavir and other drugs that prolong the PR interval of the electrocardiogram [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
In 1793 subjects with HIV-1 infection receiving antiretroviral regimens, QTc prolongation was comparable in the atazanavir-containing and comparator regimens. No atazanavir-treated healthy subject or subject with HIV-1 infection in clinical trials had a QTc interval >500 msec [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Cobicistat: In a thorough QT/QTc study conducted in 48 healthy subjects (Study GS-US-216-0107), cobicistat 250 mg (1.7 times the recommended dosage in EVOTAZ) and 400 mg (2.7 times the recommended dosage in EVOTAZ) did not prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent. Asymptomatic prolongation of the PR interval was noted in subjects receiving cobicistat. The maximum mean (95% upper confidence bound) difference in PR from placebo after baseline correction was 9.5 (12.1) msec for 250 mg and 20.2 (22.8) msec for 400 mg dose of cobicistat.
Effects on Serum Creatinine
The effect of cobicistat on serum creatinine was investigated in Study GS-US-216-0121, conducted in subjects with normal renal function (eGFR ≥80 mL/min, N=12) and mild-to-moderate renal impairment (eGFR 50-79 mL/min, N=18). A statistically significant change in estimated glomerular filtration rate, calculated by Cockcroft-Gault method (eGFRCG) from baseline, was observed after 7 days of treatment with cobicistat 150 mg among subjects with normal renal function (−9.9 ± 13.1 mL/min) and mild-to-moderate renal impairment (−11.9 ± 7.0 mL/min). No statistically significant changes in eGFRCG were observed compared to baseline for subjects with normal renal function or mild-to-moderate renal impairment 7 days after cobicistat was discontinued. The actual glomerular filtration rate, as determined by the clearance of probe drug iohexol, was not altered from baseline following treatment with cobicistat among subjects with normal renal function and mild-to-moderate renal impairment, indicating that cobicistat inhibits tubular secretion of creatinine, reflected as a reduction in eGFRCG, without affecting the actual glomerular filtration rate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion
The pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of the components of EVOTAZ (atazanavir 300 mg and cobicistat 150 mg) were evaluated in healthy adult subjects (Study AI424-511). Results are summarized in Table 6.
| Atazanavir | Cobicistat | |
|---|---|---|
| a Following EVOTAZ dosing under fasted conditions. b Values refer to geometric mean ratio (fed / fasted) and (90% confidence interval). c Dosing in mass balance study: cobicistat (single dose administration of [14C] cobicistat after multiple dosing of cobicistat for six days). ND = not determined. | ||
Absorption | ||
Tmax (h) | 2.0 | 2.0 |
Effect of light meal (relative to fasting) AUC ratiob | 1.28 | 1.24 |
Effect of high fat meal (relative to fasting) AUC ratiob | 0.96 | 1.12 |
Effect of light meal (relative to fasting) C24 ratiob | 1.35 | ND |
Effect of high fat meal (relative to fasting) C24 ratiob | 1.23 | ND |
Distribution | ||
% Bound to human plasma proteins | 86 | ~98 |
Source of protein binding data | In vitro | In vitro |
Blood-to-plasma ratio | ND | 0.5 |
Metabolism | ||
Metabolism | CYP3A (major) | CYP3A (major) |
Elimination | ||
Major route of elimination | Metabolism | Metabolism |
t1/2 (h) | 7.2a | 3.5 |
% Of dose excreted in urine | ND | 8.2c |
% Of dose excreted in feces | ND | 86.2c |
The pharmacokinetics of atazanavir was evaluated in subjects with HIV-1 infection who received atazanavir 300 mg coadministered with cobicistat 150 mg in combination with emtricitabine/tenofovir DF. The steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters of atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat are shown in Table 7 [see Clinical Studies (14)].
| Parameter | Atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat and emtricitabine/tenofovir DF (n=22) |
|---|---|
AUC (µg•h/mL) | 46.13 ± 26.18 |
Cmax (µg/mL) | 3.91 ± 1.94 |
Ctau (µg/mL) | 0.80 ± 0.72 |
Specific Populations
Pediatric
In pediatric subjects aged 12 to less than 18 years who received atazanavir 300 mg coadministered with cobicistat 150 mg (N=12), atazanavir exposures (AUCtau, Cmax, and Ctau) were 20-60% higher than in adults; the increases were not considered clinically significant (Table 8).
| Atazanavir PK Parameter | Geometric Mean (CV%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pediatric subjects (N=12)a | Adult subjects (N=30)b | |
| CV=Coefficient of Variation a From intensive PK analysis of Study GS-US-216-0128 b From pooled intensive PK analysis of trials with atazanavir + cobicistat. | ||
AUCtau (µg/hr/mL) | 49.48 (49.1) | 39.96 (52.1) |
Cmax (µg/mL) | 4.32 (49.9) | 3.54 (45.8) |
Ctau (µg/mL) | 0.91 (96.4) | 0.58 (84.7) |
Renal Impairment
Atazanavir: In healthy subjects, the renal elimination of unchanged atazanavir was approximately 7% of the administered dose. In study AI424-105, atazanavir was studied in adult subjects (n=20) with severe renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance <30 mL/min, using 24 hour urinary creatinine and serum creatinine levels), including those on hemodialysis, at multiple doses of 400 mg once daily. The mean atazanavir Cmax was 9% lower, AUC was 19% higher, and Cmin was 96% higher in subjects with severe renal impairment not undergoing hemodialysis (n=10), than in age-, weight-, and gender-matched subjects with normal renal function. In a 4-hour dialysis session, 2.1% of the administered dose was removed. When atazanavir was administered either prior to, or following hemodialysis (n=10), the geometric means for Cmax, AUC, and Cmin were approximately 25% to 43% lower compared to subjects with normal renal function. The mechanism of this decrease is unknown.
Cobicistat: No clinically relevant differences in cobicistat pharmacokinetics were observed between subjects with severe renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance <30 mL/min, using the Cockcroft-Gault method) and healthy subjects in Study GS-US-216-0124 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Hepatic Impairment
EVOTAZ has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment.
Atazanavir: Increased concentrations of atazanavir are expected in those with moderately or severely impaired hepatic function (Study AI424-015).
Cobicistat: No clinically relevant differences in cobicistat pharmacokinetics were observed between subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B) and healthy subjects (Study GS-US-183-0133). The effect of severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) on the pharmacokinetics of cobicistat has not been studied [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].
Pregnancy and Postpartum
Pharmacokinetic data from studies conducted in pregnant individuals receiving cobicistat showed substantially lower exposures during the second and third trimesters, and consequently also for the coadministered antiretroviral agent. Consult the full prescribing information for cobicistat for additional information. Pharmacokinetic data from the evaluation of atazanavir and cobicistat in a limited number of pregnant individuals showed a similar trend in lower exposures of the antiretroviral component, atazanavir.
Gender, Age, and Race
Atazanavir: No clinically important differences in atazanavir pharmacokinetics were observed based on age or gender.
Cobicistat: No clinically relevant differences in cobicistat pharmacokinetics were observed based on race or gender.
Assessment of Drug Interactions
Atazanavir has been shown in vivo not to induce its own metabolism, nor to increase the biotransformation of some drugs metabolized by CYP3A. In a multiple-dose study, atazanavir decreased the urinary ratio of endogenous 6β-OH cortisol to cortisol versus baseline, indicating that CYP3A production was not induced.
The effects of cobicistat on the exposure of coadministered drugs are summarized in Table 9.
| Note: The information listed below is not a comprehensive list of all the available drug interaction data for concomitant medications with cobicistat-containing regimens. Please refer to the U.S. prescribing information for antiretroviral medications administered in combination with cobicistat for additional drug interaction information. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coadministered Drug | Coadministered Drug Dose/Schedule | Cobicistat Dose/Schedule | Ratio (90% Confidence Interval) of Coadministered Drug Pharmacokinetic Parameters with/without cobicistat; No effect = 1.00 | |
| Cmax | AUC | |||
| a All interaction studies conducted in healthy subjects. b Studies of cobicistat conducted in the presence of atazanavir 300 mg. | ||||
atorvastatin | 10 mg single dose | 150 mg QD | 18.85b | 9.22b |
desipramine | 50 mg single dose | 150 mg QD | 1.24 | 1.65 |
digoxin | 0.5 mg single dose | 150 mg QD | 1.41 | 1.08 |
drospirenone/ | 3 mg drospirenone single dose | 150 mg QD | 1.12b | 2.30b |
0.02 ethinyl estradiol single dose | 150 mg QD | 0.82b | 0.78b | |
efavirenz | 600 mg single dose | 150 mg QD | 0.87 | 0.93 |
rosuvastatin | 10 mg single dose | 150 mg QD | 10.58b | 3.42b |
Microbiology
Mechanism of Action
EVOTAZ is a fixed-dose tablet of atazanavir and the CYP3A inhibitor cobicistat. Atazanavir is an azapeptide HIV-1 protease inhibitor that selectively inhibits the virus-specific processing of viral Gag and Gag-Pol polyproteins in HIV-1-infected cells, thus preventing formation of mature virions. Cobicistat is a mechanism-based inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A). Inhibition of CYP3A-mediated metabolism by cobicistat increases the systemic exposure of the CYP3A substrate atazanavir.
Antiviral Activity in Cell Culture
Atazanavir exhibits anti−HIV-1 activity with a mean 50% effective concentration (EC50 value) in the absence of human serum of 2 to 5 nM against a variety of laboratory and clinical HIV-1 isolates grown in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, macrophages, CEM-SS cells, and MT‑2 cells. Atazanavir has activity against HIV-1 Group M subtype viruses A, B, C, D, AE, AG, F, G, and J isolates in cell culture. Atazanavir has variable activity against HIV-2 isolates (1.9-32 nM), with EC50 values above the EC50 values of failure isolates. Two-drug combination antiviral activity studies with atazanavir showed no antagonism in cell culture with NNRTIs (delavirdine, efavirenz, and nevirapine), protease inhibitors (amprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir), NRTIs (abacavir, didanosine, emtricitabine, lamivudine, stavudine, tenofovir, zalcitabine, and zidovudine), the HIV-1 fusion inhibitor enfuvirtide, and two compounds used in the treatment of viral hepatitis, adefovir and ribavirin, without enhanced cytotoxicity.
Cobicistat does not inhibit recombinant HIV-1 protease in a biochemical assay and has no detectable antiviral activity in cell culture against HIV-1, hepatitis B or C virus. The antiviral activity in cell culture of selected HIV-1 antiretroviral drugs was not antagonized by cobicistat.
Resistance
In Cell Culture: HIV-1 isolates with a decreased susceptibility to atazanavir have been selected in cell culture and obtained from patients treated with atazanavir coadministered with ritonavir. HIV-1 isolates with 93- to 183-fold reduced susceptibility to atazanavir from three different viral strains were selected in cell culture by 5 months. The substitutions in these HIV-1 viruses that contributed to atazanavir resistance include I50L, N88S, I84V, A71V, and M46I. Changes were also observed at the protease cleavage sites following drug selection. Recombinant viruses containing the I50L substitution without other major protease inhibitor substitutions were growth impaired and displayed increased susceptibility in cell culture to other protease inhibitors (amprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir). The I50L and I50V substitutions yielded selective resistance to atazanavir and amprenavir, respectively, and did not appear to be cross-resistant.
Clinical Studies: Resistance to EVOTAZ is driven by atazanavir as cobicistat lacks antiviral activity. For the complete atazanavir resistance-associated substitutions, refer to the atazanavir full prescribing information.
Clinical Studies of Treatment-Naive Adult Subjects Receiving Atazanavir 300 mg Coadministered with Cobicistat 150 mg: In an analysis of adult subjects who received atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat through Week 144 (Study GS-US-216-0114), evaluable genotypic data from paired baseline and treatment-failure isolates from subjects who had HIV-1 RNA greater than or equal to 400 copies/mL were available for all 21 virologic failures in this group (6%, 21/344). Among the 21 subjects, 3 developed the emtricitabine resistance-associated substitution M184V. No subject developed the tenofovir resistance-associated substitution K65R or K70E, or any primary resistance substitution associated with protease inhibitors. In the ritonavir group, evaluable genotypic data were available for all 19 virologic failures (5%, 19/348). Among the 19 subjects, 1 developed the emtricitabine resistance-associated substitution M184V with no tenofovir or protease inhibitor resistance-associated substitutions.
Clinical Study of Pediatric Subjects Receiving Atazanavir Coadministered with Cobicistat: In an as-treated analysis of pediatric subjects between the ages of 12 to less than 18 years who received atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat plus two NRTIs in Study GS-US-216-0128, 3 of 14 subjects qualified for resistance analysis through Week 48; 1 had evaluable data and no significant resistance-associated substitutions in protease or reverse transcriptase [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Cross-Resistance
Cross-resistance among protease inhibitors has been observed. Baseline phenotypic and genotypic analyses of clinical isolates from atazanavir clinical trials of protease inhibitor-experienced subjects with HIV-1 infection showed that isolates cross-resistant to multiple protease inhibitors were cross-resistant to atazanavir. Greater than 90% of the isolates with substitutions that included I84V or G48V were resistant to atazanavir. Greater than 60% of isolates containing L90M, G73S/T/C, A71V/T, I54V, M46I/L, or a change at V82 were resistant to atazanavir, and 38% of isolates containing a D30N substitution in addition to other changes were resistant to atazanavir. Isolates resistant to atazanavir were also cross-resistant to other protease inhibitors with >90% of the isolates resistant to indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and saquinavir, and 80% resistant to amprenavir. In treatment-experienced patients, protease inhibitor-resistant viral isolates that developed the I50L substitution in addition to other protease inhibitor resistance-associated substitution were also cross-resistant to other protease inhibitors.
International AIDS Society (IAS)-defined protease inhibitor resistance substitutions, depending on the number and type, may confer a reduced virologic response to atazanavir. Please refer to the “Baseline Genotype/Phenotype and Virologic Outcome Analyses” section in the atazanavir full prescribing information.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
Atazanavir: Long-term carcinogenicity studies in mice and rats were carried out with atazanavir for two years. In the mouse study, drug-related increases in hepatocellular adenomas were found in females at 360 mg/kg/day. The systemic drug exposure (AUC) at the NOAEL in females, (120 mg/kg/day) was 2.8 times and in males (80 mg/kg/day) was 2.9 times higher than those in humans at the clinical dose (300 mg/day atazanavir coadministered with 100 mg/day ritonavir, nonpregnant patients). In the rat study, no drug-related increases in tumor incidence were observed at doses up to 1200 mg/kg/day, for which AUCs were 1.1 (males) or 3.9 (females) times those measured in humans at the clinical dose.
Cobicistat: In a long-term carcinogenicity study in mice, no drug-related increases in tumor incidence were observed at doses up to 50 and 100 mg/kg/day (males and females, respectively). Cobicistat exposures at these doses were approximately 7 (male) and 16 (females) times, respectively, the human systemic exposure at the therapeutic daily dose. In a long-term carcinogenicity study of cobicistat in rats, an increased incidence of follicular cell adenomas and/or carcinomas in the thyroid gland was observed at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg/day in males, and at 30 mg/kg/day in females. The follicular cell findings are considered to be rat-specific, secondary to hepatic microsomal enzyme induction and thyroid hormone imbalance, and are not relevant for humans. At the highest doses tested in the rat carcinogenicity study, systemic exposures were approximately 2 times the human systemic exposure at the therapeutic daily dose.
Mutagenesis
Atazanavir: Atazanavir tested positive in an in vitro clastogenicity test using primary human lymphocytes, in the absence and presence of metabolic activation. Atazanavir tested negative in the in vitro Ames reverse-mutation assay, in vivo micronucleus and DNA repair tests in rats, and in vivo DNA damage test in rat duodenum (comet assay).
Cobicistat: Cobicistat was not genotoxic in the reverse mutation bacterial test (Ames test), mouse lymphoma or rat micronucleus assays.
Impairment of Fertility
Atazanavir: At the systemic drug exposure levels (AUC) 0.9 (in male rats) or 2.3 (in female rats) times that of the human clinical dose, (300 mg/day atazanavir coadministered with 100 mg/day ritonavir) significant effects on mating, fertility, or early embryonic development were not observed.
Cobicistat: Cobicistat did not affect fertility in male or female rats at daily exposures (AUC) approximately 3-fold higher than human exposures at the recommended 150 mg daily dose. Fertility was normal in the offspring of rats exposed daily from before birth (in utero) through sexual maturity at daily exposures (AUC) of approximately similar human exposures at the recommended 150 mg daily dose.
Clinical Trial Results in Treatment-Naive Adult Subjects with HIV-1 Infection – Study GS-US-216-0114
The safety and efficacy of atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial (Study GS-US-216-0114 [NCT01108510]) in treatment-naive subjects with HIV-1 infection with baseline estimated creatinine clearance above 70 mL/min (N=692). Subjects were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either atazanavir 300 mg coadministered with cobicistat 150 mg once daily or atazanavir 300 mg coadministered with ritonavir 100 mg once daily. All subjects received concomitant treatment with 300 mg of tenofovir DF and 200 mg of emtricitabine once a day administered as a single tablet. Randomization was stratified by screening HIV-1 RNA level (≤100,000 copies/mL or >100,000 copies/mL).
The mean age of subjects was 37 years (range: 19-70); 83% were male, 60% were White, 18% were Black, and 12% were Asian. The mean baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA was 4.8 log10 copies/mL (range: 3.2-6.4). The mean baseline CD4+ cell count was 352 cells/mm3 (range: 1-1455) and 17% had CD4+ cell counts ≤200 cells/mm3. Forty percent (40%) of patients had baseline viral loads >100,000 copies/mL.
Virologic outcomes in Study GS-US-216-0114 through Week 144 are presented in Table 10. In Study GS-US-216-0114, the mean increase from baseline in CD4+ cell count at Week 144 was 281 cells/mm3 in patients receiving atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat and 297 cells/mm3 in patients receiving atazanavir coadministered with ritonavir.
| Atazanavir 300 mg coadministered with cobicistat 150 mg (once daily) + emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (n=344) | Atazanavir 300 mg coadministered with ritonavir 100 mg + emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (n=348) | |
|---|---|---|
| a Week 144 window is between Day 967 and 1050 (inclusive). b Includes subjects who had ≥50 copies/mL in the Week 48 window; subjects who discontinued early due to lack or loss of efficacy; subjects who discontinued for reasons other than an adverse event, death or lack or loss of efficacy and at the time of discontinuation had a viral value of ≥50 copies/mL. c Includes subjects who discontinued due to adverse event or death at any time point from Day 1 through the time window if this resulted in no virologic data on treatment during the specified window. There were no deaths reported in Study GS-US-216-0114. d Includes subjects who discontinued for reasons other than an adverse event, death, or lack or loss of efficacy (e.g., withdrew consent, lost to follow-up, etc). | ||
HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL | 72% | 74% |
Treatment Difference | −2.1% (95% CI = −8.7%, 4.5%) | |
HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mLb | 8% | 5% |
No Virologic Data at Week 48 Window | 20% | 21% |
Discontinued Study Drug Due to AE or Deathc | 11% | 11% |
| 8% | 10% |
| <1% | <1% |
Clinical Trial Results in Virologically Suppressed Pediatric Subjects with HIV-1 Infection – Study GS-US-216-0128
Study GS-US-216-0128 (NCT02016924) was a Phase 2/3 multicenter, open-label trial to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat in pediatric subjects ages 12 years and older with HIV-1 infection who were virologically suppressed and had a baseline estimated creatinine clearance ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Subjects were on a stable antiretroviral regimen (for at least 3 months), consisting of atazanavir administered with ritonavir, combined with 2 nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). They were switched from ritonavir to cobicistat 150 mg once daily and continued atazanavir (N=14) and 2 NRTIs.
The mean age of subjects was 14 years (range 12–17 years); median weight was 53 kg; 71% were male, 57% were Asian, 29% were White, 14% were Black, and 71% were not Hispanic or Latino. At baseline, 13/14 subjects had plasma HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL and 1 subject had plasma HIV‑1 RNA of 50 copies/mL.
In subjects who switched to atazanavir coadministered with cobicistat, 93% (13/14) of subjects remained suppressed (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL), and 1 subject experienced virologic failure at Week 48. From a median baseline CD4+ cell count and CD4+% of 770 cells/mm3 (range 486 to 1765 cells/mm3) and 33% (range 23% to 45%), respectively, the median change from baseline in CD4+ cell count and CD4+% at Week 48 was ‑60 cells/mm3 (range ‑500 to 705 cells/mm3) and ‑0.3% (range ‑6% to 8%), respectively.
EVOTAZ® tablets, 300 mg atazanavir and 150 mg cobicistat, are oval, biconvex, pink, film-coated, debossed with “3641” on one side and plain on the other side. Each bottle contains 30 tablets (NDC-0003-3641-11), a silica gel desiccant and is closed with a child-resistant closure.
Store EVOTAZ tablets at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep container tightly closed.
Mechanism of Action
EVOTAZ is a fixed-dose tablet consisting of the HIV-1 antiretroviral drug, atazanavir and the CYP3A inhibitor, cobicistat [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.4)].