Rezdiffra

Recommended Dosage and Administration

The recommended dosage of REZDIFFRA is based on actual body weight. For patients weighing:

• <100 kg, the recommended dosage is 80 mg orally once daily.
• ≥100 kg, the recommended dosage is 100 mg orally once daily.

Administer REZDIFFRA with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Dosage Modifications for CYP2C8 Inhibitors

Concomitant use of REZDIFFRA with strong CYP2C8 inhibitors (e.g., gemfibrozil) is not recommended [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

If REZDIFFRA is used concomitantly with a moderate CYP2C8 inhibitor (e.g., clopidogrel) [see Drug Interactions (7.1)], reduce the dosage of REZDIFFRA:

• <100 kg, reduce the dosage of REZDIFFRA to 60 mg once daily.
• ≥100 kg, reduce the dosage of REZDIFFRA to 80 mg once daily.

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There are no available data on REZDIFFRA use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus related to underlying NASH with liver fibrosis (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, adverse effects on embryo-fetal development occurred in pregnant rabbits treated with resmetirom at 3.5 times the maximum recommended dose during organogenesis. These effects were associated with maternal toxicity, whereas no embryo-fetal effects were observed at lower dose levels with better tolerance in pregnant rabbits. No embryo-fetal developmental effects occurred in pregnant rats treated with resmetirom or the metabolite MGL-3623. A pre- and postnatal development study in rats with maternal dosing of resmetirom during organogenesis through lactation showed a decrease in birthweight and increased incidence of stillbirths and mortality (postnatal days 1-4) at 37 times the maximum recommended dose (see Data). These effects were associated with marked suppression of maternal T4, T3, and TSH levels.

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, and other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Report pregnancies to Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Adverse Event reporting line at 1-800-905-0324 and https://www.madrigalpharma.com/contact/ .

Clinical Considerations

Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk

There are risks to the mother and fetus related to underlying maternal NASH with liver fibrosis, such as increased risks of gestational diabetes, hypertensive complications, preterm birth, and postpartum hemorrhage.

Data

Animal Data

No effects on embryo-fetal development were observed in pregnant rats treated orally with up to 100 mg/kg/day (21 times the maximum recommended dose based on AUC [area under the plasma concentration-time curve]) or in pregnant rabbits treated orally with up to 30 mg/kg/day (2.8 times the maximum recommended dose based on AUC) during the period of organogenesis. Oral administration of 75 mg/kg/day in pregnant rabbits (3.5 times the maximum recommended dose based on AUC) produced an increase in post-implantation loss and decreases in viable fetuses and fetal weight. These effects were likely due to maternal toxicity (i.e., marked reductions in weight gain and food consumption).

A pre- and postnatal development study was performed using oral administration of 3, 30, or 100 mg/kg/day in female rats during organogenesis through lactation. Treatment with 100 mg/kg/day (37 times the maximum recommended dose based on AUC) produced increases in number of stillborn, pup deaths during postnatal days 1-4, and pups with absence of milk in stomach. Birthweight was decreased by 10% in this dose group, with recovery to normal body weight thereafter. The effects in offspring were associated with marked reductions in maternal plasma levels of T4 (88% decrease), T3 (79% decrease), and TSH (44% decrease). No effects on postnatal development were observed at doses up to 30 mg/kg/day (7.2 times the maximum recommended dose based on AUC). This study lacked a complete evaluation of physical and neurobehavioral development in offspring; however, no effects of resmetirom were noted in tests of learning and memory.

The metabolite MGL-3623 was tested for its effects on embryo-fetal development. No effects were observed in pregnant rats treated orally with up to 100 mg/kg/day MGL-3623 (4.7 times the maximum recommended dose based on AUC for MGL-3623) during the period of organogenesis.

  Lactation

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of REZDIFFRA in human or animal milk, the effects on the breast-fed infant, or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for REZDIFFRA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from REZDIFFRA or from the underlying maternal condition.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of REZDIFFRA have not been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use

In Trial 1, of the 594 patients with NASH who received at least one dose of REZDIFFRA, 149 (25%) were 65 years of age and older and 13 (2%) were 75 years of age and older [see Clinical Studies (14)]. No overall differences in effectiveness but numerically higher incidence of adverse reactions have been observed in patients 65 years of age and older compared to younger adult patients.

Renal Impairment 

The recommended dosage in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment is the same as in patients with normal kidney function. REZDIFFRA has not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Hepatic Impairment

Avoid use of REZDIFFRA in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (consistent with moderate to severe hepatic impairment). Moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B or C) increases resmetirom Cmax and AUC [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 )], which may increase the risk of adverse reactions.

No dosage adjustment is recommended for patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

The safety and effectiveness of REZDIFFRA have not been established in patients with NASH cirrhosis.

Hepatotoxicity

Hepatotoxicity has been observed with use of REZDIFFRA. One patient had normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TB) levels at baseline, who received REZDIFFRA 80 mg daily, developed substantial elevations of liver biochemistries that resolved when treatment was interrupted. After reinitiating REZDIFFRA, the patient had elevations of ALT, AST, and TB. Peak values observed were 58 x upper limit of normal (ULN) for ALT, 66 x ULN for AST, 15 x ULN for TB, with no elevation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Elevations in liver enzymes were accompanied by elevations in immunoglobulin G levels, suggesting drug-induced autoimmune-like hepatitis (DI-ALH). The liver tests returned to baseline following hospitalization and discontinuation of REZDIFFRA without any therapeutic intervention.

Monitor patients during treatment with REZDIFFRA for elevations in liver tests and for the development of liver-related adverse reactions. Monitor for symptoms and signs of hepatotoxicity (e.g., fatigue, nausea, vomiting, right upper quadrant pain or tenderness, jaundice, fever, rash, and/or eosinophilia [>5%]). If hepatotoxicity is suspected, discontinue REZDIFFRA and continue to monitor the patient. If laboratory values return to baseline, weigh the potential risks against the benefits of restarting REZDIFFRA. If laboratory values do not return to baseline, consider DI-ALH or autoimmune liver disease in the evaluation of elevations in liver tests.

Gallbladder-Related Adverse Reactions

In clinical trials, cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis, and obstructive pancreatitis (gallstone) were observed more often in REZDIFFRA-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients. If cholelithiasis is suspected, gallbladder diagnostic studies and appropriate clinical follow-up are indicated. If an acute gallbladder event is suspected, interrupt REZDIFFRA treatment until the event is resolved [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Drug Interaction with Certain Statins 

An increase in exposure of atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin and simvastatin was observed when concomitantly administered with REZDIFFRA [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to these drugs. Dosage adjustment for certain statins is recommended [see Drug Interactions (7.2)]. Monitor for statin-related adverse reactions including but not limited to elevation of liver tests, myopathy, and rhabdomyolysis.

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 with rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

The safety of REZDIFFRA was evaluated in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that enrolled a total of 2019 patients.

Trial 1

Trial 1 included patients who had noncirrhotic NASH with stages F2 and F3 fibrosis at eligibility (n=888) [see Clinical Studies (14)].

Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuations

The exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIRs) per 100 person-years (PY) for treatment discontinuation due to any adverse reaction were higher in the REZDIFFRA dosage arms: 4 per 100 PY, 5 per 100 PY, and 8 per 100 PY in placebo, REZDIFFRA 80 mg once daily, and REZDIFFRA 100 mg once daily arms, respectively. Diarrhea and nausea were the most common causes of treatment discontinuation.

Common Adverse Reactions

Table 1 displays EAIRs per 100 PY for the common adverse reactions that occurred in at least 5% of patients with F2 or F3 fibrosis treated in either drug arm with REZDIFFRA and were greater than that reported for placebo.

Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions

The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions was higher for the REZDIFFRA drug arms compared to placebo. The EAIRs for gastrointestinal adverse reactions were 57 per 100 PY, 73 per 100 PY, and 89 per 100 PY in the placebo, REZDIFFRA 80 mg once daily, REZDIFFRA 100 mg once daily arms, respectively.

Diarrhea typically began early in treatment initiation and was mild to moderate in severity. The median time (Q1 to Q3) to a diarrheal event was 39 (2 to 195) days, 17 (3 to 70) days, and 6 (2 to 54) days in the placebo, REZDIFFRA 80 mg once daily, and REZDIFFRA 100 mg once daily arms, respectively.

Median duration of diarrhea was 9 days for placebo compared to 20 days for both REZDIFFRA 80 mg once daily and REZDIFFRA 100 mg once daily dosage arms.

Nausea also began early in treatment and was mild to moderate in severity. Among patients with nausea, the median time (Q1 to Q3) to a nausea event was 85 (24 to 347) days, 28 (2 to 162) days, and 5 (2 to 40) days in the placebo, REZDIFFRA 80 mg once daily, and REZDIFFRA 100 mg once daily arms, respectively. Median duration of nausea was 17 days, 26 days, and 28 days for patients in the placebo, REZDIFFRA 80 mg once daily, and REZDIFFRA 100 mg once daily arms, respectively.

Vomiting and abdominal pain adverse reactions were mild to moderate in severity.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Reactions such as urticaria and rash, which may reflect drug hypersensitivity, were observed in patients receiving REZDIFFRA. The EAIRs for urticaria were 0.2 per 100 PY, 0.7 per 100 PY, and 1.5 per 100 PY in the placebo, REZDIFFRA 80 mg once daily, and REZDIFFRA 100 mg once daily arms, respectively. The EAIRs for rash were 3 per 100 PY in the placebo and REZDIFFRA 80 mg once daily arms compared to 5 per 100 PY in the REZDIFFRA 100 mg once daily arm.

Gallbladder-Related Adverse Reactions

A higher incidence of cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis, and obstructive pancreatitis (gallstone) was observed in the treatment arms compared to placebo. However, the EAIRs for these events were less than 1 per 100 PY for all treatment arms.

Less Common Adverse Reactions

Additional adverse reactions that occurred more frequently in the REZDIFFRA arms compared to placebo, in less than 5% of patients, included decreased appetite, flatulence, abnormal feces, dysgeusia, vertigo, arrhythmia, palpitations, depression, erythema, hypoglycemia, tendinopathy, abnormal uterine bleeding.

Laboratory Abnormalities 

Liver Tests

Increases in mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were observed in the first 4 weeks after initiating treatment with REZDIFFRA. In both REZDIFFRA dosage arms, the mean elevation in ALT and AST values was less than 1.5 times baseline at 4 weeks after treatment initiation. These values returned to baseline around 8 weeks after initiating treatment.

Table 2 presents the frequency of liver test elevations during Trial 1.

Thyroid Function Tests

A decrease in levels of prohormone free T4 (FT4) of mean 2%, 13%, and 17% was seen at 12 months in patients treated with placebo, REZDIFFRA 80 mg once daily, and REZDIFFRA 100 mg once daily, respectively, with minimal changes in active hormone T3 or in TSH. There were no clinical findings associated with FT4 decreases.

Additional Safety Data

The safety evaluation of REZDIFFRA also included an analysis of an additional randomized placebo-controlled safety trial which included 969 patients from a relevant patient population (placebo [n=318], REZDIFFRA 80 mg once daily [n=327], and REZDIFFRA 100 mg once daily [n=324]).

Data from the safety trial was combined with data from NASH patients with F2 and F3 fibrosis at eligibility (n=888) and data from an additional 162 patients from a relevant patient population enrolled in Trial 1. In the combined safety population (n=2019), the median (Q1 to Q3) age of patients at baseline was 58 (50 to 65) years; 55% were female, 28% were Hispanic, 89% were White, 2% were Asian, and 4% were Black or African American.

The safety profile from this combined analysis was similar to that in Trial 1, other than the one case of hepatotoxicity in the safety trial [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Effects of Other Drugs on REZDIFFRA  

Table 3 includes clinically significant drug interactions affecting REZDIFFRA. 

Effects of REZDIFFRA on Other Drugs

Table 4 includes clinically significant drug interactions affecting other drugs.

Mechanism of Action

Resmetirom is a partial agonist of the thyroid hormone receptor-beta (THR-β). Resmetirom produced 83.8% of the maximum response compared to triiodothyronine (T3), with an EC50 of 0.21 µM in an in vitro functional assay for THR-β activation. The same functional assay for thyroid hormone receptor-alpha (THR-α) agonism showed 48.6% efficacy for resmetirom relative to T3, with an EC50 of 3.74 µM. THR-β is the major form of THR in the liver, and stimulation of THR-β in the liver reduces intrahepatic triglycerides, whereas actions of thyroid hormone outside the liver, including in heart and bone, are largely mediated through THR-α.

Pharmacodynamics

Liver Fat Content

Resmetirom decreases liver fat content as measured by magnetic resonance imaging-protein density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) or FibroScan controlled attenuation parameter (CAP).

Reductions in liver fat content by MRI-PDFF were observed at 16 (the first assessment) and 52 weeks of treatment. Reductions in liver fat content by CAP were observed at 52 weeks of treatment.

Prohormone FT4

Resmetirom decreased concentrations of prohormone FT4 were observed at the first assessment at 4 weeks of treatment. Similar decreases in FT4 were observed during the treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

Resmetirom increased concentrations of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were observed at the first assessment at 4 weeks of treatment, and at longer durations of treatment. The clinical significance of this change is unknown.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

At a dose two times the maximum recommended dose, resmetirom does not prolong the QT interval to any clinically relevant extent.

Pharmacokinetics 

Following once daily doses, steady state is typically reached within 3 to 6 days of dosing. Resmetirom steady state exposure increases in a dose proportional manner between doses of 40 mg (0.5 times the lowest approved recommended dose) and 100 mg. Resmetirom exposure increases in a greater than dose proportional manner between doses of 100 mg and 200 mg (2 times the highest approved recommended dose) by about 5.6-fold. Resmetirom exposure increased 1.5- to 3-fold following once daily dosing; however, the MGL-3623 metabolite does not accumulate. The estimated resmetirom systemic exposure at steady state in NASH patients is summarized in Table 5. Resmetirom exposure is similar between NASH patients with F2 stage fibrosis and F3 stage fibrosis.

Absorption

The resmetirom median time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) is approximately 4 hours following multiple daily doses of resmetirom 80 mg or 100 mg.

Effect of Food

No clinically significant differences in resmetirom pharmacokinetics were observed following administration with a high-fat meal (approximately 150, 250, and 500-600 calories from protein, carbohydrate, and fat, respectively). Concomitant food administration resulted in a 33% decrease in Cmax, an 11% decrease in AUC, and a delay in median Tmax by about 2 hours compared to under fasted condition.

Distribution

Resmetirom apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) at steady-state is 68 (227%) L. Resmetirom is greater than 99% protein-bound.

Elimination

Resmetirom median terminal plasma half-life (t½) is 4.5 hours and the steady state apparent clearance (CL/F) is 17.5 (56.3%) L/h.

Metabolism

Resmetirom is metabolized by CYP2C8 and is not metabolized by other CYP enzymes in vitro.

MGL-3623 is a major metabolite with a 28-times lower potency for THR-β than resmetirom. MGL-3623 represents 33% to 51% of resmetirom AUC at steady state following administration of 100 mg once daily.

Excretion

Following oral administration of a 100 mg radio-labeled dose of resmetirom, approximately 67% of the total radioactive dose was recovered in the feces, mostly as metabolites and 24% of the total radioactive dose was recovered in the urine. Unchanged labeled resmetirom was not detected in feces and accounted for 1% of the dose recovered in urine. A metabolite MGL-3623 accounted for 3.3% and 16% of the dose recovered in feces and urine, respectively. Oxalic acid metabolite was observed in plasma but not in urine.

Specific Populations

No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of resmetirom were observed based on age (18 to 83 years), sex, race (White, Black, or Asian), or ABCG2 genotype (BCRP p.Gln141Lys, p.Val12Met).

Population PK analyses indicated no clinically significant difference in the pharmacokinetics of resmetirom by mild to moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD)). The effect of severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, MDRD) on resmetirom pharmacokinetics is unknown.

Body Weight

A clinically significant difference in resmetirom exposure was not observed with the recommended weight-based dosage. However, resmetirom CL/F and Vd/F increase with increasing body weight, resulting in lower resmetirom exposure in patients with higher body weight receiving the same dosage as lower weight patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

Patients with Hepatic Impairment

Patients with Hepatic Impairment: Following repeated 80 mg once daily dosing of resmetirom for 6 days, resmetirom AUC was 1.3-fold, 2.7-fold and 19-fold higher in patients with mild, moderate and severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A, B and C), respectively compared to subjects with normal hepatic function. Resmetirom Cmax was 1.2-fold, 1.7-fold and 8.1-fold higher in patients with mild, moderate and severe hepatic impairment, respectively, compared to subjects with normal hepatic function (Table 6).

In the same study, MGL-3623 AUCtau was 1.3-fold, 2-fold and 5.8-fold higher in patients with mild, moderate and severe hepatic impairment, respectively, compared to subjects with normal hepatic function [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].

NASH Patients with Mild Hepatic Impairment (Child-Pugh A): Geometric mean AUC and Cmax in NASH cirrhosis patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A; n = 20) were 6% higher and 10% lower, respectively, compared to non-cirrhotic NASH patients following repeated 100 mg once daily dosing of resmetirom for 6 days. The safety and effectiveness of resmetirom have not been established in patients with NASH cirrhosis.

Drug Interaction Studies

Clinical Studies

Moderate CYP2C8 Inhibitors: Resmetirom Cmax increased 1.3-fold and AUC 1.7-fold following concomitant use of multiple doses of resmetirom 100 mg/day with clopidogrel (a moderate CYP2C8 inhibitor) at steady-state in healthy subjects [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

CYP2C8 Substrates: Pioglitazone (a CYP2C8 substrate) Cmax was unchanged and AUC increased 1.5-fold following concomitant use of a single oral dose of pioglitazone (15 mg) with resmetirom at steady state (100 mg/day) in healthy subjects [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Simvastatin: Simvastatin (OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 substrate) Cmax increased 1.4-fold and AUC 1.7- fold following concomitant use of a single oral dose of simvastatin (20 mg) with resmetirom at steady state (100 mg/day) in healthy subjects [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

Rosuvastatin: Rosuvastatin (BCRP, OATP1B1, and OATP1B3 substrate) Cmax increased 2.9-fold and AUC 1.8-fold following concomitant use of a single oral dose of rosuvastatin (10 mg) with resmetirom at steady state (at two times the highest recommended dosage) in healthy subjects [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

Pravastatin: Pravastatin (OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 substrate) Cmax increased 1.3-fold and AUC 1.4-fold following concomitant use of a single oral dose of pravastatin (40 mg) with resmetirom at steady state (100 mg/day) in healthy subjects [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

Atorvastatin: Atorvastatin (BCRP, OATP1B1, and OATP1B3 substrate) Cmax was unchanged and AUC increased 1.4-fold following concomitant use of a single oral dose of atorvastatin (20 mg) with resmetirom at steady state (100 mg/day) in healthy subjects. Atorvastatin lactone Cmax increased 2.0-fold and AUC increased 1.8-fold [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

Other Drugs: No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of R-warfarin or S-warfarin were observed when used concomitantly with resmetirom.

In Vitro Studies

CYP450 Enzymes: Resmetirom is an inhibitor of CYP2C8.

Glucuronidation Enzymes: Resmetirom is an inhibitor of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) 1A4 and 1A9. The clinical relevance of UGT1A4 and UGT1A9 inhibition is unknown.

Transporters: Resmetirom is a substrate for organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATP) 1B1 and 1B3 and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). Resmetirom inhibits OATP1B1, OATP1B3, BCRP, OAT3, and bile salt export pump (BSEP). The clinical significance of OAT3 and BSEP inhibition is unknown.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

In a 2-year study in CD-1 mice, resmetirom produced leiomyoma or leiomyosarcoma in the uterus at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day (51 times the maximum recommended dose based on AUC). No tumorigenic effects were observed in female mice at doses of up to 30 mg/kg/day (14 times the maximum recommended dose based on AUC) or in male mice at doses of up to 100 mg/kg/day (35 times the maximum recommended dose based on AUC).

In a 2-year study in Sprague-Dawley rats, resmetirom produced benign fibroadenoma in the mammary gland of males at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day (6.5 times the maximum recommended dose based on AUC). No tumorigenic effects were observed in male rats at doses of up to 6 mg/kg/day (3.7 times the maximum recommended dose based on AUC) or in female rats at doses of up to 30 mg/kg/day (3.4 times the maximum recommended dose based on AUC).

In a 26-week study in transgenic [CByB6F1-Tg(HRAS)2Jic] mice, the major metabolite of resmetirom, MGL-3623, was not tumorigenic at doses of up to 1500 mg/kg/day.

Mutagenesis

Resmetirom was negative in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay, the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes, the in vitro micronucleus assay in L5178Y tk+/- mouse lymphoma cells, and the in vivo rat micronucleus assay.

The metabolite MGL-3623 was negative in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay and the in vivo rat micronucleus assay. MGL-3623 tested positive in the presence of metabolic activation in the in vitro micronucleus assay with TK6 human lymphoblast cells, with the increase in micronuclei limited to a single concentration that produced 59% growth inhibition.

Impairment of Fertility

Resmetirom had no effects on fertility or reproductive function in male and female rats at oral doses of up to 30 mg/kg/day (6.9 times and 2.6 times the maximum recommended dose in male and female rats, respectively, based on AUC).