Get your patient on Signifor (Pasireotide)

SIGNIFOR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Cushing's disease for whom pituitary surgery is not an option or has not been curative.

The recommended dosage range of SIGNIFOR is 0.3 mg to 0.9 mg by subcutaneous injection twice a day. The recommended initial dose is either 0.6 mg or 0.9 mg twice a day. Titrate dose based on response and tolerability.

Patients should be evaluated for a treatment response [clinically meaningful reduction in 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels and/or improvement in signs or symptoms of the disease] and should continue receiving therapy with SIGNIFOR as long as benefit is derived [see Clinical Studies (14)] . Maximum UFC reduction is typically seen by two months of treatment [see Clinical Studies (14)] . For patients who are started on 0.6 mg twice a day, a dosage increase to 0.9 mg twice a day may be considered based on the response to the treatment, as long as the 0.6 mg dosage is well tolerated by the patient.

Management of suspected adverse reactions may require temporary dose reduction of SIGNIFOR. Dose reduction by 0.3 mg decrements per injection is suggested.

Prior to the start of SIGNIFOR, patients should have baseline levels of the following:

• fasting plasma glucose (FPG) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• liver tests [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• serum potassium and magnesium levels [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]

Patients should also have a baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) and gallbladder ultrasound [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3, 5.5)] .

Treatment of patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus should be intensively optimized with anti-diabetic therapy prior to starting SIGNIFOR [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] .

For patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B), the recommended initial dosage is 0.3 mg twice a day and the maximum dosage is 0.6 mg twice a day. Avoid the use of SIGNIFOR in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)] .

Instruct patients to:

• Refer to the FDA-approved patient labeling (Instructions for Use) for detailed administration instructions.
  
• Prior to injection, visually inspect the product for particulate matter and discoloration. Do not use if particulates and/or discoloration are observed.
  
• Avoid injection in sites showing signs of inflammation or irritation.
  
• Prior to injection, gently pinch the skin at the injection site and hold the needle/syringe at an angle of approximately 45 degrees.
  
• Administer SIGNIFOR subcutaneously by self-injection into the top of the thigh or the abdomen.
  
• Avoid multiple subcutaneous injections at the same site within short periods of time. Use of the same injection site for 2 consecutive injections is not recommended.
  
• If a dose of SIGNIFOR is missed, the next injection should be administered at the scheduled time. Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose.

Risk Summary

The limited data with SIGNIFOR in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. In embryo-fetal development studies in rabbits, findings indicating developmental delay were observed with subcutaneous administration of pasireotide during organogenesis at doses less than the exposure in humans at the highest recommended dose; maternal toxicity was not observed at this dose (see Data) .

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

Data

Animal Data

In embryo-fetal development studies in rats given 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day subcutaneously throughout organogenesis, maternal toxicity was observed at all doses, including the lowest dose tested which had exposures 4 times higher than that at the maximum therapeutic dose based on area under the curve (AUC) comparisons across species. An increased incidence of early/total resorptions and malrotated limbs was observed in rats at 10 mg/kg/day. At 10 mg/kg/day in rats, the maternal systemic exposure (AUC) was 42179 ng•hr/mL, approximately 144 times the exposure in humans at the highest recommended dose of 900 mcg SIGNIFOR administered as a subcutaneous injection twice a day.

In embryo-fetal development studies in rabbits given 0.05, 1, and 5 mg/kg/day subcutaneously through organogenesis, maternal toxicity was observed at 1 mg/kg/day, at a maternal systemic exposure (AUC) of 1906 ng•hr/mL, approximately 7 times higher than the maximum human therapeutic exposure. An increased incidence of unossified forepaw phalanx, indicative of a developmental retardation, was observed in rabbits at 0.05 mg/kg/day, with maternal systemic exposures less than the systemic exposure in humans at the highest recommended dose.

In pre- and post-natal developmental studies in rats given subcutaneous doses of 2, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day during gestation through lactation and weaning, maternal toxicity was observed at all doses, including the lowest dose (12 times higher than the maximum therapeutic dose based on surface area comparisons across species). Retardation of physiological growth, attributed to GH inhibition was observed at 2 mg/kg/day during a pre- and post-natal study in rats. After weaning, body weight gains in the rat pups (F1 generation) exposed to pasireotide were comparable to controls, showing reversibility of this developmental delay.

Risk Summary

There is no information available on the presence of SIGNIFOR in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Studies show that pasireotide administered subcutaneously passes into the milk of lactating rats; however, due to species-specific differences in lactation physiology, animal data may not reliably predict drug levels in human milk (see Data) . The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for SIGNIFOR and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from SIGNIFOR or from the underlying maternal condition.

Data

Available data in animals have shown excretion of pasireotide in milk. After a single 1 mg/kg [ ¹⁴ C]-pasireotide subcutaneous dose to lactating rats, the transfer of radioactivity into milk was observed. The overall milk:plasma (M/P) exposure ratio of total radioactivity was 0.28, based on AUC _0-∞ values.

Discuss the potential for unintended pregnancy with premenopausal women as the therapeutic benefits of a reduction or normalization of serum cortisol levels in female patients with Cushing's disease treated with pasireotide may lead to improved fertility.

Safety and effectiveness of SIGNIFOR have not been established in pediatric patients.

Clinical studies of SIGNIFOR did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

Dose adjustment is not required in patients with mild impaired hepatic function (Child-Pugh A), but is required for patients with moderately impaired hepatic function (Child-Pugh B) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Avoid the use of SIGNIFOR in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C).

No dosage adjustment of SIGNIFOR in patients with impaired renal function is required [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .

Treatment with SIGNIFOR leads to suppression of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion in Cushing's disease. Suppression of ACTH may lead to a decrease in circulating levels of cortisol and potentially hypocortisolism.

Monitor and instruct patients on the signs and symptoms associated with hypocortisolism (e.g., weakness, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, hyponatremia, or hypoglycemia). If hypocortisolism occurs, consider temporary dose reduction or interruption of treatment with SIGNIFOR, as well as temporary, exogenous glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

Blood glucose elevations have been seen in healthy volunteers and patients treated with SIGNIFOR. In the clinical study [see Clinical Studies (14)] , patients developed pre-diabetes and diabetes. Nearly all patients in the study, including those with normal glucose status at baseline, pre-diabetes, and diabetes, developed worsening glycemia in the first two weeks of treatment. Cushing's disease patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 8%) may be at a higher risk of developing severe hyperglycemia and associated complications, e.g., ketoacidosis.

Assess the patient's glycemic status prior to starting treatment with SIGNIFOR. In patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, optimize anti-diabetic therapy prior to SIGNIFOR initiation. Glycemic monitoring should be done every week for the first two to three months and periodically thereafter, as well as over the first two to four weeks after any dose increase. If hyperglycemia develops, initiate or adjust anti-diabetic treatment per standard of care. If uncontrolled hyperglycemia persists despite appropriate treatment, reduce the dose or discontinue SIGNIFOR and perform glycemic monitoring according to clinical practice. Patients who were initiated on anti-diabetic treatment as a result of SIGNIFOR require closer monitoring after discontinuation of SIGNIFOR, especially if the anti-diabetic therapy has a risk of causing hypoglycemia.

Bradycardia

Bradycardia has been reported with the use of SIGNIFOR [see Adverse Reactions (6)] . Patients with cardiac disease and/or risk factors for bradycardia, such as history of clinically significant bradycardia, high-grade heart block, or concomitant use of drugs associated with bradycardia, should be carefully monitored. Dose adjustments of beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or correction of electrolyte disturbances may be necessary.

QT Prolongation

SIGNIFOR is associated with QT prolongation. In two thorough QT studies with SIGNIFOR, QT prolongation occurred at therapeutic and supra-therapeutic doses. SIGNIFOR should be used with caution in patients who are at significant risk of developing prolongation of QTc, such as those:

• with congenital long QT prolongation.
• with uncontrolled or significant cardiac disease, including recent myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, unstable angina, or clinically significant bradycardia.
• on anti-arrhythmic therapy or other substances that are known to lead to QT prolongation.
• with hypokalemia and/or hypomagnesemia.

A baseline ECG is recommended prior to initiating therapy with SIGNIFOR and monitoring for an effect on the QTc interval is advisable. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia must be corrected prior to SIGNIFOR administration and should be monitored periodically during therapy.

In the Phase III trial, 5% of patients had an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). In the entire clinical development program of SIGNIFOR, there were 4 cases of concurrent elevations in ALT greater than 3 x ULN and bilirubin greater than 2 x ULN: one patient with Cushing's disease and 3 healthy volunteers [see Adverse Reactions (6)] . In these cases, total bilirubin elevations were seen either concomitantly or preceding the transaminase elevation.

Monitoring of liver tests should be done after 1- to 2 weeks on treatment, then monthly for 3 months, and every 6 months thereafter. If ALT is normal at baseline and elevations of ALT of 3-5 times the ULN are observed on treatment, repeat the test within a week or within 48 hours if exceeding 5 times ULN. If ALT is abnormal at baseline and elevations of ALT of 3 to 5 times the baseline values are observed on treatment, repeat the test within a week or sooner if exceeding 5 times ULN. Tests should be done in a laboratory that can provide same-day results. If the values are confirmed or rising, interrupt SIGNIFOR treatment and investigate for probable cause of the findings, which may or may not be SIGNIFOR-related. Serial measures of ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin, should be done weekly, or more frequently, if any value exceeds 5 times the baseline value in case of abnormal baselines, or 5 times the ULN in case of normal baselines. If resolution of abnormalities to normal or near normal occurs, resuming treatment with SIGNIFOR may be done cautiously, with close observation, and only if some other likely cause has been found.

Cholelithiasis has been frequently reported in clinical studies with SIGNIFOR [see Adverse Reactions (6)] . There have been postmarketing reports of cholelithiasis (gallstones) resulting in complications, including cholecystitis or cholangitis and requiring cholecystectomy in patients taking SIGNIFOR. Ultrasonic examination of the gallbladder before, and periodically during SIGNIFOR therapy is recommended. If complications of cholelithiasis are suspected, discontinue SIGNIFOR and treat appropriately.

As the pharmacological activity of SIGNIFOR mimics that of somatostatin, inhibition of pituitary hormones, other than ACTH, may occur. Monitoring of pituitary function [e.g., thyroid-stimulating harmone (TSH)/free T ₄ , GH/IGF-1] should occur prior to initiation of therapy with SIGNIFOR and periodically during treatment should be considered as clinically appropriate. Patients who have undergone transsphenoidal surgery and pituitary irradiation are particularly at increased risk for deficiency of pituitary hormones.

New onset steatorrhea, stool discoloration and loose stools have been reported in patients receiving somatostatin analogs, including pasireotide products. Somatostatin analogs reversibly inhibit secretion of pancreatic enzymes and bile acids, which may result in malabsorption of dietary fats and subsequent symptoms of steatorrhea, loose stools, abdominal bloating, and weight loss. If new occurrence or worsening of these symptoms are reported in patients receiving SIGNIFOR, evaluate patients for potential pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and manage accordingly.

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

A total of 162 Cushing's disease patients were exposed to SIGNIFOR in the Phase III study [see Clinical Studies (14)] . At study entry, patients were randomized to receive twice a day doses of either 0.6 mg or 0.9 mg of SIGNIFOR given subcutaneously. The mean age of patients was approximately 40 years old with a predominance of female patients (78%). The majority of the patients had persistent or recurrent Cushing's disease (83%) and few patients (≤ 5%) in either treatment group had received previous pituitary irradiation. The median exposure to the treatment was 10.4 months (0.03-37.8) with 68% of patients having at least 6-months exposure.

In the Phase III trial, adverse reactions were reported in 98% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (frequency ≥ 20% in either group) were diarrhea, nausea, hyperglycemia, cholelithiasis, headache, abdominal pain, fatigue, and diabetes mellitus. There were no deaths during the study. Serious adverse events were reported in 25% of patients. Adverse events leading to study discontinuation were reported in 17% of patients.

Adverse reactions with an overall frequency higher than 5% are presented in Table 1 by randomized dose group and overall. Adverse reactions are ranked by frequency, with the most frequent reactions listed first.

Other notable adverse reactions which occurred with a frequency less than 5% were: anemia (4%), blood amylase increased (2%), and prothrombin time prolonged (2%).

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastrointestinal disorders, predominantly diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting were reported frequently in the Phase III trial (see Table 1). These events began to develop primarily during the first month of treatment with SIGNIFOR and required no intervention.

Hyperglycemia and Diabetes

Hyperglycemia-related terms were reported frequently in the Phase III trial. For all patients, these terms included: hyperglycemia (40%), diabetes mellitus (18%), increased HbA1c (11%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (9%). In general, increases in FPG and HbA1c were seen soon after initiation of SIGNIFOR and were sustained during the treatment period. In the SIGNIFOR 0.6 mg group, mean FPG levels increased from 98.6 mg/dL at baseline to 125.1 mg/dL at Month 6. In the SIGNIFOR 0.9 mg group, mean fasting FPG levels increased from 97.0 mg/dL at baseline to 128.0 mg/dL at Month 6. In the SIGNIFOR 0.6 mg group, HbA1c increased from 5.8% at baseline to 7.2% at Month 6. In the SIGNIFOR 0.9 mg group, HbA1c increased from 5.8% at baseline to 7.3% at Month 6 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] .

At one-month follow-up visits, following discontinuation of SIGNIFOR, mean FPG and HbA1c levels decreased but remained above baseline values. Long-term follow-up data are not available.

Elevated Liver Tests

In the Phase III trial, there were transient mean elevations in aminotransferase values in patients treated with SIGNIFOR. Mean values returned to baseline levels by Month 4 of treatment. The elevations were not associated with clinical symptoms of hepatic disease.

In the clinical development program of SIGNIFOR, there were 4 patients with concurrent elevations in ALT greater than 3 x ULN and bilirubin greater than 2 x ULN: one patient with Cushing's disease and 3 healthy volunteers [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] . In all 4 cases, the elevations were noted within the first 10 days of treatment. In all of these cases, total bilirubin elevations were seen either concomitantly or preceding the transaminase elevation. The patient with Cushing's disease developed jaundice. All 4 cases had resolution of the laboratory abnormalities with discontinuation of SIGNIFOR.

Hypocortisolism

Cases of hypocortisolism were reported in the Phase III study in Cushing's disease patients [see Adverse Reactions (6), Clinical Studies (14)] . The majority of cases were manageable by reducing the dose of SIGNIFOR and/or adding low-dose, short-term glucocorticoid therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] .

Injection-Site Reactions

Injection-site reactions were reported in 17% of patients enrolled in the Phase III trial in Cushing's disease. The events were most frequently reported as local pain, erythema, hematoma, hemorrhage, and pruritus. These events resolved spontaneously and required no intervention.

Thyroid Function

Hypothyroidism, with the use of SIGNIFOR, was reported for seven patients participating in the Phase III study in Cushing's disease. All seven patients presented with a TSH close to or below the lower limit at study entry, which precludes establishing a conclusive relationship between the adverse event and the use of SIGNIFOR.

Other Abnormal Laboratory Findings

Asymptomatic and reversible elevations in lipase and amylase were observed in patients receiving SIGNIFOR in clinical studies. Pancreatitis is a potential adverse reaction associated with the use of somatostatin analogs due to the association between cholelithiasis and acute pancreatitis.

For hemoglobin levels, mean decreases that remained within normal range were observed. Also, post-baseline elevations in prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) were noted in 33% and 47% of patients, respectively. The PT and PTT elevations were minimal.

These laboratory findings are of unclear clinical significance.

Additional adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of SIGNIFOR. 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.

• Cholelithiasis resulting in complications, including cholecystitis and cholangitis, which have sometimes required cholecystectomy

Drugs That Prolong QT

Coadministration of drugs that prolong the QT interval with SIGNIFOR may have additive effects on the prolongation of the QT interval. Caution is required when coadministering SIGNIFOR with drugs that may prolong the QT interval [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] .

Cyclosporine

Concomitant administration of cyclosporine with pasireotide may decrease the relative bioavailability of cyclosporine and, therefore, dose adjustment of cyclosporine to maintain therapeutic levels may be necessary.

Bromocriptine

Coadministration of somatostatin analogues with bromocriptine may increase the blood levels of bromocriptine. Dose reduction of bromocriptine may be necessary.

SIGNIFOR is an injectable cyclohexapeptide somatostatin analogue. Pasireotide exerts its pharmacological activity via binding to somatostatin receptors (SSTRs). Five human somatostatin receptor subtypes are known: SSTR 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. These receptor subtypes are expressed in different tissues under normal physiological conditions. Corticotroph tumor cells from Cushing's disease patients frequently over-express SSTR5 whereas the other receptor subtypes are often not expressed or are expressed at lower levels. Pasireotide binds and activates the SSTRs resulting in inhibition of ACTH secretion, which leads to decreased cortisol secretion.

The binding affinities of endogenous somatostatin and pasireotide are shown in Table 2.

Glucose Metabolism

In a randomized, double-blind mechanism study conducted in healthy volunteers, the development of hyperglycemia with pasireotide at doses of 0.6 mg twice a day and 0.9 mg twice a day was related to significant decreases in insulin secretion as well as incretin hormones (i.e., glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1] and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide [GIP]) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Adverse Reactions (6.1)] .

Cardiac Electrophysiology

QTcI interval was evaluated in a randomized, blinded, crossover study in healthy subjects investigating pasireotide doses of 0.6 mg twice a day and 1.95 mg twice a day. The maximum mean (95% upper confidence bound) placebo-subtracted QTcI change from baseline was 12.7 (14.7) ms and 16.6 (18.6) ms, respectively. Both pasireotide doses decreased heart rate, with a maximum mean (95% lower confidence bound) placebo-subtracted change from baseline of -10.9 (-11.9) beats per minute (bpm) observed at 1.5 hours for pasireotide 0.6 mg twice a day, and -15.2 (-16.5) bpm at 0.5 hours for pasireotide 1.95 mg twice a day. The supra-therapeutic dose (1.95 mg twice a day) produced mean steady-state C _max values 3.3-fold the mean C _max for the 0.6 mg twice a day dose in the study.

In healthy volunteers, pasireotide demonstrates approximately linear pharmacokinetics (PK) for a dose range from 0.0025 to 1.5 mg. In Cushing's disease patients, pasireotide demonstrates linear dose-exposure relationship in a dose range from 0.3 mg to 1.2 mg.

Absorption and Distribution

In healthy volunteers, pasireotide peak plasma concentration is reached within T _max 0.25-0.5 hour. C _max and AUC are dose-proportional following administration of single and multiple doses.

No studies have been conducted to evaluate the absolute bioavailability of pasireotide in humans. Food effect is unlikely to occur since SIGNIFOR is administered via a parenteral route.

In healthy volunteers, pasireotide is widely distributed with large apparent volume of distribution (V _z /F > 100 L). Distribution between blood and plasma is concentration independent and shows that pasireotide is primarily located in the plasma (91%). Plasma protein binding is moderate (88%) and independent of concentration.

Pasireotide has low passive permeability and is likely to be a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), but the impact of P-gp on ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) of pasireotide is expected to be low. In clinical testing in healthy volunteers, P-gp inhibition (e.g., verapamil) did not affect the rate or extent of pasireotide availability. Pasireotide is not a substrate of efflux transporter BCRP (breast cancer resistance protein), influx transporter OCT1 (organic cation transporter 1), or influx transporters OATP (organic anion-transporting polypeptide) 1B1, 1B3, or 2B1.

Metabolism and Excretion

Pasireotide was shown to be metabolically stable in human liver and kidney microsomes systems. In healthy volunteers, pasireotide in its unchanged form is the predominant form found in plasma, urine, and feces. Somatropin may increase CYP450 enzymes and, therefore, suppression of growth hormone secretion by somatostatin analogs, including pasireotide may decrease the metabolic clearance of compounds metabolized by CYP450 enzymes.

Pasireotide is eliminated mainly via hepatic clearance (biliary excretion) with a small contribution of the renal route. In a human ADME study 55.9 ± 6.63% of the radioactivity dose was recovered over the first 10 days post dosing, including 48.3 ± 8.16% of the radioactivity in feces and 7.63 ± 2.03% in urine.

The clearance (CL/F) of pasireotide in healthy volunteers and Cushing's disease patients is ~7.6 L/h and ~3.8 L/h, respectively.

Steady-State Pharmacokinetics

Following multiple subcutaneous doses, pasireotide demonstrates linear pharmacokinetics in the dose range of 0.05 to 0.6 mg once a day in healthy volunteers, and 0.3 mg to 1.2 mg twice a day in Cushing's disease patients. Based on the accumulation ratios of AUC, the calculated effective half-life (t _1/2,eff ) in healthy volunteers was approximately 12 hours (on average between 10 and 13 hours for 0.05, 0.2 and 0.6 mg once a day doses).

Specific Populations

Population PK analyses of SIGNIFOR indicate that race, body weight, age, and gender do not have a clinically relevant influence on PK parameters. No dose adjustment is required for demographics.

Hepatic Impairment

In a clinical study with a single subcutaneous dose of 600 mcg pasireotide in subjects with impaired hepatic function (Child-Pugh A, B, and C), subjects with moderate and severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B and C) showed significantly higher exposures than subjects with normal hepatic function. Upon comparison with the control group, AUC _inf was increased by 12%, 56%, and 42%; and C _max increased by 3%, 46%, and 33%, respectively, in the mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment groups [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6), Dosage and Administration (2.3)] .

Pediatric Patients

No studies have been performed in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] .

Geriatric Patients

No clinical pharmacology studies have been performed in geriatric patients.

Renal Impairment

Renal clearance has a minor contribution to the elimination of pasireotide in humans. In a clinical study with a single subcutaneous dose of 900 mcg pasireotide, in subjects with impaired renal function, renal impairment of mild, moderate, or severe degree or end stage renal failure, did not have a significant impact on the pharmacokinetics of pasireotide [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)] .

Drug Interaction Studies

There was no significant drug interaction between pasireotide and metformin, nateglinide or liraglutide.

Carcinogenesis

A life-time carcinogenicity study was conducted in rats and transgenic mice. Rats were given daily subcutaneous doses of pasireotide at 0.01, 0.05, 0.3 mg/kg/day for 104 weeks. There were no drug-related tumors in rats at exposures up to 7-fold higher than the maximum recommended clinical exposure at the 1.8 mg/day dose. Mice were given subcutaneous doses of pasireotide at 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 mg/kg/day for 26 weeks and did not identify any carcinogenic potential.

Mutagenesis

Pasireotide was not genotoxic in a battery of in vitro assays (Ames mutation test in Salmonella and Escherichia coli and mutation test in human peripheral lymphocytes). Pasireotide was not genotoxic in an in vivo rat bone marrow nucleus test.

Impairment of Fertility

Subcutaneous dosing at 0.1 mg/kg/day before mating and continuing into gestation in rats at exposures less than the human clinical exposure based on body surface area comparisons across species resulted in statistically significant increased implantation loss and decreased viable fetuses, corpora lutea, and implantation sites. Abnormal cycles or acyclicity were observed at 1 mg/kg/day (5-fold higher than the maximum therapeutic exposure based on surface area, comparisons across species).