Onglyza
(saxagliptin)Dosage & Administration
Onglyza Prescribing Information
Monotherapy and Combination Therapy
ONGLYZA is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus [see Clinical Studies (14)].
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage of ONGLYZA is 2.5 mg or 5 mg orally once daily taken regardless of meals. Do not cut, crush, or chew ONGLYZA tablets.
If a dose is missed, advise patients not to take an extra dose. Resume treatment with the next dose.
Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment
Assess renal function prior to initiation of ONGLYZA and then as clinically indicated [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
The recommended dosage of ONGLYZA in patients with an eGFR greater than or equal to 45 mL/minute/1.73 m2 is the same as the recommended dosage in patients with normal renal function [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].
The dosage of ONGLYZA is 2.5 mg orally once daily for patients with eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 [which includes a subset of moderate or severe renal impairment, or with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis] [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.2)]. ONGLYZA should be administered following hemodialysis. ONGLYZA has not been studied in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.
Dosage Modification with Concomitant Use of Strong CYP3A4/5 Inhibitors
The dosage of ONGLYZA is 2.5 mg orally once daily when used concomitantly with strong cytochrome P450 3A4/5 (CYP3A4/5) inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and telithromycin) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Tablets:
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- 5 mg: pink, biconvex, round, film-coated tablets with “5” printed on one side and “4215” printed on the reverse side, in blue ink.
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- 2.5 mg: pale yellow to light yellow, biconvex, round, film-coated tablets with “2.5” printed on one side and “4214” printed on the reverse side, in blue ink.
Specific Populations
Geriatric Patients
No dosage adjustment is recommended based on age alone. Elderly subjects (65-80 years) had 23% and 59% higher geometric mean Cmax and geometric mean AUC values, respectively, for saxagliptin than young subjects (18-40 years). Differences in active metabolite pharmacokinetics between elderly and young subjects generally reflected the differences observed in saxagliptin pharmacokinetics. The difference between the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and the active metabolite in young and elderly subjects is likely due to multiple factors including declining renal function and metabolic capacity with increasing age. Age was not identified as a significant covariate on the apparent clearance of saxagliptin and its active metabolite in the population pharmacokinetic analysis.
Male and Female Patients
No dosage adjustment is recommended based on gender. There were no differences observed in saxagliptin pharmacokinetics between males and females. Compared to males, females had approximately 25% higher exposure values for the active metabolite than males, but this difference is unlikely to be of clinical relevance. Gender was not identified as a significant covariate on the apparent clearance of saxagliptin and its active metabolite in the population pharmacokinetic analysis.
Racial or Ethnic Groups
No dosage adjustment is recommended based on race. The population pharmacokinetic analysis compared the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and its active metabolite in 309 White subjects with 105 subjects of other races (consisting of six racial groups). No significant difference in the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and its active metabolite were detected between these two populations.
Patients with Renal Impairment
A single-dose, open-label study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin (10 mg dose) in subjects with varying degrees of chronic renal impairment compared to subjects with normal renal function. The 10 mg dosage is not an approved dosage.
The degree of renal impairment did not affect Cmax of saxagliptin or its metabolite. In subjects with moderate renal impairment with (eGFR 30 to less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2), severe renal impairment (eGFR 15 to less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) and ESRD patient on hemodialysis, the AUC values of saxagliptin or its active metabolite were >2 fold higher than AUC values in subjects with normal renal function.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
In subjects with hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C), mean Cmax and AUC of saxagliptin were up to 8% and 77% higher, respectively, compared to healthy matched controls following administration of a single 10 mg dose of saxagliptin. The 10 mg dosage is not an approved dosage. The corresponding Cmax and AUC of the active metabolite were up to 59% and 33% lower, respectively, compared to healthy matched controls. These differences are not considered to be clinically meaningful.
Body Mass Index
No dosage adjustment is recommended based on body mass index (BMI) which was not identified as a significant covariate on the apparent clearance of saxagliptin or its active metabolite in the population pharmacokinetic analysis.
ONGLYZA is contraindicated in patients with a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to saxagliptin or any of the ingredients in ONGLYZA. Reactions such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, or exfoliative skin conditions have been reported with ONGLYZA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
Pancreatitis
There have been postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis in patients taking ONGLYZA. In a cardiovascular outcomes trial enrolling participants with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or multiple risk factors for ASCVD (SAVOR trial), cases of definite acute pancreatitis were confirmed in 17 of 8240 (0.2%) patients receiving ONGLYZA compared to 9 of 8173 (0.1%) receiving placebo. Preexisting risk factors for pancreatitis were identified in 88% (15/17) of those patients receiving ONGLYZA and in 100% (9/9) of those patients receiving placebo.
After initiation of ONGLYZA, observe patients for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected, promptly discontinue ONGLYZA and initiate appropriate management. It is unknown whether patients with a history of pancreatitis are at increased risk for the development of pancreatitis while using ONGLYZA.
Heart Failure
In a cardiovascular outcomes trial enrolling participants with established ASCVD or multiple risk factors for ASCVD (SAVOR trial), more patients randomized to ONGLYZA (289/8280, 3.5%) were hospitalized for heart failure compared to patients randomized to placebo (228/8212, 2.8%). In a time-to-first-event analysis the risk of hospitalization for heart failure was higher in the ONGLYZA group (estimated Hazard Ratio: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.51). Patients with a prior history of heart failure and patients with renal impairment had a higher risk for hospitalization for heart failure, irrespective of treatment assignment.
Consider the risks and benefits of ONGLYZA prior to initiating treatment in patients at a higher risk for heart failure. Observe patients for signs and symptoms of heart failure during therapy. Advise patients of the characteristic symptoms of heart failure and to immediately report such symptoms. If heart failure develops, evaluate and manage according to current standards of care and consider discontinuation of ONGLYZA.
Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues
When ONGLYZA was used in combination with insulin or an insulin secretagogue, the incidence of confirmed hypoglycemia was increased over that of placebo used in combination with insulin or an insulin secretagogue [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Therefore, a lower dosage of insulin or an insulin secretagogue may be required to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination with ONGLYZA [see Drug Interactions (7.2)]. Inform patients using these concomitant medications of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
There have been postmarketing reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions in patients treated with ONGLYZA. These reactions include anaphylaxis, angioedema, and exfoliative skin conditions. Onset of these reactions occurred within the first 3 months after initiation of treatment with ONGLYZA, with some reports occurring after the first dose. If a serious hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, discontinue ONGLYZA, assess for other potential causes for the event, and institute alternative treatment for diabetes [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
Use caution in a patient with a history of angioedema to another dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor because it is unknown whether such patients will be predisposed to angioedema with ONGLYZA.
Severe and Disabling Arthralgia
There have been postmarketing reports of severe and disabling arthralgia in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors. The time to onset of symptoms following initiation of drug therapy varied from one day to years. Patients experienced relief of symptoms upon discontinuation of the medication. A subset of patients experienced a recurrence of symptoms when restarting the same drug or a different DPP-4 inhibitor. Consider DPP-4 inhibitors as a possible cause for severe joint pain and discontinue drug if appropriate.
Bullous Pemphigoid
Postmarketing cases of bullous pemphigoid requiring hospitalization have been reported with DPP‑4 inhibitor use. In reported cases, patients typically recovered with topical or systemic immunosuppressive treatment and discontinuation of the DPP-4 inhibitor. Tell patients to report development of blisters or erosions while receiving ONGLYZA. If bullous pemphigoid is suspected, ONGLYZA should be discontinued and referral to a dermatologist should be considered for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information:
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- Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
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- Heart Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
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- Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
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- Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
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- Severe and disabling arthralgia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
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- Bullous pemphigoid [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Trials in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
The data in Table 1 are derived from a pool of 5 placebo-controlled clinical trials [see Clinical Studies (14)]. These data shown in the table reflect exposure of 882 patients to ONGLYZA and a mean duration of exposure to ONGLYZA of 21 weeks. The mean age of these patients was 55 years, 1.4 % were 75 years of age or older and 48.4% were male. The population was 67.5% White, 4.6% Black or African American, 17.4% Asian, 10.5% other races and 9.8% were of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. At baseline the population had type 2 diabetes mellitus for an average of 5.2 years and a mean HbA1c of 8.2%. Baseline estimated renal function was normal or mildly impaired (eGFR≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2) in 91% of these patients.
Table 1 shows common adverse reactions, excluding hypoglycemia, associated with the use of ONGLYZA. These adverse reactions occurred more commonly on ONGLYZA than on placebo and occurred in at least 5% of patients treated with ONGLYZA.
| % of Patients | ||
|---|---|---|
| ONGLYZA 5 mg N=882 | Placebo N=799 | |
| ||
Upper respiratory tract infection | 7.7 | 7.6 |
Urinary tract infection | 6.8 | 6.1 |
Headache | 6.5 | 5.9 |
In patients treated with ONGLYZA 2.5 mg, headache (6.5%) was the only adverse reaction reported at a rate ≥5% and more commonly than in patients treated with placebo.
In the add-on to TZD trial, the incidence of peripheral edema was higher for ONGLYZA 5 mg versus placebo (8.1% and 4.3%, respectively). The incidence of peripheral edema for ONGLYZA 2.5 mg was 3.1%. None of the reported adverse reactions of peripheral edema resulted in trial drug discontinuation. Rates of peripheral edema for ONGLYZA 2.5 mg and ONGLYZA 5 mg versus placebo were 3.6% and 2% versus 3% given as monotherapy, 2.1% and 2.1% versus 2.2% given as add-on therapy to metformin HCl, and 2.4% and 1.2% versus 2.2% given as add-on therapy to glyburide.
The incidence rate of fractures was 1.0 and 0.6 per 100 patient-years, respectively, for ONGLYZA (pooled analysis of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg) and placebo. The 10 mg dosage is not an approved dosage. The incidence rate of fracture events in patients who received ONGLYZA did not increase over time. Causality has not been established and nonclinical studies have not demonstrated adverse effects of ONGLYZA on bone.
An event of thrombocytopenia, consistent with a diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, was observed in the clinical program. The relationship of this event to ONGLYZA is not known.
Discontinuation of therapy due to adverse reactions occurred in 2.2%, 3.3%, and 1.8% of patients receiving ONGLYZA 2.5 mg, ONGLYZA 5 mg, and placebo, respectively. The most common adverse reactions (reported in at least 2 patients treated with ONGLYZA 2.5 mg or at least 2 patients treated with ONGLYZA 5 mg) associated with premature discontinuation of therapy included lymphopenia (0.1% and 0.5% versus 0%, respectively), rash (0.2% and 0.3% versus 0.3%), blood creatinine increased (0.3% and 0% versus 0%), and blood creatine phosphokinase increased (0.1% and 0.2% versus 0%).
Adverse Reactions with Concomitant Use with Insulin
In the add-on to insulin trial [see Clinical Studies (14.1)], the incidence of adverse reactions, including serious adverse reactions and discontinuations due to adverse reactions, was similar between ONGLYZA and placebo, except for confirmed hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Hypoglycemia
Adverse reactions of hypoglycemia were based on all reports of hypoglycemia. A concurrent glucose measurement was not required or was normal in some patients. Therefore, it is not possible to conclusively determine that all these reports reflect true hypoglycemia.
In the add-on to glyburide trial, the overall incidence of reported hypoglycemia was higher for ONGLYZA 2.5 mg and ONGLYZA 5 mg (13.3% and 14.6%) versus placebo (10.1%). The incidence of confirmed hypoglycemia in this trial, defined as symptoms of hypoglycemia accompanied by a fingerstick glucose value of ≤50 mg/dL, was 2.4% and 0.8% for ONGLYZA 2.5 mg and ONGLYZA 5 mg and 0.7% for placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. The incidence of reported hypoglycemia for ONGLYZA 2.5 mg and ONGLYZA 5 mg versus placebo given as monotherapy was 4% and 5.6% versus 4.1%, respectively, 7.8% and 5.8% versus 5% given as add-on therapy to metformin HCl, and 4.1% and 2.7% versus 3.8% given as add-on therapy to TZD. The incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 3.4% in treatment-naive patients given ONGLYZA 5 mg plus metformin HCl and 4% in patients given metformin HCl alone.
In the active-controlled trial comparing add-on therapy with ONGLYZA 5 mg to glipizide in patients inadequately controlled on metformin HCl alone, the incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 3% (19 events in 13 patients) with ONGLYZA 5 mg versus 36.3% (750 events in 156 patients) with glipizide. Confirmed symptomatic hypoglycemia (accompanying fingerstick blood glucose ≤50 mg/dL) was reported in none of the ONGLYZA-treated patients and in 35 glipizide-treated patients (8.1%) (p<0.0001).
In the add-on to insulin trial, the overall incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 18.4% for ONGLYZA 5 mg and 19.9% for placebo. However, the incidence of confirmed symptomatic hypoglycemia (accompanying fingerstick blood glucose ≤50 mg/dL) was higher with ONGLYZA 5 mg (5.3%) versus placebo (3.3%).
In the add-on to metformin HCl plus sulfonylurea trial, the overall incidence of reported hypoglycemia was 10.1% for ONGLYZA 5 mg and 6.3% for placebo. Confirmed hypoglycemia was reported in 1.6% of the ONGLYZA-treated patients and in none of the placebo-treated patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions, such as urticaria and facial edema in the 5-trial pooled analysis up to Week 24 were reported in 1.5%, 1.5%, and 0.4% of patients who received ONGLYZA 2.5 mg, ONGLYZA 5 mg, and placebo, respectively. None of these events in patients who received ONGLYZA required hospitalization or were reported as life-threatening by the investigators. One ONGLYZA-treated patient in this pooled analysis discontinued due to generalized urticaria and facial edema.
Renal Impairment
In the SAVOR trial, adverse reactions related to renal impairment, including laboratory changes (i.e., doubling of serum creatinine compared with baseline and serum creatinine >6 mg/dL), were reported in 5.8% (483/8280) of ONGLYZA-treated patients and 5.1% (422/8212) of placebo-treated patients. The most frequently reported adverse reactions included renal impairment (2.1% vs. 1.9%), acute renal failure (1.4% vs. 1.2%), and renal failure (0.8% vs. 0.9%), in the ONGLYZA versus placebo groups, respectively. From baseline to the end of treatment, there was a mean decrease in eGFR of 2.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 for ONGLYZA-treated patients and a mean decrease of 2.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 for placebo-treated patients. More patients randomized to ONGLYZA (421/5227, 8.1%) compared to patients randomized to placebo (344/5073, 6.8%) had downward shifts in eGFR from >50 mL/min/1.73 m2 (i.e., normal or mild renal impairment) to ≤50 mL/min/1.73 m2 (i.e., moderate or severe renal impairment). The proportions of patients with renal adverse reactions increased with worsening baseline renal function and increased age, regardless of treatment assignment.
Infections
In the unblinded, controlled, clinical trial database for ONGLYZA to date, there have been 6 (0.12%) reports of tuberculosis among the 4959 ONGLYZA-treated patients (1.1 per 1000 patient-years) compared to no reports of tuberculosis among the 2868 comparator-treated patients. Two of these six cases were confirmed with laboratory testing. The remaining cases had limited information or had presumptive diagnoses of tuberculosis. None of the six cases occurred in the United States or in Western Europe. One case occurred in Canada in a patient originally from Indonesia who had recently visited Indonesia. The duration of treatment with ONGLYZA until report of tuberculosis ranged from 144 to 929 days. Post-treatment lymphocyte counts were consistently within the reference range for four cases. One patient had lymphopenia prior to initiation of ONGLYZA that remained stable throughout ONGLYZA treatment. The final patient had an isolated lymphocyte count below normal approximately four months prior to the report of tuberculosis. There have been no spontaneous reports of tuberculosis associated with ONGLYZA use. Causality has not been estimated and there are too few cases to date to determine whether tuberculosis is related to ONGLYZA use.
There has been one case of a potential opportunistic infection in the unblinded, controlled clinical trial database to date in an ONGLYZA-treated patient who developed suspected foodborne fatal salmonella sepsis after approximately 600 days of ONGLYZA therapy. There have been no spontaneous reports of opportunistic infections associated with ONGLYZA use.
Vital Signs
No clinically meaningful changes in vital signs have been observed in patients treated with ONGLYZA.
Laboratory Tests
Absolute Lymphocyte Counts
There was a dose-related mean decrease in absolute lymphocyte count observed with ONGLYZA. From a baseline mean absolute lymphocyte count of approximately 2200 cells/microL, mean decreases of approximately 100 and 120 cells/microL with ONGLYZA 5 mg and 10 mg, respectively, relative to placebo were observed at 24 weeks in a pooled analysis of five placebo-controlled clinical trials. Similar effects were observed when ONGLYZA 5 mg was given in initial combination with metformin HCl compared to metformin HCl alone. There was no difference observed for ONGLYZA 2.5 mg relative to placebo. The proportion of patients who were reported to have a lymphocyte count ≤750 cells/microL was 0.5%, 1.5%, 1.4%, and 0.4% in the ONGLYZA 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and placebo groups, respectively. In most patients, recurrence was not observed with repeated exposure to ONGLYZA although some patients had recurrent decreases upon rechallenge that led to discontinuation of ONGLYZA. The decreases in lymphocyte count were not associated with clinically relevant adverse reactions. The 10 mg dosage is not an approved dosage.
In the SAVOR trial mean decreases of approximately 84 cells/microL with ONGLYZA relative to placebo was observed. The proportion of patients who experienced a decrease in lymphocyte counts to a count of ≤750 cells/microL was 1.6% (136/8280) and 1.0% (78/8212) on ONGLYZA and placebo, respectively.
The clinical significance of this decrease in lymphocyte count relative to placebo is not known. When clinically indicated, such as in settings of unusual or prolonged infection, lymphocyte count should be measured. The effect of ONGLYZA on lymphocyte counts in patients with lymphocyte abnormalities (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus) is unknown.
Postmarketing Experience
Additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ONGLYZA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
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- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Pancreatitis
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- Immune System Disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and exfoliative skin conditions
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- Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Rhabdomyolysis, Severe and disabling arthralgia
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- Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Bullous pemphigoid
Strong Inhibitors of CYP3A4/5 Enzymes
Ketoconazole significantly increased saxagliptin exposure. Similar significant increases in plasma concentrations of saxagliptin are anticipated with other strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and telithromycin). The dosage of ONGLYZA should be limited to 2.5 mg when coadministered with a strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitor [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues
Insulin and insulin secretagogues are known to cause hypoglycemia. Concomitant use of ONGLYZA with insulin or an insulin secretagogue may require lower dosages of insulin or the insulin secretagogue to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Saxagliptin is an orally-active inhibitor of the DPP-4 enzyme.
Saxagliptin monohydrate is described chemically as (1S,3S,5S)-2-[(2S)-2-Amino-2-(3-hydroxytricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]dec-1-yl)acetyl]-2-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-3-carbonitrile, monohydrate or (1S,3S,5S)-2-[(2S)-2-Amino-2-(3-hydroxyadamantan-1-yl)acetyl]-2-azabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-3-carbonitrile hydrate. The empirical formula is C18H25N3O2•H2O and the molecular weight is 333.43. The structural formula is:
Saxagliptin monohydrate is a white to light yellow or light brown, non-hygroscopic, crystalline powder. It is sparingly soluble in water at 24°C ± 3°C, slightly soluble in ethyl acetate, and soluble in methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetonitrile, acetone, and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400).
Each film-coated tablet of ONGLYZA for oral use contains either 2.79 mg saxagliptin hydrochloride (anhydrous) equivalent to 2.5 mg saxagliptin or 5.58 mg saxagliptin hydrochloride (anhydrous) equivalent to 5 mg saxagliptin and the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose. In addition, the film coating contains the following inactive ingredients: iron oxides, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide.
Mechanism of Action
Increased concentrations of the incretin hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are released into the bloodstream from the small intestine in response to meals. These hormones cause insulin release from the pancreatic beta cells in a glucose-dependent manner but are inactivated by the DPP-4 enzyme within minutes. GLP-1 also lowers glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, reducing hepatic glucose production. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, concentrations of GLP-1 are reduced but the insulin response to GLP-1 is preserved. Saxagliptin is a competitive DPP-4 inhibitor that slows the inactivation of the incretin hormones, thereby increasing their bloodstream concentrations and reducing fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations in a glucose-dependent manner in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Pharmacodynamics
In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, administration of ONGLYZA inhibits DPP-4 enzyme activity for a 24-hour period. After an oral glucose load or a meal, this DPP-4 inhibition resulted in a 2- to 3-fold increase in circulating levels of active GLP-1 and GIP, decreased glucagon concentrations, and increased glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. The rise in insulin and decrease in glucagon were associated with lower fasting glucose concentrations and reduced glucose excursion following an oral glucose load or a meal.
Cardiac Electrophysiology
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-way crossover, active comparator trial using moxifloxacin in 40 healthy subjects, ONGLYZA was not associated with clinically meaningful prolongation of the QTc interval or heart rate at daily doses up to 40 mg (8-times the MRHD).
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and its active metabolite, 5-hydroxy saxagliptin were similar in healthy subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Cmax and AUC values of saxagliptin and its active metabolite increased proportionally in the 2.5 to 400 mg dose range. Following a 5 mg single oral dose of saxagliptin to healthy subjects, the mean plasma AUC values for saxagliptin and its active metabolite were 78 ng•h/mL and 214 ng•h/mL, respectively. The corresponding plasma Cmax values were 24 ng/mL and 47 ng/mL, respectively. The average variability (%CV) for AUC and Cmax for both saxagliptin and its active metabolite was less than 25%.
No appreciable accumulation of either saxagliptin or its active metabolite was observed with repeated once-daily dosing at any dose level. No dose- and time-dependence were observed in the clearance of saxagliptin and its active metabolite over 14 days of once-daily dosing with saxagliptin at doses ranging from 2.5 to 400 mg.
Absorption
The median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) following the 5 mg once daily dose was 2 hours for saxagliptin and 4 hours for its active metabolite.
Effect of Food
Administration with a high-fat meal resulted in an increase in Tmax of saxagliptin by approximately 20 minutes as compared to fasted conditions. There was a 27% increase in the AUC of saxagliptin when given with a meal as compared to fasted conditions. ONGLYZA may be administered with or without food.
Distribution
The in vitro protein binding of saxagliptin and its active metabolite in human serum is negligible. Therefore, changes in blood protein levels in various disease states (e.g., renal or hepatic impairment) are not expected to alter the disposition of saxagliptin.
Elimination
Metabolism
The metabolism of saxagliptin is primarily mediated by cytochrome P450 3A4/5 (CYP3A4/5). The major metabolite of saxagliptin is also a DPP-4 inhibitor, which is one-half as potent as saxagliptin. Therefore, strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors and inducers will alter the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and its active metabolite [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Excretion
Saxagliptin is eliminated by both renal and hepatic pathways. Following a single 50 mg dose of 14C-saxagliptin, 24%, 36%, and 75% of the dose was excreted in the urine as saxagliptin, its active metabolite, and total radioactivity, respectively. The average renal clearance of saxagliptin (~230 mL/min) was greater than the average estimated glomerular filtration rate (~120 mL/min), suggesting some active renal excretion. A total of 22% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in feces representing the fraction of the saxagliptin dose excreted in bile and/or unabsorbed drug from the gastrointestinal tract. Following a single oral dose of ONGLYZA 5 mg to healthy subjects, the mean plasma terminal half-life (t1/2) for saxagliptin and its active metabolite was 2.5 and 3.1 hours, respectively.
Specific Populations
Geriatric Patients
No dosage adjustment is recommended based on age alone. Elderly subjects (65-80 years) had 23% and 59% higher geometric mean Cmax and geometric mean AUC values, respectively, for saxagliptin than young subjects (18-40 years). Differences in active metabolite pharmacokinetics between elderly and young subjects generally reflected the differences observed in saxagliptin pharmacokinetics. The difference between the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and the active metabolite in young and elderly subjects is likely due to multiple factors including declining renal function and metabolic capacity with increasing age. Age was not identified as a significant covariate on the apparent clearance of saxagliptin and its active metabolite in the population pharmacokinetic analysis.
Male and Female Patients
No dosage adjustment is recommended based on gender. There were no differences observed in saxagliptin pharmacokinetics between males and females. Compared to males, females had approximately 25% higher exposure values for the active metabolite than males, but this difference is unlikely to be of clinical relevance. Gender was not identified as a significant covariate on the apparent clearance of saxagliptin and its active metabolite in the population pharmacokinetic analysis.
Racial or Ethnic Groups
No dosage adjustment is recommended based on race. The population pharmacokinetic analysis compared the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and its active metabolite in 309 White subjects with 105 subjects of other races (consisting of six racial groups). No significant difference in the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin and its active metabolite were detected between these two populations.
Patients with Renal Impairment
A single-dose, open-label study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of saxagliptin (10 mg dose) in subjects with varying degrees of chronic renal impairment compared to subjects with normal renal function. The 10 mg dosage is not an approved dosage.
The degree of renal impairment did not affect Cmax of saxagliptin or its metabolite. In subjects with moderate renal impairment with (eGFR 30 to less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2), severe renal impairment (eGFR 15 to less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) and ESRD patient on hemodialysis, the AUC values of saxagliptin or its active metabolite were >2 fold higher than AUC values in subjects with normal renal function.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment
In subjects with hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C), mean Cmax and AUC of saxagliptin were up to 8% and 77% higher, respectively, compared to healthy matched controls following administration of a single 10 mg dose of saxagliptin. The 10 mg dosage is not an approved dosage. The corresponding Cmax and AUC of the active metabolite were up to 59% and 33% lower, respectively, compared to healthy matched controls. These differences are not considered to be clinically meaningful.
Body Mass Index
No dosage adjustment is recommended based on body mass index (BMI) which was not identified as a significant covariate on the apparent clearance of saxagliptin or its active metabolite in the population pharmacokinetic analysis.
Drug Interaction Studies
In Vitro Assessment of Drug Interactions
The metabolism of saxagliptin is primarily mediated by CYP3A4/5.
In in vitro studies, saxagliptin and its active metabolite did not inhibit CYP1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, or 3A4, or induce CYP1A2, 2B6, 2C9, or 3A4. Therefore, saxagliptin is not expected to alter the metabolic clearance of coadministered drugs that are metabolized by these enzymes. Saxagliptin is a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate but is not a significant inhibitor or inducer of P-gp.
In Vivo Assessment of Drug Interactions
| Coadministered Drug | Dosage of Coadministered Drug * | Dosage of Saxagliptin * | Geometric Mean Ratio (ratio with/without coadministered drug) No Effect = 1.00 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUC † | Cmax | ||||
| |||||
No dosing adjustments required for the following: | |||||
Metformin | 1,000 mg | 100 mg | saxagliptin | 0.98 | 0.79 |
Glyburide | 5 mg | 10 mg | saxagliptin | 0.98 | 1.08 |
Dapagliflozin | 10 mg single dose | 5 mg single dose | saxagliptin 5-hydroxy saxagliptin | ↓1% ↑9% | ↓7% ↑6% |
Pioglitazone ‡ | 45 mg QD for 10 days | 10 mg QD for 5 days | saxagliptin | 1.11 | 1.11 |
Digoxin | 0.25 mg q6h first day followed by q12h second day followed by QD for | 10 mg QD for 7 days | saxagliptin | 1.05 | 0.99 |
Simvastatin | 40 mg QD for 8 days | 10 mg QD for 4 days | saxagliptin | 1.12 | 1.21 |
Diltiazem | 360 mg LA QD for 9 days | 10 mg | saxagliptin | 2.09 | 1.63 |
Rifampin § | 600 mg QD for 6 days | 5 mg | saxagliptin | 0.24 | 0.47 |
Omeprazole | 40 mg QD for 5 days | 10 mg | saxagliptin | 1.13 | 0.98 |
Aluminum hydroxide + magnesium hydroxide + simethicone | aluminum hydroxide: | 10 mg | saxagliptin | 0.97 | 0.74 |
Famotidine | 40 mg | 10 mg | saxagliptin | 1.03 | 1.14 |
Limit ONGLYZA dose to 2.5 mg once daily when coadministered with strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Dosage and Administration (2.3)]: | |||||
Ketoconazole | 200 mg BID for 9 days | 100 mg | saxagliptin | 2.45 | 1.62 |
Ketoconazole | 200 mg BID for 7 days | 20 mg | saxagliptin | 3.67 | 2.44 |
ND=not determined; QD=once daily; q6h=every 6 hours; q12h=every 12 hours; BID=twice daily; LA=long acting
| Coadministered Drug | Dosage of Coadministered Drug * | Dosage of Saxagliptin * | Geometric Mean Ratio (ratio with/without saxagliptin) No Effect = 1.00 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUC † | Cmax | ||||
| |||||
No dosing adjustments required for the following: | |||||
Metformin | 1,000 mg | 100 mg | metformin | 1.20 | 1.09 |
Glyburide | 5 mg | 10 mg | glyburide | 1.06 | 1.16 |
Pioglitazone ‡ | 45 mg QD for 10 days | 10 mg QD | pioglitazone | 1.08 | 1.14 |
Digoxin | 0.25 mg q6h first day followed by q12h second day followed by QD for 5 days | 10 mg QD | digoxin | 1.06 | 1.09 |
Simvastatin | 40 mg QD for 8 days | 10 mg QD | simvastatin | 1.04 | 0.88 |
Diltiazem | 360 mg LA QD for 9 days | 10 mg | diltiazem | 1.10 | 1.16 |
Ketoconazole | 200 mg BID for 9 days | 100 mg | ketoconazole | 0.87 | 0.84 |
Ethinyl estradiol and Norgestimate | ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mg and norgestimate 0.250 mg | 5 mg QD for 21 days | ethinyl estradiol | 1.07 | 0.98 |
ND=not determined; QD=once daily; q6h=every 6 hours; q12h=every 12 hours; BID=twice daily; LA=long acting
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
Carcinogenicity was evaluated in 2-year studies conducted in CD-1 mice and Sprague-Dawley rats. Saxagliptin did not increase the incidence of tumors in mice dosed orally at 50, 250, and 600 mg/kg up to 870-times (males) and 1165-times (females) the 5 mg/day clinical dose, based on AUC. Saxagliptin did not increase the incidence of tumors in rats dosed orally at 25, 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg up to 355-times (males) and 2217-times (females) the 5 mg/day clinical dose, based on AUC.
Mutagenesis
Saxagliptin was not mutagenic or clastogenic in a battery of genotoxicity tests (Ames bacterial mutagenesis, human and rat lymphocyte cytogenetics, rat bone marrow micronucleus and DNA repair assays). The active metabolite of saxagliptin was not mutagenic in an Ames bacterial assay.
Impairment of Fertility
Saxagliptin administered to rats had no effect on fertility or the ability to maintain a litter at exposures up to 603-times and 776-times the 5 mg clinical dose in males and females, based on AUC.
Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology
Saxagliptin produced adverse skin changes in the extremities of cynomolgus monkeys (scabs and/or ulceration of tail, digits, scrotum, and/or nose). Skin lesions were reversible within exposure approximately 20-times the 5 mg clinical dose, but in some cases were irreversible and necrotizing at higher exposures. Adverse skin changes were not observed at exposures similar to (1- to 3-times) the 5 mg clinical dose. Clinical correlates to skin lesions in monkeys have not been observed in human clinical trials of saxagliptin.
Add-On Combination Therapy with Metformin HCl plus Sulfonylurea
A total of 257 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus participated in this 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ONGLYZA in combination with metformin HCl plus a sulfonylurea in patients with inadequate glycemic control (A1C ≥7% and ≤10%). Patients were to be on a stable combined dose of metformin HCl extended-release or immediate-release (at maximum tolerated dose, with minimum dose for enrollment being 1,500 mg) and a sulfonylurea (at maximum tolerated dose, with minimum dose for enrollment being ≥50% of the maximum recommended dose) for ≥8 weeks prior to enrollment.
Patients who met eligibility criteria were entered in a 2-week enrollment period to allow assessment of inclusion/exclusion criteria. Following the 2-week enrollment period, eligible patients were randomized to either double-blind ONGLYZA (5 mg once daily) or double-blind matching placebo for 24 weeks. During the 24-week double-blind treatment period, patients were to receive metformin HCl and a sulfonylurea at the same constant dose ascertained during enrollment. Sulfonylurea dose could be down titrated once in the case of a major hypoglycemic event or recurring minor hypoglycemic events. In the absence of hypoglycemia, titration (up or down) of trial medication during the treatment period was prohibited.
ONGLYZA in combination with metformin HCl plus a sulfonylurea provided significant improvements in A1C and PPG compared with placebo in combination with metformin HCl plus a sulfonylurea (Table 11). The percentage of patients who discontinued for lack of glycemic control was 6% in the ONGLYZA group and 5% in the placebo group.
| ||
Efficacy Parameter | ONGLYZA 5 mg | Placebo |
Hemoglobin A1C (%) | N=127 | N=127 |
Baseline (mean) | 8.4 | 8.2 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean †) | −0.7 | −0.1 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean †) | −0.7 ‡ | |
95% Confidence Interval | (−0.9, −0.5) | |
2-hour Postprandial Glucose (mg/dL) | N=115 | N=113 |
Baseline (mean) | 268 | 262 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean †) | −12 | 5 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean †) | −17 § | |
95% Confidence Interval | (−32, −2) | |
The change in fasting plasma glucose from baseline to Week 24 was also tested, but was not statistically significant. The percent of patients achieving an A1C <7% was 31% (39/127) with ONGLYZA in combination with metformin HCl plus a sulfonylurea compared to 9% (12/127) with placebo. Significance was not tested.
Add-on Combination Therapy with Metformin HCl plus an SGLT2 Inhibitor
A total of 315 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus participated in this 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ONGLYZA added to dapagliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor) and metformin HCl in patients with a baseline of HbA1c ≥7% to ≤10.5%. The mean age of these patients was 54.6 years, 1.6% were 75 years or older and 52.7% were female. The population was 87.9% White, 6.3% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 1.6% other races. At baseline the population had diabetes mellitus for an average of 7.7 years and a mean HbA1c of 7.9%. The mean eGFR at baseline was 93.4 mL/min/1.73 m2. Patients were required to be on a stable dose of metformin HCl (≥1,500 mg per day) for at least 8 weeks prior to enrollment. Eligible patients who completed the screening period entered the lead in treatment period, which included open-label metformin HCl and 10 mg dapagliflozin treatment. Following the lead-in period, eligible patients were randomized to ONGLYZA 5 mg (N=153) or placebo (N =162).
The group treated with add-on ONGLYZA had statistically significant greater reductions in HbA1c from baseline versus the group treated with placebo (see Table 12).
| ||
ONGLYZA 5 mg (N=153) † | Placebo (N=162) † | |
In combination with Dapagliflozin and Metformin HCl | ||
Hemoglobin A1C (%) ‡ | ||
Baseline (mean) | 8.0 | 7.9 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean §) 95% Confidence Interval | −0.5 (−0.6, −0.4) | −0.2 (−0.3, −0.1) |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean) 95% Confidence Interval | −0.4 ¶ (−0.5, −0.2) | |
The known proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7% at Week 24 was 35.3% in the saxagliptin treated group compared to 23.1% in the placebo treated group.
How Supplied
ONGLYZA tablets have markings on both sides and are available in the strengths and packages listed in Table 16.
| Tablet Strength | Film-Coated Tablet Color/Shape | Tablet Markings | Package Size | NDC Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5 mg | pink | “5” on one side and “4215” on the reverse, in blue ink | Bottles of 30 | 0310-6105-30 |
2.5 mg | pale yellow to light yellow | “2.5” on one side and “4214” on the reverse, in blue ink | Bottles of 30 | 0310-6100-30 |
Mechanism of Action
Increased concentrations of the incretin hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are released into the bloodstream from the small intestine in response to meals. These hormones cause insulin release from the pancreatic beta cells in a glucose-dependent manner but are inactivated by the DPP-4 enzyme within minutes. GLP-1 also lowers glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, reducing hepatic glucose production. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, concentrations of GLP-1 are reduced but the insulin response to GLP-1 is preserved. Saxagliptin is a competitive DPP-4 inhibitor that slows the inactivation of the incretin hormones, thereby increasing their bloodstream concentrations and reducing fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations in a glucose-dependent manner in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.