Get your patient on Winrevair (Sotatercept-Csrk)

WINREVAIR is administered once every 3 weeks by subcutaneous injection according to patient body weight. The starting dose of WINREVAIR is 0.3 mg/kg.

Obtain hemoglobin (Hgb) and platelet count prior to the first dose of WINREVAIR. Do not initiate treatment if platelet count is <50,000/mm ³ (<50 x 10 ⁹ /L) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] .

Injection volume for starting dose is calculated based on patient weight as follows:

Injection volume should be rounded to the nearest 0.1 mL.

For example: (70 kg x 0.3 mg/kg) ÷ 50 mg/mL = 0.42 mL, rounds to 0.4 mL

See Table 1 for selecting the appropriate kit based on calculated injection volume for starting dose.

After verifying acceptable Hgb and platelet count, increase to the target dose of 0.7 mg/kg. Continue treatment at 0.7 mg/kg every 3 weeks unless dosage adjustments are required [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] .

Injection volume for target dose is calculated based on patient weight as follows:

Injection volume should be rounded to the nearest 0.1 mL.

For example: (70 kg x 0.7 mg/kg) ÷ 50 mg/mL = 0.98 mL, rounds to 1 mL

See Table 2 for selecting the appropriate kit based on calculated injection volume for target dose.

Missed Dose, Overdose, and Underdose

If a dose of WINREVAIR is missed, administer as soon as possible. If the missed dose of WINREVAIR is not administered within 3 days of the scheduled date, adjust the schedule to maintain 3-week dosing intervals. In case of an overdose, monitor for erythrocytosis [see Overdosage (10) ] .

Check Hgb and platelet count before each dose for the first 5 doses, or longer if values are unstable. Thereafter, monitor Hgb and platelet count periodically [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) ] .

Delay treatment for at least 3 weeks if any of the following occur:

• Hgb increases >2.0 g/dL from the previous dose and is above ULN.
• Hgb increases >4.0 g/dL from baseline.
• Hgb increases >2.0 g/dL above ULN.
• Platelet count decreases to <50,000/mm ³ (<50 x 10 ⁹ /L).

Recheck Hgb and platelet count before reinitiating treatment. For treatment delays lasting >9 weeks, restart treatment at 0.3 mg/kg, and escalate to 0.7 mg/kg after verifying acceptable Hgb and platelet count.

Administration is subject to monitoring of hemoglobin and platelet count [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) ] .

WINREVAIR is intended for use under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Patients and caregivers may administer WINREVAIR when considered appropriate and when they receive training and follow-up from the healthcare provider (HCP) on how to reconstitute, prepare, measure, and inject WINREVAIR [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ] .

Confirm at subsequent visits that the patient and/or caregiver can correctly prepare and administer WINREVAIR, particularly if the dose changes or the patient requires a different kit [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .

Refer to the Instructions for Use (IFU) for detailed instructions on the proper preparation and administration of WINREVAIR.

Selecting the Appropriate Product Kit

If a patient’s body weight requires the use of two 45 mg vials or two 60 mg vials of lyophilized product, use a 2-vial kit instead of two individual 1-vial kits. A 2-vial kit includes instructions to combine the contents of two vials, which aids in measuring the proper dosage and eliminates the need for multiple injections [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.1) ] .

Reconstitution Instructions

• Remove the injection kit from the refrigerator and wait 15 minutes to allow the prefilled syringe(s) and drug product to come to room temperature prior to preparation.
• Attach the vial adapter to the vial.
• Visually inspect the pre-filled syringe for any damage or leaks and the Sterile Water for Injection inside to ensure there are no visible particles.
• Snap off the cap of the pre-filled syringe and attach the syringe to the vial adapter.
• Inject all of the Sterile Water for Injection from the attached syringe into the vial containing the lyophilized powder. This will provide a final concentration of 50 mg/mL.
• Gently swirl the vial to reconstitute the drug product. DO NOT shake or vigorously agitate.
• Allow the vial to stand for up to 3 minutes to allow bubbles to disappear.
• Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.
• When properly mixed, WINREVAIR should be clear to opalescent and colorless to slightly brownish-yellow and does not have clumps or powder.
• If prescribed a 2-vial presentation, repeat the steps within this section to prepare the second vial.
• Use the reconstituted solution as soon as possible, but no later than 4 hours after reconstitution. Discard unused reconstituted solution.

Syringe Preparation

• Turn the syringe and vial upside-down and withdraw the appropriate volume for injection, based on the patient’s weight.
  • If the dose amount requires the use of two vials, withdraw the entire contents of the first vial and slowly transfer full contents into the second vial.
  • Turn the syringe and vial upside-down and withdraw the required amount of drug product.
  • If necessary, remove excess drug product.
• If necessary, remove excess air from the syringe.

Administration Instructions

WINREVAIR is for subcutaneous injection.

• Select the injection site on the abdomen (at least 2 inches away from navel), upper thigh, or upper arm, and swab with an alcohol wipe. Select a new site for each injection that is not scarred, tender, or bruised.
  • For administration by the patient or caregiver, use only the abdomen and upper thigh (see IFU ).
• Perform subcutaneous injection.

Risk Summary

Based on findings in animal reproduction studies, WINREVAIR may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are risks to the mother and the fetus associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ) . There are no available data on WINREVAIR use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.

In animal reproduction studies, administration of WINREVAIR to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in adverse developmental outcomes, including embryo-fetal mortality, alterations to growth, and structural variations at exposures 4-fold and 0.6-fold (based on area under the curve [AUC]) above those occurring at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively (see Data ) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] .

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is not known. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Report exposure during pregnancy or lactation to the Merck Sharp & Dohme, LLC Adverse Event reporting line at 1-877-888-4231.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk

In patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, pregnancy is associated with an increased rate of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, including spontaneous abortion, intrauterine growth restriction, and premature labor.

Data

Animal Data

In embryo-fetal developmental toxicity studies, pregnant animals were dosed subcutaneously with sotatercept-csrk during the period of organogenesis. Sotatercept-csrk was administered to rats on gestation days 6 and 13 at doses of 5, 15, or 50 mg/kg and to rabbits on gestation days 7 and 14 at doses of 0.5, 1.5, or 5 mg/kg. Effects in both species included reductions in numbers of live fetuses and fetal body weights, delays in ossification, and increases in resorptions and post-implantation losses. In rats and rabbits, these effects were observed at exposures (based on area under the curve [AUC]) approximately 4-fold and 0.6-fold the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively. In rats only, skeletal variations (increased number of supernumerary ribs and changes in the number of thoracic or lumbar vertebrae) occurred at an exposure 15-fold the human exposure at the MRHD.

In a prenatal and postnatal development study in rats, sotatercept-csrk was administered subcutaneously at doses of 1.5 and 5 mg/kg on gestation days 6 and 13, or at dosages of 1.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg during lactation on days 1, 8, and 15. There were no adverse effects in first filial generation (F1) pups from dams dosed during gestation at estimated exposures up to 2-fold the MRHD. In F1 pups from dams dosed during lactation, decreases in pup weight correlated with delays in sexual maturation at estimated exposures (based on AUC) ≥2-fold the MRHD.

Risk Summary

There are no data on the presence of sotatercept-csrk in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with WINREVAIR, and for 4 months after the final dose.

WINREVAIR may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] .

Pregnancy Testing

Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential before starting WINREVAIR treatment.

Contraception

Females

Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with WINREVAIR and for at least 4 months after the final dose if treatment is discontinued [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] .

Infertility

Based on findings in animals, sotatercept-csrk may impair female and male fertility [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . In male rats, although adverse histologic changes in reproductive organs were not reversible after a 13-week period, functional fertility demonstrated reversibility.

The safety and effectiveness of WINREVAIR have not been established in patients less than 18 years of age.

A total of 127 patients ≥65 years of age participated in clinical studies for PAH, of which 99 (78%) were treated with WINREVAIR. No differences in efficacy of WINREVAIR were observed between the <65-year-old and ≥65-year-old subgroups.

With the exception of bleeding events (a collective group of adverse events of clinical interest), there were no differences in safety between the <65-year-old and ≥65-year-old subgroups. Bleeding events occurred more commonly in the older WINREVAIR subgroup, but with no imbalance between age subgroups for any specific bleeding event.

Clinical studies of WINREVAIR did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 75 and older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.

WINREVAIR may increase hemoglobin. Severe erythrocytosis may increase the risk of thromboembolic events or hyperviscosity syndrome. In clinical studies, moderate elevations in Hgb (>2 g/dL above ULN) occurred in 15% of patients taking WINREVAIR while no elevations ≥4 g/dL above ULN were observed. Monitor Hgb before each dose for the first 5 doses, or longer if values are unstable, and periodically thereafter, to determine if dose adjustments are required [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .

WINREVAIR may decrease platelet count. Severe thrombocytopenia may increase the risk of bleeding. In clinical studies, severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50,000/mm ³ [<50 x 10 ⁹ /L]) occurred in 3% to 6% of patients taking WINREVAIR. Thrombocytopenia occurred more frequently in patients also receiving prostacyclin infusion.

Do not initiate treatment if platelet count is <50,000/mm ³ [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] .

Monitor platelets before each dose for the first 5 doses, or longer if values are unstable, and periodically thereafter to determine whether dose adjustments are required. [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .

In clinical studies, serious bleeding (e.g., gastrointestinal, intracranial hemorrhage) was reported in 4% vs 1% (STELLAR) and 7% vs 5% (ZENITH) of patients taking WINREVAIR vs placebo, respectively [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Patients with serious bleeding were more likely to be on prostacyclin background therapy and/or antithrombotic agents, or have low platelet counts. Advise patients about signs and symptoms of blood loss. Evaluate and treat bleeding accordingly. Do not administer WINREVAIR if the patient is experiencing serious bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .

Based on findings in animal reproduction studies, WINREVAIR may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, administration of WINREVAIR to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis resulted in adverse developmental outcomes, including increased embryo-fetal mortality, alterations to growth, and structural variations at exposures 4-fold and 0.6-fold (based on area under the curve [AUC]) those occurring at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use an effective method of contraception during treatment with WINREVAIR and for at least 4 months after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] .

Based on findings in animals, WINREVAIR may impair female and male fertility. Advise patients on the potential effects on fertility [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) , Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ].

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

STELLAR

The following data reflect exposure to WINREVAIR in the STELLAR trial. Adult PAH patients with WHO FC II or III (n=323) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive WINREVAIR or placebo in combination with background standard of care therapies. Patients received a starting dose of 0.3 mg/kg via SC injection and the dose was increased to the target dose of 0.7 mg/kg administered once every 3 weeks for 24 weeks. After completing the primary 24-week treatment phase, patients continued into a long-term double-blind (LTDB) treatment period, maintaining their randomized treatment assignment, until all patients completed the primary treatment period. The median duration of treatment was 273 days in the placebo group and 313 days in the WINREVAIR group [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ].

The most common adverse reactions occurring in STELLAR (≥10% for WINREVAIR and at least 5% more than placebo) are shown in Table 3 .

Increased Hemoglobin

Increases in Hgb were managed by dose delays (10%), dose reductions (6%), or both (5%). Shifts in Hgb from normal to above normal levels occurred in 87 (53%) patients receiving WINREVAIR and in 23 (14%) patients receiving placebo.

Thrombocytopenia

Decreases in platelets were managed by dose delays (2%), dose reductions (2%), or both (2%). Shifts in platelet count from normal to below normal occurred in 40 (25%) patients receiving WINREVAIR and in 26 (16%) patients receiving placebo.

Telangiectasia

In patients exposed to WINREVAIR who experienced telangiectasia, the median time to onset was 36.1 weeks.

Increased Blood Pressure

In patients taking WINREVAIR, mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure increased from baseline by 2.2/4.9 mmHg at 24 weeks. In patients taking placebo, the change from baseline in mean blood pressure was -1.6/-0.6 mmHg.

Treatment Discontinuation

The incidences of treatment discontinuations due to an adverse reaction were 4% in the WINREVAIR group and 7% in the placebo group. No specific adverse reactions causing treatment discontinuations occurred with a frequency greater than 1% and more often in the WINREVAIR group.

ZENITH

The following data reflect exposure to WINREVAIR in the ZENITH trial. Adult PAH patients with WHO FC III or IV at high risk of mortality (n=172) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to treatment with WINREVAIR or placebo in combination with background standard of care therapies. Patients who did not experience a primary endpoint event remained in the Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled (DBPC) Treatment Period, while patients who experienced an event of PAH worsening-related hospitalization of ≥24 hours were eligible to enroll into the open-label, long-term follow-up (LTFU) study SOTERIA. The median duration of exposure was longer in the WINREVAIR group (435 days) than in the placebo group (268 days) [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ].

The overall incidences of adverse reactions in both arms were higher in the ZENITH trial than in the STELLAR trial. Severe reduction in platelet count <50,000/mm ³ (<50.0 x 10 ⁹ /L) occurred in 6% of patients taking WINREVAIR. In the WINREVAIR group, 1 patient (1%) discontinued study intervention due to an adverse event, compared with 4 patients (5%) in the placebo group.

Uncontrolled Long-term Safety Data

PULSAR was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, phase 2 trial that included a 24-week placebo-controlled treatment period, followed by an 18-month active-drug extension period. The safety profile in the long-term uncontrolled extension period of the PULSAR study was generally similar to that observed in the STELLAR study. Patients were treated with WINREVAIR 0.3 mg/kg or 0.7 mg/kg (n=104) and had a mean duration of exposure of 151 weeks (maximum 218 weeks).

Intrapulmonary Right-to-Left Shunting: Cases of intrapulmonary right-to-left shunting have been reported in a clinical trial with WINREVAIR. In SOTERIA, an ongoing open-label study of the long-term safety and efficacy of WINREVAIR, right-to-left intrapulmonary shunting has been reported in 2 participants (<0.5%) who developed worsening hypoxemia despite improved PAH hemodynamics. Post-marketing cases have also been reported.

Partial to complete improvement in oxygenation has been observed following discontinuation of WINREVAIR.

The following adverse reaction has been reported during post-approval use of WINREVAIR. 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.

Cardiac disorders: pericardial effusion

Sotatercept-csrk, a recombinant activin receptor type IIA-Fc (ActRIIA-Fc) fusion protein, is an activin signaling inhibitor that binds to activin A and other TGF- β superfamily ligands. As a result, sotatercept-csrk improves the balance between the pro-proliferative (ActRIIA/Smad2/3-mediated) and anti-proliferative (BMPRII/Smad1/5/8-mediated) signaling to modulate vascular proliferation. In rat models of PAH, a sotatercept-csrk analog reduced inflammation and inhibited proliferation of endothelial and smooth muscle cells in diseased vasculature. These cellular changes were associated with thinner vessel walls, partial reversal of right ventricular remodeling, and improved hemodynamics.

STELLAR

A greater decrease from baseline in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was observed in the WINREVAIR group compared to the placebo group. The median treatment difference in PVR between sotatercept-csrk and placebo was -235 dynes•sec/cm ⁵ (95% CI: -288, -181). Sotatercept-csrk steady state exposure at 0.7 mg/kg dose was associated with near maximal reduction in PVR based on exposure-response analysis.
A greater decrease from baseline in NT-proBNP was observed in the WINREVAIR group compared to the placebo group. The median treatment difference in NT-proBNP between the sotatercept-csrk and placebo was -442 pg/mL (95% CI: -574, -310).

ZENITH

The median treatment difference in change in PVR from baseline between the sotatercept and placebo groups after 24 weeks was -340 dynes•sec/cm ⁵ (95% CI: -511, -168). The median treatment difference in change in NT-proBNP from baseline between the sotatercept-csrk and placebo groups after 24 weeks was -2339 pg/mL (95% CI: -3379, -1299). The median treatment difference in change from baseline in mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) between the sotatercept-csrk and placebo groups after 24 weeks was -21.2 mm Hg (95% CI: -27.8, -14.6).

Following subcutaneous administration of 0.7 mg/kg WINREVAIR every three weeks to PAH patients (PULSAR, SPECTRA, and STELLAR), the steady state geometric mean (%CV) area under the time concentration curve (AUC) is 171.3 mcg×d/mL (34.2%), and peak concentration (C _max ) is 9.7 mcg/mL (30%). Sotatercept-csrk AUC and C _max increased proportionally with dose. Steady state is achieved after approximately 15 weeks following initiation of multiple dosing. The accumulation ratio of sotatercept-csrk AUC is approximately 2.2. Sotatercept-csrk pharmacokinetics were similar in PAH participants in ZENITH.

Absorption

Following subcutaneous administration, the absolute bioavailability of sotatercept-csrk is approximately 66%. The sotatercept-csrk median time to peak drug concentration (T _max ) is approximately 7 days (range from 2 to 8 days) following multiple SC administration every 4 weeks.

Distribution

The population PK model estimated volume of distribution (%CV) of sotatercept-csrk at steady state is approximately 5.3 L (27.3%) in patients with PAH.

Elimination

The sotatercept-csrk effective half-life is approximately 24 days and its clearance is approximately 0.18 L/day.

Metabolism

Sotatercept-csrk is expected to be metabolized into small peptides by catabolic pathways.

Specific Populations

No clinically significant differences in sotatercept-csrk pharmacokinetics (PK) were observed based on age (18 to 81 years of age), sex, race, mild to moderate (eGFR ranging from 30 to 89 mL/min) renal impairment (PAH patients), or end-stage kidney disease (eGFR <15 mL/min) with dialysis. Based on limited data, severe renal impairment (eGFR ranging from 15 to 30 mL/min, n=3) had no impact on the PK of sotatercept-csrk. Sotatercept-csrk is not dialyzable. The effect of hepatic impairment on the PK of sotatercept-csrk has not been studied.

Body Weight

The clearance (CL) and central volume of distribution (Vc) increase with increase in body weight. This effect is not clinically significant when sotatercept-csrk is administered using weight-based dosing as recommended.

The observed incidence of anti-drug antibodies is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Differences in assay methods preclude meaningful comparisons of the incidence of anti-drug antibodies in the studies described below with the incidence of anti-drug antibodies in other studies, including those of WINREVAIR or of other sotatercept-csrk products.

During the 24-week treatment period in STELLAR, 27% (44/163) of sotatercept-csrk-treated patients developed anti-sotatercept-csrk antibodies (ADA). Among the 44 ADA-positive patients, 12 (27%) tested positive for neutralizing antibodies against sotatercept-csrk.

During the ZENITH trial, with a median sotatercept treatment duration of 435 days, 43% (36/84) of patients developed anti-sotatercept antibodies. Among these 36 patients, 20 (56%) tested positive for neutralizing antibodies against sotatercept.

There were no identified clinical effects of anti-sotatercept-csrk antibodies on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, or effectiveness of sotatercept-csrk over the treatment duration of 24 weeks at the recommended dosage in these studies.

No carcinogenicity or mutagenicity studies have been conducted with sotatercept-csrk.

In a fertility and early embryonic development study in female rats, sotatercept-csrk was administered SC once weekly at doses of 5, 15, and 50 mg/kg beginning 2 weeks prior to mating and through gestation day 7. At doses ≥15 mg/kg (≥9 fold the MRHD, based on estimated AUC), pregnancy rates were decreased and there were increases in preimplantation and postimplantation loss and reductions in live litter size. Increased estrous cycle duration occurred at 50 mg/kg only (21-fold the MRHD, based on estimated AUC).

In a fertility study in male rats, sotatercept-csrk was administered SC once weekly at doses of 0.3, 3, and 30 mg/kg for 13 weeks (beginning 10 weeks prior to mating). A subset of animals was examined after a 13-week recovery period. At ≥0.3 mg/kg (0.5-fold the MRHD, based on estimated AUC) there were non-reversible histologic changes in the efferent ducts, testes, and epididymides. Reversible decreases in functional fertility endpoints occurred at 30 mg/kg (20-fold the MRHD, based on estimated AUC).

STELLAR

The efficacy of WINREVAIR was evaluated in adult patients with PAH in the STELLAR trial (NCT04576988). STELLAR was a global, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, parallel-group clinical trial in which 323 patients with PAH (WHO Group 1, FC II or III) were randomized 1:1 to WINREVAIR (target dose 0.7 mg/kg) (n=163) or placebo (n=160) administered subcutaneously once every 3 weeks.

Participants were: 79% female; had a median age of 48 years (range: 18 to 82 years), and median body weight of 68 kg (range 38 to 141 kg); and 89% White, 2% Black/African American, 2% Asian, 0.3% American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.3% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, 6% Missing/Other races. The most common PAH etiologies were idiopathic PAH (59%), heritable PAH (18%), and PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (CTD) (15%). STELLAR excluded patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated PAH, PAH associated with portal hypertension, schistosomiasis-associated PAH, and pulmonary veno occlusive disease. The mean time from PAH diagnosis to screening was 8.8 years. Most participants were receiving either three (61%) or two (35%) background drugs for PAH, and 40% were receiving prostacyclin infusions. Patients had a WHO FC II (49%) or III (51%) at baseline.

The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline at Week 24 in 6-Minute Walk Distance (6 MWD). In the WINREVAIR group, the placebo-adjusted median increase in 6 MWD was 41 meters (95% CI: 28, 54; p<0.001). Figure 1 displays placebo-adjusted changes in 6 MWD at Week 24 in relevant subgroups.

Figure 1: Change from Baseline in 6-Minute Walk Distance (meters) at Week 24 in Subgroups in STELLAR

• Hodges-Lehmann location shift from placebo estimate (median of all paired differences). ASE = asymptotic standard error. Change from baseline in 6 MWD at Week 24 for subjects who died was imputed to -2000 meters to receive the worst rank. Change from baseline in 6 MWD at Week 24 for subjects who had missing data due to a non-fatal clinical worsening event was imputed to -1000 meters to receive the next-worst rank.

Treatment with WINREVAIR led to an improvement from baseline by at least 1 WHO FC at Week 24 in 29% of patients compared to 14% of patients treated with placebo (p<0.001).

Treatment with WINREVAIR resulted in an 84% reduction in the occurrence of death from any cause or PAH clinical worsening events compared to placebo (see Table 5 and Figure 2 ). These outcomes were captured until the last patient completed the Week 24 visit (data up to the data cutoff; median duration of exposure 33.6 weeks).

Figure 2: Time to Death from Any Cause or First Occurrence of PAH Clinical Worsening Event Kaplan-Meier Plot in STELLAR

ZENITH

The efficacy of WINREVAIR was evaluated in adult PAH patients with WHO FC III or IV at high risk of mortality in the ZENITH trial (NCT04896008). ZENITH was a global, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, parallel-group clinical trial in which 172 patients were randomized 1:1 to WINREVAIR (target dose 0.7 mg/kg) (n=86) or placebo (n=86) administered subcutaneously once every 3 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated at the pre-specified interim analysis which occurred when 61 patients experienced a primary endpoint event and median patient time on study was 273 days.

The demographic and baseline clinical characteristics were similar between the WINREVAIR and placebo groups. Participants were: 77% female; had a median age of 58 years (range: 18 to 75 years); and 87% White, 5% Black/African American, 4% Asian, 1% American Indian or Alaska Native, 3% Missing/Other race, 74% were FC III and 26% were FC IV. The most common PAH etiologies were idiopathic PAH (50%), PAH associated with connective tissue diseases (CTD) (28%), and heritable PAH (11%). The mean time since PAH diagnosis to screening was 8 years. Participants were on background PAH treatment, 72% on triple therapy, 28% on double therapy, and 59% on prostacyclin infusion therapy. The REVEAL Lite 2 risk score was <9 for 2% of participants, 9 to 10 for 67% of participants, and ≥11 for 30% of participants. The ZENITH trial excluded patients diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated PAH, PAH associated with portal hypertension, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, or pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis or overt signs of capillary and/or venous involvement.

The primary efficacy endpoint was time to first event of all-cause death, lung transplantation, or PAH worsening-related hospitalization of ≥24 hours. In the WINREVAIR treatment group, the risk of a first event of all-cause death, lung transplantation, or PAH worsening-related hospitalization of ≥24 hours was 76% lower compared with the placebo group (HR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.43; p<0.0001) (see Table 6 ). Fewer participants in the WINREVAIR group (15 [17%]) than in the placebo group (47 [55%]) had a primary endpoint event as of the data cutoff. Based on the primary endpoint result, the study was stopped for favorable efficacy at the interim analysis.

The treatment effect of WINREVAIR was consistent across the prespecified subgroups (see Figure 4 ).

Figure 3: Time to First Event in ZENITH of All-cause Death, Lung Transplantation, or PAH Worsening-related Hospitalization of ≥ 24 Hours Kaplan-Meier Plot

Figure 4: Hazard Ratio for the Primary Endpoint in Subgroups in ZENITH

Subgroup analyses were not displayed if the number of participants in subgroup category was less than 10% of FAS. For participants with REVEAL Lite 2.0 risk score <9 at screening, they were grouped under “9 to 10” for the analyses.

The secondary endpoint of overall survival (OS) included all deaths up to the data cutoff, except for those occurring after lung transplantation or enrollment in a long-term follow-up study. Twenty OS events were observed (7 deaths in the WINREVAIR treatment group and 13 deaths in the placebo group). The point estimate for the OS HR favored the WINREVAIR treatment group over the placebo group.

Subsequent secondary endpoints were not eligible to be tested due to the hierarchical testing strategy.

WINREVAIR (sotatercept-csrk) for injection is a white to off-white lyophilized cake or powder appearance supplied in single-dose vials (45 mg or 60 mg) packaged in kits that contain one measuring syringe and one safety needle. Each kit also contains Sterile Water for Injection in prefilled syringes necessary to reconstitute the product, vial adapter(s), and alcohol pads, as shown in Table 7 .

Store vials refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze.

The kit should remain in the refrigerator until ready for use. The unused kit can be out of the refrigerator for (up to 25°C/77°F) up to 24 hours. For additional information on temperature excursions, call Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC at 1-800-672-6372.