Calquence

Acalabrutinib.

CALQUENCE capsules for oral administration contains 100 mg acalabrutinib.
CALQUENCE (acalabrutinib) is an inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). The molecular formula for acalabrutinib is C₂₆H₂₃N₇O₂, and the molecular weight is 465.51. The chemical name is 4-{8-amino-3-[(2S)-1-(but-2-ynoyl)pyrrolidin-2-yl]imidazo[1,5-a]pyrazin-1-yl)}-N-(pyridine-2-yl)benzamide.
Acalabrutinib is a white to yellow powder with pH-dependent solubility. It is freely soluble in water at pH values below 3 and practically insoluble at pH values above 6.
Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: silicified microcrystalline cellulose, partially pregelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, and sodium starch glycolate.
Capsule shell: gelatin, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide, FD&C Blue 2; imprinted with edible black ink.

Pharmacology: Mechanism of Action: Acalabrutinib is a small-molecule inhibitor of BTK. Acalabrutinib and its active metabolite, ACP-5862, form a covalent bond with a cysteine residue in the BTK active site, leading to inhibition of BTK enzymatic activity. BTK is a signaling molecule of the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) and cytokine receptor pathways. In B cells, BTK signaling results in activation of pathways necessary for B-cell proliferation, trafficking, chemotaxis, and adhesion. In nonclinical studies, acalabrutinib inhibited BTK-mediated activation of downstream signaling proteins CD86 and CD69 and inhibited malignant B-cell proliferation and tumor growth in mouse xenograft models.
Pharmacodynamics: In patients with B-cell malignancies dosed with 100 mg approximately every 12 hours, median steady state BTK occupancy of ≥ 95% in peripheral blood was maintained over 12 hours, resulting in inactivation of BTK throughout the recommended dosing interval.
Cardiac Electrophysiology: The effect of acalabrutinib on the QTc interval was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo- and positive-controlled, 4-way crossover thorough QTc study in 48 healthy adult subjects. Administration of a single dose of acalabrutinib that is the 4-fold maximum recommended single dose did not prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent (i.e., ≥ 10 ms).
Clinical Studies: Mantle Cell Lymphoma: The efficacy of CALQUENCE was based upon Trial LY-004 titled "An Open-label, Phase 2 Study of ACP-196 in Subjects with Mantle Cell Lymphoma" (NCT02213926). Trial LY-004 enrolled a total of 124 patients with MCL who had received at least one prior therapy.
The median age was 68 (range 42 to 90) years, 80% were male, and 74% were Caucasian. At baseline, 93% of patients had an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1. The median time since diagnosis was 46.3 months and the median number of prior treatments was 2 (range 1 to 5), including 18% with prior stem cell transplant. Patients who received prior treatment with BTK inhibitors were excluded. The most common prior regimens were CHOP-based (52%) and ARA-C (34%). At baseline, 37% of patients had at least one tumor with a longest diameter ≥ 5 cm, 73% had extra nodal involvement including 51% with bone marrow involvement. The simplified MIPI score (which includes age, ECOG score, and baseline lactate dehydrogenase and white cell count) was intermediate in 44% and high in 17% of patients.
CALQUENCE was administered orally at 100 mg approximately every 12 hours until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The median dose intensity was 98.5%. The major efficacy outcome of Trial LY-004 was overall response rate and the median follow-up was 15.2 months. (See Table 1.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

The median time to best response was 1.9 months.
Lymphocytosis: Upon initiation of CALQUENCE, a temporary increase in lymphocyte counts (defined as absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) increased ≥ 50% from baseline and a post baseline assessment ≥ 5 x 10⁹) in 31.5% of patients in Trial LY-004. The median time to onset of lymphocytosis was 1.1 weeks and the median duration of lymphocytosis was 6.7 weeks.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: The efficacy of CALQUENCE in patients with CLL was demonstrated in two randomized, controlled trials.
ELEVATE-TN: The efficacy of CALQUENCE was evaluated in the ELEVATE-TN trial, a randomized, multicenter, open-label, actively controlled, 3 arm trial of CALQUENCE in combination with obinutuzumab, CALQUENCE monotherapy, and obinutuzumab in combination with chlorambucil in 535 patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (NCT02475681). Patients 65 years of age or older or between 18 and 65 years of age with a total Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) > 6 or creatinine clearance of 30 to 69 mL/min were enrolled. The trial also required hepatic transaminases ≤3 times upper limit of normal (ULN) and total bilirubin ≤1.5 times ULN, and excluded patients with Richter's transformation.
Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio into 3 arms to receive: CALQUENCE plus obinutuzumab (CALQUENCE+G): CALQUENCE 100 mg was administered approximately every 12 hours starting on Cycle 1 Day 1 until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Obinutuzumab was administered starting on Cycle 2 Day 1 for a maximum of 6 treatment cycles. Obinutuzumab 1000 mg was administered on Days 1 and 2 (100 mg on Day 1 and 900 mg on Day 2), 8 and 15 of Cycle 2 followed by 1000 mg on Day 1 of Cycles 3 up to 7. Each cycle was 28 days.
CALQUENCE monotherapy: CALQUENCE 100 mg was administered approximately every 12 hours until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil (GClb): Obinutuzumab and chlorambucil were administered for a maximum of 6 treatment cycles. Obinutuzumab 1000 mg was administered intravenously on Days 1 and 2 (100 mg on Day 1 and 900 mg on Day 2), 8 and 15 of Cycle 1 followed by 1000 mg on Day 1 of Cycles 2 to 6. Chlorambucil 0.5 mg/kg was administered orally on Days 1 and 15 of Cycles 1 to 6. Each cycle was 28 days.
Randomization was stratified by 17p deletion mutation status, ECOG performance status (0 or 1 versus 2), and geographic region. A total of 535 patients were randomized, 179 to CALQUENCE+G, 179 to CALQUENCE monotherapy, and 177 to GClb. The overall median age was 70 years (range: 41 to 91 years), 47% had Rai stage III or IV disease, 14% had 17p deletion or TP53 mutation, 63% of patients had an unmutated IGVH, and 18% had 11q deletion. Baseline demographic and disease characteristics were similar between treatment arms.
Efficacy was based on progression-free survival (PFS) as assessed by an Independent Review Committee (IRC). The median duration of follow-up was 28.3 months (range: 0.0 to 40.8 months). Efficacy results are presented in Table 2. The Kaplan-Meier curves for PFS are shown in Figure 1. (See Table 2 and Figure 1.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image


Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

With a median follow-up of 28.3 months, median overall survival was not reached in any arm, with fewer than 10% of patients experiencing an event.
ASCEND: The efficacy of CALQUENCE in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL was based upon a multicenter, randomized, open-label trial (ASCEND; NCT02970318). The trial enrolled 310 patients with relapsed or refractory CLL after at least 1 prior systemic therapy. The trial excluded patients with transformed disease, prolymphocytic leukemia, or previous treatment with venetoclax, a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, or a phosphoinositide-3 kinase inhibitor.
Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either: CALQUENCE 100 mg approximately every 12 hours until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity; or Investigator's choice.
Investigator's choice: Idelalisib plus a rituximab product (IR): Idelalisib 150 mg orally approximately every 12 hours until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, in combination with 8 infusions of a rituximab product (375 mg/m² intravenously on Day 1 of Cycle 1, followed by 500 mg/m² every 2 weeks for 4 doses and then every 4 weeks for 3 doses), with a 28-day cycle length.
Bendamustine plus a rituximab product (BR): Bendamustine 70 mg/m² intravenously (Day 1 and 2 of each 28-day cycle), in combination with a rituximab product (375 mg/m² intravenously on Day 1 of Cycle 1, then 500 mg/m² on Day 1 of subsequent cycles), for up to 6 cycles.
Randomization was stratified by 17p deletion mutation status, ECOG performance status (0 or 1 versus 2), and number of prior therapies (1 to 3 versus ≥ 4). Of 310 patients total, 155 were assigned to CALQUENCE monotherapy, 119 to IR, and 36 to BR. The median age overall was 67 years (range: 32 to 90 years), 42% had Rai stage III or IV disease, 28% had 17p deletion or TP53 mutation, 78% of patients had an unmutated IGVH, and 27% had a 11q deletion. The CALQUENCE arm had a median of 1 prior therapy (range 1-8), with 47% having at least 2 prior therapies. The investigator's choice arm had a median of 2 prior therapies (range 1-10), with 57% having at least 2 prior therapies.
In the CALQUENCE arm, the median treatment duration was 15.7 months, with 94% of patients treated for at least 6 months and 86% of patients treated for at least 1 year. In the investigator's choice arm, the median treatment duration was 8.4 months, with 59% of patients treated for at least 6 months and 37% treated for at least 1 year.
Efficacy was based on PFS as assessed by an IRC, with a median follow-up of 16.1 months (range 0.03 to 22.4 months). Efficacy results are presented in Table 3. The Kaplan-Meier curve for PFS is shown in Figure 2. There was no statistically significant difference in overall response rates between the two treatment arms. (See Table 3 and Figure 2.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image


Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

With a median follow up of 16.1 months, median overall survival was not reached in either arm, with fewer than 11% of patients experiencing an event.
Pharmacokinetics: Acalabrutinib exhibits dose-proportionality, and both acalabrutinib and its active metabolite, ACP-5862, exposures increase with dose across a dose range of 75 to 250 mg (0.75 to 2.5 times the approved recommended single dose) in patients with B-cell malignancies. At the recommended dose of 100 mg twice daily, the geometric mean (% coefficient of variation [CV]) daily area under the plasma drug concentration over time curve (AUC_24h) and maximum plasma concentration (C_max) for acalabrutinib were 1843 (38%) ng·h/mL and 563 (29%) ng/mL, respectively, and for ACP-5862 were 3947 (43%) ng·h/mL and 451 (52%) ng/mL, respectively.
Absorption: The geometric mean absolute bioavailability of acalabrutinib was 25%. Median [min, max] time to peak acalabrutinib plasma concentrations (T_max) was 0.9 [0.5, 1.9] hours, and 1.6 [0.9, 2.7] hour for ACP-5862.
Effect of Food: In healthy subjects, administration of a single 75 mg dose of acalabrutinib (0.75 times the approved recommended single dose) with a high-fat, high-calorie meal (approximately 918 calories, 59 grams carbohydrate, 59 grams fat, and 39 grams protein) did not affect the mean AUC as compared to dosing under fasted conditions. Resulting C_max decreased by 73% and T_max was delayed 1-2 hours.
Distribution: Reversible binding to human plasma protein was 97.5% for acalabrutinib and 98.6% for ACP-5862. The in vitro mean blood-to-plasma ratio was 0.8 for acalabrutinib and 0.7 for ACP-5862. The geometric mean (% CV) steady-state volume of distribution (V_ss) was approximately 101 (52%) L for acalabrutinib and 67 (32%) L for ACP-5862.
Elimination: The geometric mean (% CV) terminal elimination half-life (t_1/2) was 1 (59%) hour for acalabrutinib and 3.5 (24%) hours for ACP-5862. The geometric mean (%CV) apparent oral clearance (CL/F) was 71 (35%) L/hr for acalabrutinib and 13 (42%) L/hr for ACP-5862.
Metabolism: Acalabrutinib is predominantly metabolized by CYP3A enzymes, and to a minor extent, by glutathione conjugation and amide hydrolysis, based on in vitro studies. ACP-5862 was identified as the major active metabolite in plasma with a geometric mean exposure (AUC) that was approximately 2- to 3-fold higher than the exposure of acalabrutinib. ACP-5862 is approximately 50% less potent than acalabrutinib with regard to BTK inhibition.
Excretion: Following administration of a single 100 mg radiolabeled acalabrutinib dose in healthy subjects, 84% of the dose was recovered in the feces and 12% of the dose was recovered in the urine, with less than 2% of the dose excreted as unchanged acalabrutinib in urine and feces.
Specific Populations: Age, Race, and Body Weight: Age (32 to 90 years), sex, race (Caucasian, African American), and body weight (40 to 149 kg) did not have clinically meaningful effects on the PK of acalabrutinib and its active metabolite, ACP-5862.
Renal Impairment: No clinically relevant PK difference was observed in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment (eGFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73m², as estimated by MDRD (modification of diet in renal disease equation)). Acalabrutinib PK has not been evaluated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR < 29 mL/min/1.73m², MDRD) or renal impairment requiring dialysis.
Hepatic Impairment: The AUC of acalabrutinib increased 1.9-fold in subjects with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A), 1.5-fold in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B) and 5.3-fold in subjects with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) compared to subjects with normal liver function. No clinically relevant PK difference in ACP-5862 was observed in subjects with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) compared to subjects with normal liver function. No clinically relevant PK differences in acalabrutinib and ACP-5862 were observed in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (total bilirubin less and equal to upper limit of normal [ULN] and AST greater than ULN, or total bilirubin greater than ULN and any AST) relative to patients with normal hepatic function (total bilirubin and AST within ULN).
Drug Interaction Studies: Effect of CYP3A Inhibitors on Acalabrutinib: Co-administration with a strong CYP3A inhibitor (200 mg itraconazole once daily for 5 days) increased the acalabrutinib C_max by 3.9-fold and AUC by 5.1-fold in healthy subjects.
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) simulations with acalabrutinib and moderate CYP3A inhibitors (erythromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem) showed that co-administration increased acalabrutinib C_max and AUC approximately 2- to 3-fold.
Effect of CYP3A Inducers on Acalabrutinib: Co-administration with a strong CYP3A inducer (600 mg rifampin once daily for 9 days) decreased acalabrutinib C_max by 68% and AUC by 77% in healthy subjects.
Gastric Acid Reducing Agents: Acalabrutinib solubility decreases with increasing pH. Co-administration with an antacid (1 g calcium carbonate) decreased acalabrutinib AUC by 53% in healthy subjects. Co-administration with a proton pump inhibitor (40 mg omeprazole for 5 days) decreased acalabrutinib AUC by 43%.
In Vitro Studies: Metabolic Pathways: Acalabrutinib is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A4/5, CYP2C8 and CYP2C9, but does not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, UGT1A1, and UGT2B7. ACP-5862 is a weak inhibitor of CYP2C8, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, but does not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2D6, CYP3A4/5, UGT1A1, and UGT2B7.
Acalabrutinib is a weak inducer of CYP1A2, CYP2B6 and CYP3A4; ACP-5862 weakly induces CYP3A4.
Based on in vitro data and PBPK modeling, no interaction with CYP substrates is expected at clinically relevant concentrations.
Drug Transporter Systems: Acalabrutinib and its active metabolite, ACP-5862, are substrates of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). Acalabrutinib is not a substrate of renal uptake transporters OAT1, OAT3, and OCT2, or hepatic transporters OATP1B1, and OATP1B3. ACP-5862 is not a substrate of OATP1B1 or OATP1B3.
Acalabrutinib and ACP-5862 do not inhibit P-gp, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and MATE2-K at clinically relevant concentrations.
Acalabrutinib may increase exposure to co-administered BCRP substrates (e.g., methotrexate) by inhibition of intestinal BCRP. ACP-5862 does not inhibit BCRP at clinically relevant concentrations. Acalabrutinib does not inhibit MATE1, while ACP-5862 may increase exposure to co-administered MATE1 substrates (e.g., metformin) by inhibition of MATE1.
Toxicology: Nonclinical Toxicology: Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility: Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted with acalabrutinib.
Acalabrutinib was not mutagenic in an in vitro bacterial reverse mutation (AMES) assay or clastogenic in an in vitro human lymphocyte chromosomal aberration assay or in an in vivo rat bone marrow micronucleus assay.
In a fertility study in rats, there were no effects of acalabrutinib on fertility in male rats at exposures 11-times, or in female rats at exposures 9-times the AUC observed in patients at the recommended dose of 100 mg twice daily.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma: CALQUENCE is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: CALQUENCE is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Recommended Dosage: CALQUENCE as Monotherapy: For patients with MCL or CLL, the recommended dose of CALQUENCE is 100 mg taken orally approximately every 12 hours until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
CALQUENCE in Combination with Obinutuzumab: For patients with previously untreated CLL, the recommended dose of CALQUENCE is 100 mg taken orally approximately every 12 hours until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Start CALQUENCE at Cycle 1 (each cycle is 28 days). Start obinutuzumab at Cycle 2 for a total of 6 cycles and refer to the obinutuzumab prescribing information for recommended dosing. Administer CALQUENCE prior to obinutuzumab when given on the same day.
Advise patients to swallow capsule whole with water. Advise patients not to open, break or chew the capsules. CALQUENCE may be taken with or without food. If a dose of CALQUENCE is missed by more than 3 hours, it should be skipped and the next dose should be taken at its regularly scheduled time. Extra capsules of CALQUENCE should not be taken to make up for a missed dose.
Recommended Dosage for Hepatic Impairment: Avoid administration of CALQUENCE in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Dose modifications are not required for patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment [see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics: Specific Populations: Hepatic Impairment under Actions; Hepatic Impairment under Precautions].
Recommended Dosage for Drug Interactions: Dose Modifications for Use with CYP3A Inhibitors or Inducers: These are described in Table 4 [see Interactions]. (See Table 4.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

Concomitant Use with Gastric Acid Reducing Agents: Proton Pump Inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use [see Interactions].
H2-Receptor Antagonists: Take CALQUENCE 2 hours before taking a H2-receptor antagonist [see Interactions].
Antacids: Separate dosing by at least 2 hours [see Interactions].
Dose Modifications for Adverse Reactions: Recommended dose modifications of CALQUENCE for Grade 3 or greater adverse reactions are provided in Table 5. (See Table 5.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

Refer to the obinutuzumab prescribing information for management of obinutuzumab toxicities.

None.

Serious and Opportunistic Infections: Fatal and serious infections, including opportunistic infections, have occurred in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE.
Serious or Grade 3 or higher infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) occurred in 19% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials, most often due to respiratory tract infections (11% of all patients, including pneumonia in 6%). These infections predominantly occurred in the absence of Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, with neutropenic infection reported in 1.9% of all patients. Opportunistic infections in recipients of CALQUENCE have included, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus reactivation, fungal pneumonia, Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, Epstein-Barr virus reactivation, cytomegalovirus, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Consider prophylaxis in patients who are at increased risk for opportunistic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection and treat promptly.
Hemorrhage: Fatal and serious hemorrhagic events have occurred in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE. Major hemorrhage (serious or Grade 3 or higher bleeding or any central nervous system bleeding) occurred in 3.0% of patients, with fatal hemorrhage occurring in 0.1% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials. Bleeding events of any grade, excluding bruising and petechiae, occurred in 22% of patients.
Use of antithrombotic agents concomitantly with CALQUENCE may further increase the risk of hemorrhage. In clinical trials, major hemorrhage occurred in 2.7% of patients taking CALQUENCE without antithrombotic agents and 3.6% of patients taking CALQUENCE with antithrombotic agents. Consider the risks and benefits of antithrombotic agents when co-administered with CALQUENCE. Monitor patients for signs of bleeding.
Consider the benefit-risk of withholding CALQUENCE for 3-7 days pre- and post-surgery depending upon the type of surgery and the risk of bleeding.
Cytopenias: Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias, including neutropenia (23%), anemia (8%), thrombocytopenia (7%), and lymphopenia (7%), developed in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE. Grade 4 neutropenia developed in 12% of patients. Monitor complete blood counts regularly during treatment. Interrupt treatment, reduce the dose, or discontinue treatment as warranted [see Dose Modifications for Adverse Reactions under Dosage & Administration].
Second Primary Malignancies: Second primary malignancies, including skin cancers and other solid tumors, occurred in 12% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials. The most frequent second primary malignancy was skin cancer, reported in 6% of patients. Monitor patients for skin cancers and advise protection from sun exposure.
Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter: Grade 3 atrial fibrillation or flutter occurred in 1.1% of 1029 patients treated with CALQUENCE, with all grades of atrial fibrillation or flutter reported in 4.1% of all patients. The risk may be increased in patients with cardiac risk factors, hypertension, previous arrhythmias, and acute infection. Monitor for symptoms of arrhythmia (e.g., palpitations, dizziness, syncope, dyspnea) and manage as appropriate.
Hepatic Impairment: Avoid administration of CALQUENCE in patients with severe hepatic impairment. The safety of CALQUENCE has not been evaluated in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics: Specific Populations: Hepatic Impairment under Actions; Recommended Dosage for Hepatic Impairment under Dosage & Administration].
Use in Children: The safety and efficacy of CALQUENCE in pediatric patients have not been established.
Use in Elderly: Of the 929 patients with CLL or MCL in clinical trials of CALQUENCE, 68% were 65 years of age or older, and 24% were 75 years of age or older. Among patients 65 years of age or older, 59% had Grade 3 or higher adverse reactions and 39% had serious adverse reactions. Among patients younger than age 65, 45% had Grade 3 or higher adverse reactions and 25% had serious adverse reactions. No clinically relevant differences in efficacy were observed between patients ≥ 65 years and younger.

Pregnancy: Risk Summary: Based on findings in animals, CALQUENCE may cause fetal harm and dystocia when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk. In animal reproduction studies, administration of acalabrutinib to animals during organogenesis resulted in dystocia in rats and reduced fetal growth in rabbits at maternal exposures (AUC) 2 times exposures in patients at the recommended dose of 100 mg approximately every 12 hours (see Data as follows). Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. 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 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Data: Animal Data: In a combined fertility and embryo-fetal development study in female rats, acalabrutinib was administered orally at doses up to 200 mg/kg/day starting 14 days prior to mating through gestational day [GD] 17. No effects on embryo-fetal development and survival were observed. The AUC at 200 mg/kg/day in pregnant rats was approximately 9-times the AUC in patients at the recommended dose of 100 mg approximately every 12 hours. The presence of acalabrutinib and its active metabolite were confirmed in fetal rat plasma.
In an embryo-fetal development study in rabbits, pregnant animals were administered acalabrutinib orally at doses up to 200 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis (from GD 6-18). Administration of acalabrutinib at doses ≥ 100 mg/kg/day produced maternal toxicity and 100 mg/kg/day resulted in decreased fetal body weights and delayed skeletal ossification. The AUC at 100 mg/kg/day in pregnant rabbits was approximately 2-times the AUC in patients at 100 mg approximately every 12 hours.
In a pre- and postnatal development study in rats, acalabrutinib was administered orally to pregnant animals during organogenesis, parturition and lactation, at doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg/day. Dystocia (prolonged or difficult labor) and mortality of offspring were observed at doses ≥ 100 mg/kg/day. The AUC at 100 mg/kg/day in pregnant rats was approximately 2-times the AUC in patients at 100 mg approximately every 12 hours. Underdeveloped renal papilla was also observed in F1 generation offspring at 150 mg/kg/day with an AUC approximately 5-times the AUC in patients at 100 mg approximately every 12 hours.
Lactation: Risk Summary: No data are available regarding the presence of acalabrutinib or its active metabolite in human milk, its effects on the breastfed child, or on milk production. Acalabrutinib and its active metabolite were present in the milk of lactating rats. Due to the potential for adverse reactions in a breastfed child from CALQUENCE, advise lactating women not to breastfeed while taking CALQUENCE and for at least 2 weeks after the final dose.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy: Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating CALQUENCE therapy.
Contraception: Females: CALQUENCE may cause embryo-fetal harm and dystocia when administered to pregnant women [see Pregnancy as previously mentioned]. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with CALQUENCE and for at least 1 week following the last dose of CALQUENCE. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be informed of the potential hazard to a fetus.

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in Precautions: Serious and Opportunistic Infections; Hemorrhage; Cytopenias; Second Primary Malignancies; Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter.
Clinical Trials Experience: As 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.
The data in Precautions reflect exposure to CALQUENCE 100 mg approximately every 12 hours in 1029 patients with hematologic malignancies. Treatment includes CALQUENCE monotherapy in 820 patients in 6 trials, and CALQUENCE with obinutuzumab in 209 patients in 2 trials. Among these recipients of CALQUENCE, 88% were exposed for at least 6 months and 79% were exposed for at least one year. In this pooled safety population, adverse reactions in ≥ 30% of 1029 patients were anemia, neutropenia, upper respiratory tract infection, thrombocytopenia, headache, diarrhea, and musculoskeletal pain.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma: The safety data described as follows reflect exposure to CALQUENCE (100 mg approximately every 12 hours) in 124 patients with previously treated MCL in Trial LY-004 [see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Clinical Studies: Mantle Cell Lymphoma under Actions]. The median duration of treatment with CALQUENCE was 16.6 (range: 0.1 to 26.6) months. A total of 91 (73.4%) patients were treated with CALQUENCE for ≥ 6 months and 74 (59.7%) patients were treated for ≥ 1 year.
The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) of any grade were anemia, thrombocytopenia, headache, neutropenia, diarrhea, fatigue, myalgia, and bruising. Grade 1 severity for the non-hematologic, most common events were as follows: headache (25%), diarrhea (16%), fatigue (20%), myalgia (15%), and bruising (19%). The most common Grade ≥ 3 non-hematological adverse reaction (reported in at least 2% of patients) was diarrhea.
Dose reductions and discontinuation due to any adverse reaction were reported in 1.6% and 6.5% of patients, respectively.
Tables 6 and 7 present the frequency category of adverse reactions observed in patients with MCL treated with CALQUENCE. (See Tables 6 and 7.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image


Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

Increases in creatinine 1.5 to 3 times the upper limit of normal occurred in 4.8% of patients.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: The safety data described as follows reflect exposure to CALQUENCE (100 mg approximately every 12 hours, with or without obinutuzumab) in 511 patients with CLL from two randomized controlled clinical trials [see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Clinical Studies: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia under Actions].
The most common adverse reactions (≥ 30%) of any grade in patients with CLL were anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, and diarrhea.
ELEVATE-TN: The safety of CALQUENCE plus obinutuzumab (CALQUENCE+G), CALQUENCE monotherapy, and obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil (GClb) was evaluated in a randomized, multicenter, open-label, actively controlled trial in 526 patients with previously untreated CLL [see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Clinical Studies: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia under Actions].
Patients randomized to the CALQUENCE+G arm were treated with CALQUENCE and obinutuzumab in combination for six cycles, then with CALQUENCE as monotherapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients initiated obinutuzumab on Day 1 of Cycle 2, continuing for a total of 6 cycles. Patient randomized to CALQUENCE monotherapy received CALQUENCE approximately every 12 hours until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The trial required age ≥ 65 years of age or 18 to < 65 years of age with a total Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) > 6 or creatinine clearance of 30 to 69 mL/min, hepatic transaminases ≤ 3 times upper limit of normal (ULN) and total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 times ULN, and allowed patients to receive antithrombotic agents other than warfarin or equivalent vitamin K antagonists.
During randomized treatment, the median duration of exposure to CALQUENCE in the CALQUENCE+G and CALQUENCE monotherapy arms was 27.7 months (range 0.3 to 40 months), with 95% and 92% and 89% and 86% of patients with at least 6 months and 12 months of exposure, respectively. In the obinutuzumab and chlorambucil arm the median number of cycles was 6 with 84% of patients receiving at least 6 cycles of obinutuzumab, 70% of patients received at least 6 cycles of chlorambucil. Eighty-five percent of patients in the CALQUENCE+G arm received at least 6 cycles of obinutuzumab.
In the CALQUENCE+G and CALQUENCE monotherapy arms, fatal adverse reactions that occurred in the absence of disease progression and with onset within 30 days of the last study treatment were reported in 2% for each treatment arm, most often from infection. Serious adverse reactions were reported in 39% of patients in the CALQUENCE+G arm and 32% in the CALQUENCE monotherapy arm, most often due to events of pneumonia (2.8% to 7%).
In the CALQUENCE+G arm, adverse reactions led to treatment discontinuation in 11% of patients and a dose reduction of CALQUENCE in 7% of patients. In the CALQUENCE monotherapy arm, adverse reactions led to discontinuation in 10% and dose reduction in 4% of patients.
Tables 8 and 9 presents adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities identified in the ELEVATE-TN trial. (See Tables 8 and 9.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

Other clinically relevant adverse reactions (all grades incidence < 15%) in recipients of CALQUENCE (CALQUENCE in combination with obinutuzumab and monotherapy) included: Neoplasms: second primary malignancy (10%), non-melanoma skin cancer (5%).
Cardiac disorders: atrial fibrillation or flutter (3.6%), hypertension (5%).
Infection: herpesvirus infection (6%).

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

Increases in creatinine 1.5 to 3 times the upper limit of normal occurred in 3.9% and 2.8% of patients in the CALQUENCE combination arm and monotherapy arm, respectively.
ASCEND: The safety of CALQUENCE in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL was evaluated in a randomized, open-label study (ASCEND) [see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Clinical Studies: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia under Actions]. The trial enrolled patients with relapsed or refractory CLL after at least one prior therapy and required hepatic transaminases ≤ 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN), total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 times ULN, and an estimated creatinine clearance ≥ 30 mL/min. The trial excluded patients having an absolute neutrophil count < 500/μL, platelet count < 30,000/μL, prothrombin time or activated partial thromboplastin time > 2 times ULN, significant cardiovascular disease, or a requirement for strong CYP3A inhibitors or inducers. Patients were allowed to receive antithrombotic agents other than warfarin or equivalent vitamin K antagonist.
In ASCEND, 154 patients received CALQUENCE (100 mg approximately every 12 hours until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity), 118 received idelalisib (150 mg approximately every 12 hours until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity) with up to 8 infusions of a rituximab product, and 35 received up to 6 cycles of bendamustine and a rituximab product. The median age overall was 68 years (range: 32-90); 67% were male; 92% were White; and 88% had an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1.
In the CALQUENCE arm, serious adverse reactions occurred in 29% of patients. Serious adverse reactions in > 5% of patients who received CALQUENCE included lower respiratory tract infection (6%). Fatal adverse reactions within 30 days of the last dose of CALQUENCE occurred in 2.6% of patients, including from second primary malignancies and infection.
In recipients of CALQUENCE, permanent discontinuation due to an adverse reaction occurred in 10% of patients, most frequently due to second primary malignancies followed by infection. Adverse reactions led to dosage interruptions of CALQUENCE in 34% of patients, most often due to respiratory tract infections followed by neutropenia, and dose reduction in 3.9% of patients.
Selected adverse reactions are described in Table 10 and non-hematologic laboratory abnormalities are described in Table 11. These tables reflect exposure to CALQUENCE with median duration of 15.7 months with 94% of patients on treatment for greater than 6 months and 86% of patients on treatment for greater than 12 months. The median duration of exposure to idelalisib was 11.5 months with 72% of patients on treatment for greater than 6 months and 48% of patients on treatment for greater than 12 months. Eighty-three percent of patients completed 6 cycles of bendamustine and rituximab product. (See Tables 10 and 11.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

Other clinically relevant adverse reactions (all grades incidence < 15%) in recipients of CALQUENCE included: Skin and subcutaneous disorders: bruising (10%), rash (9%).
Neoplasms: second primary malignancy (12%), non-melanoma skin cancer (6%).
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: arthralgia (8%).
Cardiac disorders: atrial fibrillation or flutter (5%), hypertension (3.2%).
Infection: herpesvirus infection (4.5%).

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

Increases in creatinine to 1.5 to 3 times ULN occurred in 1.3% of patients who received CALQUENCE.

Drug Interactions: See Table 12.

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

Store at or below 30°C.

Advise the patient to read the patient labeling (Patient Information).
Serious and Opportunistic Infections: Inform patients of the possibility of serious infection and to report signs or symptoms suggestive of infection [see Serious and Opportunistic Infections under Precautions].
Hemorrhage: Inform patients to report signs or symptoms of bleeding. Inform patients that CALQUENCE may need to be interrupted for major surgeries [see Hemorrhage under Precautions].
Cytopenias: Inform patients that they will need periodic blood tests to check blood counts during treatment with CALQUENCE [see Cytopenias under Precautions].
Second Primary Malignancies: Inform patients that other malignancies have been reported in patients who have been treated with CALQUENCE, including skin cancer and other solid tumors. Advise patients to use sun protection [see Second Primary Malignancies under Precautions].
Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter: Counsel patients to report any signs of palpitations, dizziness, fainting, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath [see Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter under Precautions].
Pregnancy Complication: CALQUENCE may cause fetal harm and dystocia. Advise women to avoid becoming pregnant during treatment and for at least 1 week after the last dose of CALQUENCE [see Females and Males of Reproductive Potential under Use in Pregnancy & Lactation].
Lactation: Advise females not to breastfeed during treatment with CALQUENCE and for at least 2 weeks after the final dose [see Lactation under Use in Pregnancy & Lactation].
Dosing Instructions: Instruct patients to take CALQUENCE orally twice daily, about 12 hours apart. CALQUENCE may be taken with or without food. Advise patients that CALQUENCE capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, without being opened, broken, or chewed [see Recommended Dosage under Dosage & Administration].
Missed Dose: Advise patients that if they miss a dose of CALQUENCE, they may still take it up to 3 hours after the time they would normally take it. If more than 3 hours have elapsed, they should be instructed to skip that dose and take their next dose of CALQUENCE at the usual time. Warn patients they should not take extra capsules to make up for the dose that they missed [see Recommended Dosage under Dosage & Administration].
Drug Interactions: Advise patients to inform their healthcare providers of all concomitant medications, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal products [see Interactions].

Targeted Cancer Therapy

L01EL02 - acalabrutinib ; Belongs to the class of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. Used in the treatment of cancer.

P₁S₁S₃