Soliqua
(insulin glargine / lixisenatide)Dosage & Administration
Soliqua Prescribing Information
SOLIQUA 100/33 is a combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide and is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Limitations of Use:
- SOLIQUA 100/33 has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Consider other antidiabetic therapies in patients with a history of pancreatitis.
- SOLIQUA 100/33 is not recommended for use in combination with any other product containing a GLP-1 receptor agonist [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
- SOLIQUA 100/33 is not indicated for use in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
- SOLIQUA 100/33 has not been studied in patients with gastroparesis and is not recommended in patients with gastroparesis.
- SOLIQUA 100/33 has not been studied in combination with prandial insulin.
Important Dosage Information
- SOLIQUA 100/33 is a combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide.
- Administer SOLIQUA 100/33 subcutaneously once a day within the hour prior to the first meal of the day.
- The SOLIQUA 100/33 pen delivers doses from 15 to 60 units in a single injection. Table 1 presents the units of insulin glargine and the micrograms of lixisenatide in each dosage of SOLIQUA 100/33 [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
- The maximum dose of SOLIQUA 100/33 is 60 units daily (60 units insulin glargine and 20 mcg lixisenatide) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Recommended Starting Dose
In patients naive to basal insulin or to a GLP-1 receptor agonist, currently on a GLP-1 receptor agonist or currently on less than 30 units of basal insulin daily:
- Discontinue therapy with basal insulin or a GLP-1 receptor agonist prior to initiation of SOLIQUA 100/33.
- The recommended starting dosage of SOLIQUA 100/33 is 15 units (15 units insulin glargine and 5 mcg lixisenatide) given subcutaneously once daily.
In patients currently on 30 to 60 units of basal insulin daily, with or without a GLP-1 receptor agonist:
- Discontinue therapy with basal insulin or GLP-1 receptor agonist prior to initiation of SOLIQUA 100/33.
- The recommended starting dosage of SOLIQUA 100/33 is 30 units (30 units insulin glargine and 10 mcg lixisenatide) given subcutaneously once daily.
| SOLIQUA 100/33 (dose window display) * | Insulin glargine component dose | Lixisenatide component dose | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| 2 | --- | --- | Safety test dose – not for injection |
| 15 | 15 units | 5 mcg | Recommended starting dosage for patients naive to basal insulin or GLP-1 receptor agonist, currently on GLP-1 receptor agonist, or currently on less than 30 units of basal insulin daily |
| 16 | 16 units | 5.3 mcg | |
| 17 | 17 units | 5.7 mcg | |
| 18 | 18 units | 6 mcg | |
| 19 | 19 units | 6.3 mcg | |
| 20 | 20 units | 6.7 mcg | |
| 21 | 21 units | 7 mcg | |
| 22 | 22 units | 7.3 mcg | |
| 23 | 23 units | 7.7 mcg | |
| 24 | 24 units | 8 mcg | |
| 25 | 25 units | 8.3 mcg | |
| 26 | 26 units | 8.7 mcg | |
| 27 | 27 units | 9 mcg | |
| 28 | 28 units | 9.3 mcg | |
| 29 | 29 units | 9.7 mcg | |
| 30 | 30 units | 10 mcg | Recommended starting dosage for patients currently on 30 to 60 units of basal insulin daily, with or without a GLP-1 receptor agonist: |
| 31 | 31 units | 10.3 mcg | |
| 32 | 32 units | 10.7 mcg | |
| 33 | 33 units | 11 mcg | |
| 34 | 34 units | 11.3 mcg | |
| 35 | 35 units | 11.7 mcg | |
| 36 | 36 units | 12 mcg | |
| 37 | 37 units | 12.3 mcg | |
| 38 | 38 units | 12.7 mcg | |
| 39 | 39 units | 13 mcg | |
| 40 | 40 units | 13.3 mcg | |
| 41 | 41 units | 13.7 mcg | |
| 42 | 42 units | 14 mcg | |
| 43 | 43 units | 14.3 mcg | |
| 44 | 44 units | 14.7 mcg | |
| 45 | 45 units | 15 mcg | |
| 46 | 46 units | 15.3 mcg | |
| 47 | 47 units | 15.7 mcg | |
| 48 | 48 units | 16 mcg | |
| 49 | 49 units | 16.3 mcg | |
| 50 | 50 units | 16.7 mcg | |
| 51 | 51 units | 17 mcg | |
| 52 | 52 units | 17.3 mcg | |
| 53 | 53 units | 17.7 mcg | |
| 54 | 54 units | 18 mcg | |
| 55 | 55 units | 18.3 mcg | |
| 56 | 56 units | 18.7 mcg | |
| 57 | 57 units | 19 mcg | |
| 58 | 58 units | 19.3 mcg | |
| 59 | 59 units | 19.7 mcg | |
| 60 | 60 units | 20 mcg | Maximum daily dosage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] |
Titration of SOLIQUA 100/33
- After starting with the recommended dosage of SOLIQUA 100/33, [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)], titrate the dosage upwards or downwards by two to four units (see Table 2) every week based on the patient's metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal until the desired fasting plasma glucose is achieved.
- To minimize the risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, additional titration may be needed with changes in physical activity, meal patterns (i.e., macronutrient content or timing of food intake), or renal or hepatic function; during acute illness; or when used with other medications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Drug Interactions (7)].
| Self-Monitored Fasting Plasma Glucose | SOLIQUA 100/33 Dosage Adjustment |
|---|---|
| |
| Above target range | +2 units (2 units of insulin glargine and 0.66 mcg of lixisenatide) to +4 units (4 units of insulin glargine and 1.32 mcg of lixisenatide) |
| Within target range | 0 units |
| Below target range | -2 units (2 units of insulin glargine and 0.66 mcg of lixisenatide) to -4 units (4 units of insulin glargine and 1.32 mcg of lixisenatide) |
Missed Doses
Instruct patients who miss a dose of SOLIQUA 100/33 to resume the once-daily regimen as prescribed with the next scheduled dose. Do not administer an extra dose or increase the dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important Administration Instructions
- The SOLIQUA 100/33 prefilled pen is for single-patient-use only [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
- Train patients on proper use and injection technique before initiating SOLIQUA 100/33.
- Always check the SOLIQUA 100/33 label before administration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
- Visually inspect for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. Only use SOLIQUA 100/33 if the solution is clear and colorless to almost colorless.
- Inject SOLIQUA 100/33 subcutaneously into the abdominal area, thigh, or upper arm.
- Rotate injection sites within the same region from one injection to the next to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis. Do not inject into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Adverse Reactions (6)].
- During changes to a patient's insulin regimen, increase the frequency of blood glucose monitoring [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
- Do not administer intravenously or via an insulin pump.
- Use SOLIQUA 100/33 with caution in patients with visual impairment who may rely on audible clicks to dial their dose.
- The SOLIQUA 100/33 pen dials in 1-unit increments.
- Do not dilute or mix SOLIQUA 100/33 with any other insulin or solution.
- Do not split the dose of SOLIQUA 100/33.
SOLIQUA 100/33 is a clear, colorless to almost colorless solution available as:
Injection: 100 units of insulin glargine and 33 mcg of lixisenatide per mL in a 3 mL prefilled, disposable, single-patient-use SoloStar® pen.
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be risks to the fetus from exposure to lixisenatide, a component of SOLIQUA 100/33, during pregnancy. SOLIQUA 100/33 should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
The limited available data with SOLIQUA 100/33 and lixisenatide in pregnant women is not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage. Published studies with insulin glargine use during pregnancy have not reported a clear association with insulin glargine and major birth defect or miscarriage risk [see Data]. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations].
Lixisenatide administered to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis was associated with visceral closure and skeletal defects at systemic exposures that decreased maternal food intake and weight gain during gestation, and that are 1-time and 6-times higher than the 20 mcg/day highest clinical dose, respectively, based on plasma AUC [see Data].
The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6%–10% in women with pregestational diabetes with a HbA1c >7 and has been reported to be as high as 20%–25% in women with a HbA1c >10. The estimated background risk of 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.
Clinical considerations
Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk
Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, still birth, and macrosomia related morbidity.
Data
Human data
Insulin glargine
Published data do not report a clear association with insulin glargine and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes when insulin glargine is used during pregnancy. However, these studies cannot definitely establish the absence of any risk because of methodological limitations including small sample size and some lacking comparator groups.
Animal data
Animal reproduction studies were not conducted with the combined products in SOLIQUA 100/33. The following data are based on studies conducted with the individual components of SOLIQUA 100/33.
Lixisenatide
In pregnant rats receiving twice daily subcutaneous doses of 2.5, 35, or 500 mcg/kg during organogenesis (gestation day 6 to 17), fetuses were present with visceral closure defects (e.g., microphthalmia, bilateral anophthalmia, diaphragmatic hernia) and stunted growth. Impaired ossification associated with skeletal malformations (e.g., bent limbs, scapula, clavicle, and pelvis) were observed at ≥2.5 mcg/kg/dose, resulting in systemic exposure that is 1-time the 20 mcg/day clinical dose, based on plasma AUC. Decreases in maternal body weight, food consumption, and motor activity were observed concurrent with the adverse fetal findings, which confounds the interpretation of relevance of these malformations to the human risk assessment. Placental transfer of lixisenatide to developing rat fetuses is low with a concentration ratio in fetal/maternal plasma of 0.1%.
In pregnant rabbits receiving twice daily subcutaneous doses of 2.5, 25, 250 mcg/kg during organogenesis (gestation day 6 to 18), fetuses were present with multiple visceral and skeletal malformations, including closure defects, at ≥5 mcg/kg/day or systemic exposures that are 6-times the 20 mcg/day highest clinical dose, based on plasma AUC. Decreases in maternal body weight, food consumption, and motor activity were observed concurrent with the fetal findings, which confounds the interpretation of relevance of these malformations to the human risk assessment. Placental transfer of lixisenatide to developing rabbit fetuses is low with a concentration ratio in fetal/maternal plasma of ≤0.3%. In a second study in pregnant rabbits, no drug-related malformations were observed from twice daily subcutaneous doses of 0.15, 1.0, and 2.5 mcg/kg administered during organogenesis, resulting in systemic exposures up to 9-times the clinical exposure at 20 mcg/day, based on plasma AUC.
In pregnant rats given twice daily subcutaneous doses of 2, 20, or 200 mcg/kg from gestation day 6 through lactation, decreases in maternal body weight, food consumption, and motor activity were observed at all doses. Skeletal malformations and increased pup mortality were observed at 400 mcg/kg/day, which is approximately 200-times the 20 mcg/day clinical dose based on mcg/m2.
Insulin glargine
Subcutaneous reproduction and teratology studies have been performed with insulin glargine and regular human insulin in rats and Himalayan rabbits. Insulin glargine was given to female rats before mating, during mating, and throughout pregnancy at doses up to 0.36 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 2-times the recommended human subcutaneous high dose of 60 units/day (0.0364 mg/kg/day), based on mg/m2. In rabbits, doses up to 0.072 mg/kg/day, which is approximately 1-time the maximum recommended human subcutaneous dose of 60 units/day (0.0364 mg/kg/day), based on mg/m2, were administered during organogenesis. The effects of insulin glargine did not generally differ from those observed with regular human insulin in rats or rabbits. However, in rabbits, five fetuses from two litters of the high-dose group exhibited dilation of the cerebral ventricles. Fertility and early embryonic development appeared normal.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There is no information regarding the presence of lixisenatide and insulin glargine in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Endogenous insulin is present in human milk. Lixisenatide is present in rat milk [see Data].
The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for SOLIQUA 100/33 and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from SOLIQUA 100/33 or from the underlying maternal condition.
Data
Lixisenatide
A study in lactating rats showed low (9.4%) transfer of lixisenatide and its metabolites into milk and negligible (0.01%) levels of unchanged lixisenatide protein in the gastric contents of weaning offspring.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of SOLIQUA 100/33 have not been established in pediatric patients.
Geriatric Use
Of the total number of subjects (n=834) in controlled clinical studies of patients with type 2 diabetes, who were treated with SOLIQUA 100/33, 25.2% (n=210) were ≥65 years of age and 4% (n=33) were ≥75 years of age. No overall differences in effectiveness and safety were observed in the subgroup analyses across the age groups.
Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when SOLIQUA 100/33 is administered to geriatric patients. In elderly patients with diabetes, the initial dosing, dose increments, and maintenance dosage should be conservative to avoid hypoglycemic reactions. Hypoglycemia may be difficult to recognize in the elderly.
Renal Impairment
Frequent glucose monitoring and dose adjustment may be necessary for SOLIQUA 100/33 in patients with renal impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Insulin Glargine
Some studies with human insulin have shown increased circulating levels of insulin in patients with renal failure.
Lixisenatide
In patients with mild and moderate renal impairment no dose adjustment is required but close monitoring for lixisenatide related adverse reactions and for changes in renal function is recommended because of higher incidences of hypoglycemia, nausea and vomiting that were observed in these patients. Increased gastrointestinal adverse reactions may lead to dehydration and acute renal failure and worsening of chronic failure in these patients.
Clinical experience in patients with severe renal impairment is limited as there were only 5 patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR 15 to less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) exposed to lixisenatide in all controlled studies. Lixisenatide exposure was higher in these patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Patients with severe renal impairment exposed to lixisenatide should be closely monitored for occurrence of gastrointestinal adverse reactions and for changes in renal function.
There is no therapeutic experience in patients with end-stage renal disease (eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2), and it is not recommended to use SOLIQUA 100/33 in this population.
Hepatic Impairment
The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of SOLIQUA 100/33 has not been studied. Frequent glucose monitoring and dose adjustment may be necessary for SOLIQUA 100/33 in patients with hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Patients with Gastroparesis
Lixisenatide slows gastric emptying. Patients with preexisting gastroparesis were excluded from clinical trials of SOLIQUA 100/33. SOLIQUA 100/33 is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis.
SOLIQUA 100/33 is contraindicated:
- During episodes of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
- In patients with serious hypersensitivity to insulin glargine, lixisenatide, or any of the excipients in SOLIQUA 100/33. Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis have occurred with both lixisenatide and insulin glargine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Anaphylaxis and Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions
In clinical trials of lixisenatide there have been cases of anaphylaxis (frequency of 0.1% or 10 cases per 10,000 patient-years) and other serious hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema. Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, generalized skin reactions, angioedema, bronchospasm, hypotension, and shock can occur with insulins, including insulin glargine. There have been postmarketing reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema, in patients treated with SOLIQUA 100/33 [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
Inform and closely monitor patients with a history of anaphylaxis or angioedema with another GLP-1 receptor agonist for allergic reactions, because it is unknown whether such patients will be predisposed to anaphylaxis with SOLIQUA 100/33. SOLIQUA 100/33 is contraindicated in patients with known serious hypersensitivity to lixisenatide or insulin glargine [see Contraindications (4)]. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, the patient should discontinue SOLIQUA 100/33 and promptly seek medical attention.
Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, has been reported postmarketing in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. In clinical trials of lixisenatide there were 21 cases of pancreatitis among lixisenatide-treated patients and 14 cases in comparator-treated patients (incidence rate of 21 vs 17 per 10,000 patient-years). Lixisenatide cases were reported as acute pancreatitis (n=3), pancreatitis (n=12), chronic pancreatitis (n=5), and edematous pancreatitis (n=1). Some patients had risk factors for pancreatitis, such as a history of cholelithiasis or alcohol abuse.
After initiation of SOLIQUA 100/33, observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis (including persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back and which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting). If pancreatitis is suspected, promptly discontinue SOLIQUA 100/33 and initiate appropriate management. If pancreatitis is confirmed, restarting SOLIQUA 100/33 is not recommended. Consider antidiabetic therapies other than SOLIQUA 100/33 in patients with a history of pancreatitis.
Never Share a SOLIQUA 100/33 Prefilled Pen Between Patients
SOLIQUA 100/33 prefilled pens must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Sharing of the pen poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen
Changes in insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] or hyperglycemia. Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis have been reported to result in hyperglycemia; and a sudden change in the injection site (to unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions (6)].
Make any changes to a patient's insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Advise patients who have repeatedly injected into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis to change the injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia. Adjustments in concomitant oral antidiabetic treatment may be needed. When converting from basal insulin therapy or a GLP-1 receptor agonist to SOLIQUA 100/33 follow dosing recommendations [see Dosage and Administration (2.2, 2.3)].
Overdose Due to Medication Errors
SOLIQUA 100/33 contains two drugs: insulin glargine and lixisenatide. Administration of more than 60 units of SOLIQUA 100/33 daily can result in overdose of the lixisenatide component. Do not exceed the 20-mcg maximum recommended dose of lixisenatide or use with other glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.
Accidental mix-ups between insulin products have been reported. To avoid medication errors between SOLIQUA 100/33 and other insulins, instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction associated with insulin-containing products, including SOLIQUA 100/33 [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may be life-threatening or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place an individual and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery). SOLIQUA 100/33 (an insulin-containing product), or any insulin, should not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia [see Contraindications (4)].
Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly, and symptoms may differ in each individual and change over time in the same individual. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes, in patients with diabetic nerve disease, in patients using medications that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) [see Drug Interactions (7.1)], or in patients who experience recurrent hypoglycemia.
Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia
The risk of hypoglycemia generally increases with intensity of glycemic control. The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is related to the duration of action of the insulin and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal. As with all insulin-containing preparations, the glucose lowering effect time course of SOLIQUA 100/33 may vary in different individuals or at different times in the same individual and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection-site blood supply and temperature [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].
Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to coadministered medication [see Drug Interactions (7.1)]. Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6, 8.7)].
Risk Mitigation Strategies for Hypoglycemia
Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an essential role in the prevention and management of hypoglycemia. In patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia, increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended.
The long-acting effect of insulin glargine may delay recovery from hypoglycemia.
Acute Kidney Injury
Acute kidney injury and worsening of chronic renal failure, which may sometimes require hemodialysis, has been reported post marketing in patients treated with SOLIQUA 100/33. Some of these events were reported in patients without known underlying renal disease. A majority of the reported events occurred in patients who had experienced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration.
Monitor renal function when initiating or escalating doses of SOLIQUA 100/33 in patients with renal impairment and in patients reporting severe gastrointestinal reactions. Advise patients of the potential risk of dehydration due to gastrointestinal adverse reactions and take precautions to avoid fluid depletion. SOLIQUA 100/33 is not recommended in patients with end-stage renal disease [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Immunogenicity
Patients may develop antibodies to insulin and lixisenatide following treatment. A pooled analysis of studies of lixisenatide-treated patients showed that 70% were antibody positive at Week 24. In the subset of patients (2.4%) with the highest antibody concentrations (>100 nmol/L), an attenuated glycemic response was observed. A higher incidence of allergic reactions and injection-site reactions occurred in antibody positive patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
If there is worsening glycemic control or failure to achieve targeted glycemic control, significant injection-site reactions or allergic reactions, alternative antidiabetic therapy should be considered.
Hypokalemia
All insulin-containing products, including SOLIQUA 100/33, cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia if indicated (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering medications, patients taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentrations).
Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of PPAR-gamma Agonists
Thiazoidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists, can cause dose-related fluid retention, particularly when used in combination with insulin-containing products, including SOLIQUA 100/33. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate heart failure. Patients treated with SOLIQUA 100/33 and a PPAR-gamma agonist should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure. If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care, and discontinuation or dose reduction of the PPAR-gamma agonist must be considered.
Acute Gallbladder Disease
Acute events of gallbladder disease such as cholelithiasis or cholecystitis have been reported in GLP-1 receptor agonist trials and postmarketing. In a cardiovascular outcomes trial, cholelithiasis occurred in 0.4% of lixisenatide-treated patients versus 0.2% in placebo-treated patients and acute cholecystitis in 0.3% of lixisenatide-treated patients versus 0.2% in placebo-treated patients. If cholelithiasis is suspected, gallbladder studies and appropriate clinical follow-up are indicated.
Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation
SOLIQUA 100/33 delays gastric emptying [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)]. There have been rare postmarketing reports of pulmonary aspiration in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures requiring general anesthesia or deep sedation who had residual gastric contents despite reported adherence to preoperative fasting recommendations.
Available data are insufficient to inform recommendations to mitigate the risk of pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation in patients taking SOLIQUA 100/33, including whether modifying preoperative fasting recommendations or temporarily discontinuing SOLIQUA 100/33 could reduce the incidence of retained gastric contents. Instruct patients to inform healthcare providers prior to any planned surgeries or procedures if they are taking SOLIQUA 100/33.
The following adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere:
- Anaphylaxis and Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
- Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
- Acute Kidney Injury [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
- Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
- Acute Gallbladder Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)]
- Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]
Clinical Trials Experience
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 the clinical trial of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The safety of SOLIQUA 100/33 (n=834, with a mean treatment duration of 203 days) has been evaluated in two clinical studies (30 weeks duration) in type 2 diabetes patients. The studies, Study A and B [see Clinical Studies (14)], had the following characteristics: mean age was approximately 59 years; approximately 50% were male, 90% were Caucasian, 6% were Black or African American, and 18% were Hispanic. The mean duration of diabetes was 10.3 years, mean HbA1c at screening for Study A was 8.2 and Study B was 8.5. The mean BMI at baseline was 32 kg/m2. Baseline eGFR was ≥60 mL/min in 87.2% of the pooled study population and mean baseline eGFR was 83.0 mL/min/1.73 m2.
| SOLIQUA 100/33, % (n=834) | |
|---|---|
| Nausea | 10.0 |
| Nasopharyngitis | 7.0 |
| Diarrhea | 7.0 |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 5.5 |
| Headache | 5.4 |
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is the most commonly observed adverse reaction in patients using insulin, and insulin-containing products including SOLIQUA 100/33 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. The rates of reported hypoglycemia depend on the definition of hypoglycemia used, diabetes type, insulin dose, intensity of glucose control, background therapies, and other intrinsic and extrinsic patient factors. For these reasons, comparing rates of hypoglycemia in clinical trials for SOLIQUA 100/33 with the incidence of hypoglycemia for other products may be misleading and also, may not be representative of hypoglycemia rates that will occur in clinical practice.
In the SOLIQUA 100/33 program, severe hypoglycemia was defined as an event requiring assistance of another person to actively administer carbohydrate, glucagon, or other resuscitative actions and documented symptomatic hypoglycemia was defined as an event with typical symptoms of hypoglycemia accompanied by a self-monitored plasma glucose value equal to or less than 70 mg/dL (see Table 4).
No clinically important differences in risk of severe hypoglycemia between SOLIQUA 100/33 and comparators were observed in clinical trials.
| SOLIQUA 100/33 Study A N=469 | SOLIQUA 100/33 Study B N=365 | |
|---|---|---|
| ||
| Severe symptomatic hypoglycemia * (%) | 0 | 1.1 |
| Hypoglycemia (self-monitored plasma glucose <54 mg/dL) (%) | 8.1 | 17.8 |
Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions
Gastrointestinal adverse reactions are the most commonly observed adverse reaction in patients using lixisenatide. Gastrointestinal adverse reactions occur more frequently at the beginning of SOLIQUA 100/33 therapy. Gastrointestinal adverse reactions including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia, gastritis, abdominal pain, flatulence, gastroesophageal reflux disease, abdominal distension, and decreased appetite have been reported in patients treated with SOLIQUA 100/33.
In Study A, vomiting was 6.4% in the lixisenatide-treated patients versus 3.2% in the SOLIQUA 100/33–treated patients and 1.5% in the insulin glargine–treated patients; nausea was 24% in the lixisenatide-treated patients versus 9.6% in the SOLIQUA 100/33–treated patients, and 3.6% in the insulin glargine–treated patients.
Lipodystrophy
Administration of insulin subcutaneously, including SOLIQUA 100/33, has resulted in lipoatrophy (depression in the skin) or lipohypertrophy (enlargement or thickening of tissue) in some patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].
Anaphylaxis and Hypersensitivity
Lixisenatide
In the lixisenatide development program anaphylaxis cases were adjudicated. Anaphylaxis was defined as a skin or mucosal lesion of acute onset associated with at least 1 other organ system involvement. Symptoms such as hypotension, laryngeal edema or severe bronchospasm could be present but were not required for the case definition. More cases adjudicated as meeting the definition for anaphylaxis occurred in lixisenatide-treated patients (incidence rate of 0.2% or 16 cases per 10,000 patient years) than placebo-treated patient (incidence rate of 0.1% or 7 cases per 10,000 patient years).
Allergic reactions (such as anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, and urticaria) adjudicated as possibly related to the study medication were observed more frequently in lixisenatide-treated patients (0.4%) than placebo-treated patients (0.2%) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Insulin glargine
Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, generalized skin reactions, angioedema, bronchospasm, hypotension, and shock may occur with any insulin, including SOLIQUA 100/33, and may be life-threatening.
Acute Gallbladder Disease
In a cardiovascular outcomes trial, cholelithiasis occurred in 0.4% of lixisenatide-treated patients versus 0.2% in placebo-treated patients and acute cholecystitis in 0.3% of lixisenatide-treated patients versus 0.2% in placebo-treated patients.
Injection-Site Reactions
As with any insulin or GLP-1 receptor agonist–containing product, patients taking SOLIQUA 100/33 may experience injection-site reactions, including injection-site hematoma, pain, hemorrhage, erythema, nodules, swelling, discoloration, pruritus, warmth, and injection-site mass. In the clinical program the proportion of injection-site reactions occurring in patients treated with SOLIQUA 100/33 was 1.7%.
Insulin Initiation and Intensification of Glucose Control
Intensification or rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a transitory, reversible ophthalmologic refraction disorder, worsening of diabetic retinopathy, and acute painful peripheral neuropathy. However, long-term glycemic control decreases the risk of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy.
Peripheral Edema
Some patients taking insulin glargine, a component of SOLIQUA 100/33 have experienced sodium retention and edema, particularly if previously poor metabolic control is improved by intensified insulin therapy.
Weight Gain
Weight gain can occur with insulin-containing products, including SOLIQUA 100/33, and has been attributed to the anabolic effects of insulin.
Immunogenicity
SOLIQUA 100/33
As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to SOLIQUA 100/33 in the studies described below with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other products may be misleading.
After 30 weeks of treatment with SOLIQUA 100/33 in two phase 3 trials, the incidence of formation of anti-insulin glargine antibodies was 21.0% and 26.2%. In approximately 93% of the patients, anti-insulin glargine antibodies showed cross-reactivity to human insulin. The incidence of formation of anti-lixisenatide antibodies was approximately 43%.
Lixisenatide
In the pool of 9 placebo-controlled studies, 70% of patients exposed to lixisenatide tested positive for anti-lixisenatide antibodies during the trials. In the subset of patients (2.4%) with the highest antibody concentrations (>100 nmol/L), an attenuated glycemic response was observed. A higher incidence of allergic reactions and injection-site reactions occurred in antibody positive patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Anti-lixisenatide antibody characterization studies have demonstrated the potential for development of antibodies cross-reactive with endogenous GLP-1 and glucagon, but their incidence has not been fully determined and the clinical significance of these antibodies is not currently known.
No information regarding the presence of neutralizing antibodies is currently available.
Postmarketing Experience
The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Renal: acute kidney injury
Skin: Localized cutaneous amyloidosis at the injection site has occurred with insulins. Hyperglycemia has been reported with repeated insulin injections into areas of localized cutaneous amyloidosis; hypoglycemia has been reported with a sudden change to an unaffected injection site.
Hepatobiliary: cholecystitis, cholelithiasis requiring cholecystectomy
Gastrointestinal: ileus
Nervous system: dysgeusia
Pulmonary: Pulmonary aspiration has occurred in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures requiring general anesthesia or deep sedation.
Medications that Can Affect Glucose Metabolism
A number of medications affect glucose metabolism and may require dose adjustment of SOLIQUA 100/33 and particularly close monitoring.
| Drugs That May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia | |
| Drugs: | Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics. |
| Intervention: | Dose reductions and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when SOLIQUA 100/33 is coadministered with these drugs. |
| Drugs That May Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of SOLIQUA 100/33 | |
| Drugs: | Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones. |
| Intervention: | Dose increases and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when SOLIQUA 100/33 is coadministered with these drugs. |
| Drugs That May Increase or Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of SOLIQUA 100/33 | |
| Drugs: | Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia. |
| Intervention: | Dose adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when SOLIQUA 100/33 is coadministered with these drugs. |
| Drugs That May Blunt Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia | |
| Drugs: | Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine. |
| Intervention: | Increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when SOLIQUA 100/33 is coadministered with these drugs. |
Effects of Delayed Gastric Emptying on Oral Medications
Lixisenatide-containing products, including SOLIQUA 100/33, delay gastric emptying which may reduce the rate of absorption of orally administered medications. Use caution when coadministering oral medications that have a narrow therapeutic ratio or that require careful clinical monitoring. These medications should be adequately monitored when concomitantly administered with lixisenatide. If such medications are to be administered with food, patients should be advised to take them with a meal or snack when lixisenatide is not administered.
- Antibiotics, acetaminophen, or other medications that are particularly dependent on threshold concentrations for efficacy or for which a delay in effect is undesirable should be administered at least 1 hour before SOLIQUA 100/33 injection [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
- Oral contraceptives should be taken at least 1 hour before SOLIQUA 100/33 administration or 11 hours after [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
SOLIQUA 100/33 is a combination of insulin glargine, an insulin analog, and lixisenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Insulin glargine is a human insulin analog produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing a nonpathogenic laboratory strain of Escherichia coli (K12) as the production organism. The minimum potency of insulin glargine is NLT 15 units/mg. Insulin glargine differs from human insulin in that the amino acid asparagine at position A21 is replaced by glycine and two arginines are added at the C-terminus of the B-chain. Insulin glargine has low aqueous solubility at neutral pH. At pH 4 insulin glargine is completely soluble. It has a molecular weight of 6.063 kDa.
Lixisenatide is a synthetic analogue of human GLP-1, which acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Lixisenatide is a protein containing 44 amino acids, which is amidated at the C-terminal amino acid (position 44) and has a molecular weight of 4.8585 kDa.
SOLIQUA 100/33 (insulin glargine and lixisenatide) injection is a sterile, colorless to almost colorless solution for subcutaneous use. SOLIQUA 100/33 is supplied as a prefilled single-patient-use disposable pen contain 300 units of insulin glargine and 100 mcg of lixisenatide in 3 mL of a clear, colorless to almost colorless, sterile, and aqueous solution. Each mL contains 100 units of insulin glargine and 33 mcg of lixisenatide and the inactive ingredients: glycerol (20 mg), metacresol (2.7 mg), methionine (3 mg), zinc (30 mcg), and Water for Injection, USP. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust the pH. The approximate pH is 4.5.
Mechanism of Action
SOLIQUA 100/33
SOLIQUA 100/33 is a combination of insulin glargine, a basal insulin analog, and lixisenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Insulin glargine
The primary activity of insulin, including insulin glargine, is regulation of glucose metabolism. Insulin and its analogs lower blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulin inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis and enhances protein synthesis.
Lixisenatide
Lixisenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that increases glucose-dependent insulin release, decreases glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying.
Pharmacodynamics
Insulin Glargine
The combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide has no impact on the pharmacodynamics of insulin glargine. The impact of the combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide on the pharmacodynamics of lixisenatide has not been studied in phase 1 studies.
Lixisenatide
In a clinical pharmacology study in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, lixisenatide reduced fasting plasma glucose and postprandial blood glucose AUC0–300min compared to placebo (-33.8 mg/dL and -387 mg∙h/dL, respectively) following a standardized test meal. The effect on postprandial blood glucose AUC was most notable with the first meal, and the effect was attenuated with later meals in the day.
Treatment with lixisenatide 20 mcg once daily reduced postprandial glucagon levels (AUC0–300min) compared to placebo by -15.6 h∙pmol/L after a standardized test meal in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Cardiac electrophysiology (QTc)
At a dose 1.5-times the recommended dose, lixisenatide does not prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent.
Pharmacokinetics
SOLIQUA 100/33
The insulin glargine/lixisenatide ratio has no relevant impact on the PK of insulin glargine in SOLIQUA 100/33.
Compared to administration of lixisenatide alone, the Cmax is lower whereas the AUC is generally comparable when administered as SOLIQUA 100/33. The insulin glargine/lixisenatide ratio has no impact on the PK of lixisenatide in SOLIQUA 100/33. The observed differences in the PK of lixisenatide when given as SOLIQUA 100/33 or alone are not considered to be clinically relevant.
Absorption
After subcutaneous administration of insulin glargine/lixisenatide combinations, insulin glargine showed no pronounced peak. Exposure to insulin glargine ranged from 86% to 101% compared to administration of insulin glargine alone.
After subcutaneous administration of insulin glargine/lixisenatide combinations, the median tmax of lixisenatide was in the range of 2.5 to 3.0 hours. There was a small decrease in Cmax of lixisenatide of 22%–34% compared with separate simultaneous administration of insulin glargine and lixisenatide, which is not likely to be clinically significant. There are no clinically relevant differences in the rate of absorption when lixisenatide is administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or arm.
Distribution
The protein binding of lixisenatide is 55%.
Metabolism and elimination
A metabolism study in humans who received insulin glargine alone indicates that insulin glargine is partly metabolized at the carboxyl terminus of the B chain in the subcutaneous depot to form two active metabolites with in vitro activity similar to that of human insulin, M1 (21A-Gly-insulin) and M2 (21A-Gly-des-30B-Thr-insulin). Unchanged drug and these degradation products are also present in the circulation.
Lixisenatide is presumed to be eliminated through glomerular filtration, and proteolytic degradation.
After multiple dose administration in patients with type 2 diabetes, mean terminal half-life was approximately 3 hours and the mean apparent clearance (CL/F) about 35 L/h.
Special populations
Effects of age, body weight, gender, and race
Insulin glargine: Effect of age, race, and gender on the pharmacokinetics of insulin glargine has not been evaluated. In controlled clinical trials in adults with insulin glargine (100 units/mL), subgroup analyses based on age, race, and gender did not show differences in safety and efficacy.
Lixisenatide: Age, body weight, gender, and race were not observed to meaningfully affect the pharmacokinetics of lixisenatide in population PK analyses.
Renal impairment
Lixisenatide: Compared to healthy subjects (N=4), plasma Cmax of lixisenatide was increased by approximately 60%, 42%, and 83% in subjects with mild (CLcr 60–89 mL/min [N=9]), moderate (CLcr 30–59 mL/min [N=11]), and severe (CLcr 15–29 mL/min [N=8]) renal impairment. Plasma AUC was increased by approximately 34%, 69% and 124% with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment, respectively [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Drug interaction studies with SOLIQUA 100/33
Insulin glargine and lixisenatide have no relevant potential to induce or inhibit CYP isozymes and, therefore, no direct drug interaction is expected.
Beyond the interaction studies performed with the individual components no additional interaction studies were conducted with SOLIQUA 100/33.
Drug interaction studies with lixisenatide
The drug interaction studies focused on the potential for lixisenatide to influence the rate and extent of exposure to coadministered drugs due to its known delaying effect on gastric emptying.
Acetaminophen
Lixisenatide 10 mcg did not change the overall exposure (AUC) of acetaminophen following administration of a single dose of acetaminophen 1000 mg, whether before or after lixisenatide. No effects on acetaminophen Cmax and tmax were observed when acetaminophen was administered 1 hour before lixisenatide. When administered 1 or 4 hours after 10 mcg lixisenatide, Cmax of acetaminophen was decreased by 29% and 31%, respectively, and median tmax was delayed by 2.0 and 1.75 hours, respectively.
Oral contraceptives
Administration of a single dose of an oral contraceptive medicinal product (ethinylestradiol 0.03 mg/levonorgestrel 0.15 mg) 1 hour before or 11 hours after 10 mcg lixisenatide, did not change Cmax, AUC, t1/2 and tmax of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel.
Administration of the oral contraceptive 1 hour or 4 hours after lixisenatide did not affect the overall exposure (AUC) and mean terminal half-life (t1/2) of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. However, Cmax of ethinylestradiol was decreased by 52% and 39%, respectively, and Cmax of levonorgestrel was decreased by 46% and 20%, respectively, and median tmax was delayed by 1 to 3 hours.
Atorvastatin
When lixisenatide 20 mcg and atorvastatin 40 mg were coadministered in the morning for 6 days, the exposure of atorvastatin was not affected, while Cmax was decreased by 31% and tmax was delayed by 3.25 hours. No such increase for tmax was observed when atorvastatin was administered in the evening and lixisenatide in the morning but the AUC and Cmax of atorvastatin were increased by 27% and 66%, respectively.
Warfarin and other coumarin derivatives
After concomitant administration of warfarin 25 mg with repeated dosing of lixisenatide 20 mcg, there were no effects on AUC or INR (International Normalized Ratio) while Cmax was reduced by 19% and tmax was delayed by 7 hours.
Digoxin
After concomitant administration of lixisenatide 20 mcg and digoxin 0.25 mg at steady state, the AUC of digoxin was not affected. The tmax of digoxin was delayed by 1.5 hour and the Cmax was reduced by 26%.
Ramipril
After concomitant administration of lixisenatide 20 mcg and ramipril 5 mg for 6 days, the AUC of ramipril was increased by 21% while the Cmax was decreased by 63%. The AUC and Cmax of the active metabolite (ramiprilat) were not affected. The tmax of ramipril and ramiprilat were delayed by approximately 2.5 hours.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
SOLIQUA 100/33
No animal studies have been conducted with the combination of insulin glargine and lixisenatide to evaluate carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, or impairment of fertility.
Insulin glargine
In mice and rats, standard two-year carcinogenicity studies with insulin glargine were performed at doses up to 0.455 mg/kg, which was for the rat approximately 2-times and for the mouse approximately 1-times the recommended human subcutaneous high dose of 60 units/day (0.0364 mg/kg/day), based on mg/m2. The findings in female mice were not conclusive due to excessive mortality in all dose groups during the study. Histiocytomas were found at injection sites in male rats (statistically significant) and male mice (not statistically significant) in acid vehicle containing groups. These tumors were not found in female animals, in saline control, or insulin comparator groups using a different vehicle. The relevance of these findings to humans is unknown.
Insulin glargine was not mutagenic in tests for detection of gene mutations in bacteria and mammalian cells (Ames- and HGPRT-test) and in tests for detection of chromosomal aberrations (cytogenetics in vitro in V79 cells and in vivo in Chinese hamsters).
In a combined fertility and prenatal and postnatal study with insulin glargine in male and female rats at subcutaneous doses up to 0.36 mg/kg/day, which was approximately 2-times the recommended human subcutaneous maximum dose of 60 units/day (0.0364 mg/kg/day), based on mg/m2, maternal toxicity due to dose-dependent hypoglycemia, including some deaths, was observed. Consequently, a reduction of the rearing rate occurred in the high-dose group only.
Lixisenatide
Carcinogenicity studies of 2-years durations were conducted in CD-1 mice and Sprague-Dawley rats with twice daily subcutaneous doses of 40, 200, or 1000 mcg/kg. A statistically significant increase in thyroid C-cell adenomas was observed in males at 2,000 mcg/kg/day, resulting in exposures that are >180-times the human exposure achieved at 20 mcg/day based on plasma AUC.
Statistically significant increases in thyroid C-cell adenomas were seen at all doses in rats, resulting in systemic exposures that are ≥15-times the human exposure achieved at 20 mcg/day based on plasma AUC. A numerical increase in thyroid C-cell carcinomas was observed in rats at ≥400 mcg/kg/day, resulting in systemic exposures that are ≥56-times the human exposure achieved at 20 mcg/day based on plasma AUC.
Mutagenesis
Lixisenatide was not mutagenic or clastogenic in a standard battery of genotoxicity tests (bacterial mutagenicity [Ames], human lymphocyte chromosome aberration, mouse bone marrow micronucleus).
Impairment of fertility
Studies in which male and female rats received twice daily subcutaneous doses lixisenatide of 2, 29, or 414 mcg/kg prior to pairing through gestation day 6 did not indicate any adverse effects on male or female fertility in rats up to the highest dose tested, 414 mcg/kg, or approximately 400-times the clinical systemic exposure at 20 mcg/day based on mcg/m2.
Overview of Clinical Studies
SOLIQUA 100/33 was evaluated in two randomized clinical studies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In each of the active-controlled trials, treatment with SOLIQUA 100/33 produced statistically significant improvements in HbA1c.
Clinical Study in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Uncontrolled on OAD Treatment
A total of 1170 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized in an open-label, 30-week, active-controlled study (Study A: NCT05058147) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SOLIQUA 100/33 compared to the individual components, insulin glargine 100 units/mL and lixisenatide.
Patients with type 2 diabetes, treated with metformin alone or treated with metformin and a second OAD treatment that could be a sulfonylurea or a glinide or a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor or a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, and who were not adequately controlled with this treatment (HbA1c range 7.5% to 10% for patients previously treated with metformin alone and 7% to 9% for patients previously treated with metformin and a second OAD treatment) entered a run-in period for 4 weeks. During this run-in period, metformin treatment was optimized and all other OADs were discontinued. At the end of the run-in period, patients who remained inadequately controlled (HbA1c between 7% and 10%) were randomized to either SOLIQUA 100/33 (n=469), insulin glargine 100 units/mL (n=467), or lixisenatide (n=234).
The type 2 diabetes population had the following characteristics: mean age was 58.4 years, 50.6% were male, 90.1% were Caucasian, 6.7% were Black or African American, and 19.1% were Hispanic. At screening, the mean duration of diabetes was approximately 9 years, the mean BMI was approximately 31.7 kg/m2, and mean eGFR was 84.8 mL/min/1.73 m2.
SOLIQUA 100/33 and insulin glargine were to be titrated weekly to target a fasting plasma glucose goal of <100 mg/dL. Patients could not increase their dose by more than 4 units per week and the prespecified maximum dose of insulin glargine was limited to 60 units. The targeted fasting plasma glucose goal was achieved in 35% of patients in both groups at 30 weeks.
At Week 30, SOLIQUA 100/33 provided statistically significant improvement in HbA1c (p-value <0.0001) compared to insulin glargine 100 units/mL and lixisenatide-treated patients (-1.6%, -1.3%, and -0.9%). In a prespecified analysis of this primary endpoint, the differences observed were consistent with regard to baseline OAD use (metformin alone or metformin plus second OAD).
The mean difference (95% CI) in HbA1c reduction between SOLIQUA 100/33 and insulin glargine was -0.3% (-0.4, -0.2) and -0.7% (-0.8, -0.6) compared to lixisenatide.
See Table 5 for the other endpoints in the study. The difference in the glucose lowering effect observed in the trial may not necessarily reflect the effect that will be observed in the care setting where insulin glargine dosage can be different than that used in the trial.
| SOLIQUA 100/33 | Insulin Glargine 100 units/mL | Lixisenatide | |
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Number of subjects (randomized and treated) | 469 | 467 | 233 |
| HbA1c (%) | |||
| Baseline (mean; post run-in phase) | 8.1 | 8.1 | 8.1 |
| End of study (mean) | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.3 |
| LS change from baseline (mean) * | -1.6 | -1.3 | -0.9 |
| LS mean difference vs insulin glargine | -0.3 | ||
| [95% confidence interval] | [-0.4, -0.2] † | – | |
| (p-value) | (<0.0001) | ||
| LS mean difference vs lixisenatide | -0.7 | ||
| [95% confidence interval] | – | – | [-0.8, -0.6] ‡ |
| (p-value) | (<0.0001) | ||
| Number of Patients (%) reaching HbA1c <7% at week 30 | 345 (74%) | 277 (59%) | 76 (33%) |
| Fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL) | |||
| Baseline (mean) | 177.9 | 175.7 | 175.8 |
| End of study (mean) | 113.9 | 117.6 | 149.0 |
| LS change from baseline (mean) | -59.1 | -55.8 | -27.2 |
Figure 1: Mean HbA1c (%) Over Time – Randomized and Treated Population
S = Screening (Week 6), R = Run-in (Week 1), B = Baseline, MI = Multiple imputation.
INS/LIXI = fixed ratio combination, INS = Insulin Glargine, LIXI = Lixisenatide
Note: The plot included all scheduled measurements obtained during the study, including those obtained after IMP discontinuation or introduction of rescue medication.
30MI: Missing HbA1c values at Week 30 in each group were imputed using their baseline HbA1c values plus an error. The error is normally distributed with mean zero and a standard deviation set equal to the estimated pooled standard deviation.
Clinical Studies in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Uncontrolled on Basal Insulin
A total of 736 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in a randomized, 30-week, active-controlled, open-label, 2-treatment arm, parallel-group, multicenter study (Study B: NCT02058160) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SOLIQUA 100/33 compared to insulin glargine 100 units/mL.
Patients screened had type 2 diabetes were treated with basal insulin for at least 6 months, receiving a stable daily dose of between 15 and 40 units alone or combined with 1 or 2 OADs (metformin, sulfonylurea, glinide, SGLT-2 inhibitor or a DPP-4 inhibitor), had an HbA1c between 7.5% and 10% and a FPG less than or equal to 180 mg/dL or 200 mg/dL depending on their previous antidiabetic treatment.
This type 2 diabetes population had the following characteristics: Mean age was 60 years, 46.7% were male, 91.7% were Caucasian, 5.2% were Black or African American and 17.9% were Hispanic. At screening, the mean duration of diabetes was approximately 12 years, the mean BMI was approximately 31 kg/m2, mean eGFR was 80.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 86.1% of patients had an eGFR ≥60 mL/min.
After screening, eligible patients (n=1018) entered a 6-week run-in phase where patients remained on or were switched to insulin glargine 100 units/mL, if they were treated with another basal insulin, and had their insulin glargine dose titrated/stabilized while continuing metformin (if previously taken). The mean HbA1c decreased during run-in period from 8.5% to 8.1%. Any other OADs were discontinued.
At the end of the run-in period, patients with an HbA1c between 7% and 10%, FPG ≤140 mg/dL and insulin glargine daily dose of 20 to 50 units (mean of 35 units), were randomized to either SOLIQUA 100/33 (n=367) or insulin glargine 100 units/mL (n=369).
SOLIQUA 100/33 and insulin glargine were to be titrated weekly to target a fasting plasma glucose goal of <100 mg/dL. The mean dose of insulin glargine at baseline was 35 units. The maximum dose of insulin glargine allowed in the trial was 60 units (insulin dose cap) in both groups. The targeted fasting plasma glucose goal was achieved in 33% of patients in both groups at 30 weeks.
At Week 30, there was a reduction in HbA1c from baseline of -1.1% for SOLIQUA 100/33 and -0.6% for insulin glargine 100 units/mL. The mean difference (95% CI) in HbA1c reduction between SOLIQUA 100/33 and insulin glargine was -0.5 [-0.6, -0.4] and statistically significant. The trial was designed to show the contribution of the GLP-1 component to glycemic lowering and the insulin glargine dose and the dosing algorithm was selected to isolate the effect of the GLP-1 component. At the end of the trial, the doses of insulin glargine were equivalent between treatment groups. The mean final dose of SOLIQUA 100/33 and insulin glargine at week 30 was 46.7 units (for SOLIQUA 100/33: 46.7 units insulin glargine/15.6 mcg lixisenatide). The difference in effect observed in the trial may not necessarily reflect the effect that will be observed in the care setting where alternative insulin glargine dosage can be used. See Table 6 for the other endpoints in the study.
| SOLIQUA 100/33 | Insulin Glargine 100 units/mL | |
|---|---|---|
| ||
| Number of Subjects (randomized and treated) | 365 | 365 |
| HbA1c (%) | ||
| Baseline (mean; post run-in phase) | 8.1 | 8.1 |
| End of study (mean) | 6.9 | 7.5 |
| LS change from baseline (mean) * | -1.1 | -0.6 |
| Difference vs insulin glargine | -0.5 | |
| [95% confidence interval] | [-0.6, -0.4] † | |
| Patients [n (%)] reaching HbA1c <7% at week 30 ‡ | 201 (55.1%) | 108 (29.6%) |
| Fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL) | ||
| Baseline (mean) | 132.3 | 132.0 |
| End of study (mean) | 121.9 | 120.5 |
| LS change from baseline (mean) | -5.7 | -7.0 |
How Supplied
SOLIQUA 100/33 (insulin glargine and lixisenatide) injection is a clear, colorless to almost colorless solution in a 3 mL prefilled, disposable, single-patient-use pen:
| Dosage Unit/Strength | Package size | NDC # |
|---|---|---|
| 3 mL SOLIQUA 100/33 single-patient-use pen 100 units/mL insulin glargine and 33 mcg/mL lixisenatide | Package of 5 | 0024-5761-05 |
Needles are not included. Only use needles that are compatible for use with SOLIQUA 100/33 prefilled pen.
Storage
Dispense in the original sealed carton with the enclosed Instructions for Use.
Prior to first use, SOLIQUA 100/33 pen should be stored in a refrigerator, 36°F–46°F (2°C–8°C). Do not freeze. Discard SOLIQUA 100/33 if it has been frozen. Protect from light.
After first use, store at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C). Replace the pen cap after each use to protect from light.
Discard pen 28 days after first use.
Remove the needle after each injection and store the SOLIQUA 100/33 pen without a needle attached.
Mechanism of Action
SOLIQUA 100/33
SOLIQUA 100/33 is a combination of insulin glargine, a basal insulin analog, and lixisenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Insulin glargine
The primary activity of insulin, including insulin glargine, is regulation of glucose metabolism. Insulin and its analogs lower blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulin inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis and enhances protein synthesis.
Lixisenatide
Lixisenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that increases glucose-dependent insulin release, decreases glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying.
Request Soliqua Samples
Is my patient eligible for Soliqua samples?
- Your rep will communicate with you how to receive samples, when you can receive samples, the amount and more.
How do I find out who my Soliqua rep is?
- Not sure who your local Soliqua pharma rep is? Reach out to sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC and they can help you identify your rep.
Soliqua Prior Authorization Resources
Benefits investigation
Soliqua Financial Assistance Options
Copay savings program
Overview
- Reduce patient OOP costs for drug (and occasionally for drug administration/infusion costs or drug-related test costs)
Patient benefit
- A portion (or all) of patient OOP (deductible, copay), typically up to monthly and/or annual max
Patient eligibility
- Patient must enroll or activate (may permit HCPs to enroll on patient’s behalf for HCP-administered drugs)
- Generally, must have commercial insurance (rarely, may permit uninsured patients to use)
- May never be used with government insurance
How to sign up
- Cards may be downloadable digital cards or hard copies
- Some pharmacos offer debit cards with pre-loaded copay benefit
- Typically, available through multiple channels (e.g., rep to HCP to patient; pharmacy to patient; patient via website, Hub live agent, or copay vendor (live agent or IVR); patient and HCP via Hub enrollment form)
- Some HCP-administered product programs permit HCPs to enroll on a patient’s behalf through via Hub form
Foundation programs
Overview
- Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations provide direct cost-sharing and other support (e.g., travel, counseling) through disease-state funds to indigent patients on first-come first-served basis
- These organizations may receive financial contributions from drug manaufacturers for particular disease-state funds that cannot provide funds directly to patients - the foundation must be independent/unaligned
Patient benefit
- Patients apply for grants that cover a portion (or all) of their out-of-pocket costs (deductibles and copays) until the grant is exhausted
Patient eligibility
- Patients must apply and meet eligibility criteria including income level (typically a multiple of federal poverty line), specific diagnosis, insurance status, etc.
How to sign up
- Patients submit proof of out-of-pocket drug costs to charities for reimbursement