- Approval Id
- 55fae2ee3224ccaa
- Drug Approval Emc Name
- Yuflyma 80 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen
- Drug Name
- Yuflyma 80 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen
- Company Name
- Celltrion Healthcare UK Limited
- Company Address
- Celltrion Healthcare UK Limited, The Charter Building, Charter Place, Uxbridge, UB8 1JG, UK
- Company Website
- http://www.celltrionhealthcare.co.uk/
- Company Telephone
- 01753 983 500
- Company Medical Info Direct Line
- 01753 983 500
- Company Medical Info Email
- UKMedical@celltrionhc.com
- Company Customer Care Direct Line
- 01753 983 500
- Atc Code
- L04AB04
- Legal Category
- Prescription only medicine
- Authorisation Holder
- Celltrion Healthcare United Kingdom Limited
The Charter Building
Charter Place
Uxbridge
UB8 1JG
United Kingdom
- Authorisation Number
- PLGB 51808/0009
- Authorisation Date
- 08/06/2022
- Instruction Authorisation Holder
- Celltrion Healthcare United Kingdom Limited
The Charter Building
Charter Place
Uxbridge
UB8 1JG
United Kingdom
- Instruction Authorisation Number
- PLGB 51808/0009
- Instruction Authorisation Date
- 08/06/2022
- Instruction Composition
- Each 0.8 ml single dose pre-filled pen contains 80 mg of adalimumab.
Adalimumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
- Instruction Dosage Form
- Solution for injection (injection)
Clear to slightly opalescent, colourless to pale brown solution.
- Instruction Clinical Particulars
- 4.1 Therapeutic indications
\*\*Rheumatoid arthritis\*\*
Yuflyma in combination with methotrexate, is indicated for:
• the treatment of moderate to severe, active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients when the response to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs including methotrexate has been inadequate.
• the treatment of severe, active and progressive rheumatoid arthritis in adults not previously treated with methotrexate.
Yuflyma can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to methotrexate or when continued treatment with methotrexate is inappropriate.
Adalimumab has been shown to reduce the rate of progression of joint damage as measured by X-ray and to improve physical function, when given in combination with methotrexate.
\*\*Psoriasis\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy.
\*\*Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for the treatment of active moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (acne inversa) in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with an inadequate response to conventional systemic HS therapy (see sections 5.1 and 5.2).
\*\*Crohn's disease\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn's disease, in adult patients who have not responded despite a full and adequate course of therapy with a corticosteroid and/or an immunosuppressant; or who are intolerant to or have medical contraindications for such therapies.
\*\*Paediatric Crohn's disease\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn's disease in paediatric patients (from 6 years of age) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including primary nutrition therapy and a corticosteroid and/or an immunomodulator, or who are intolerant to or have contraindications for such therapies.
\*\*Ulcerative colitis\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adult patients who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including corticosteroids and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) or azathioprine (AZA), or who are intolerant to or have medical contraindications for such therapies.
\*\*Paediatric ulcerative colitis\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in paediatric patients (from 6 years of age) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including corticosteroids and/or 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) or azathioprine (AZA), or who are intolerant to or have medical contraindications for such therapies.
\*\*Uveitis\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for the treatment of non-infectious intermediate, posterior and panuveitis in adult patients who have had an inadequate response to corticosteroids, in patients in need of corticosteroid- sparing, or in whom corticosteroid treatment is inappropriate.
\*\*Paediatric uveitis\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for the treatment of paediatric chronic non-infectious anterior uveitis in patients from 2 years of age who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant to conventional therapy, or in whom conventional therapy is inappropriate.4.2 Posology and method of administration
Yuflyma treatment should be initiated and supervised by specialist physicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions for which Yuflyma is indicated. Ophthalmologists are advised to consult with an appropriate specialist before initiation of treatment with Yuflyma (see section 4.4). Patients treated with Yuflyma should be given the Patient Reminder Card.
After proper training in injection technique, patients may self-inject with Yuflyma if their physician determines that it is appropriate and with medical follow-up as necessary.
During treatment with Yuflyma, other concomitant therapies (e.g., corticosteroids and/or immunomodulatory agents) should be optimised.
\*\*Posology\*\*
\*Rheumatoid arthritis\*
The recommended dose of Yuflyma for adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis is 40 mg adalimumab administered every other week as a single dose via subcutaneous injection. Methotrexate should be continued during treatment with Yuflyma.
Glucocorticoids, salicylates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or analgesics can be continued during treatment with Yuflyma. Regarding combination with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs other than methotrexate see sections 4.4 and 5.1.
In monotherapy, some patients who experience a decrease in their response to Yuflyma 40 mg every other week may benefit from an increase in dosage to 40 mg adalimumab every week or 80 mg every other week.
Available data suggest that the clinical response is usually achieved within 12 weeks of treatment. Continued therapy should be reconsidered in a patient not responding within this time period.
\*Psoriasis\*
The recommended dose of Yuflyma for adult patients is an initial dose of 80 mg administered subcutaneously, followed by 40 mg subcutaneously given every other week starting one week after the initial dose. Yuflyma 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe and/or pre-filled pen is available for the maintenance dose.
Continued therapy beyond 16 weeks should be carefully reconsidered in a patient not responding within this time period.
Beyond 16 weeks, patients with inadequate response to Yuflyma 40 mg every other week may benefit from an increase in dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. The benefits and risks of continued 40 mg weekly or 80 mg every other week therapy should be carefully reconsidered in a patient with an inadequate response after the increase in dosage (see section 5.1). If adequate response is achieved with 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week, the dosage may subsequently be reduced to 40 mg every other week.
\*Hidradenitis suppurativa\*
The recommended Yuflyma dose regimen for adult patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is 160 mg initially at day 1 (given as two 80 mg injections in one day or as one 80 mg injection per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg two weeks later at day 15. Two weeks later (day 29) continue with a dose of 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. Antibiotics may be continued during treatment with Yuflyma if necessary. It is recommended that the patient should use a topical antiseptic wash on their HS lesions on a daily basis during treatment with Yuflyma.
Continued therapy beyond 12 weeks should be carefully reconsidered in a patient with no improvement within this time period.
Should treatment be interrupted, Yuflyma 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week may be re- introduced (see section 5.1).
The benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be periodically evaluated (see section 5.1).
\*Crohn's disease\*
The recommended Yuflyma induction dose regimen for adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease is 80 mg at week 0 followed by 40 mg at week 2. In case there is a need for a more rapid response to therapy, the regimen 160 mg at week 0 (given as two 80 mg injections in one day or as one 80 mg injection per day for two consecutive days), 80 mg at week 2, can be used with the awareness that the risk for adverse events is higher during induction.
After induction treatment, the recommended dose is 40 mg every other week via subcutaneous injection. Alternatively, if a patient has stopped Yuflyma and signs and symptoms of disease recur, Yuflyma may be re-administered. There is little experience from re-administration after more than 8 weeks since the previous dose.
During maintenance treatment, corticosteroids may be tapered in accordance with clinical practice guidelines.
Some patients who experience decrease in their response to Yuflyma 40 mg every other week may benefit from an increase in dosage to 40 mg Yuflyma every week or 80 mg every other week.
Some patients who have not responded by week 4 may benefit from continued maintenance therapy through week 12. Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in a patient not responding within this time period.
\*Ulcerative colitis\*
The recommended Yuflyma induction dose regimen for adult patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis is 160 mg at week 0 (given as two 80 mg injections in one day or as one 80 mg injection per day for two consecutive days) and 80 mg at week 2. After induction treatment, the recommended dose is 40 mg every other week via subcutaneous injection.
During maintenance treatment, corticosteroids may be tapered in accordance with clinical practice guidelines.
Some patients who experience decrease in their response to Yuflyma 40 mg every other week may benefit from an increase in dosage to 40 mg Yuflyma every week or 80 mg every other week.
Available data suggest that clinical response is usually achieved within 2-8 weeks of treatment. Yuflyma therapy should not be continued in patients failing to respond within this time period.
\*Uveitis\*
The recommended dose of Yuflyma for adult patients with uveitis is an initial dose of 80 mg, followed by 40 mg given every other week starting one week after the initial dose. Yuflyma 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe and/or pre-filled pen is available for the maintenance dose. There is limited experience in the initiation of treatment with adalimumab alone. Treatment with Yuflyma can be initiated in combination with corticosteroids and/or with other non-biologic immunomodulatory agents. Concomitant corticosteroids may be tapered in accordance with clinical practice starting two weeks after initiating treatment with Yuflyma.
It is recommended that the benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be evaluated on a yearly basis (see section 5.1).
\*\*Special populations\*\*
\*Elderly\*
No dose adjustment is required.
\*Renal and/or hepatic impairment\*
Adalimumab has not been studied in these patient populations. No dose recommendations can be made.
\*\*\*Paediatric population\*\*\*
\*Paediatric plaque psoriasis\*
The safety and efficacy of Yuflyma in children aged 4-17 years have been established for plaque psoriasis.
The recommended Yuflyma dose is up to a maximum of 40 mg per dose.
\*\*\*Adolescent hidradenitis suppurativa (from 12 years of age, weighing at least 30 kg)\*\*\*
There are no clinical trials with adalimumab in adolescent patients with HS. The posology of adalimumab in these patients has been determined from pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation (see section 5.2).
The recommended Yuflyma dose is 80 mg at week 0 followed by 40 mg every other week starting at week 1 via subcutaneous injection.
In adolescent patients with inadequate response to Yuflyma 40 mg every other week, an increase in dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week may be considered.
Antibiotics may be continued during treatment with Yuflyma if necessary. It is recommended that the patient should use a topical antiseptic wash on their HS lesions on a daily basis during treatment with Yuflyma.
Continued therapy beyond 12 weeks should be carefully reconsidered in a patient with no improvement within this time period.
Should treatment be interrupted, Yuflyma may be re-introduced as appropriate.
The benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be periodically evaluated (see adult data in section 5.1)
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 12 years in this indication.
\*\*\*Paediatric Crohn's disease\*\*\*
The recommended dose of Yuflyma for patients with Crohn's disease from 6 to 17 years of age is based on body weight (Table 1). Yuflyma is administered via subcutaneous injection.
\*\*Table 1. Adalimumab dose for paediatric patients with crohn's disease\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Patient weight\*\* | \*\*Induction dose\*\* | \*\*Maintenance dose starting at week 4\*\* |
| < 40 kg | • 40 mg at week 0 and 20 mg at week 2 \\* In case there is a need for a more rapid response to therapy with the awareness that the risk for adverse events may be higher with use of the higher induction dose, the following dose may be used: • 80 mg at week 0 and 40 mg at week 2 | 20 mg every other week |
| ≥ 40 kg | • 80 mg at week 0 and 40 mg at week 2 In case there is a need for a more rapid response to therapy with the awareness that the risk for adverse events may be higher with use of the higher induction dose, the following dose may be used: • 160 mg at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2 | 40 mg every other week |
Patients who experience insufficient response may benefit from an increase in dosage:
• < 40 kg: 20 mg every week
• ≥ 40 kg: 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week
Continued therapy should be carefully considered in a subject not responding by week 12.
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 6 years for this indication.
\*\*\*Paediatric ulcerative colitis\*\*\*
The recommended dose of Yuflyma for patients from 6 to 17 years of age with ulcerative colitis is based on body weight (Table 2). Yuflyma is administered via subcutaneous injection.
\*\*Table 2. Yuflyma dose for paediatric patients with ulcerative colitis\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Patient weight\*\* | \*\*Induction dose\*\* | \*\*Maintenance dose starting at week 4\\*\*\* |
| < 40 kg | • 80 mg at week 0 (given as one 80 mg injection in one day) and • 40 mg at week 2 (given as one 40 mg injection) | • 40 mg every other week |
| ≥ 40 kg | • 160 mg at week 0 (given as two 80 mg injections in one day or one 80 mg injection per day for two consecutive days) and • 80 mg at week 2 (given as one 80 mg injection in one day) | • 80 mg every other week |
\\* Paediatric patients who turn 18 years of age while on Yuflyma should continue their prescribed maintenance dose.
Continued therapy beyond 8 weeks should be carefully considered in patients not showing signs of response within this time period.
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 6 years in this indication.
\*\*\*Paediatric uveitis\*\*\*
The recommended dose of Yuflyma for paediatric patients with uveitis from 2 years of age is based on body weight (Table 3). Yuflyma is administered via subcutaneous injection.
In paediatric uveitis, there is no experience in the treatment with adalimumab without concomitant treatment with methotrexate.
\*\*Table 3. Yuflyma dose for paediatric patients with uveitis\*\*
| | |
| --- | --- |
| \*\*Patient weight\*\* | \*\*Dosing regimen\*\* |
| < 30 kg | 20 mg every other week in combination with methotrexate |
| ≥ 30 kg | 40 mg every other week in combination with methotrexate |
When Yuflyma therapy is initiated, a loading dose of 40 mg for patients < 30 kg or 80 mg for patients ≥ 30 kg may be administered one week prior to the start of maintenance therapy. No clinical data are available on the use of an adalimumab loading dose in children < 6 years of age (see section 5.2).
There is no relevant use of Yuflyma in children aged less than 2 years in this indication.
It is recommended that the benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be evaluated on a yearly basis (see section 5.1).
\*\*Method of administration\*\*
Yuflyma is administered by subcutaneous injection.
Full instructions for use are provided in the package leaflet. Yuflyma is available in other strengths and presentations4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Active tuberculosis or other severe infections such as sepsis, and opportunistic infections (see section 4.4).
Moderate to severe heart failure (NYHA class III/IV) (see section 4.4).4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
\*\*Traceability\*\*
In order to improve traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.
\*\*Infections\*\*
Patients taking TNF-antagonists are more susceptible to serious infections. Impaired lung function may increase the risk for developing infections. Patients must therefore be monitored closely for infections, including tuberculosis, before, during and after treatment with Yuflyma. Because the elimination of adalimumab may take up to four months, monitoring should be continued throughout this period.
Treatment with Yuflyma should not be initiated in patients with active infections including chronic or localised infections until infections are controlled. In patients who have been exposed to tuberculosis and patients who have travelled in areas of high risk of tuberculosis or endemic mycoses, such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis, the risk and benefits of treatment with Yuflyma should be considered prior to initiating therapy (see \*Other opportunistic infections\*).
Patients who develop a new infection while undergoing treatment with Yuflyma should be monitored closely and undergo a complete diagnostic evaluation. Administration of Yuflyma should be discontinued if a patient develops a new serious infection or sepsis, and appropriate antimicrobial or antifungal therapy should be initiated until the infection is controlled.
Physicians should exercise caution when considering the use of Yuflyma in patients with a history of recurring infection or with underlying conditions which may predispose patients to infections, including the use of concomitant immunosuppressive medications.
\*Serious infections\*
Serious infections, including sepsis, due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, parasitic, viral, or other opportunistic infections such as listeriosis, legionellosis and pneumocystis have been reported in patients receiving adalimumab.
Other serious infections seen in clinical trials include pneumonia, pyelonephritis, septic arthritis and septicaemia. Hospitalisation or fatal outcomes associated with infections have been reported.
\*Tuberculosis\*
Tuberculosis, including reactivation and new onset of tuberculosis, has been reported in patients receiving adalimumab. Reports included cases of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary (i.e. disseminated) tuberculosis.
Before initiation of therapy with Yuflyma, all patients must be evaluated for both active or inactive (“latent”) tuberculosis infection. This evaluation should include a detailed medical assessment of patient history of tuberculosis or possible previous exposure to people with active tuberculosis and previous and/or current immunosuppressive therapy. Appropriate screening tests (i.e. tuberculin skin test and chest X-ray) should be performed in all patients (local recommendations may apply). It is recommended that the conduct and results of these tests are recorded in the Patient Reminder Card. Prescribers are reminded of the risk of false negative tuberculin skin test results, especially in patients who are severely ill or immunocompromised.
If active tuberculosis is diagnosed, Yuflyma therapy must not be initiated (see section 4.3).
In all situations described below, the benefit/risk balance of therapy should be very carefully considered.
If latent tuberculosis is suspected, a physician with expertise in the treatment of tuberculosis should be consulted.
If latent tuberculosis is diagnosed, appropriate treatment must be started with anti-tuberculosis prophylaxis treatment before the initiation of Yuflyma, and in accordance with local recommendations.
Use of anti-tuberculosis prophylaxis treatment should also be considered before the initiation of Yuflyma in patients with several or significant risk factors for tuberculosis despite a negative test for tuberculosis and in patients with a past history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed.
Despite prophylactic treatment for tuberculosis, cases of reactivated tuberculosis have occurred in patients treated with adalimumab. Some patients who have been successfully treated for active tuberculosis have redeveloped tuberculosis while being treated with adalimumab.
Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if signs/symptoms suggestive of a tuberculosis infection (e.g., persistent cough, wasting/weight loss, low grade fever, listlessness) occur during or after therapy with Yuflyma.
\*Other opportunistic infections\*
Opportunistic infections, including invasive fungal infections have been observed in patients receiving adalimumab. These infections have not consistently been recognised in patients taking TNF-antagonists and this has resulted in delays in appropriate treatment, sometimes resulting in fatal outcomes.
For patients who develop the signs and symptoms such as fever, malaise, weight loss, sweats, cough, dyspnoea, and/or pulmonary infiltrates or other serious systemic illness with or without concomitant shock an invasive fungal infection should be suspected and administration of Yuflyma should be promptly discontinued. Diagnosis and administration of empiric antifungal therapy in these patients should be made in consultation with a physician with expertise in the care of patients with invasive fungal infections.
\*\*Hepatitis B reactivation\*\*
Reactivation of hepatitis B has occurred in patients receiving a TNF-antagonist including adalimumab, who are chronic carriers of this virus (i.e. surface antigen positive). Some cases have had a fatal outcome. Patients should be tested for HBV infection before initiating treatment with Yuflyma. For patients who test positive for hepatitis B infection, consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of hepatitis B is recommended.
Carriers of HBV who require treatment with Yuflyma should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of active HBV infection throughout therapy and for several months following termination of therapy. Adequate data from treating patients who are carriers of HBV with anti-viral therapy in conjunction with TNF-antagonist therapy to prevent HBV reactivation are not available. In patients who develop HBV reactivation, Yuflyma should be stopped and effective anti-viral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated.
\*\*Neurological events\*\*
TNF-antagonists including adalimumab have been associated in rare instances with new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of central nervous system demyelinating disease including multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis, and peripheral demyelinating disease, including Guillain- Barré syndrome. Prescribers should exercise caution in considering the use of Yuflyma in patients with pre- existing or recent-onset central or peripheral nervous system demyelinating disorders; discontinuation of Yuflyma should be considered if any of these disorders develop. There is a known association between intermediate uveitis and central demyelinating disorders. Neurologic evaluation should be performed in patients with non- infectious intermediate uveitis prior to the initiation of Yuflyma therapy and regularly during treatment to assess for pre-existing or developing central demyelinating disorders.
\*\*Allergic reactions\*\*
Serious allergic reactions associated with adalimumab were rare during clinical trials. Non-serious allergic reactions associated with adalimumab were uncommon during clinical trials. Reports of serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been received following adalimumab administration. If an anaphylactic reaction or other serious allergic reaction occurs, administration of Yuflyma should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated.
\*\*Immunosuppression\*\*
In a study of 64 patients with rheumatoid arthritis that were treated with adalimumab, there was no evidence of depression of delayed-type hypersensitivity, depression of immunoglobulin levels, or change in enumeration of effector T-, B-, NK-cells, monocyte/macrophages, and neutrophils.
\*\*Malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders\*\*
In the controlled portions of clinical trials of TNF-antagonists, more cases of malignancies including lymphoma have been observed among patients receiving a TNF-antagonist compared with control patients. However, the occurrence was rare. In the post marketing setting, cases of leukaemia have been reported in patients treated with a TNF-antagonist. There is an increased background risk for lymphoma and leukaemia in rheumatoid arthritis patients with long-standing, highly active, inflammatory disease, which complicates the risk estimation. With the current knowledge, a possible risk for the development of lymphomas, leukaemia, and other malignancies in patients treated with a TNF-antagonist cannot be excluded.
Malignancies, some fatal, have been reported among children, adolescents and young adults (up to 22 years of age) treated with TNF-antagonists (initiation of therapy ≤ 18 years of age), including adalimumab in the post marketing setting. Approximately half the cases were lymphomas. The other cases represented a variety of different malignancies and included rare malignancies usually associated with immunosuppression. A risk for the development of malignancies in children and adolescents treated with TNF-antagonists cannot be excluded.
Rare postmarketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma have been identified in patients treated with adalimumab. This rare type of T-cell lymphoma has a very aggressive disease course and is usually fatal. Some of these hepatosplenic T-cell lymphomas with adalimumab have occurred in young adult patients on concomitant treatment with azathioprine or 6- mercaptopurine used for inflammatory bowel disease. The potential risk with the combination of azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine and Yuflyma should be carefully considered. A risk for the development of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in patients treated with Yuflyma cannot be excluded (see section 4.8).
No studies have been conducted that include patients with a history of malignancy or in whom treatment with adalimumab is continued following development of malignancy. Thus additional caution should be exercised in considering Yuflyma treatment of these patients (see section 4.8).
All patients, and in particular patients with a medical history of extensive immunosuppressant therapy or psoriasis patients with a history of PUVA treatment should be examined for the presence of non- melanoma skin cancer prior to and during treatment with Yuflyma. Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma have also been reported in patients treated with TNF-antagonists including adalimumab (see section 4.8).
In an exploratory clinical trial evaluating the use of another TNF-antagonist, infliximab, in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), more malignancies, mostly in the lung or head and neck, were reported in infliximab-treated patients compared with control patients. All patients had a history of heavy smoking. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using any TNF-antagonist in COPD patients, as well as in patients with increased risk for malignancy due to heavy smoking.
With current data it is not known if adalimumab treatment influences the risk for developing dysplasia or colon cancer. All patients with ulcerative colitis who are at increased risk for dysplasia or colon carcinoma (for example, patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis), or who had a prior history of dysplasia or colon carcinoma should be screened for dysplasia at regular intervals before therapy and throughout their disease course. This evaluation should include colonoscopy and biopsies per local recommendations.
\*\*Haematologic reactions\*\*
Rare reports of pancytopenia including aplastic anaemia have been reported with TNF-antagonists. Adverse events of the haematologic system, including medically significant cytopenia (e.g. thrombocytopenia, leukopenia) have been reported with adalimumab. All patients should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias (e.g. persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on Yuflyma. Discontinuation of Yuflyma therapy should be considered in patients with confirmed significant haematologic abnormalities.
\*\*Vaccinations\*\*
Similar antibody responses to the standard 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine and the influenza trivalent virus vaccination were observed in a study in 226 adult subjects with rheumatoid arthritis who were treated with adalimumab or placebo. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving adalimumab.
It is recommended that paediatric patients, if possible, be brought up to date with all immunisations in agreement with current immunisation guidelines prior to initiating Yuflyma therapy.
Patients on Yuflyma may receive concurrent vaccinations, except for live vaccines. Administration of live vaccines (e.g., BCG vaccine) to infants exposed to adalimumab in utero is not recommended for 5 months following the mother's last adalimumab injection during pregnancy.
\*\*Congestive heart failure\*\*
In a clinical trial with another TNF-antagonist worsening congestive heart failure and increased mortality due to congestive heart failure have been observed. Cases of worsening congestive heart failure have also been reported in patients receiving adalimumab. Yuflyma should be used with caution in patients with mild heart failure (NYHA class I/II). Yuflyma is contraindicated in moderate to severe heart failure (see section 4.3). Treatment with Yuflyma must be discontinued in patients who develop new or worsening symptoms of congestive heart failure.
\*\*Autoimmune processes\*\*
Treatment with Yuflyma may result in the formation of autoimmune antibodies. The impact of long-term treatment with adalimumab on the development of autoimmune diseases is unknown. If a patient develops symptoms suggestive of a lupus-like syndrome following treatment with Yuflyma and is positive for antibodies against double-stranded DNA, further treatment with Yuflyma should not be given (see section 4.8).
\*\*Concurrent administration of biologic DMARDs or TNF-antagonists\*\*
Serious infections were seen in clinical studies with concurrent use of anakinra and another
TNF-antagonist, etanercept, with no added clinical benefit compared to etanercept alone. Because of the nature of the adverse events seen with the combination of etanercept and anakinra therapy, similar toxicities may also result from the combination of anakinra and other TNF-antagonists. Therefore, the combination of adalimumab and anakinra is not recommended (see section 4.5).
Concomitant administration of adalimumab with other biologic DMARDs (e.g, anakinra and abatacept) or other TNF-antagonists is not recommended based upon the possible increased risk for infections, including serious infections and other potential pharmacological interactions (see section 4.5).
\*\*Surgery\*\*
There is limited safety experience of surgical procedures in patients treated with adalimumab. The long half-life of adalimumab should be taken into consideration if a surgical procedure is planned. A patient who requires surgery while on Yuflyma should be closely monitored for infections, and appropriate actions should be taken. There is limited safety experience in patients undergoing arthroplasty while receiving adalimumab.
\*\*Small bowel obstruction\*\*
Failure to respond to treatment for Crohn's disease may indicate the presence of fixed fibrotic stricture that may require surgical treatment. Available data suggest that adalimumab does not worsen or cause strictures.
\*\*Elderly\*\*
The frequency of serious infections among adalimumab-treated subjects over 65 years of age (3.7%) was higher than for those under 65 years of age (1.5%). Some of those had a fatal outcome. Particular attention regarding the risk for infection should be paid when treating the elderly.
\*\*Paediatric population\*\*
See Vaccinations above.
\*\*Sodium contents\*\*
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per 0.8 ml dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium free'.4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Adalimumab has been studied in rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and psoriatic arthritis patients taking adalimumab as monotherapy and those taking concomitant methotrexate. Antibody formation was lower when adalimumab was given together with methotrexate in comparison with use as monotherapy. Administration of adalimumab without methotrexate resulted in increased formation of antibodies, increased clearance and reduced efficacy of adalimumab (see section 5.1).
The combination of adalimumab and anakinra is not recommended (see section 4.4 “Concurrent administration of biologic DMARDs or TNF- antagonists”).
The combination of adalimumab and abatacept is not recommended (see section 4.4 “Concurrent administration of biologic DMARDs or TNF- antagonists”).4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
\*\*Women of childbearing potential\*\*
Women of childbearing potential should consider the use of adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy and continue its use for at least five months after the last Yuflyma treatment.
\*\*Pregnancy\*\*
A large number (approximately 2,100) of prospectively collected pregnancies exposed to adalimumab resulting in live birth with known outcomes, including more than 1,500 exposed during the first trimester, does not indicate an increase in the rate of malformation in the newborn.
In a prospective cohort registry, 257 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or Crohn's disease (CD) treated with adalimumab at least during the first trimester and 120 women with RA or CD not treated with adalimumab were enrolled.
The primary endpoint was the birth prevalence of major birth defects. The rate of pregnancies ending with at least one live born infant with a major birth defect was 6/69 (8.7%) in the adalimumab-treated women with RA and 5/74 (6.8%) in the untreated women with RA (unadjusted OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.38- 4.52) and 16/152 (10.5%) in the adalimumab-treated women with CD and 3/32 (9.4%) in the untreated women with CD (unadjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.31- 4.16). The adjusted OR (accounting for baseline differences) was 1.10 (95% CI 0.45-2.73) with RA and CD combined. There were no distinct differences between adalimumab-treated and untreated women for the secondary endpoints spontaneous abortions, minor birth defects, preterm delivery, birth size and serious or opportunistic infections and no stillbirths or malignancies were reported. The interpretation of data may be impacted due to methodological limitations of the study, including small sample size and non-randomised design.
In a developmental toxicity study conducted in monkeys, there was no indication of maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity or teratogenicity. Preclinical data on postnatal toxicity of adalimumab are not available (see section 5.3).
Due to its inhibition of TNFα, adalimumab administered during pregnancy could affect normal immune responses in the newborn. Adalimumab should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed.
Adalimumab may cross the placenta into the serum of infants born to women treated with adalimumab during pregnancy. Consequently, these infants may be at increased risk for infection. Administration of live vaccines (e.g., BCG vaccine) to infants exposed to adalimumab in utero is not recommended for 5 months following the mother's last adalimumab injection during pregnancy.
\*\*Breast-feeding\*\*
Limited information from the published literature indicates that adalimumab is excreted in breast milk at very low concentrations with the presence of adalimumab in human milk at concentrations of 0.1% to 1% of the maternal serum level. Given orally, immunoglobulin G proteins undergo intestinal proteolysis and have poor bioavailability. No effects on the breastfed newborns/infants are anticipated. Consequently, Yuflyma can be used during breastfeeding.
\*\*Fertility\*\*
Preclinical data on fertility effects of adalimumab are not available.4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Yuflyma may have a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Vertigo and visual impairment may occur following administration of Yuflyma (see section 4.8).4.8 Undesirable effects
\*\*Summary of the safety profile\*\*
Adalimumab was studied in 9,506 patients in pivotal controlled and open label trials for up to 60 months or more. These trials included rheumatoid arthritis patients with short term and long standing disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis) as well as axial spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of AS), psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa and uveitis patients. The pivotal controlled studies involved 6,089 patients receiving adalimumab and 3,801 patients receiving placebo or active comparator during the controlled period.
The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse events during the double-blind, controlled portion of pivotal studies was 5.9% for patients taking adalimumab and 5.4% for control treated patients.
The most commonly reported adverse reactions are infections (such as nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection and sinusitis), injection site reactions (erythema, itching, haemorrhage, pain or swelling), headache and musculoskeletal pain.
Serious adverse reactions have been reported for adalimumab. TNF- antagonists, such as adalimumab affect the immune system and their use may affect the body's defence against infection and cancer.
Fatal and life-threatening infections (including sepsis, opportunistic infections and TB), HBV reactivation and various malignancies (including leukaemia, lymphoma and HSTCL) have also been reported with use of adalimumab.
Serious haematological, neurological and autoimmune reactions have also been reported. These include rare reports of pancytopenia, aplastic anaemia, central and peripheral demyelinating events and reports of lupus, lupus- related conditions and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
\*\*Paediatric population\*\*
In general, the adverse events in paediatric patients were similar in frequency and type to those seen in adult patients.
\*\*Tabulated list of adverse reactions\*\*
The following list of adverse reactions is based on experience from clinical trials and on postmarketing experience and are displayed by system organ class and frequency in Table 5 below: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. The highest frequency seen among the various indications has been included. An asterisk (\\*) appears in the SOC column if further information is found elsewhere in sections 4.3, 4.4 and 4.8.
\*\*Table 5 Undesirable effects\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*System organ class\*\* | \*\*Frequency\*\* | \*\*Adverse reaction\*\* |
| Infections and infestations\\* | Very common | Respiratory tract infections (including lower and upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, sinusitis, pharyngitis, nasopharyngitis and pneumonia herpes viral) |
| Common | Systemic infections (including sepsis, candidiasis and influenza), intestinal infections (including gastroenteritis viral), skin and soft tissue infections (including paronychia, cellulitis, impetigo, necrotising fasciitis and herpes zoster), ear infections, oral infections (including herpes simplex, oral herpes and tooth infections), reproductive tract infections (including vulvovaginal mycotic infection), urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis), fungal infections, joint infections |
| Uncommon | Neurological infections (including viral meningitis), opportunistic infections and tuberculosis (including coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis and mycobacterium avium complex infection), bacterial infections, eye infections, diverticulitis1) |
| Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps)\\* | Common | Skin cancer excluding melanoma (including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma), benign neoplasm |
| Uncommon | Lymphoma\\*\\*, solid organ neoplasm (including breast cancer, lung neoplasm and thyroid neoplasm), melanoma\\*\\* |
| Rare | Leukaemia1) |
| Not known | Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma1) Merkel cell carcinoma (neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin)1) Kaposi’s sarcoma |
| Blood and the lymphatic system disorders\\* | Very common | Leukopenia (including neutropenia and agranulocytosis), anaemia |
| Common | Leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia |
| Uncommon | Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura |
| Rare | Pancytopenia |
| Immune system disorders\\* | Common | Hypersensitivity, allergies (including seasonal allergy) |
| Uncommon | Sarcoidosis1), vasculitis |
| Rare | Anaphylaxis1) |
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | Very common | Lipids increased |
| Common | Hypokalaemia, uric acid increased, blood sodium abnormal, hypocalcaemia, hyperglycaemia, hypophosphatemia, dehydration |
| Psychiatric disorders | Common | Mood alterations (including depression), anxiety, insomnia |
| Nervous system disorders\\* | Very common | Headache |
| Common | Paraesthesias (including hypoesthesia), migraine, nerve root compression |
| Uncommon | Cerebrovascular accident1), tremor, neuropathy |
| Rare | Multiple sclerosis, demyelinating disorders (e.g. optic neuritis, Guillain-Barré syndrome) 1) |
| Eye disorders | Common | Visual impairment, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, eye swelling |
| Uncommon | Diplopia |
| Ear and labyrinth disorders | Common | Vertigo |
| Uncommon | Deafness, tinnitus |
| Cardiac disorders\\* | Common | Tachycardia |
| Uncommon | Myocardial infarction1), arrhythmia, congestive heart failure |
| Rare | Cardiac arrest |
| Vascular disorders | Common | Hypertension, flushing, haematoma |
| Uncommon | Aortic aneurysm, vascular arterial occlusion, thrombophlebitis |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders\\* | Common | Asthma, dyspnoea, cough |
| Uncommon | Pulmonary embolism1), interstitial lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonitis, pleural effusion1) |
| Rare | Pulmonary fibrosis1) |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Very common | Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting |
| Common | GI haemorrhage, dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, sicca syndrome |
| Uncommon | Pancreatitis, dysphagia, face oedema |
| Rare | Intestinal perforation1) |
| Hepato-biliary disorders\\* | Very common | Elevated liver enzymes |
| Uncommon | Cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, hepatic steatosis, bilirubin increased |
| Rare | Hepatitis reactivation of hepatitis B1) autoimmune hepatitis1) |
| Not known | Liver failure1) |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Very common | Rash (including exfoliative rash) |
| Common | Worsening or new onset of psoriasis(including palmoplantar pustular psoriasis)1), urticaria, bruising (including purpura), dermatitis (including eczema), onychoclasis, hyperhidrosis, alopecia1), pruritus |
| Uncommon | Night sweats, scar |
| Rare | Erythema multiforme1), Stevens- Johnson syndrome1), angioedema1), cutaneous vasculitis1) lichenoid skin reaction1) |
| Not known | Worsening of symptoms of dermatomyositis1) |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Very common | Musculoskeletal pain |
| Common | Muscle spasms (including blood creatine phosphokinase increased) |
| Uncommon | Rhabdomyolysis, systemic lupus erythematosus |
| Rare | Lupus-like syndrome1) |
| Renal and urinary disorders | Common | Renal impairment, haematuria |
| Uncommon | Nocturia |
| Reproductive system and breast disorders | Uncommon | Erectile dysfunction |
| General disorders and administration site conditions\\* | Very common | Injection site reaction (including injection site erythema) |
| Common | Chest pain, oedema, pyrexia1) |
| Uncommon | Inflammation |
| Investigations\\* | Common | Coagulation and bleeding disorders (including activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged), autoantibody test positive (including double stranded DNA antibody), blood lactate dehydrogenase increased |
| Not known | Weight increased2) |
| Injury, poisoning and procedural complications | Common | Impaired healing |
\\* further information is found elsewhere in sections 4.3, 4.4 and 4.8
\\*\\* including open label extension studies
1) including spontaneous reporting data
2) The mean weight change from baseline for adalimumab ranged from 0.3 kg to 1.0 kg across adult indications compared to (minus) -0.4 kg to 0.4 kg for placebo over a treatment period of 4-6 months. Weight increase of 5-6 kg has also been observed in long-term extension studies with mean exposures of approximately 1-2 years without control group, particularly in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The mechanism behind this effect is unclear but could be associated with the anti-inflammatory effect of adalimumab.
\*\*Hidradenitis suppurativa\*\*
The safety profile for patients with HS treated with adalimumab weekly was consistent with the known safety profile of adalimumab.
\*\*Uveitis\*\*
The safety profile for patients with uveitis treated with adalimumab every other week was consistent with the known safety profile of adalimumab.
\*\*Description of selected adverse reactions\*\*
\*Injection site reactions\*
In the pivotal controlled trials in adults and children, 12.9% of patients treated with adalimumab developed injection site reactions (erythema and/or itching, haemorrhage, pain or swelling), compared to 7.2% of patients receiving placebo or active control. Injection site reactions generally did not necessitate discontinuation of the medicinal product.
\*Infections\*
In the pivotal controlled trials in adults and children, the rate of infection was 1.51 per patient year in the adalimumab-treated patients and 1.46 per patient year in the placebo and active control-treated patients. The infections consisted primarily of nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and sinusitis. Most patients continued on adalimumab after the infection resolved.
The incidence of serious infections was 0.04 per patient year in adalimumab- treated patients and 0.03 per patient year in placebo and active control- treated patients.
In controlled and open label adult and paediatric studies with adalimumab, serious infections (including fatal infections, which occurred rarely) have been reported, which include reports of tuberculosis (including miliary and extra-pulmonary locations) and invasive opportunistic infections (e.g. disseminated or extrapulmonary histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, pneumocystis, candidiasis, aspergillosis and listeriosis). Most of the cases of tuberculosis occurred within the first eight months after initiation of therapy and may reflect recrudescence of latent disease.
\*Malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders\*
No malignancies were observed in 249 paediatric patients with an exposure of 655.6 patient years during adalimumab trials in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis- related arthritis). In addition, no malignancies were observed in 192 paediatric patients with an exposure of 498.1 patient years during adalimumab trials in paediatric patients with Crohn's disease. No malignancies were observed in 77 paediatric patients with an exposure of 80.0 patient years during an adalimumab trial in paediatric patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. No malignancies were observed in 93 paediatric patients with an exposure of 65.3 patient years during an adalimumab trial in paediatric patients with ulcerative colitis. No malignancies were observed in 60 paediatric patients with an exposure of 58.4 patient years during an adalimumab trial in paediatric patients with uveitis.
During the controlled portions of pivotal adalimumab trials in adults of at least 12 weeks in duration in patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of AS, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and uveitis, malignancies, other than lymphoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, were observed at a rate (95% confidence interval) of 6.8 (4.4, 10.5) per 1,000 patient-years among 5,291 adalimumab-treated patients \*versus\* a rate of 6.3 (3.4, 11.8) per 1,000 patient-years among 3,444 control patients (median duration of treatment was 4.0 months for adalimumab and 3.8 months for control-treated patients). The rate (95% confidence interval) of non-melanoma skin cancers was 8.8 (6.0, 13.0) per 1,000 patient-years among adalimumab-treated patients and 3.2 (1.3, 7.6) per 1,000 patient-years among control patients. Of these skin cancers, squamous cell carcinomas occurred at rates (95% confidence interval) of 2.7 (1.4, 5.4) per 1,000 patient-years among adalimumab-treated patients and 0.6 (0.1, 4.5) per 1,000 patient-years among control patients. The rate (95% confidence interval) of lymphomas was 0.7 (0.2, 2.7) per 1,000 patient-years among adalimumab-treated patients and 0.6 (0.1, 4.5) per 1,000 patient-years among control patients.
When combining controlled portions of these trials and ongoing and completed open label extension studies with a median duration of approximately 3.3 years including 6,427 patients and over 26,439 patient- years of therapy, the observed rate of malignancies, other than lymphoma and non-melanoma skin cancers is approximately 8.5 per 1,000 patient years. The observed rate of non-melanoma skin cancers is approximately 9.6 per 1,000 patient years, and the observed rate of lymphomas is approximately 1.3 per 1,000 patient years.
In post-marketing experience from January 2003 to December 2010, predominantly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the reported rate of malignancies is approximately 2.7 per 1,000 patient treatment years. The reported rates for non-melanoma skin cancers and lymphomas are approximately 0.2 and 0.3 per 1,000 patient treatment years, respectively (see section 4.4).
Rare post-marketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma have been reported in patients treated with adalimumab (see section 4.4).
\*Autoantibodies\*
Patients had serum samples tested for autoantibodies at multiple time points in rheumatoid arthritis studies I − V. In these trials, 11.9% of patients treated with adalimumab and 8.1% of placebo and active control − treated patients that had negative baseline anti-nuclear antibody titres reported positive titres at week 24. Two patients out of 3,441 treated with adalimumab in all rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis studies developed clinical signs suggestive of new-onset lupus-like syndrome. The patients improved following discontinuation of therapy. No patients developed lupus nephritis or central nervous system symptoms.
\*Hepato-biliary events\*
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis with a control period duration ranging from 4 to 104 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 3.7% of adalimumab- treated patients and 1.6% of control-treated patients.
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis who were 4 to 17 years and enthesitis-related arthritis who were 6 to 17 years, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 6.1% of adalimumab-treated patients and 1.3% of control-treated patients. Most ALT elevations occurred with concomitant methotrexate use. No ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in the Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis who were 2 to < 4 years.
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis with a control period ranging from 4 to 52 weeks. ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 0.9% of adalimumab-treated patients and 0.9% of controlled-treated patients.
In the Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in patients with paediatric Crohn's disease which evaluated efficacy and safety of two body weight adjusted maintenance dose regimens following body weight adjusted induction therapy up to 52 weeks of treatment, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 2.6% (5/192) of patients of whom 4 were receiving concomitant immunosuppressants at baseline.
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with plaque psoriasis with a control period duration ranging from 12 to 24 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 1.8% of adalimumab-treated patients and 1.8% of control-treated patients.
No ALT elevations ≥ 3 X ULN occurred in the Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in paediatric patients with plaque psoriasis.
In controlled trials of adalimumab (initial doses of 160 mg at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2, followed by 40 mg every week starting at week 4), in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa with a control period duration ranging from 12 to 16 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 0.3% of adalimumab-treated patients and 0.6% of control-treated patients.
In controlled trials of adalimumab (initial doses of 80 mg at week 0 followed by 40 mg every other week starting at week 1) in adult patients with uveitis up to 80 weeks with a median exposure of 166.5 days and 105.0 days in adalimumab-treated and control-treated patients, respectively, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 2.4% of adalimumab-treated patients and 2.4% of control-treated patients.
In the controlled Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in patients with paediatric ulcerative colitis (N=93) which evaluated efficacy and safety of a maintenance dose of 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every other week (N=31) and a maintenance dose of 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every week (n=32), following body weight adjusted induction dosing of 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0 and week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 (N=63), or an induction dose of 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0, placebo at week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 (N=30), ALT elevations ≥ 3 X ULN occurred in 1.1% (1/93) of patients.
Across all indications in clinical trials patients with raised ALT were asymptomatic and in most cases elevations were transient and resolved on continued treatment. However, there have also been post- marketing reports of liver failure as well as less severe liver disorders that may precede liver failure, such as hepatitis including autoimmune hepatitis in patients receiving adalimumab.
\*\*Concurrent treatment with azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine\*\*
In adult Crohn's disease studies, higher incidences of malignant and serious infection-related adverse events were seen with the combination of adalimumab and azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine compared with adalimumab alone.
\*\*Reporting of suspected adverse reactions\*\*
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.4.9 Overdose
No dose-limiting toxicity was observed during clinical trials. The highest dose level evaluated has been multiple intravenous doses of 10 mg/kg, which is approximately 15 times the recommended dose.
- Instruction Pharmacology
- 5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Immunosuppressants, Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors. ATC code: L04AB04
Yuflyma is a biosimilar medicinal product. Detailed information is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu.
\*\*Mechanism of action\*\*
Adalimumab binds specifically to TNF and neutralises the biological function of TNF by blocking its interaction with the p55 and p75 cell surface TNF receptors.
Adalimumab also modulates biological responses that are induced or regulated by TNF, including changes in the levels of adhesion molecules responsible for leukocyte migration (ELAM-1, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 with an IC50 of 0.1- 0.2 nM).
\*\*Pharmacodynamic effects\*\*
After treatment with adalimumab, a rapid decrease in levels of acute phase reactants of inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)) and serum cytokines (IL-6) was observed, compared to baseline in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-3) that produce tissue remodelling responsible for cartilage destruction were also decreased after adalimumab administration. Patients treated with adalimumab usually experienced improvement in haematological signs of chronic inflammation.
A rapid decrease in CRP levels was also observed in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and hidradenitis suppurativa after treatment with adalimumab. In patients with Crohn's disease, a reduction of the number of cells expressing inflammatory markers in the colon including a significant reduction of expression of TNFα was seen. Endoscopic studies in intestinal mucosa have shown evidence of mucosal healing in adalimumab-treated patients.
\*\*Clinical efficacy and safety\*\*
\*Rheumatoid arthritis\*
Adalimumab was evaluated in over 3,000 patients in all rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials. The efficacy and safety of adalimumab were assessed in five randomised, double-blind and well-controlled studies. Some patients were treated for up to 120 months duration. Injection site pain of adalimumab 40 mg/0.4 ml was assessed in two randomised, active control, single-blind, two-period crossover studies.
RA study I evaluated 271 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were ≥18 years old, had failed therapy with at least one disease-modifying, anti rheumatic drug and had insufficient efficacy with methotrexate at doses of 12.5 to 25 mg (10 mg if methotrexate-intolerant) every week and whose methotrexate dose remained constant at 10 to 25 mg every week. Doses of 20, 40 or 80 mg of adalimumab or placebo were given every other week for 24 weeks.
RA study II evaluated 544 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were ≥18 years old and had failed therapy with at least one disease-modifying, anti-rheumatic drugs. Doses of 20 or 40 mg of adalimumab were given by subcutaneous injection every other week with placebo on alternative weeks or every week for 26 weeks; placebo was given every week for the same duration. No other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were allowed.
RA study III evaluated 619 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were ≥18 years old, and who had an ineffective response to methotrexate at doses of 12.5 to 25 mg or have been intolerant to 10 mg of methotrexate every week. There were three groups in this study. The first received placebo injections every week for 52 weeks. The second received 20 mg of adalimumab every week for 52 weeks. The third group received 40 mg of adalimumab every other week with placebo injections on alternate weeks. Upon completion of the first 52 weeks, 457 patients enrolled in an open-label extension phase in which 40 mg of adalimumab/MTX was administered every other week up to 10 years.
RA study IV primarily assessed safety in 636 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were ≥ 18 years old. Patients were permitted to be either disease-modifying, anti-rheumatic drug-naïve or to remain on their pre-existing rheumatologic therapy provided that therapy was stable for a minimum of 28 days. These therapies include methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine and/or gold salts. Patients were randomised to 40 mg of adalimumab or placebo every other week for 24 weeks.
RA study V evaluated 799 methotrexate-naïve, adult patients with moderate to severely active early rheumatoid arthritis (mean disease duration less than 9 months). This study evaluated the efficacy of adalimumab 40 mg every other week/methotrexate combination therapy, adalimumab 40 mg every other week monotherapy and methotrexate monotherapy in reducing the signs and symptoms and rate of progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis for 104 weeks. Upon completion of the first 104 weeks, 497 patients enrolled in an open-label extension phase in which 40 mg of adalimumab was administered every other week up to 10 years.
RA studies VI and VII each evaluated 60 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were ≥ 18 years old. Enrolled patients were either current users of adalimumab 40 mg/0.8 ml and rated their average injection site pain as at least 3 cm (on a 0-10 cm VAS) or were biologic-naïve subjects who were starting adalimumab 40 mg/0.8 ml. Patients were randomised to receive a single dose of adalimumab 40 mg/0.8 ml or adalimumab 40 mg/0.4 ml, followed by a single injection of the opposite treatment at their next dose.
The primary end point in RA studies I, II and III and the secondary endpoint in RA study IV was the percentage of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response at week 24 or 26. The primary endpoint in RA study V was the percentage of patients who achieved an ACR 50 response at week 52. RA studies III and V had an additional primary endpoint at 52 weeks of retardation of disease progression (as detected by X-ray results). RA study III also had a primary endpoint of changes in quality of life. The primary endpoint in RA studies VI and VII was injection site pain immediately after injection as measured by a 0-10 cm VAS.
\*\*\*ACR response\*\*\*
The percentage of adalimumab-treated patients achieving ACR 20, 50 and 70 responses was consistent across RA studies I, II and III. The results for the 40 mg every other week dose are summarised in Table 6.
\*\*Table 6\*\*
\*\*ACR responses in placebo-controlled trials\*\*
\*\*(percentage of patients)\*\*
| | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Response | RA study Ia\\*\\* | | RA study IIa\\*\\* | | RA study IIIa\\*\\* | |
| Placebo/ MTXc n=60 | Adalimumabb/ MTXc | Placebo n=110 | Adalimumabb n=113 | Placebo/ MTXc n=200 | Adalimumabb/ MTXc n=207 |
| ACR 20 6 months 12 months | 13.3% NA | 65.1% NA | 19.1% NA | 46.0% NA | 29.5% 24.0% | 63.3% 58.9% |
| ACR 50 6 months 12 months | 6.7% NA | 52.4% NA | 8.2% NA | 22.1% NA | 9.5% 9.5% | 39.1% 41.5% |
| ACR 70 6 months 12 months | 3.3% NA | 23.8% NA | 1.8% NA | 12.4% NA | 2.5% 4.5% | 20.8% 23.2% |
a RA study I at 24 weeks, RA study II at 26 weeks , and RA study III at 24 and 52 weeks
b 40 mg adalimumab administered every other week
c MTX = methotrexate
\\*\\*p < 0.01, adalimumab \*versus\* placebo
In RA studies I-IV, all individual components of the ACR response criteria (number of tender and swollen joints, physician and patient assessment of disease activity and pain, disability index (HAQ) scores and CRP (mg/dl) values) improved at 24 or 26 weeks compared to placebo. In RA study III, these improvements were maintained throughout 52 weeks.
In the open-label extension for RA study III, most patients who were ACR responders maintained response when followed for up to 10 years. Of 207 patients who were randomised to adalimumab 40 mg every other week, 114 patients continued on adalimumab 40 mg every other week for 5 years.
Among those, 86 patients (75.4%) had ACR 20 responses; 72 patients (63.2%) had ACR 50 responses; and 41 patients (36%) had ACR 70 responses. Of 207 patients, 81 patients continued on adalimumab 40 mg every other week for 10 years. Among those, 64 patients (79.0%) had ACR 20 responses; 56 patients (69.1%) had ACR 50 responses; and 43 patients (53.1%) had ACR 70 responses.
In RA study IV, the ACR 20 response of patients treated with adalimumab plus standard of care was statistically significantly better than patients treated with placebo plus standard of care (p < 0.001).
In RA studies I-IV, adalimumab-treated patients achieved statistically significant ACR 20 and 50 responses compared to placebo as early as one to two weeks after initiation of treatment.
In RA study V with early rheumatoid arthritis patients who were methotrexate naïve, combination therapy with adalimumab and methotrexate led to faster and significantly greater ACR responses than methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab monotherapy at week 52 and responses were sustained at week 104 (see Table 7).
\*\*Table 7\*\*
\*\*ACR responses in RA Study V (percentage of patients)\*\*
| | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Response\*\* | \*\*MTX\*\* \*\*n=257\*\* | \*\*Adalimumab\*\* \*\*n=274\*\* | \*\*Adalimumab/ MTX\*\* \*\*n=268\*\* | \*\*p-valuea\*\* | \*\*p-valueb\*\* | \*\*p-valuec\*\* |
| ACR 20 | | | | | | |
| Week 52 | 62.6% | 54.4% | 72.8% | 0.013 | < 0.001 | 0.043 |
| Week 104 | 56.0% | 49.3% | 69.4% | 0.002 | < 0.001 | 0.140 |
| ACR 50 | | | | | | |
| Week 52 | 45.9% | 41.2% | 61.6% | < 0.001 | < 0.001 | 0.317 |
| Week 104 | 42.8% | 36.9% | 59.0% | < 0.001 | < 0.001 | 0.162 |
| ACR 70 | | | | | | |
| Week 52 | 27.2% | 25.9% | 45.5% | < 0.001 | < 0.001 | 0.656 |
| Week 104 | 28.4% | 28.1% | 46.6% | < 0.001 | < 0.001 | 0.864 |
a p-value is from the pairwise comparison of methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test.
b p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test
c p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and methotrexate monotherapy using the Mann-Whitney U test
In the open-label extension for RA study V, ACR response rates were maintained when followed for up to 10 years. Of 542 patients who were randomised to adalimumab 40 mg every other week, 170 patients continued on adalimumab 40 mg every other week for 10 years. Among those, 154 patients (90.6%) had ACR 20 responses; 127 patients (74.7%) had ACR 50 responses; and 102 patients (60.0%) had ACR 70 responses.
At week 52, 42.9% of patients who received adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy achieved clinical remission (DAS28 (CRP) < 2.6) compared to 20.6% of patients receiving methotrexate monotherapy and 23.4% of patients receiving adalimumab monotherapy.
Adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy was clinically and statistically superior to methotrexate (p < 0.001) and adalimumab monotherapy (p < 0.001) in achieving a low disease state in patients with recently diagnosed moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. The response for the two monotherapy arms was similar (p = 0.447). Of 342 subjects originally randomised to adalimumab monotherapy or adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy who entered the open- label extension study, 171 subjects completed 10 years of adalimumab treatment. Among those, 109 subjects (63.7%) were reported to be in remission at 10 years.
\*\*\*Radiographic response\*\*\*
In RA study III, where adalimumab-treated patients had a mean duration of rheumatoid arthritis of approximately 11 years, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change in modified Total Sharp Score (TSS) and its components, the erosion score and joint space narrowing score. Adalimumab/methotrexate patients demonstrated significantly less radiographic progression than patients receiving methotrexate alone at 6 and 12 months (see Table 8).
In the open-label extension of RA Study III, the reduction in rate of progression of structural damage is maintained for 8 and 10 years in a subset of patients. At 8 years, 81 of 207 patients originally treated with 40 mg adalimumab every other week were evaluated radiographically. Among those, 48 patients showed no progression of structural damage defined by a change from baseline in the mTSS of 0.5 or less. At 10 years, 79 of 207 patients originally treated with 40 mg adalimumab every other week were evaluated radiographically. Among those, 40 patients showed no progression of structural damage defined by a change from baseline in the mTSS of 0.5 or less.
\*\*Table 8\*\*
\*\*Radiographic mean changes over 12 months in RA Study III\*\*
| | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Placebo/ MTXa | Adalimumab/ MTX 40 mg every other week | Placebo/MTX- adalimumab/MTX (95% Confidence Intervalb) | p-value |
| Total Sharp Score | 2.7 | 0.1 | 2.6 (1.4, 3.8) | < 0.001c |
| Erosion score | 1.6 | 0.0 | 1.6 (0.9, 2.2) | < 0.001 |
| JSNd score | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.9 (0.3, 1.4) | 0.002 |
\*\*a\*\* methotrexate
b 95% confidence intervals for the differences in change scores between methotrexate and adalimumab.
c Based on rank analysis
d Joint Space Narrowing
In RA study V, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change in modified Total Sharp Score (see Table 9).
\*\*Table 9\*\*
\*\*Radiographic mean changes at week 52 in RA Study V\*\*
| | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | MTX n=257 (95% confidence interval) | Adalimumab n=274 (95% confidence interval) | Adalimumab/ MTX n=268 (95% confidence interval) | p-valuea | p-valueb | p-valuec |
| Total Sharp Score | 5.7 (4.2-7.3) | 3.0 (1.7-4.3) | 1.3 (0.5-2.1) | < 0.001 | 0.0020 | < 0.001 |
| Erosion score | 3.7 (2.7-4.7) | 1.7 (1.0-2.4) | 0.8 (0.4-1.2) | < 0.001 | 0.0082 | < 0.001 |
| JSN score | 2.0 (1.2-2.8) | 1.3 (0.5-2.1) | 0.5 (0-1.0) | < 0.001 | 0.0037 | 0.151 |
a p-value is from the pairwise comparison of methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test.
b p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test
c p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and methotrexate monotherapy using the Mann-Whitney U test
Following 52 weeks and 104 weeks of treatment, the percentage of patients without progression (change from baseline in modified Total Sharp Score ≤0.5) was significantly higher with adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy (63.8% and 61.2% respectively) compared to methotrexate monotherapy (37.4% and 33.5% respectively, p < 0.001) and adalimumab monotherapy (50.7%, p < 0.002 and 44.5%, p < 0.001 respectively).
In the open-label extension of RA study V, the mean change from baseline at Year 10 in the modified Total Sharp Score was 10.8, 9.2 and 3.9 in patients originally randomised to methotrexate monotherapy, adalimumab monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy, respectively. The corresponding proportions of patients with no radiographic progression were 31.3%, 23.7% and 36.7% respectively.
\*\*\*Quality of life and physical function\*\*\*
Health-related quality of life and physical function were assessed using the disability index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) in the four original adequate and well-controlled trials, which was a pre-specified primary endpoint at week 52 in RA study III. All doses/schedules of adalimumab in all four studies showed statistically significantly greater improvement in the disability index of the HAQ from baseline to Month 6 compared to placebo and in RA study III the same was seen at week 52. Results from the Short Form Health Survey (SF 36) for all doses/schedules of adalimumab in all four studies support these findings, with statistically significant physical component summary (PCS) scores, as well as statistically significant pain and vitality domain scores for the 40 mg every other week dose. A statistically significant decrease in fatigue as measured by functional assessment of chronic illness therapy (FACIT) scores was seen in all three studies in which it was assessed (RA studies I, III, IV).
In RA study III, most subjects who achieved improvement in physical function and continued treatment maintained improvement through week 520 (120 months) of open-label treatment. Improvement in quality of life was measured up to week 156 (36 months) and improvement was maintained through that time.
In RA study V, the improvement in the HAQ disability index and the physical component of the SF 36 showed greater improvement (p < 0.001) for adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy \*versus\* methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab monotherapy at week 52, which was maintained through week 104. Among the 250 subjects who completed the open-label extension study, improvements in physical function were maintained through 10 years of treatment.
\*\*\*Injection site pain\*\*\*
For the pooled crossover RA studies VI and VII, a statistically significant difference for injection site pain immediately after dosing was observed between adalimumab 40 mg/0.8 ml and adalimumab 40 mg/0.4 ml (mean VAS of 3.7 cm versus 1.2 cm, scale of 0-10 cm, P < 0.001). This represented an 84% median reduction in injection site pain.
\*Psoriasis\*
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were studied in adult patients with chronic plaque psoriasis (≥10% BSA involvement and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ≥12 or ≥10) who were candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy in randomised, double-blind studies. 73% of patients enrolled in Psoriasis Studies I and II had received prior systemic therapy or phototherapy. The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were also studied in adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis with concomitant hand and/or foot psoriasis who were candidates for systemic therapy in a randomised double- blind study (Psoriasis Study III).
Psoriasis Study I (REVEAL) evaluated 1,212 patients within three treatment periods. In period A, patients received placebo or adalimumab at an initial dose of 80 mg followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week after the initial dose. After 16 weeks of therapy, patients who achieved at least a PASI 75 response (PASI score improvement of at least 75% relative to baseline), entered period B and received open-label 40 mg adalimumab every other week. Patients who maintained ≥PASI 75 response at week 33 and were originally randomised to active therapy in Period A, were re-randomised in period C to receive 40 mg adalimumab every other week or placebo for an additional 19 weeks. Across all treatment groups, the mean baseline PASI score was 18.9 and the baseline Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) score ranged from “moderate” (53% of subjects included) to “severe” (41%) to “very severe” (6%).
Psoriasis Study II (CHAMPION) compared the efficacy and safety of adalimumab \*versus\* methotrexate and placebo in 271 patients. Patients received placebo, an initial dose of MTX 7.5 mg and thereafter dose increases up to week 12, with a maximum dose of 25 mg or an initial dose of 80 mg adalimumab followed by 40 mg every other week (starting one week after the initial dose) for 16 weeks. There are no data available comparing adalimumab and MTX beyond 16 weeks of therapy. Patients receiving MTX who achieved a ≥PASI 50 response at week 8 and/or 12 did not receive further dose increases. Across all treatment groups, the mean baseline PASI score was 19.7 and the baseline PGA score ranged from “mild” (<1%) to “moderate” (48%) to “severe” (46%) to “very severe” (6%).
Patients participating in all Phase 2 and Phase 3 psoriasis studies were eligible to enrol into an open-label extension trial, where adalimumab was given for at least an additional 108 weeks.
In Psoriasis Studies I and II, a primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved a PASI 75 response from baseline at week 16 (see Tables 10 and 11).
\*\*Table 10\*\*
\*\*Ps Study I (REVEAL) – efficacy results at 16 weeks\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | \*\*Placebo N=398 n (%)\*\* | \*\*Adalimumab 40 mg eow\*\* \*\*N=814\*\* |
| ≥ \*\*PASI 75a\*\* | 26 (6.5) | 578 (70.9)b |
| \*\*PASI 100\*\* | 3 (0.8) | 163 (20.0)b |
| \*\*PGA: Clear/minimal\*\* | 17 (4.3) | 506 (62.2)b |
| a Percentage of patients achieving PASI75 response was calculated as centre- adjusted rate b p < 0.001, adalimumab vs. placebo | | |
\*\*Table 11\*\*
\*\*Ps Study II (CHAMPION) – efficacy results at 16 weeks\*\*
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | \*\*Placebo N=53 n (%)\*\* | \*\*MTX\*\* \*\*N=110 n (%)\*\* | \*\*Adalimumab 40 mg eow\*\* \*\*N=108 n (%)\*\* |
| ≥PASI 75 | 10 (18.9) | 39 (35.5) | 86 (79.6) a, b |
| PASI 100 | 1 (1.9) | 8 (7.3) | 18 (16.7) c, d |
| \*\*PGA: Clear/minimal\*\* | 6 (11.3) | 33 (30.0) | 79 (73.1) a, b |
| a p < 0.001 adalimumab vs. placebo b p < 0.001 adalimumab vs. methotrexate c p < 0.01 adalimumab vs. placebo d p < 0.05 adalimumab vs. methotrexate | | | |
In Psoriasis Study I, 28% of patients who were PASI 75 responders and were re-randomised to placebo at week 33 compared to 5% continuing on adalimumab, p < 0.001, experienced “loss of adequate response” (PASI score after week 33 and on or before week 52 that resulted in a =90 daysa | 3% (2/66) | 19% (11/58)\\*\\* | 15% (11/74)\\*\\* |
| \*\*Week 56\*\* | \*\*N=170\*\* | \*\*N=172\*\* | \*\*N=157\*\* |
| Clinical remission | 12% | 36%\\* | 41%\\* |
| Clinical response (CR-100) | 17% | 41%\\* | 48%\\* |
| Patients in steroid-free remission for > = 90 daysa | 5% (3/66) | 29% (17/58)\\* | 20% (15/74)\\*\\* |
\\*p < 0.001 for adalimumab \*versus\* placebo pairwise comparisons of proportions
\\*\\*p < 0.02 for adalimumab \*versus\* placebo pairwise comparisons of proportions
a Of those receiving corticosteroids at baseline
Among patients who were not in response at week 4, 43% of adalimumab maintenance patients responded by week 12 compared to 30% of placebo maintenance patients. These results suggest that some patients who have not responded by week 4 benefit from continued maintenance therapy through week 12. Therapy continued beyond 12 weeks did not result in significantly more responses (see section 4.2).
117/276 patients from CD study I and 272/777 patients from CD studies II and III were followed through at least 3 years of open-label adalimumab therapy. 88 and 189 patients, respectively, continued to be in clinical remission.
Clinical response (CR-100) was maintained in 102 and 233 patients, respectively.
\*\*\*Quality of life\*\*\*
In CD Study I and CD Study II, statistically significant improvement in the disease-specific inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ) total score was achieved at week 4 in patients randomised to adalimumab 80/40 mg and 160/80 mg compared to placebo and was seen at weeks 26 and 56 in CD Study III as well among the adalimumab treatment groups compared to the placebo group.
\*Paediatric Crohn's disease\*
Adalimumab was assessed in a multicentre, randomised, double-blind clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of induction and maintenance treatment with doses dependent on body weight (< 40 kg or ≥ 40 kg) in 192 paediatric subjects between the ages of 6 and 17 (inclusive) years, with moderate to severe Crohn´s disease (CD) defined as Paediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) score > 30. Subjects had to have failed conventional therapy (including a corticosteroid and/or an immunomodulator) for CD. Subjects may also have previously lost response or been intolerant to infliximab.
All subjects received open-label induction therapy at a dose based on their Baseline body weight: 160 mg at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2 for subjects ≥ 40 kg, and 80 mg and 40 mg, respectively, for subjects < 40 kg.
At week 4, subjects were randomised 1:1 based on their body weight at the time to either the Low Dose or Standard Dose maintenance regimens as shown in Table 17.
\*\*Table 17 Maintenance regimen\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Patient Weight\*\* | \*\*Low dose\*\* | \*\*Standard dose\*\* |
| < 40 kg | 10 mg eow | 20 mg eow |
| 40 kg | 20 mg eow | 40 mg eow |
\*\*\*Efficacy results\*\*\*
The primary endpoint of the study was clinical remission at week 26, defined as PCDAI score ≤10.
Clinical remission and clinical response (defined as reduction in PCDAI score of at least 15 points from Baseline) rates are presented in Table 18. Rates of discontinuation of corticosteroids or immunomodulators are presented in Table 19.
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Table 18\*\* \*\*Paediatric CD Study\*\* \*\*PCDAI clinical remission and response\*\* | | | |
| | \*\*Standard Dose\*\* \*\*40/20 mg eow N = 93\*\* | \*\*Low Dose\*\* \*\*20/10 mg eow N = 95\*\* | \*\*P value\*\*\\* |
| \*\*Week 26\*\* | | | |
| Clinical remission | 38.7% | 28.4% | 0.075 |
| Clinical response | 59.1% | 48.4% | 0.073 |
| \*\*Week 52\*\* | | | |
| Clinical remission | 33.3% | 23.2% | 0.100 |
| Clinical response | 41.9% | 28.4% | 0.038 |
| \\* p value for standard dose \*versus\* low dose comparison. | | | |
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Table 19 Paediatric CD Study\*\* \*\*Discontinuation of corticosteroids or immunomodulators and fistula remission\*\* | | | |
| | \*\*Standard dose\*\* \*\*40/20 mg eow\*\* | \*\*Low dose\*\* \*\*20/10 mg eow\*\* | \*\*P value1\*\* |
| \*\*Discontinued corticosteroids\*\* | \*\*N= 33\*\* | \*\*N=38\*\* | |
| Week 26 | 84.8% | 65.8% | 0.066 |
| Week 52 | 69.7% | 60.5% | 0.420 |
| \*\*Discontinuation of\*\* | \*\*N=60\*\* | \*\*N=57\*\* | |
| Week 52 | 30.0% | 29.8% | 0.983 |
| \*\*Fistula remission3\*\* | \*\*N=15\*\* | \*\*N=21\*\* | |
| Week 26 | 46.7% | 38.1% | 0.608 |
| Week 52 | 40.0% | 23.8% | 0.303 |
1 p value for standard dose \*versus\* low dose comparison.
2 Immunosuppressant therapy could only be discontinued at or after week 26 at the investigator's discretion if the subject met the clinical response criterion
3 defined as a closure of all fistulas that were draining at Baseline for at least 2 consecutive post-Baseline visits
Statistically significant increases (improvement) from Baseline to week 26 and 52 in Body Mass Index and height velocity were observed for both treatment groups.
Statistically and clinically significant improvements from Baseline were also observed in both treatment groups for quality of life parameters (including IMPACT III).
One hundred patients (n=100) from the Paediatric CD Study continued in an open-label long-term extension study. After 5 years of adalimumab therapy, 74.0% (37/50) of the 50 patients remaining in the study continued to be in clinical remission, and 92.0% (46/50) of patients continued to be in clinical response per PCDAI.
\*Ulcerative colitis\*
The safety and efficacy of multiple doses of adalimumab were assessed in adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (Mayo score 6 to 12 with endoscopy subscore of 2 to 3) in randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.
In study UC-I, 390 TNF-antagonist naïve patients were randomised to receive either placebo at weeks 0 and 2, 160 mg adalimumab at week 0 followed by 80 mg at week 2, or 80 mg adalimumab at week 0 followed by 40 mg at week 2. After week 2, patients in both adalimumab arms received 40 mg eow. Clinical remission (defined as Mayo score ≤ 2 with no subscore > 1) was assessed at week 8.
In study UC-II, 248 patients received 160 mg of adalimumab at week 0, 80 mg at week 2 and 40 mg eow thereafter, and 246 patients received placebo.
Clinical results were assessed for induction of remission at week 8 and for maintenance of remission at week 52.
Patients induced with 160/80 mg adalimumab achieved clinical remission versus placebo at week 8 in statistically significantly greater percentages in study UC-I (18% vs. 9% respectively, p=0.031) and study UC-II (17% vs. 9% respectively, p=0.019). In study UC-II, among those treated with adalimumab who were in remission at week 8, 21/41 (51%) were in remission at week 52.
Results from the overall UC-II study population are shown in Table 20.
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Table 20 Response, remission and mucosal healing in Study UC-II (percentage of patients)\*\* | | | |
| | \*\*Placebo\*\* | \*\*Adalimumab 40 mg eow\*\* |
| Week 52 | \*\*N=246\*\* | \*\*N=248\*\* |
| clinical response | 18 % | 30 %\\* |
| clinical remission | 9 % | 17 %\\* |
| mucosal healing | 15 % | 25 %\\* |
| steroid- free remission for ≥ 90 daysa | 6 % | 13 %\\* |
| week 8 and 52 | \*\*(N = 140)\*\* | \*\*(N = 150)\*\* |
| sustained response | 12 % | 24 %\\*\\* |
| sustained remission | 4 % | 8 %\\* |
| sustained mucosal healing | 11 % | 19 %\\* |
Clinical remission is Mayo score ≤ 2 with no subscore > 1;
Clinical response is decrease from baseline in Mayo score ≥ 3 points and ≥ 30% plus a decrease in the rectal bleeding subscore [RBS] ≥ 1 or an absolute RBS of 0 or 1;
\\*p < 0.05 for adalimumab \*vs.\* placebo pairwise comparison of proportions
\\*\\*p < 0.001 for adalimumab \*vs.\* placebo pairwise comparison of proportions
a Of those receiving corticosteroids at baseline
Of those patients who had a response at week 8, 47% were in response, 29% were in remission, 41% had mucosal healing, and 20% were in steroid-free remission for ≥ 90 days at week 52.
Approximately 40% of patients in study UC-II had failed prior anti-TNF treatment with infliximab. The efficacy of adalimumab in those patients was reduced compared to that in anti-TNF naïve patients. Among patients who had failed prior anti-TNF treatment, week 52 remission was achieved by 3% on placebo and 10% on adalimumab.
Patients from studies UC-I and UC-II had the option to roll over into an open- label long-term extension study (UC III). Following 3 years of adalimumab therapy, 75% (301/402) continued to be in clinical remission per partial Mayo score.
\*\*\*Hospitalisation rates\*\*\*
During 52 weeks of studies UC-I and UC-II, lower rates of all-cause hospitalisations and UC-related hospitalisations were observed for the adalimumab-treated arm compared to the placebo arm. The number of all cause hospitalisations in the adalimumab treatment group was 0.18 per patient year \*vs\*. 0.26 per patient year in the placebo group and the corresponding figures for UC-related hospitalisations were 0.12 per patient year \*vs.\* 0.22 per patient year.
\*\*\*Quality of life\*\*\*
In study UC-II, treatment with adalimumab resulted in improvements in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) score.
\*Paediatric ulcerative colitis\*
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab was assessed in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, trial in 93 paediatric patients from 5 to 17 years of age with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (Mayo score 6 to 12 with endoscopy subscore of 2 to 3 points, confirmed by centrally read endoscopy) who had an inadequate response or intolerance to conventional therapy.
Approximately 16% of patients in the study had failed prior anti-TNF treatment. Patients who received corticosteroids at enrollment were allowed to taper their corticosteroid therapy after week 4.
In the induction period of the study, 77 patients were randomized 3:2 to receive double-blind treatment with adalimumab at an induction dose of 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0 and week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2; or an induction dose of 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0, placebo at week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2. Both groups received 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) at week 4 and week 6. following an amendment to the study design, the remaining 16 patients who enrolled in the induction period received open-label treatment with adalimumab at the induction dose of 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0 and week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2.
At week 8, 62 patients who demonstrated clinical response per Partial Mayo Score (PMS; defined as a decrease in PMS ≥ 2 points and ≥ 30% from Baseline) were randomized equally to receive double-blind maintenance treatment with adalimumab at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every week (ew), or a maintenance dose of 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every other week (eow). Prior to an amendment to the study design, 12 additional patients who demonstrated clinical response per PMS were randomized to receive placebo but were not included in the confirmatory analysis of efficacy.
Disease flare was defined as an increase in PMS of at least 3 points (for patients with PMS of 0 to 2 at week 8), at least 2 points (for patients with pms of 3 to 4 at week 8), or at least 1 point (for patients with pms of 5 to 6 at week 8).
Patients who met criteria for disease flare at or after week 12 were randomized to receive a re-induction dose of 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) or a dose of 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) and continued to receive their respective maintenance dose regimen afterwards.
\*\*\*Efficacy Results\*\*\*
The co-primary endpoints of the study were clinical remission per PMS (defined as PMS ≤ 2 and no individual subscore > 1) at week 8, and clinical remission per FMS (Full Mayo Score) (defined as a Mayo Score ≤ 2 and no individual subscore > 1) at week 52 in patients who achieved clinical response per PMS at week 8.
Clinical remission rates per PMS at week 8 for patients in each of the adalimumab double-blind induction groups are presented in Table 21.
\*\*Table 21: Clinical remission per PMS at 8 weeks\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | \*\*Adalimumaba maximum of 160 mg at week 0 / placebo at week 1\*\* N=30 | \*\*Adalimumabb,c maximum of 160 mg at week 0 and week 1\*\* N=47 |
| Clinical remission | 13/30 (43.3%) | 28/47 (59.6%) |
| a Adalimumab 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0, placebo at week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 b Adalimumab 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0 and week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 c Not including open-label Induction dose of adalimumab 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0 and week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 Note 1: Both induction groups received 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) at week 4 and week 6 Note 2: Patients with missing values at week 8 were considered as not having met the endpoint | | |
At week 52, clinical remission per FMS in week 8 responders, clinical response per FMS (defined as a decrease in Mayo Score ≥ 3 points and ≥ 30% from Baseline) in week 8 responders, mucosal healing per FMS (defined as an Mayo endoscopy score ≤ 1) in week 8 responders, clinical remission per FMS in Week 8 remitters, and the proportion of subjects in corticosteroid-free remission per FMS in Week 8 responders were assessed in patients who received adalimumab at the double-blind maximum 40 mg eow (0.6 mg/kg) and maximum 40 mg ew (0.6 mg/kg) maintenance doses (Table 22).
\*\*Table 22 Efficacy results at 52 weeks\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | \*\*Adalimumaba maximum of 40 mg eow\*\* N=31 | \*\*Adalimumabb maximum of 40 mg ew\*\* N=31 |
| Clinical remission in week 8 PMS responders | 9/31 (29.0%) | 14/31 (45.2%) |
| Clinical response in week 8 PMS responders | 19/31 (61.3%) | 21/31 (67.7%) |
| Mucosal healing in week 8 PMS responders | 12/31 (38.7%) | 16/31 (51.6%) |
| Clinical remission in week 8 PMS remitters | 9/21 (42.9%) | 10/22 (45.5%) |
| Corticosteroid-free remission in week 8 PMS respondersc | 4/13 (30.8%) | 5/16 (31.3%) |
| a Adalimumab 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every other week b Adalimumab 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every week c In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids at baseline Note: Patients with missing values at week 52 or who were randomized to receive re-induction or maintenance treatment were considered non- responders for week 52 endpoints | | |
Additional exploratory efficacy endpoints included clinical response per the Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) (defined as a decrease in PUCAI ≥ 20 points from Baseline) and clinical remission per PUCAI (defined as PUCAI < 10) at week 8 and week 52 (Table 23).
\*\*Table 23 Exploratory endpoints results per PUCAI\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | \*\*Week 8\*\* | |
| \*\*Adalimumaba maximum of 160 mg at week 0 / placebo at week 1\*\* N=30 | \*\*Adalimumabb,c maximum of 160 mg at week 0 and week 1\*\* N=47 |
| Clinical remission per PUCAI | 10/30 (33.3%) | 22/47 (46.8%) |
| Clinical response per PUCAI | 15/30 (50.0%) | 32/47 (68.1%) |
| | \*\*Week 52\*\* | |
| \*\*Adalimumabd\*\* \*\*maximum of 40 mg eow\*\* N=31 | \*\*Adalimumabe\*\* \*\*maximum of 40 mg ew\*\* N=31 |
| Clinical remission per PUCAI in week 8 PMS responders | 14/31 (45.2%) | 18/31 (58.1%) |
| Clinical response per PUCAI in week 8 PMS responders | 18/31 (58.1%) | 16/31 (51.6%) |
| a Adalimumab 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0, placebo at week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 b Adalimumab 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0 and week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 c Not including open-label induction dose of adalimumab 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0 and week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 d Adalimumab 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every other week e Adalimumab 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every week Note 1: Both induction groups received 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) at week 4 and week 6 Note 2: Patients with missing values at week 8 were considered as not having met the endpoints Note 3: Patients with missing values at week 52 or who were randomized to receive re-induction or maintenance treatment were considered non- responders for week 52 endpoints | | |
Of the adalimumab-treated patients who received re-induction treatment during the maintenance period, 2/6 (33%) achieved clinical response per FMS at week 52.
\*\*\*Quality of life\*\*\*
Clinically meaningful improvements from Baseline were observed in IMPACT III and the caregiver Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) scores for the groups treated with adalimumab.
Clinically meaningful increases (improvement) from Baseline in height velocity were observed for the groups treated with adalimumab, and clinically meaningful increases (improvement) from Baseline in Body Mass Index were observed for subjects on the high maintenance dose of maximum 40 mg (0.6 mg/kg) ew.
\*Uveitis\*
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in adult patients with non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis, excluding patients with isolated anterior uveitis, in two randomised, double- masked, placebo- controlled studies (UV I and II). Patients received placebo or adalimumab at an initial dose of 80 mg followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week after the initial dose. Concomitant stable doses of one non-biologic immunosuppressant were permitted.
Study UV I evaluated 217 patients with active uveitis despite treatment with corticosteroids (oral prednisone at a dose of 10 to 60 mg/day). All patients received a 2-week standardised dose of prednisone 60 mg/day at study entry followed by a mandatory taper schedule, with complete corticosteroid discontinuation by week 15.
Study UV II evaluated 226 patients with inactive uveitis requiring chronic corticosteroid treatment (oral prednisone 10 to 35 mg/day) at baseline to control their disease. Patients subsequently underwent a mandatory taper schedule, with complete corticosteroid discontinuation by week 19.
The primary efficacy endpoint in both studies was 'time to treatment failure'. Treatment failure was defined by a multi-component outcome based on inflammatory chorioretinal and/or inflammatory retinal vascular lesions, anterior chamber (AC) cell grade, vitreous haze (VH) grade and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).
Patients who completed Studies UV I and UV II were eligible to enroll in an uncontrolled long-term extension study with an originally planned duration of 78 weeks. Patients were allowed to continue on study medication beyond week 78 until they had access to adalimumab.
\*\*\*Clinical Response\*\*\*
Results from both studies demonstrated statistically significant reduction of the risk of treatment failure in patients treated with adalimumab versus patients receiving placebo (see Table 24). Both studies demonstrated an early and sustained effect of adalimumab on the treatment failure rate versus placebo (see Figure 1).
\*\*Table 24\*\*
\*\*Time to treatment failure in Studies UV I and UV II\*\*
| | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Analysis treatment\*\* | \*\*N\*\* | \*\*Failure N (%)\*\* | \*\*Median time to failure (months)\*\* | \*\*HRa\*\* | \*\*CI 95% for HRa\*\* | \*\*\*p\* Valueb\*\* |
| \*\*time to treatment failure at or after week 6 in study UV I primary analysis (ITT)\*\* | | | | | | |
| placebo | 107 | 84 78.5) | 3.0 | -- | -- | - |
| adalimumab | 110 | 60 54.5) | 5.6 | 0.50 | 0.36, 0.70 | < 0.001 |
| \*\*time to treatment failure at or after week 2 in study UV II primary analysis (ITT)\*\* | | | | | | |
| placebo | 61 | 61 55.0) | 8.3 | -- | -- | -- |
| adalimumab | 115 | 45 (39.1) | NEc | 0.57 | 0.39, 0.84 | 0.04 |
Note: Treatment failure at or after week 6 (Study UV I), or at or after week 2 (Study UV II), was counted as event. Drop outs due to reasons other than treatment failure were censored at the time of dropping out.
HR of adalimumab vs placebo from proportional hazards regression with treatment as factor.
2-sided \*P\* value from log rank test.
NE = not estimable. Fewer than half of at-risk subjects had an event.
\*\*Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Curves Summarizing Time to Treatment Failure on or after Week 6 (Study UV I) or Week 2 (Study UV II)\*\*
In Study UV I statistically significant differences in favour of adalimumab versus placebo were observed for each component of treatment failure. In Study UV II, statistically significant differences were observed for visual acuity only, but the other components were numerically in favour of adalimumab.
Of the 424 subjects included in the uncontrolled long-term extension of Studies UV I and UV II, 60 subjects were regarded ineligible (e.g. due to deviations or due to complications secondary to diabetic retinopathy, due to cataract surgery or vitrectomy) and were excluded from the primary analysis of efficacy. Of the 364 remaining patients, 269 evaluable patients (74%) reached 78 weeks of open-label adalimumab treatment. Based on the observed data approach, 216 (80.3%) were in quiescence (no active inflammatory lesions, AC cell grade ≤ 0.5+, VH grade ≤ 0.5+) with a concomitant steroid dose ≤ 7.5 mg per day, and 178 (66.2%) were in steroid-free quiescence.
BCVA was either improved or maintained (< 5 letters deterioration) in 88.6% of the eyes at week 78. Data beyond week 78 were generally consistent with these results but the number of enrolled subjects declined after this time.
Overall, among the patients who discontinued the study, 18% discontinued due to adverse events, and 8% due to insufficient response to adalimumab treatment.
\*\*\*Quality of Life\*\*\*
Patient reported outcomes regarding vision-related functioning were measured in both clinical studies, using the NEI VFQ-25. Adalimumab was numerically favoured for the majority of subscores with statistically significant mean differences for general vision, ocular pain, near vision, mental health, and total score in Study UV I, and for general vision and mental health in Study UV II. Vision related effects were not numerically in favour of adalimumab for colour vision in Study UVI and for colour vision, peripheral vision and near vision in Study UV II.
\*Paediatric uveitis\*
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab was assessed in a randomised, double- masked, controlled study of 90 paediatric patients from 2 to < 18 years of age with active JIA-associated noninfectious anterior uveitis who were refractory to at least 12 weeks of methotrexate treatment. Patients received either placebo or 20 mg adalimumab (if < 30 kg) or 40 mg adalimumab (if ≥ 30 kg) every other week in combination with their baseline dose of methotrexate.The primary endpoint was 'time to treatment failure'. The criteria determining treatment failure were worsening or sustained non-improvement in ocular inflammation, partial improvement with development of sustained ocular co- morbidities or worsening of ocular co- morbidities, non-permitted use of concomitant medications, and suspension of treatment for an extended period of time.
\*\*\*Clinical response\*\*\*
Adalimumab significantly delayed the time to treatment failure, as compared to placebo (see Figure 2, P < 0.0001 from log rank test).The median time to treatment failure was 24.1 weeks for subjects treated with placebo, whereas the median time to treatment failure was not estimable for subjects treated with adalimumab because less than one-half of these subjects experienced treatment failure. Adalimumab significantly decreased the risk of treatment failure by 75% relative to placebo, as shown by the hazard ratio (HR = 0.25 [95% CI: 0.12, 0.49]).
\*\*Figure 2: Kaplan-Meier curves summarizing time to treatment failure in the paediatric uveitis study\*\*
\*\*Immunogenicity\*\*
Anti-adalimumab antibodies may develop during adalimumab treatment. Formation of anti-adalimumab antibodies is associated with increased clearance and reduced efficacy of adalimumab.
There is no apparent correlation between the presence of anti-adalimumab antibodies and the occurrence of adverse events.5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
\*\*Absorption and distribution\*\*
After subcutaneous administration of a single 40 mg dose, absorption and distribution of adalimumab was slow, with peak serum concentrations being reached about 5 days after administration. The average absolute bioavailability of adalimumab estimated from three studies following a single 40 mg subcutaneous dose was 64%. After single intravenous doses ranging from 0.25 to 10 mg/kg, concentrations were dose proportional. After doses of 0.5 mg/kg (~40 mg), clearances ranged from 11 to 15 ml/hour, the distribution volume (Vss) ranged from 5 to 6 litres and the mean terminal phase half-life was approximately two weeks. Adalimumab concentrations in the synovial fluid from several rheumatoid arthritis patients ranged from 31-96% of those in serum.
Following subcutaneous administration of 40 mg of adalimumab every other week in adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients the mean steady-state trough concentrations were approximately 5 μg/ml (without concomitant methotrexate) and 8 to 9 μg/ml (with concomitant methotrexate), respectively. The serum adalimumab trough levels at steady-state increased roughly proportionally with dose following 20, 40 and 80 mg subcutaneous dosing every other week and every week.
In adult patients with psoriasis, the mean steady-state trough concentration was 5 μg/ml during adalimumab 40 mg every other week monotherapy treatment.
In adult patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, a dose of 160 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 80 mg on week 2 achieved serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 7 to 8 μg/ml at week 2 and week 4. The mean steady-state trough concentration at week 12 through week 36 were approximately 8 to 10 μg/ml during adalimumab 40 mg every week treatment.
Adalimumab exposure in adolescent HS patients was predicted using population pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation based on cross- indication pharmacokinetics in other paediatric patients (paediatric psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, paediatric Crohn's disease, and enthesitis-related arthritis). The recommended adolescent HS dosing schedule is 40 mg every other week. Since exposure to adalimumab can be affected by body size, adolescents with higher body weight and inadequate response may benefit from receiving the recommended adult dose of 40 mg every week.
In patients with Crohn's disease, the loading dose of 80 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 40 mg adalimumab on week 2 achieves serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 5.5 μg/ml during the induction period. A loading dose of 160 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 80 mg adalimumab on week 2 achieves serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 12 μg/ml during the induction period. Mean steady-state trough levels of approximately 7 μg/ml were observed in Crohn's disease patients who received a maintenance dose of 40 mg adalimumab every other week.
In paediatric patients with moderate to severe CD, the open-label adalimumab induction dose was 160/80 mg or 80/40 mg at weeks 0 and 2, respectively, dependent on a body weight cut-off of 40 kg. At week 4, patients were randomised 1:1 to either the Standard Dose (40/20 mg eow) or Low Dose (20/10 mg eow) maintenance treatment groups based on their body weight.
The mean (±SD) serum adalimumab trough concentrations achieved at week 4 were 15.7 ± 6.6 μg/ml for patients ≥ 40 kg (160/80 mg) and 10.6 ± 6.1 μg/ml for patients < 40 kg (80/40 mg).
For patients who stayed on their randomised therapy, the mean (±SD) adalimumab trough concentrations at week 52 were 9.5 ± 5.6 μg/ml for the Standard Dose group and 3.5 ± 2.2 μg/ml for the Low Dose group. The mean trough concentrations were maintained in patients who continued to receive adalimumab treatment eow for 52 weeks. For patients who dose escalated from eow to weekly regimen, the mean (±SD) serum concentrations of adalimumab at week 52 were 15.3 ± 11.4 μg/ml (40/20 mg, weekly) and 6.7 ± 3.5 μg/ml (20/10 mg, weekly).
In patients with ulcerative colitis, a loading dose of 160 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 80 mg adalimumab on week 2 achieves serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 12 μg/ml during the induction period. Mean steady-state trough levels of approximately 8 μg/ml were observed in ulcerative colitis patients who received a maintenance dose of 40 mg adalimumab every other week.
Following the subcutaneous administration of body weight-based dosing of 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every other week to paediatric patients with ulcerative colitis, the mean trough steady-state serum adalimumab concentration was 5.01 ± 3.28 µg/ml at week 52. For patients who received 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every week, the mean (±SD) trough steady- state serum adalimumab concentration was 15.7 ± 5.60 μg/ml at week 52.
In adult patients with uveitis, a loading dose of 80 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 40 mg adalimumab every other week starting at week 1, resulted in mean steady-state concentrations of approximately 8 to 10 μg/mL.
Adalimumab exposure in paediatric uveitis patients was predicted using population pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation based on cross- indication pharmacokinetics in other paediatric patients (paediatric psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, paediatric Crohn's disease, and enthesitis-related arthritis). No clinical exposure data are available on the use of a loading dose in children < 6 years. The predicted exposures indicate that in the absence of methotrexate, a loading dose may lead to an initial increase in systemic exposure.
Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling and simulation predicted comparable adalimumab exposure and efficacy in patients treated with 80 mg every other week when compared with 40 mg every week (including adult patients with RA, HS, UC, CD or Ps, patients with adolescent HS, and paediatric patients ≥ 40 kg with CD and UC).
\*\*Exposure-response relationship in paediatric population\*\*
On the basis of clinical trial data in patients with JIA (pJIA and ERA), an exposure-response relationship was established between plasma concentrations and PedACR 50 response. The apparent adalimumab plasma concentration that produces half the maximum probability of PedACR 50 response (EC50) was 3 μg/ml (95% CI: 1-6 μg/ml).
Exposure-response relationships between adalimumab concentration and efficacy in paediatric patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis were established for PASI 75 and PGA clear or minimal, respectively. PASI 75 and PGA clear or minimal increased with increasing adalimumab concentrations, both with a similar apparent EC50 of approximately 4.5 μg/mL (95% CI 0.4- 47.6 and 1.9-10.5, respectively).
\*\*Elimination\*\*
Population pharmacokinetic analyses with data from over 1,300 RA patients revealed a trend toward higher apparent clearance of adalimumab with increasing body weight. After adjustment for weight differences, gender and age appeared to have a minimal effect on adalimumab clearance. The serum levels of free adalimumab (not bound to anti-adalimumab antibodies, AAA) were observed to be lower in patients with measurable AAA.
\*\*Hepatic or renal impairment\*\*
Adalimumab has not been studied in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.5.3 Preclinical safety data
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on studies of single dose toxicity, repeated dose toxicity, and genotoxicity.
An embryo-foetal developmental toxicity/perinatal developmental study has been performed in cynomolgus monkeys at 0, 30 and 100 mg/kg (9-17 monkeys/group) and has revealed no evidence of harm to the foetuses due to adalimumab. Neither carcinogenicity studies, nor a standard assessment of fertility and postnatal toxicity, were performed with adalimumab due to the lack of appropriate models for an antibody with limited cross-reactivity to rodent TNF and to the development of neutralising antibodies in rodents.
- Instruction Pharmaceutical Particulars
- 6.1 List of excipients
Acetic acid
Sodium acetate trihydrate
Glycine
Polysorbate 80
Water for injections6.2 Incompatibilities
In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.6.3 Shelf life
3 years6.4 Special precautions for storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze.
Keep the pre-filled pen in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
A single Yuflyma pre-filled pen may be stored at temperatures up to a maximum of 25°C for a period of up to 31 days. The pre-filled pen must be protected from light, and discarded if not used within the 31-day period.6.5 Nature and contents of container
Solution for injection in a pre-filled pen for patient use containing a pre-filled syringe. The syringe inside the pen is made from type 1 glass with a plunger stopper (bromobutyl rubber) and a needle with a needle shield (thermoplastic elastomer).
Packs of:
• 1 pre-filled pen (0.8 ml sterile solution), with 2 alcohol pads.
• 3 pre-filled pens (0.8 ml sterile solution), with 4 alcohol pads.
Not all presentations or pack sizes may be marketed.6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
- Instruction Content
- ## Composition
Each 0.8 ml single dose pre-filled pen contains 80 mg of adalimumab.
Adalimumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
## Pharmaceutical Form
Solution for injection (injection)
Clear to slightly opalescent, colourless to pale brown solution.
## Clinical Particulars
4.1 Therapeutic indications
\*\*Rheumatoid arthritis\*\*
Yuflyma in combination with methotrexate, is indicated for:
• the treatment of moderate to severe, active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients when the response to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs including methotrexate has been inadequate.
• the treatment of severe, active and progressive rheumatoid arthritis in adults not previously treated with methotrexate.
Yuflyma can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to methotrexate or when continued treatment with methotrexate is inappropriate.
Adalimumab has been shown to reduce the rate of progression of joint damage as measured by X-ray and to improve physical function, when given in combination with methotrexate.
\*\*Psoriasis\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy.
\*\*Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for the treatment of active moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (acne inversa) in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with an inadequate response to conventional systemic HS therapy (see sections 5.1 and 5.2).
\*\*Crohn's disease\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn's disease, in adult patients who have not responded despite a full and adequate course of therapy with a corticosteroid and/or an immunosuppressant; or who are intolerant to or have medical contraindications for such therapies.
\*\*Paediatric Crohn's disease\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn's disease in paediatric patients (from 6 years of age) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including primary nutrition therapy and a corticosteroid and/or an immunomodulator, or who are intolerant to or have contraindications for such therapies.
\*\*Ulcerative colitis\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adult patients who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including corticosteroids and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) or azathioprine (AZA), or who are intolerant to or have medical contraindications for such therapies.
\*\*Paediatric ulcerative colitis\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in paediatric patients (from 6 years of age) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including corticosteroids and/or 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) or azathioprine (AZA), or who are intolerant to or have medical contraindications for such therapies.
\*\*Uveitis\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for the treatment of non-infectious intermediate, posterior and panuveitis in adult patients who have had an inadequate response to corticosteroids, in patients in need of corticosteroid- sparing, or in whom corticosteroid treatment is inappropriate.
\*\*Paediatric uveitis\*\*
Yuflyma is indicated for the treatment of paediatric chronic non-infectious anterior uveitis in patients from 2 years of age who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant to conventional therapy, or in whom conventional therapy is inappropriate.4.2 Posology and method of administration
Yuflyma treatment should be initiated and supervised by specialist physicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions for which Yuflyma is indicated. Ophthalmologists are advised to consult with an appropriate specialist before initiation of treatment with Yuflyma (see section 4.4). Patients treated with Yuflyma should be given the Patient Reminder Card.
After proper training in injection technique, patients may self-inject with Yuflyma if their physician determines that it is appropriate and with medical follow-up as necessary.
During treatment with Yuflyma, other concomitant therapies (e.g., corticosteroids and/or immunomodulatory agents) should be optimised.
\*\*Posology\*\*
\*Rheumatoid arthritis\*
The recommended dose of Yuflyma for adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis is 40 mg adalimumab administered every other week as a single dose via subcutaneous injection. Methotrexate should be continued during treatment with Yuflyma.
Glucocorticoids, salicylates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or analgesics can be continued during treatment with Yuflyma. Regarding combination with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs other than methotrexate see sections 4.4 and 5.1.
In monotherapy, some patients who experience a decrease in their response to Yuflyma 40 mg every other week may benefit from an increase in dosage to 40 mg adalimumab every week or 80 mg every other week.
Available data suggest that the clinical response is usually achieved within 12 weeks of treatment. Continued therapy should be reconsidered in a patient not responding within this time period.
\*Psoriasis\*
The recommended dose of Yuflyma for adult patients is an initial dose of 80 mg administered subcutaneously, followed by 40 mg subcutaneously given every other week starting one week after the initial dose. Yuflyma 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe and/or pre-filled pen is available for the maintenance dose.
Continued therapy beyond 16 weeks should be carefully reconsidered in a patient not responding within this time period.
Beyond 16 weeks, patients with inadequate response to Yuflyma 40 mg every other week may benefit from an increase in dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. The benefits and risks of continued 40 mg weekly or 80 mg every other week therapy should be carefully reconsidered in a patient with an inadequate response after the increase in dosage (see section 5.1). If adequate response is achieved with 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week, the dosage may subsequently be reduced to 40 mg every other week.
\*Hidradenitis suppurativa\*
The recommended Yuflyma dose regimen for adult patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is 160 mg initially at day 1 (given as two 80 mg injections in one day or as one 80 mg injection per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg two weeks later at day 15. Two weeks later (day 29) continue with a dose of 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. Antibiotics may be continued during treatment with Yuflyma if necessary. It is recommended that the patient should use a topical antiseptic wash on their HS lesions on a daily basis during treatment with Yuflyma.
Continued therapy beyond 12 weeks should be carefully reconsidered in a patient with no improvement within this time period.
Should treatment be interrupted, Yuflyma 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week may be re- introduced (see section 5.1).
The benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be periodically evaluated (see section 5.1).
\*Crohn's disease\*
The recommended Yuflyma induction dose regimen for adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease is 80 mg at week 0 followed by 40 mg at week 2. In case there is a need for a more rapid response to therapy, the regimen 160 mg at week 0 (given as two 80 mg injections in one day or as one 80 mg injection per day for two consecutive days), 80 mg at week 2, can be used with the awareness that the risk for adverse events is higher during induction.
After induction treatment, the recommended dose is 40 mg every other week via subcutaneous injection. Alternatively, if a patient has stopped Yuflyma and signs and symptoms of disease recur, Yuflyma may be re-administered. There is little experience from re-administration after more than 8 weeks since the previous dose.
During maintenance treatment, corticosteroids may be tapered in accordance with clinical practice guidelines.
Some patients who experience decrease in their response to Yuflyma 40 mg every other week may benefit from an increase in dosage to 40 mg Yuflyma every week or 80 mg every other week.
Some patients who have not responded by week 4 may benefit from continued maintenance therapy through week 12. Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in a patient not responding within this time period.
\*Ulcerative colitis\*
The recommended Yuflyma induction dose regimen for adult patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis is 160 mg at week 0 (given as two 80 mg injections in one day or as one 80 mg injection per day for two consecutive days) and 80 mg at week 2. After induction treatment, the recommended dose is 40 mg every other week via subcutaneous injection.
During maintenance treatment, corticosteroids may be tapered in accordance with clinical practice guidelines.
Some patients who experience decrease in their response to Yuflyma 40 mg every other week may benefit from an increase in dosage to 40 mg Yuflyma every week or 80 mg every other week.
Available data suggest that clinical response is usually achieved within 2-8 weeks of treatment. Yuflyma therapy should not be continued in patients failing to respond within this time period.
\*Uveitis\*
The recommended dose of Yuflyma for adult patients with uveitis is an initial dose of 80 mg, followed by 40 mg given every other week starting one week after the initial dose. Yuflyma 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe and/or pre-filled pen is available for the maintenance dose. There is limited experience in the initiation of treatment with adalimumab alone. Treatment with Yuflyma can be initiated in combination with corticosteroids and/or with other non-biologic immunomodulatory agents. Concomitant corticosteroids may be tapered in accordance with clinical practice starting two weeks after initiating treatment with Yuflyma.
It is recommended that the benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be evaluated on a yearly basis (see section 5.1).
\*\*Special populations\*\*
\*Elderly\*
No dose adjustment is required.
\*Renal and/or hepatic impairment\*
Adalimumab has not been studied in these patient populations. No dose recommendations can be made.
\*\*\*Paediatric population\*\*\*
\*Paediatric plaque psoriasis\*
The safety and efficacy of Yuflyma in children aged 4-17 years have been established for plaque psoriasis.
The recommended Yuflyma dose is up to a maximum of 40 mg per dose.
\*\*\*Adolescent hidradenitis suppurativa (from 12 years of age, weighing at least 30 kg)\*\*\*
There are no clinical trials with adalimumab in adolescent patients with HS. The posology of adalimumab in these patients has been determined from pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation (see section 5.2).
The recommended Yuflyma dose is 80 mg at week 0 followed by 40 mg every other week starting at week 1 via subcutaneous injection.
In adolescent patients with inadequate response to Yuflyma 40 mg every other week, an increase in dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week may be considered.
Antibiotics may be continued during treatment with Yuflyma if necessary. It is recommended that the patient should use a topical antiseptic wash on their HS lesions on a daily basis during treatment with Yuflyma.
Continued therapy beyond 12 weeks should be carefully reconsidered in a patient with no improvement within this time period.
Should treatment be interrupted, Yuflyma may be re-introduced as appropriate.
The benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be periodically evaluated (see adult data in section 5.1)
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 12 years in this indication.
\*\*\*Paediatric Crohn's disease\*\*\*
The recommended dose of Yuflyma for patients with Crohn's disease from 6 to 17 years of age is based on body weight (Table 1). Yuflyma is administered via subcutaneous injection.
\*\*Table 1. Adalimumab dose for paediatric patients with crohn's disease\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Patient weight\*\* | \*\*Induction dose\*\* | \*\*Maintenance dose starting at week 4\*\* |
| < 40 kg | • 40 mg at week 0 and 20 mg at week 2 \\* In case there is a need for a more rapid response to therapy with the awareness that the risk for adverse events may be higher with use of the higher induction dose, the following dose may be used: • 80 mg at week 0 and 40 mg at week 2 | 20 mg every other week |
| ≥ 40 kg | • 80 mg at week 0 and 40 mg at week 2 In case there is a need for a more rapid response to therapy with the awareness that the risk for adverse events may be higher with use of the higher induction dose, the following dose may be used: • 160 mg at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2 | 40 mg every other week |
Patients who experience insufficient response may benefit from an increase in dosage:
• < 40 kg: 20 mg every week
• ≥ 40 kg: 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week
Continued therapy should be carefully considered in a subject not responding by week 12.
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 6 years for this indication.
\*\*\*Paediatric ulcerative colitis\*\*\*
The recommended dose of Yuflyma for patients from 6 to 17 years of age with ulcerative colitis is based on body weight (Table 2). Yuflyma is administered via subcutaneous injection.
\*\*Table 2. Yuflyma dose for paediatric patients with ulcerative colitis\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Patient weight\*\* | \*\*Induction dose\*\* | \*\*Maintenance dose starting at week 4\\*\*\* |
| < 40 kg | • 80 mg at week 0 (given as one 80 mg injection in one day) and • 40 mg at week 2 (given as one 40 mg injection) | • 40 mg every other week |
| ≥ 40 kg | • 160 mg at week 0 (given as two 80 mg injections in one day or one 80 mg injection per day for two consecutive days) and • 80 mg at week 2 (given as one 80 mg injection in one day) | • 80 mg every other week |
\\* Paediatric patients who turn 18 years of age while on Yuflyma should continue their prescribed maintenance dose.
Continued therapy beyond 8 weeks should be carefully considered in patients not showing signs of response within this time period.
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 6 years in this indication.
\*\*\*Paediatric uveitis\*\*\*
The recommended dose of Yuflyma for paediatric patients with uveitis from 2 years of age is based on body weight (Table 3). Yuflyma is administered via subcutaneous injection.
In paediatric uveitis, there is no experience in the treatment with adalimumab without concomitant treatment with methotrexate.
\*\*Table 3. Yuflyma dose for paediatric patients with uveitis\*\*
| | |
| --- | --- |
| \*\*Patient weight\*\* | \*\*Dosing regimen\*\* |
| < 30 kg | 20 mg every other week in combination with methotrexate |
| ≥ 30 kg | 40 mg every other week in combination with methotrexate |
When Yuflyma therapy is initiated, a loading dose of 40 mg for patients < 30 kg or 80 mg for patients ≥ 30 kg may be administered one week prior to the start of maintenance therapy. No clinical data are available on the use of an adalimumab loading dose in children < 6 years of age (see section 5.2).
There is no relevant use of Yuflyma in children aged less than 2 years in this indication.
It is recommended that the benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be evaluated on a yearly basis (see section 5.1).
\*\*Method of administration\*\*
Yuflyma is administered by subcutaneous injection.
Full instructions for use are provided in the package leaflet. Yuflyma is available in other strengths and presentations4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Active tuberculosis or other severe infections such as sepsis, and opportunistic infections (see section 4.4).
Moderate to severe heart failure (NYHA class III/IV) (see section 4.4).4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
\*\*Traceability\*\*
In order to improve traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.
\*\*Infections\*\*
Patients taking TNF-antagonists are more susceptible to serious infections. Impaired lung function may increase the risk for developing infections. Patients must therefore be monitored closely for infections, including tuberculosis, before, during and after treatment with Yuflyma. Because the elimination of adalimumab may take up to four months, monitoring should be continued throughout this period.
Treatment with Yuflyma should not be initiated in patients with active infections including chronic or localised infections until infections are controlled. In patients who have been exposed to tuberculosis and patients who have travelled in areas of high risk of tuberculosis or endemic mycoses, such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis, the risk and benefits of treatment with Yuflyma should be considered prior to initiating therapy (see \*Other opportunistic infections\*).
Patients who develop a new infection while undergoing treatment with Yuflyma should be monitored closely and undergo a complete diagnostic evaluation. Administration of Yuflyma should be discontinued if a patient develops a new serious infection or sepsis, and appropriate antimicrobial or antifungal therapy should be initiated until the infection is controlled.
Physicians should exercise caution when considering the use of Yuflyma in patients with a history of recurring infection or with underlying conditions which may predispose patients to infections, including the use of concomitant immunosuppressive medications.
\*Serious infections\*
Serious infections, including sepsis, due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, parasitic, viral, or other opportunistic infections such as listeriosis, legionellosis and pneumocystis have been reported in patients receiving adalimumab.
Other serious infections seen in clinical trials include pneumonia, pyelonephritis, septic arthritis and septicaemia. Hospitalisation or fatal outcomes associated with infections have been reported.
\*Tuberculosis\*
Tuberculosis, including reactivation and new onset of tuberculosis, has been reported in patients receiving adalimumab. Reports included cases of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary (i.e. disseminated) tuberculosis.
Before initiation of therapy with Yuflyma, all patients must be evaluated for both active or inactive (“latent”) tuberculosis infection. This evaluation should include a detailed medical assessment of patient history of tuberculosis or possible previous exposure to people with active tuberculosis and previous and/or current immunosuppressive therapy. Appropriate screening tests (i.e. tuberculin skin test and chest X-ray) should be performed in all patients (local recommendations may apply). It is recommended that the conduct and results of these tests are recorded in the Patient Reminder Card. Prescribers are reminded of the risk of false negative tuberculin skin test results, especially in patients who are severely ill or immunocompromised.
If active tuberculosis is diagnosed, Yuflyma therapy must not be initiated (see section 4.3).
In all situations described below, the benefit/risk balance of therapy should be very carefully considered.
If latent tuberculosis is suspected, a physician with expertise in the treatment of tuberculosis should be consulted.
If latent tuberculosis is diagnosed, appropriate treatment must be started with anti-tuberculosis prophylaxis treatment before the initiation of Yuflyma, and in accordance with local recommendations.
Use of anti-tuberculosis prophylaxis treatment should also be considered before the initiation of Yuflyma in patients with several or significant risk factors for tuberculosis despite a negative test for tuberculosis and in patients with a past history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed.
Despite prophylactic treatment for tuberculosis, cases of reactivated tuberculosis have occurred in patients treated with adalimumab. Some patients who have been successfully treated for active tuberculosis have redeveloped tuberculosis while being treated with adalimumab.
Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if signs/symptoms suggestive of a tuberculosis infection (e.g., persistent cough, wasting/weight loss, low grade fever, listlessness) occur during or after therapy with Yuflyma.
\*Other opportunistic infections\*
Opportunistic infections, including invasive fungal infections have been observed in patients receiving adalimumab. These infections have not consistently been recognised in patients taking TNF-antagonists and this has resulted in delays in appropriate treatment, sometimes resulting in fatal outcomes.
For patients who develop the signs and symptoms such as fever, malaise, weight loss, sweats, cough, dyspnoea, and/or pulmonary infiltrates or other serious systemic illness with or without concomitant shock an invasive fungal infection should be suspected and administration of Yuflyma should be promptly discontinued. Diagnosis and administration of empiric antifungal therapy in these patients should be made in consultation with a physician with expertise in the care of patients with invasive fungal infections.
\*\*Hepatitis B reactivation\*\*
Reactivation of hepatitis B has occurred in patients receiving a TNF-antagonist including adalimumab, who are chronic carriers of this virus (i.e. surface antigen positive). Some cases have had a fatal outcome. Patients should be tested for HBV infection before initiating treatment with Yuflyma. For patients who test positive for hepatitis B infection, consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of hepatitis B is recommended.
Carriers of HBV who require treatment with Yuflyma should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of active HBV infection throughout therapy and for several months following termination of therapy. Adequate data from treating patients who are carriers of HBV with anti-viral therapy in conjunction with TNF-antagonist therapy to prevent HBV reactivation are not available. In patients who develop HBV reactivation, Yuflyma should be stopped and effective anti-viral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated.
\*\*Neurological events\*\*
TNF-antagonists including adalimumab have been associated in rare instances with new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of central nervous system demyelinating disease including multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis, and peripheral demyelinating disease, including Guillain- Barré syndrome. Prescribers should exercise caution in considering the use of Yuflyma in patients with pre- existing or recent-onset central or peripheral nervous system demyelinating disorders; discontinuation of Yuflyma should be considered if any of these disorders develop. There is a known association between intermediate uveitis and central demyelinating disorders. Neurologic evaluation should be performed in patients with non- infectious intermediate uveitis prior to the initiation of Yuflyma therapy and regularly during treatment to assess for pre-existing or developing central demyelinating disorders.
\*\*Allergic reactions\*\*
Serious allergic reactions associated with adalimumab were rare during clinical trials. Non-serious allergic reactions associated with adalimumab were uncommon during clinical trials. Reports of serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been received following adalimumab administration. If an anaphylactic reaction or other serious allergic reaction occurs, administration of Yuflyma should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated.
\*\*Immunosuppression\*\*
In a study of 64 patients with rheumatoid arthritis that were treated with adalimumab, there was no evidence of depression of delayed-type hypersensitivity, depression of immunoglobulin levels, or change in enumeration of effector T-, B-, NK-cells, monocyte/macrophages, and neutrophils.
\*\*Malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders\*\*
In the controlled portions of clinical trials of TNF-antagonists, more cases of malignancies including lymphoma have been observed among patients receiving a TNF-antagonist compared with control patients. However, the occurrence was rare. In the post marketing setting, cases of leukaemia have been reported in patients treated with a TNF-antagonist. There is an increased background risk for lymphoma and leukaemia in rheumatoid arthritis patients with long-standing, highly active, inflammatory disease, which complicates the risk estimation. With the current knowledge, a possible risk for the development of lymphomas, leukaemia, and other malignancies in patients treated with a TNF-antagonist cannot be excluded.
Malignancies, some fatal, have been reported among children, adolescents and young adults (up to 22 years of age) treated with TNF-antagonists (initiation of therapy ≤ 18 years of age), including adalimumab in the post marketing setting. Approximately half the cases were lymphomas. The other cases represented a variety of different malignancies and included rare malignancies usually associated with immunosuppression. A risk for the development of malignancies in children and adolescents treated with TNF-antagonists cannot be excluded.
Rare postmarketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma have been identified in patients treated with adalimumab. This rare type of T-cell lymphoma has a very aggressive disease course and is usually fatal. Some of these hepatosplenic T-cell lymphomas with adalimumab have occurred in young adult patients on concomitant treatment with azathioprine or 6- mercaptopurine used for inflammatory bowel disease. The potential risk with the combination of azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine and Yuflyma should be carefully considered. A risk for the development of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in patients treated with Yuflyma cannot be excluded (see section 4.8).
No studies have been conducted that include patients with a history of malignancy or in whom treatment with adalimumab is continued following development of malignancy. Thus additional caution should be exercised in considering Yuflyma treatment of these patients (see section 4.8).
All patients, and in particular patients with a medical history of extensive immunosuppressant therapy or psoriasis patients with a history of PUVA treatment should be examined for the presence of non- melanoma skin cancer prior to and during treatment with Yuflyma. Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma have also been reported in patients treated with TNF-antagonists including adalimumab (see section 4.8).
In an exploratory clinical trial evaluating the use of another TNF-antagonist, infliximab, in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), more malignancies, mostly in the lung or head and neck, were reported in infliximab-treated patients compared with control patients. All patients had a history of heavy smoking. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using any TNF-antagonist in COPD patients, as well as in patients with increased risk for malignancy due to heavy smoking.
With current data it is not known if adalimumab treatment influences the risk for developing dysplasia or colon cancer. All patients with ulcerative colitis who are at increased risk for dysplasia or colon carcinoma (for example, patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis), or who had a prior history of dysplasia or colon carcinoma should be screened for dysplasia at regular intervals before therapy and throughout their disease course. This evaluation should include colonoscopy and biopsies per local recommendations.
\*\*Haematologic reactions\*\*
Rare reports of pancytopenia including aplastic anaemia have been reported with TNF-antagonists. Adverse events of the haematologic system, including medically significant cytopenia (e.g. thrombocytopenia, leukopenia) have been reported with adalimumab. All patients should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias (e.g. persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on Yuflyma. Discontinuation of Yuflyma therapy should be considered in patients with confirmed significant haematologic abnormalities.
\*\*Vaccinations\*\*
Similar antibody responses to the standard 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine and the influenza trivalent virus vaccination were observed in a study in 226 adult subjects with rheumatoid arthritis who were treated with adalimumab or placebo. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving adalimumab.
It is recommended that paediatric patients, if possible, be brought up to date with all immunisations in agreement with current immunisation guidelines prior to initiating Yuflyma therapy.
Patients on Yuflyma may receive concurrent vaccinations, except for live vaccines. Administration of live vaccines (e.g., BCG vaccine) to infants exposed to adalimumab in utero is not recommended for 5 months following the mother's last adalimumab injection during pregnancy.
\*\*Congestive heart failure\*\*
In a clinical trial with another TNF-antagonist worsening congestive heart failure and increased mortality due to congestive heart failure have been observed. Cases of worsening congestive heart failure have also been reported in patients receiving adalimumab. Yuflyma should be used with caution in patients with mild heart failure (NYHA class I/II). Yuflyma is contraindicated in moderate to severe heart failure (see section 4.3). Treatment with Yuflyma must be discontinued in patients who develop new or worsening symptoms of congestive heart failure.
\*\*Autoimmune processes\*\*
Treatment with Yuflyma may result in the formation of autoimmune antibodies. The impact of long-term treatment with adalimumab on the development of autoimmune diseases is unknown. If a patient develops symptoms suggestive of a lupus-like syndrome following treatment with Yuflyma and is positive for antibodies against double-stranded DNA, further treatment with Yuflyma should not be given (see section 4.8).
\*\*Concurrent administration of biologic DMARDs or TNF-antagonists\*\*
Serious infections were seen in clinical studies with concurrent use of anakinra and another
TNF-antagonist, etanercept, with no added clinical benefit compared to etanercept alone. Because of the nature of the adverse events seen with the combination of etanercept and anakinra therapy, similar toxicities may also result from the combination of anakinra and other TNF-antagonists. Therefore, the combination of adalimumab and anakinra is not recommended (see section 4.5).
Concomitant administration of adalimumab with other biologic DMARDs (e.g, anakinra and abatacept) or other TNF-antagonists is not recommended based upon the possible increased risk for infections, including serious infections and other potential pharmacological interactions (see section 4.5).
\*\*Surgery\*\*
There is limited safety experience of surgical procedures in patients treated with adalimumab. The long half-life of adalimumab should be taken into consideration if a surgical procedure is planned. A patient who requires surgery while on Yuflyma should be closely monitored for infections, and appropriate actions should be taken. There is limited safety experience in patients undergoing arthroplasty while receiving adalimumab.
\*\*Small bowel obstruction\*\*
Failure to respond to treatment for Crohn's disease may indicate the presence of fixed fibrotic stricture that may require surgical treatment. Available data suggest that adalimumab does not worsen or cause strictures.
\*\*Elderly\*\*
The frequency of serious infections among adalimumab-treated subjects over 65 years of age (3.7%) was higher than for those under 65 years of age (1.5%). Some of those had a fatal outcome. Particular attention regarding the risk for infection should be paid when treating the elderly.
\*\*Paediatric population\*\*
See Vaccinations above.
\*\*Sodium contents\*\*
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per 0.8 ml dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium free'.4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Adalimumab has been studied in rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and psoriatic arthritis patients taking adalimumab as monotherapy and those taking concomitant methotrexate. Antibody formation was lower when adalimumab was given together with methotrexate in comparison with use as monotherapy. Administration of adalimumab without methotrexate resulted in increased formation of antibodies, increased clearance and reduced efficacy of adalimumab (see section 5.1).
The combination of adalimumab and anakinra is not recommended (see section 4.4 “Concurrent administration of biologic DMARDs or TNF- antagonists”).
The combination of adalimumab and abatacept is not recommended (see section 4.4 “Concurrent administration of biologic DMARDs or TNF- antagonists”).4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
\*\*Women of childbearing potential\*\*
Women of childbearing potential should consider the use of adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy and continue its use for at least five months after the last Yuflyma treatment.
\*\*Pregnancy\*\*
A large number (approximately 2,100) of prospectively collected pregnancies exposed to adalimumab resulting in live birth with known outcomes, including more than 1,500 exposed during the first trimester, does not indicate an increase in the rate of malformation in the newborn.
In a prospective cohort registry, 257 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or Crohn's disease (CD) treated with adalimumab at least during the first trimester and 120 women with RA or CD not treated with adalimumab were enrolled.
The primary endpoint was the birth prevalence of major birth defects. The rate of pregnancies ending with at least one live born infant with a major birth defect was 6/69 (8.7%) in the adalimumab-treated women with RA and 5/74 (6.8%) in the untreated women with RA (unadjusted OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.38- 4.52) and 16/152 (10.5%) in the adalimumab-treated women with CD and 3/32 (9.4%) in the untreated women with CD (unadjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.31- 4.16). The adjusted OR (accounting for baseline differences) was 1.10 (95% CI 0.45-2.73) with RA and CD combined. There were no distinct differences between adalimumab-treated and untreated women for the secondary endpoints spontaneous abortions, minor birth defects, preterm delivery, birth size and serious or opportunistic infections and no stillbirths or malignancies were reported. The interpretation of data may be impacted due to methodological limitations of the study, including small sample size and non-randomised design.
In a developmental toxicity study conducted in monkeys, there was no indication of maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity or teratogenicity. Preclinical data on postnatal toxicity of adalimumab are not available (see section 5.3).
Due to its inhibition of TNFα, adalimumab administered during pregnancy could affect normal immune responses in the newborn. Adalimumab should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed.
Adalimumab may cross the placenta into the serum of infants born to women treated with adalimumab during pregnancy. Consequently, these infants may be at increased risk for infection. Administration of live vaccines (e.g., BCG vaccine) to infants exposed to adalimumab in utero is not recommended for 5 months following the mother's last adalimumab injection during pregnancy.
\*\*Breast-feeding\*\*
Limited information from the published literature indicates that adalimumab is excreted in breast milk at very low concentrations with the presence of adalimumab in human milk at concentrations of 0.1% to 1% of the maternal serum level. Given orally, immunoglobulin G proteins undergo intestinal proteolysis and have poor bioavailability. No effects on the breastfed newborns/infants are anticipated. Consequently, Yuflyma can be used during breastfeeding.
\*\*Fertility\*\*
Preclinical data on fertility effects of adalimumab are not available.4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Yuflyma may have a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Vertigo and visual impairment may occur following administration of Yuflyma (see section 4.8).4.8 Undesirable effects
\*\*Summary of the safety profile\*\*
Adalimumab was studied in 9,506 patients in pivotal controlled and open label trials for up to 60 months or more. These trials included rheumatoid arthritis patients with short term and long standing disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis) as well as axial spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of AS), psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa and uveitis patients. The pivotal controlled studies involved 6,089 patients receiving adalimumab and 3,801 patients receiving placebo or active comparator during the controlled period.
The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse events during the double-blind, controlled portion of pivotal studies was 5.9% for patients taking adalimumab and 5.4% for control treated patients.
The most commonly reported adverse reactions are infections (such as nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection and sinusitis), injection site reactions (erythema, itching, haemorrhage, pain or swelling), headache and musculoskeletal pain.
Serious adverse reactions have been reported for adalimumab. TNF- antagonists, such as adalimumab affect the immune system and their use may affect the body's defence against infection and cancer.
Fatal and life-threatening infections (including sepsis, opportunistic infections and TB), HBV reactivation and various malignancies (including leukaemia, lymphoma and HSTCL) have also been reported with use of adalimumab.
Serious haematological, neurological and autoimmune reactions have also been reported. These include rare reports of pancytopenia, aplastic anaemia, central and peripheral demyelinating events and reports of lupus, lupus- related conditions and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
\*\*Paediatric population\*\*
In general, the adverse events in paediatric patients were similar in frequency and type to those seen in adult patients.
\*\*Tabulated list of adverse reactions\*\*
The following list of adverse reactions is based on experience from clinical trials and on postmarketing experience and are displayed by system organ class and frequency in Table 5 below: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. The highest frequency seen among the various indications has been included. An asterisk (\\*) appears in the SOC column if further information is found elsewhere in sections 4.3, 4.4 and 4.8.
\*\*Table 5 Undesirable effects\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*System organ class\*\* | \*\*Frequency\*\* | \*\*Adverse reaction\*\* |
| Infections and infestations\\* | Very common | Respiratory tract infections (including lower and upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, sinusitis, pharyngitis, nasopharyngitis and pneumonia herpes viral) |
| Common | Systemic infections (including sepsis, candidiasis and influenza), intestinal infections (including gastroenteritis viral), skin and soft tissue infections (including paronychia, cellulitis, impetigo, necrotising fasciitis and herpes zoster), ear infections, oral infections (including herpes simplex, oral herpes and tooth infections), reproductive tract infections (including vulvovaginal mycotic infection), urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis), fungal infections, joint infections |
| Uncommon | Neurological infections (including viral meningitis), opportunistic infections and tuberculosis (including coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis and mycobacterium avium complex infection), bacterial infections, eye infections, diverticulitis1) |
| Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps)\\* | Common | Skin cancer excluding melanoma (including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma), benign neoplasm |
| Uncommon | Lymphoma\\*\\*, solid organ neoplasm (including breast cancer, lung neoplasm and thyroid neoplasm), melanoma\\*\\* |
| Rare | Leukaemia1) |
| Not known | Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma1) Merkel cell carcinoma (neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin)1) Kaposi’s sarcoma |
| Blood and the lymphatic system disorders\\* | Very common | Leukopenia (including neutropenia and agranulocytosis), anaemia |
| Common | Leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia |
| Uncommon | Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura |
| Rare | Pancytopenia |
| Immune system disorders\\* | Common | Hypersensitivity, allergies (including seasonal allergy) |
| Uncommon | Sarcoidosis1), vasculitis |
| Rare | Anaphylaxis1) |
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | Very common | Lipids increased |
| Common | Hypokalaemia, uric acid increased, blood sodium abnormal, hypocalcaemia, hyperglycaemia, hypophosphatemia, dehydration |
| Psychiatric disorders | Common | Mood alterations (including depression), anxiety, insomnia |
| Nervous system disorders\\* | Very common | Headache |
| Common | Paraesthesias (including hypoesthesia), migraine, nerve root compression |
| Uncommon | Cerebrovascular accident1), tremor, neuropathy |
| Rare | Multiple sclerosis, demyelinating disorders (e.g. optic neuritis, Guillain-Barré syndrome) 1) |
| Eye disorders | Common | Visual impairment, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, eye swelling |
| Uncommon | Diplopia |
| Ear and labyrinth disorders | Common | Vertigo |
| Uncommon | Deafness, tinnitus |
| Cardiac disorders\\* | Common | Tachycardia |
| Uncommon | Myocardial infarction1), arrhythmia, congestive heart failure |
| Rare | Cardiac arrest |
| Vascular disorders | Common | Hypertension, flushing, haematoma |
| Uncommon | Aortic aneurysm, vascular arterial occlusion, thrombophlebitis |
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders\\* | Common | Asthma, dyspnoea, cough |
| Uncommon | Pulmonary embolism1), interstitial lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonitis, pleural effusion1) |
| Rare | Pulmonary fibrosis1) |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Very common | Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting |
| Common | GI haemorrhage, dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, sicca syndrome |
| Uncommon | Pancreatitis, dysphagia, face oedema |
| Rare | Intestinal perforation1) |
| Hepato-biliary disorders\\* | Very common | Elevated liver enzymes |
| Uncommon | Cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, hepatic steatosis, bilirubin increased |
| Rare | Hepatitis reactivation of hepatitis B1) autoimmune hepatitis1) |
| Not known | Liver failure1) |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Very common | Rash (including exfoliative rash) |
| Common | Worsening or new onset of psoriasis(including palmoplantar pustular psoriasis)1), urticaria, bruising (including purpura), dermatitis (including eczema), onychoclasis, hyperhidrosis, alopecia1), pruritus |
| Uncommon | Night sweats, scar |
| Rare | Erythema multiforme1), Stevens- Johnson syndrome1), angioedema1), cutaneous vasculitis1) lichenoid skin reaction1) |
| Not known | Worsening of symptoms of dermatomyositis1) |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Very common | Musculoskeletal pain |
| Common | Muscle spasms (including blood creatine phosphokinase increased) |
| Uncommon | Rhabdomyolysis, systemic lupus erythematosus |
| Rare | Lupus-like syndrome1) |
| Renal and urinary disorders | Common | Renal impairment, haematuria |
| Uncommon | Nocturia |
| Reproductive system and breast disorders | Uncommon | Erectile dysfunction |
| General disorders and administration site conditions\\* | Very common | Injection site reaction (including injection site erythema) |
| Common | Chest pain, oedema, pyrexia1) |
| Uncommon | Inflammation |
| Investigations\\* | Common | Coagulation and bleeding disorders (including activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged), autoantibody test positive (including double stranded DNA antibody), blood lactate dehydrogenase increased |
| Not known | Weight increased2) |
| Injury, poisoning and procedural complications | Common | Impaired healing |
\\* further information is found elsewhere in sections 4.3, 4.4 and 4.8
\\*\\* including open label extension studies
1) including spontaneous reporting data
2) The mean weight change from baseline for adalimumab ranged from 0.3 kg to 1.0 kg across adult indications compared to (minus) -0.4 kg to 0.4 kg for placebo over a treatment period of 4-6 months. Weight increase of 5-6 kg has also been observed in long-term extension studies with mean exposures of approximately 1-2 years without control group, particularly in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The mechanism behind this effect is unclear but could be associated with the anti-inflammatory effect of adalimumab.
\*\*Hidradenitis suppurativa\*\*
The safety profile for patients with HS treated with adalimumab weekly was consistent with the known safety profile of adalimumab.
\*\*Uveitis\*\*
The safety profile for patients with uveitis treated with adalimumab every other week was consistent with the known safety profile of adalimumab.
\*\*Description of selected adverse reactions\*\*
\*Injection site reactions\*
In the pivotal controlled trials in adults and children, 12.9% of patients treated with adalimumab developed injection site reactions (erythema and/or itching, haemorrhage, pain or swelling), compared to 7.2% of patients receiving placebo or active control. Injection site reactions generally did not necessitate discontinuation of the medicinal product.
\*Infections\*
In the pivotal controlled trials in adults and children, the rate of infection was 1.51 per patient year in the adalimumab-treated patients and 1.46 per patient year in the placebo and active control-treated patients. The infections consisted primarily of nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and sinusitis. Most patients continued on adalimumab after the infection resolved.
The incidence of serious infections was 0.04 per patient year in adalimumab- treated patients and 0.03 per patient year in placebo and active control- treated patients.
In controlled and open label adult and paediatric studies with adalimumab, serious infections (including fatal infections, which occurred rarely) have been reported, which include reports of tuberculosis (including miliary and extra-pulmonary locations) and invasive opportunistic infections (e.g. disseminated or extrapulmonary histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, pneumocystis, candidiasis, aspergillosis and listeriosis). Most of the cases of tuberculosis occurred within the first eight months after initiation of therapy and may reflect recrudescence of latent disease.
\*Malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders\*
No malignancies were observed in 249 paediatric patients with an exposure of 655.6 patient years during adalimumab trials in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis- related arthritis). In addition, no malignancies were observed in 192 paediatric patients with an exposure of 498.1 patient years during adalimumab trials in paediatric patients with Crohn's disease. No malignancies were observed in 77 paediatric patients with an exposure of 80.0 patient years during an adalimumab trial in paediatric patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. No malignancies were observed in 93 paediatric patients with an exposure of 65.3 patient years during an adalimumab trial in paediatric patients with ulcerative colitis. No malignancies were observed in 60 paediatric patients with an exposure of 58.4 patient years during an adalimumab trial in paediatric patients with uveitis.
During the controlled portions of pivotal adalimumab trials in adults of at least 12 weeks in duration in patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of AS, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and uveitis, malignancies, other than lymphoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, were observed at a rate (95% confidence interval) of 6.8 (4.4, 10.5) per 1,000 patient-years among 5,291 adalimumab-treated patients \*versus\* a rate of 6.3 (3.4, 11.8) per 1,000 patient-years among 3,444 control patients (median duration of treatment was 4.0 months for adalimumab and 3.8 months for control-treated patients). The rate (95% confidence interval) of non-melanoma skin cancers was 8.8 (6.0, 13.0) per 1,000 patient-years among adalimumab-treated patients and 3.2 (1.3, 7.6) per 1,000 patient-years among control patients. Of these skin cancers, squamous cell carcinomas occurred at rates (95% confidence interval) of 2.7 (1.4, 5.4) per 1,000 patient-years among adalimumab-treated patients and 0.6 (0.1, 4.5) per 1,000 patient-years among control patients. The rate (95% confidence interval) of lymphomas was 0.7 (0.2, 2.7) per 1,000 patient-years among adalimumab-treated patients and 0.6 (0.1, 4.5) per 1,000 patient-years among control patients.
When combining controlled portions of these trials and ongoing and completed open label extension studies with a median duration of approximately 3.3 years including 6,427 patients and over 26,439 patient- years of therapy, the observed rate of malignancies, other than lymphoma and non-melanoma skin cancers is approximately 8.5 per 1,000 patient years. The observed rate of non-melanoma skin cancers is approximately 9.6 per 1,000 patient years, and the observed rate of lymphomas is approximately 1.3 per 1,000 patient years.
In post-marketing experience from January 2003 to December 2010, predominantly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the reported rate of malignancies is approximately 2.7 per 1,000 patient treatment years. The reported rates for non-melanoma skin cancers and lymphomas are approximately 0.2 and 0.3 per 1,000 patient treatment years, respectively (see section 4.4).
Rare post-marketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma have been reported in patients treated with adalimumab (see section 4.4).
\*Autoantibodies\*
Patients had serum samples tested for autoantibodies at multiple time points in rheumatoid arthritis studies I − V. In these trials, 11.9% of patients treated with adalimumab and 8.1% of placebo and active control − treated patients that had negative baseline anti-nuclear antibody titres reported positive titres at week 24. Two patients out of 3,441 treated with adalimumab in all rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis studies developed clinical signs suggestive of new-onset lupus-like syndrome. The patients improved following discontinuation of therapy. No patients developed lupus nephritis or central nervous system symptoms.
\*Hepato-biliary events\*
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis with a control period duration ranging from 4 to 104 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 3.7% of adalimumab- treated patients and 1.6% of control-treated patients.
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis who were 4 to 17 years and enthesitis-related arthritis who were 6 to 17 years, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 6.1% of adalimumab-treated patients and 1.3% of control-treated patients. Most ALT elevations occurred with concomitant methotrexate use. No ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in the Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis who were 2 to < 4 years.
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis with a control period ranging from 4 to 52 weeks. ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 0.9% of adalimumab-treated patients and 0.9% of controlled-treated patients.
In the Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in patients with paediatric Crohn's disease which evaluated efficacy and safety of two body weight adjusted maintenance dose regimens following body weight adjusted induction therapy up to 52 weeks of treatment, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 2.6% (5/192) of patients of whom 4 were receiving concomitant immunosuppressants at baseline.
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with plaque psoriasis with a control period duration ranging from 12 to 24 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 1.8% of adalimumab-treated patients and 1.8% of control-treated patients.
No ALT elevations ≥ 3 X ULN occurred in the Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in paediatric patients with plaque psoriasis.
In controlled trials of adalimumab (initial doses of 160 mg at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2, followed by 40 mg every week starting at week 4), in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa with a control period duration ranging from 12 to 16 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 0.3% of adalimumab-treated patients and 0.6% of control-treated patients.
In controlled trials of adalimumab (initial doses of 80 mg at week 0 followed by 40 mg every other week starting at week 1) in adult patients with uveitis up to 80 weeks with a median exposure of 166.5 days and 105.0 days in adalimumab-treated and control-treated patients, respectively, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 2.4% of adalimumab-treated patients and 2.4% of control-treated patients.
In the controlled Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in patients with paediatric ulcerative colitis (N=93) which evaluated efficacy and safety of a maintenance dose of 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every other week (N=31) and a maintenance dose of 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every week (n=32), following body weight adjusted induction dosing of 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0 and week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 (N=63), or an induction dose of 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0, placebo at week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 (N=30), ALT elevations ≥ 3 X ULN occurred in 1.1% (1/93) of patients.
Across all indications in clinical trials patients with raised ALT were asymptomatic and in most cases elevations were transient and resolved on continued treatment. However, there have also been post- marketing reports of liver failure as well as less severe liver disorders that may precede liver failure, such as hepatitis including autoimmune hepatitis in patients receiving adalimumab.
\*\*Concurrent treatment with azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine\*\*
In adult Crohn's disease studies, higher incidences of malignant and serious infection-related adverse events were seen with the combination of adalimumab and azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine compared with adalimumab alone.
\*\*Reporting of suspected adverse reactions\*\*
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.4.9 Overdose
No dose-limiting toxicity was observed during clinical trials. The highest dose level evaluated has been multiple intravenous doses of 10 mg/kg, which is approximately 15 times the recommended dose.
## Pharmacological Properties
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Immunosuppressants, Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors. ATC code: L04AB04
Yuflyma is a biosimilar medicinal product. Detailed information is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu.
\*\*Mechanism of action\*\*
Adalimumab binds specifically to TNF and neutralises the biological function of TNF by blocking its interaction with the p55 and p75 cell surface TNF receptors.
Adalimumab also modulates biological responses that are induced or regulated by TNF, including changes in the levels of adhesion molecules responsible for leukocyte migration (ELAM-1, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 with an IC50 of 0.1- 0.2 nM).
\*\*Pharmacodynamic effects\*\*
After treatment with adalimumab, a rapid decrease in levels of acute phase reactants of inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)) and serum cytokines (IL-6) was observed, compared to baseline in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-3) that produce tissue remodelling responsible for cartilage destruction were also decreased after adalimumab administration. Patients treated with adalimumab usually experienced improvement in haematological signs of chronic inflammation.
A rapid decrease in CRP levels was also observed in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and hidradenitis suppurativa after treatment with adalimumab. In patients with Crohn's disease, a reduction of the number of cells expressing inflammatory markers in the colon including a significant reduction of expression of TNFα was seen. Endoscopic studies in intestinal mucosa have shown evidence of mucosal healing in adalimumab-treated patients.
\*\*Clinical efficacy and safety\*\*
\*Rheumatoid arthritis\*
Adalimumab was evaluated in over 3,000 patients in all rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials. The efficacy and safety of adalimumab were assessed in five randomised, double-blind and well-controlled studies. Some patients were treated for up to 120 months duration. Injection site pain of adalimumab 40 mg/0.4 ml was assessed in two randomised, active control, single-blind, two-period crossover studies.
RA study I evaluated 271 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were ≥18 years old, had failed therapy with at least one disease-modifying, anti rheumatic drug and had insufficient efficacy with methotrexate at doses of 12.5 to 25 mg (10 mg if methotrexate-intolerant) every week and whose methotrexate dose remained constant at 10 to 25 mg every week. Doses of 20, 40 or 80 mg of adalimumab or placebo were given every other week for 24 weeks.
RA study II evaluated 544 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were ≥18 years old and had failed therapy with at least one disease-modifying, anti-rheumatic drugs. Doses of 20 or 40 mg of adalimumab were given by subcutaneous injection every other week with placebo on alternative weeks or every week for 26 weeks; placebo was given every week for the same duration. No other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were allowed.
RA study III evaluated 619 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were ≥18 years old, and who had an ineffective response to methotrexate at doses of 12.5 to 25 mg or have been intolerant to 10 mg of methotrexate every week. There were three groups in this study. The first received placebo injections every week for 52 weeks. The second received 20 mg of adalimumab every week for 52 weeks. The third group received 40 mg of adalimumab every other week with placebo injections on alternate weeks. Upon completion of the first 52 weeks, 457 patients enrolled in an open-label extension phase in which 40 mg of adalimumab/MTX was administered every other week up to 10 years.
RA study IV primarily assessed safety in 636 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were ≥ 18 years old. Patients were permitted to be either disease-modifying, anti-rheumatic drug-naïve or to remain on their pre-existing rheumatologic therapy provided that therapy was stable for a minimum of 28 days. These therapies include methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine and/or gold salts. Patients were randomised to 40 mg of adalimumab or placebo every other week for 24 weeks.
RA study V evaluated 799 methotrexate-naïve, adult patients with moderate to severely active early rheumatoid arthritis (mean disease duration less than 9 months). This study evaluated the efficacy of adalimumab 40 mg every other week/methotrexate combination therapy, adalimumab 40 mg every other week monotherapy and methotrexate monotherapy in reducing the signs and symptoms and rate of progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis for 104 weeks. Upon completion of the first 104 weeks, 497 patients enrolled in an open-label extension phase in which 40 mg of adalimumab was administered every other week up to 10 years.
RA studies VI and VII each evaluated 60 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were ≥ 18 years old. Enrolled patients were either current users of adalimumab 40 mg/0.8 ml and rated their average injection site pain as at least 3 cm (on a 0-10 cm VAS) or were biologic-naïve subjects who were starting adalimumab 40 mg/0.8 ml. Patients were randomised to receive a single dose of adalimumab 40 mg/0.8 ml or adalimumab 40 mg/0.4 ml, followed by a single injection of the opposite treatment at their next dose.
The primary end point in RA studies I, II and III and the secondary endpoint in RA study IV was the percentage of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response at week 24 or 26. The primary endpoint in RA study V was the percentage of patients who achieved an ACR 50 response at week 52. RA studies III and V had an additional primary endpoint at 52 weeks of retardation of disease progression (as detected by X-ray results). RA study III also had a primary endpoint of changes in quality of life. The primary endpoint in RA studies VI and VII was injection site pain immediately after injection as measured by a 0-10 cm VAS.
\*\*\*ACR response\*\*\*
The percentage of adalimumab-treated patients achieving ACR 20, 50 and 70 responses was consistent across RA studies I, II and III. The results for the 40 mg every other week dose are summarised in Table 6.
\*\*Table 6\*\*
\*\*ACR responses in placebo-controlled trials\*\*
\*\*(percentage of patients)\*\*
| | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Response | RA study Ia\\*\\* | | RA study IIa\\*\\* | | RA study IIIa\\*\\* | |
| Placebo/ MTXc n=60 | Adalimumabb/ MTXc | Placebo n=110 | Adalimumabb n=113 | Placebo/ MTXc n=200 | Adalimumabb/ MTXc n=207 |
| ACR 20 6 months 12 months | 13.3% NA | 65.1% NA | 19.1% NA | 46.0% NA | 29.5% 24.0% | 63.3% 58.9% |
| ACR 50 6 months 12 months | 6.7% NA | 52.4% NA | 8.2% NA | 22.1% NA | 9.5% 9.5% | 39.1% 41.5% |
| ACR 70 6 months 12 months | 3.3% NA | 23.8% NA | 1.8% NA | 12.4% NA | 2.5% 4.5% | 20.8% 23.2% |
a RA study I at 24 weeks, RA study II at 26 weeks , and RA study III at 24 and 52 weeks
b 40 mg adalimumab administered every other week
c MTX = methotrexate
\\*\\*p < 0.01, adalimumab \*versus\* placebo
In RA studies I-IV, all individual components of the ACR response criteria (number of tender and swollen joints, physician and patient assessment of disease activity and pain, disability index (HAQ) scores and CRP (mg/dl) values) improved at 24 or 26 weeks compared to placebo. In RA study III, these improvements were maintained throughout 52 weeks.
In the open-label extension for RA study III, most patients who were ACR responders maintained response when followed for up to 10 years. Of 207 patients who were randomised to adalimumab 40 mg every other week, 114 patients continued on adalimumab 40 mg every other week for 5 years.
Among those, 86 patients (75.4%) had ACR 20 responses; 72 patients (63.2%) had ACR 50 responses; and 41 patients (36%) had ACR 70 responses. Of 207 patients, 81 patients continued on adalimumab 40 mg every other week for 10 years. Among those, 64 patients (79.0%) had ACR 20 responses; 56 patients (69.1%) had ACR 50 responses; and 43 patients (53.1%) had ACR 70 responses.
In RA study IV, the ACR 20 response of patients treated with adalimumab plus standard of care was statistically significantly better than patients treated with placebo plus standard of care (p < 0.001).
In RA studies I-IV, adalimumab-treated patients achieved statistically significant ACR 20 and 50 responses compared to placebo as early as one to two weeks after initiation of treatment.
In RA study V with early rheumatoid arthritis patients who were methotrexate naïve, combination therapy with adalimumab and methotrexate led to faster and significantly greater ACR responses than methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab monotherapy at week 52 and responses were sustained at week 104 (see Table 7).
\*\*Table 7\*\*
\*\*ACR responses in RA Study V (percentage of patients)\*\*
| | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Response\*\* | \*\*MTX\*\* \*\*n=257\*\* | \*\*Adalimumab\*\* \*\*n=274\*\* | \*\*Adalimumab/ MTX\*\* \*\*n=268\*\* | \*\*p-valuea\*\* | \*\*p-valueb\*\* | \*\*p-valuec\*\* |
| ACR 20 | | | | | | |
| Week 52 | 62.6% | 54.4% | 72.8% | 0.013 | < 0.001 | 0.043 |
| Week 104 | 56.0% | 49.3% | 69.4% | 0.002 | < 0.001 | 0.140 |
| ACR 50 | | | | | | |
| Week 52 | 45.9% | 41.2% | 61.6% | < 0.001 | < 0.001 | 0.317 |
| Week 104 | 42.8% | 36.9% | 59.0% | < 0.001 | < 0.001 | 0.162 |
| ACR 70 | | | | | | |
| Week 52 | 27.2% | 25.9% | 45.5% | < 0.001 | < 0.001 | 0.656 |
| Week 104 | 28.4% | 28.1% | 46.6% | < 0.001 | < 0.001 | 0.864 |
a p-value is from the pairwise comparison of methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test.
b p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test
c p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and methotrexate monotherapy using the Mann-Whitney U test
In the open-label extension for RA study V, ACR response rates were maintained when followed for up to 10 years. Of 542 patients who were randomised to adalimumab 40 mg every other week, 170 patients continued on adalimumab 40 mg every other week for 10 years. Among those, 154 patients (90.6%) had ACR 20 responses; 127 patients (74.7%) had ACR 50 responses; and 102 patients (60.0%) had ACR 70 responses.
At week 52, 42.9% of patients who received adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy achieved clinical remission (DAS28 (CRP) < 2.6) compared to 20.6% of patients receiving methotrexate monotherapy and 23.4% of patients receiving adalimumab monotherapy.
Adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy was clinically and statistically superior to methotrexate (p < 0.001) and adalimumab monotherapy (p < 0.001) in achieving a low disease state in patients with recently diagnosed moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. The response for the two monotherapy arms was similar (p = 0.447). Of 342 subjects originally randomised to adalimumab monotherapy or adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy who entered the open- label extension study, 171 subjects completed 10 years of adalimumab treatment. Among those, 109 subjects (63.7%) were reported to be in remission at 10 years.
\*\*\*Radiographic response\*\*\*
In RA study III, where adalimumab-treated patients had a mean duration of rheumatoid arthritis of approximately 11 years, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change in modified Total Sharp Score (TSS) and its components, the erosion score and joint space narrowing score. Adalimumab/methotrexate patients demonstrated significantly less radiographic progression than patients receiving methotrexate alone at 6 and 12 months (see Table 8).
In the open-label extension of RA Study III, the reduction in rate of progression of structural damage is maintained for 8 and 10 years in a subset of patients. At 8 years, 81 of 207 patients originally treated with 40 mg adalimumab every other week were evaluated radiographically. Among those, 48 patients showed no progression of structural damage defined by a change from baseline in the mTSS of 0.5 or less. At 10 years, 79 of 207 patients originally treated with 40 mg adalimumab every other week were evaluated radiographically. Among those, 40 patients showed no progression of structural damage defined by a change from baseline in the mTSS of 0.5 or less.
\*\*Table 8\*\*
\*\*Radiographic mean changes over 12 months in RA Study III\*\*
| | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | Placebo/ MTXa | Adalimumab/ MTX 40 mg every other week | Placebo/MTX- adalimumab/MTX (95% Confidence Intervalb) | p-value |
| Total Sharp Score | 2.7 | 0.1 | 2.6 (1.4, 3.8) | < 0.001c |
| Erosion score | 1.6 | 0.0 | 1.6 (0.9, 2.2) | < 0.001 |
| JSNd score | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.9 (0.3, 1.4) | 0.002 |
\*\*a\*\* methotrexate
b 95% confidence intervals for the differences in change scores between methotrexate and adalimumab.
c Based on rank analysis
d Joint Space Narrowing
In RA study V, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change in modified Total Sharp Score (see Table 9).
\*\*Table 9\*\*
\*\*Radiographic mean changes at week 52 in RA Study V\*\*
| | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | MTX n=257 (95% confidence interval) | Adalimumab n=274 (95% confidence interval) | Adalimumab/ MTX n=268 (95% confidence interval) | p-valuea | p-valueb | p-valuec |
| Total Sharp Score | 5.7 (4.2-7.3) | 3.0 (1.7-4.3) | 1.3 (0.5-2.1) | < 0.001 | 0.0020 | < 0.001 |
| Erosion score | 3.7 (2.7-4.7) | 1.7 (1.0-2.4) | 0.8 (0.4-1.2) | < 0.001 | 0.0082 | < 0.001 |
| JSN score | 2.0 (1.2-2.8) | 1.3 (0.5-2.1) | 0.5 (0-1.0) | < 0.001 | 0.0037 | 0.151 |
a p-value is from the pairwise comparison of methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test.
b p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test
c p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and methotrexate monotherapy using the Mann-Whitney U test
Following 52 weeks and 104 weeks of treatment, the percentage of patients without progression (change from baseline in modified Total Sharp Score ≤0.5) was significantly higher with adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy (63.8% and 61.2% respectively) compared to methotrexate monotherapy (37.4% and 33.5% respectively, p < 0.001) and adalimumab monotherapy (50.7%, p < 0.002 and 44.5%, p < 0.001 respectively).
In the open-label extension of RA study V, the mean change from baseline at Year 10 in the modified Total Sharp Score was 10.8, 9.2 and 3.9 in patients originally randomised to methotrexate monotherapy, adalimumab monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy, respectively. The corresponding proportions of patients with no radiographic progression were 31.3%, 23.7% and 36.7% respectively.
\*\*\*Quality of life and physical function\*\*\*
Health-related quality of life and physical function were assessed using the disability index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) in the four original adequate and well-controlled trials, which was a pre-specified primary endpoint at week 52 in RA study III. All doses/schedules of adalimumab in all four studies showed statistically significantly greater improvement in the disability index of the HAQ from baseline to Month 6 compared to placebo and in RA study III the same was seen at week 52. Results from the Short Form Health Survey (SF 36) for all doses/schedules of adalimumab in all four studies support these findings, with statistically significant physical component summary (PCS) scores, as well as statistically significant pain and vitality domain scores for the 40 mg every other week dose. A statistically significant decrease in fatigue as measured by functional assessment of chronic illness therapy (FACIT) scores was seen in all three studies in which it was assessed (RA studies I, III, IV).
In RA study III, most subjects who achieved improvement in physical function and continued treatment maintained improvement through week 520 (120 months) of open-label treatment. Improvement in quality of life was measured up to week 156 (36 months) and improvement was maintained through that time.
In RA study V, the improvement in the HAQ disability index and the physical component of the SF 36 showed greater improvement (p < 0.001) for adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy \*versus\* methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab monotherapy at week 52, which was maintained through week 104. Among the 250 subjects who completed the open-label extension study, improvements in physical function were maintained through 10 years of treatment.
\*\*\*Injection site pain\*\*\*
For the pooled crossover RA studies VI and VII, a statistically significant difference for injection site pain immediately after dosing was observed between adalimumab 40 mg/0.8 ml and adalimumab 40 mg/0.4 ml (mean VAS of 3.7 cm versus 1.2 cm, scale of 0-10 cm, P < 0.001). This represented an 84% median reduction in injection site pain.
\*Psoriasis\*
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were studied in adult patients with chronic plaque psoriasis (≥10% BSA involvement and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ≥12 or ≥10) who were candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy in randomised, double-blind studies. 73% of patients enrolled in Psoriasis Studies I and II had received prior systemic therapy or phototherapy. The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were also studied in adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis with concomitant hand and/or foot psoriasis who were candidates for systemic therapy in a randomised double- blind study (Psoriasis Study III).
Psoriasis Study I (REVEAL) evaluated 1,212 patients within three treatment periods. In period A, patients received placebo or adalimumab at an initial dose of 80 mg followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week after the initial dose. After 16 weeks of therapy, patients who achieved at least a PASI 75 response (PASI score improvement of at least 75% relative to baseline), entered period B and received open-label 40 mg adalimumab every other week. Patients who maintained ≥PASI 75 response at week 33 and were originally randomised to active therapy in Period A, were re-randomised in period C to receive 40 mg adalimumab every other week or placebo for an additional 19 weeks. Across all treatment groups, the mean baseline PASI score was 18.9 and the baseline Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) score ranged from “moderate” (53% of subjects included) to “severe” (41%) to “very severe” (6%).
Psoriasis Study II (CHAMPION) compared the efficacy and safety of adalimumab \*versus\* methotrexate and placebo in 271 patients. Patients received placebo, an initial dose of MTX 7.5 mg and thereafter dose increases up to week 12, with a maximum dose of 25 mg or an initial dose of 80 mg adalimumab followed by 40 mg every other week (starting one week after the initial dose) for 16 weeks. There are no data available comparing adalimumab and MTX beyond 16 weeks of therapy. Patients receiving MTX who achieved a ≥PASI 50 response at week 8 and/or 12 did not receive further dose increases. Across all treatment groups, the mean baseline PASI score was 19.7 and the baseline PGA score ranged from “mild” (<1%) to “moderate” (48%) to “severe” (46%) to “very severe” (6%).
Patients participating in all Phase 2 and Phase 3 psoriasis studies were eligible to enrol into an open-label extension trial, where adalimumab was given for at least an additional 108 weeks.
In Psoriasis Studies I and II, a primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved a PASI 75 response from baseline at week 16 (see Tables 10 and 11).
\*\*Table 10\*\*
\*\*Ps Study I (REVEAL) – efficacy results at 16 weeks\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | \*\*Placebo N=398 n (%)\*\* | \*\*Adalimumab 40 mg eow\*\* \*\*N=814\*\* |
| ≥ \*\*PASI 75a\*\* | 26 (6.5) | 578 (70.9)b |
| \*\*PASI 100\*\* | 3 (0.8) | 163 (20.0)b |
| \*\*PGA: Clear/minimal\*\* | 17 (4.3) | 506 (62.2)b |
| a Percentage of patients achieving PASI75 response was calculated as centre- adjusted rate b p < 0.001, adalimumab vs. placebo | | |
\*\*Table 11\*\*
\*\*Ps Study II (CHAMPION) – efficacy results at 16 weeks\*\*
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | \*\*Placebo N=53 n (%)\*\* | \*\*MTX\*\* \*\*N=110 n (%)\*\* | \*\*Adalimumab 40 mg eow\*\* \*\*N=108 n (%)\*\* |
| ≥PASI 75 | 10 (18.9) | 39 (35.5) | 86 (79.6) a, b |
| PASI 100 | 1 (1.9) | 8 (7.3) | 18 (16.7) c, d |
| \*\*PGA: Clear/minimal\*\* | 6 (11.3) | 33 (30.0) | 79 (73.1) a, b |
| a p < 0.001 adalimumab vs. placebo b p < 0.001 adalimumab vs. methotrexate c p < 0.01 adalimumab vs. placebo d p < 0.05 adalimumab vs. methotrexate | | | |
In Psoriasis Study I, 28% of patients who were PASI 75 responders and were re-randomised to placebo at week 33 compared to 5% continuing on adalimumab, p < 0.001, experienced “loss of adequate response” (PASI score after week 33 and on or before week 52 that resulted in a =90 daysa | 3% (2/66) | 19% (11/58)\\*\\* | 15% (11/74)\\*\\* |
| \*\*Week 56\*\* | \*\*N=170\*\* | \*\*N=172\*\* | \*\*N=157\*\* |
| Clinical remission | 12% | 36%\\* | 41%\\* |
| Clinical response (CR-100) | 17% | 41%\\* | 48%\\* |
| Patients in steroid-free remission for > = 90 daysa | 5% (3/66) | 29% (17/58)\\* | 20% (15/74)\\*\\* |
\\*p < 0.001 for adalimumab \*versus\* placebo pairwise comparisons of proportions
\\*\\*p < 0.02 for adalimumab \*versus\* placebo pairwise comparisons of proportions
a Of those receiving corticosteroids at baseline
Among patients who were not in response at week 4, 43% of adalimumab maintenance patients responded by week 12 compared to 30% of placebo maintenance patients. These results suggest that some patients who have not responded by week 4 benefit from continued maintenance therapy through week 12. Therapy continued beyond 12 weeks did not result in significantly more responses (see section 4.2).
117/276 patients from CD study I and 272/777 patients from CD studies II and III were followed through at least 3 years of open-label adalimumab therapy. 88 and 189 patients, respectively, continued to be in clinical remission.
Clinical response (CR-100) was maintained in 102 and 233 patients, respectively.
\*\*\*Quality of life\*\*\*
In CD Study I and CD Study II, statistically significant improvement in the disease-specific inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ) total score was achieved at week 4 in patients randomised to adalimumab 80/40 mg and 160/80 mg compared to placebo and was seen at weeks 26 and 56 in CD Study III as well among the adalimumab treatment groups compared to the placebo group.
\*Paediatric Crohn's disease\*
Adalimumab was assessed in a multicentre, randomised, double-blind clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of induction and maintenance treatment with doses dependent on body weight (< 40 kg or ≥ 40 kg) in 192 paediatric subjects between the ages of 6 and 17 (inclusive) years, with moderate to severe Crohn´s disease (CD) defined as Paediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) score > 30. Subjects had to have failed conventional therapy (including a corticosteroid and/or an immunomodulator) for CD. Subjects may also have previously lost response or been intolerant to infliximab.
All subjects received open-label induction therapy at a dose based on their Baseline body weight: 160 mg at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2 for subjects ≥ 40 kg, and 80 mg and 40 mg, respectively, for subjects < 40 kg.
At week 4, subjects were randomised 1:1 based on their body weight at the time to either the Low Dose or Standard Dose maintenance regimens as shown in Table 17.
\*\*Table 17 Maintenance regimen\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Patient Weight\*\* | \*\*Low dose\*\* | \*\*Standard dose\*\* |
| < 40 kg | 10 mg eow | 20 mg eow |
| 40 kg | 20 mg eow | 40 mg eow |
\*\*\*Efficacy results\*\*\*
The primary endpoint of the study was clinical remission at week 26, defined as PCDAI score ≤10.
Clinical remission and clinical response (defined as reduction in PCDAI score of at least 15 points from Baseline) rates are presented in Table 18. Rates of discontinuation of corticosteroids or immunomodulators are presented in Table 19.
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Table 18\*\* \*\*Paediatric CD Study\*\* \*\*PCDAI clinical remission and response\*\* | | | |
| | \*\*Standard Dose\*\* \*\*40/20 mg eow N = 93\*\* | \*\*Low Dose\*\* \*\*20/10 mg eow N = 95\*\* | \*\*P value\*\*\\* |
| \*\*Week 26\*\* | | | |
| Clinical remission | 38.7% | 28.4% | 0.075 |
| Clinical response | 59.1% | 48.4% | 0.073 |
| \*\*Week 52\*\* | | | |
| Clinical remission | 33.3% | 23.2% | 0.100 |
| Clinical response | 41.9% | 28.4% | 0.038 |
| \\* p value for standard dose \*versus\* low dose comparison. | | | |
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Table 19 Paediatric CD Study\*\* \*\*Discontinuation of corticosteroids or immunomodulators and fistula remission\*\* | | | |
| | \*\*Standard dose\*\* \*\*40/20 mg eow\*\* | \*\*Low dose\*\* \*\*20/10 mg eow\*\* | \*\*P value1\*\* |
| \*\*Discontinued corticosteroids\*\* | \*\*N= 33\*\* | \*\*N=38\*\* | |
| Week 26 | 84.8% | 65.8% | 0.066 |
| Week 52 | 69.7% | 60.5% | 0.420 |
| \*\*Discontinuation of\*\* | \*\*N=60\*\* | \*\*N=57\*\* | |
| Week 52 | 30.0% | 29.8% | 0.983 |
| \*\*Fistula remission3\*\* | \*\*N=15\*\* | \*\*N=21\*\* | |
| Week 26 | 46.7% | 38.1% | 0.608 |
| Week 52 | 40.0% | 23.8% | 0.303 |
1 p value for standard dose \*versus\* low dose comparison.
2 Immunosuppressant therapy could only be discontinued at or after week 26 at the investigator's discretion if the subject met the clinical response criterion
3 defined as a closure of all fistulas that were draining at Baseline for at least 2 consecutive post-Baseline visits
Statistically significant increases (improvement) from Baseline to week 26 and 52 in Body Mass Index and height velocity were observed for both treatment groups.
Statistically and clinically significant improvements from Baseline were also observed in both treatment groups for quality of life parameters (including IMPACT III).
One hundred patients (n=100) from the Paediatric CD Study continued in an open-label long-term extension study. After 5 years of adalimumab therapy, 74.0% (37/50) of the 50 patients remaining in the study continued to be in clinical remission, and 92.0% (46/50) of patients continued to be in clinical response per PCDAI.
\*Ulcerative colitis\*
The safety and efficacy of multiple doses of adalimumab were assessed in adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (Mayo score 6 to 12 with endoscopy subscore of 2 to 3) in randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.
In study UC-I, 390 TNF-antagonist naïve patients were randomised to receive either placebo at weeks 0 and 2, 160 mg adalimumab at week 0 followed by 80 mg at week 2, or 80 mg adalimumab at week 0 followed by 40 mg at week 2. After week 2, patients in both adalimumab arms received 40 mg eow. Clinical remission (defined as Mayo score ≤ 2 with no subscore > 1) was assessed at week 8.
In study UC-II, 248 patients received 160 mg of adalimumab at week 0, 80 mg at week 2 and 40 mg eow thereafter, and 246 patients received placebo.
Clinical results were assessed for induction of remission at week 8 and for maintenance of remission at week 52.
Patients induced with 160/80 mg adalimumab achieved clinical remission versus placebo at week 8 in statistically significantly greater percentages in study UC-I (18% vs. 9% respectively, p=0.031) and study UC-II (17% vs. 9% respectively, p=0.019). In study UC-II, among those treated with adalimumab who were in remission at week 8, 21/41 (51%) were in remission at week 52.
Results from the overall UC-II study population are shown in Table 20.
| | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Table 20 Response, remission and mucosal healing in Study UC-II (percentage of patients)\*\* | | | |
| | \*\*Placebo\*\* | \*\*Adalimumab 40 mg eow\*\* |
| Week 52 | \*\*N=246\*\* | \*\*N=248\*\* |
| clinical response | 18 % | 30 %\\* |
| clinical remission | 9 % | 17 %\\* |
| mucosal healing | 15 % | 25 %\\* |
| steroid- free remission for ≥ 90 daysa | 6 % | 13 %\\* |
| week 8 and 52 | \*\*(N = 140)\*\* | \*\*(N = 150)\*\* |
| sustained response | 12 % | 24 %\\*\\* |
| sustained remission | 4 % | 8 %\\* |
| sustained mucosal healing | 11 % | 19 %\\* |
Clinical remission is Mayo score ≤ 2 with no subscore > 1;
Clinical response is decrease from baseline in Mayo score ≥ 3 points and ≥ 30% plus a decrease in the rectal bleeding subscore [RBS] ≥ 1 or an absolute RBS of 0 or 1;
\\*p < 0.05 for adalimumab \*vs.\* placebo pairwise comparison of proportions
\\*\\*p < 0.001 for adalimumab \*vs.\* placebo pairwise comparison of proportions
a Of those receiving corticosteroids at baseline
Of those patients who had a response at week 8, 47% were in response, 29% were in remission, 41% had mucosal healing, and 20% were in steroid-free remission for ≥ 90 days at week 52.
Approximately 40% of patients in study UC-II had failed prior anti-TNF treatment with infliximab. The efficacy of adalimumab in those patients was reduced compared to that in anti-TNF naïve patients. Among patients who had failed prior anti-TNF treatment, week 52 remission was achieved by 3% on placebo and 10% on adalimumab.
Patients from studies UC-I and UC-II had the option to roll over into an open- label long-term extension study (UC III). Following 3 years of adalimumab therapy, 75% (301/402) continued to be in clinical remission per partial Mayo score.
\*\*\*Hospitalisation rates\*\*\*
During 52 weeks of studies UC-I and UC-II, lower rates of all-cause hospitalisations and UC-related hospitalisations were observed for the adalimumab-treated arm compared to the placebo arm. The number of all cause hospitalisations in the adalimumab treatment group was 0.18 per patient year \*vs\*. 0.26 per patient year in the placebo group and the corresponding figures for UC-related hospitalisations were 0.12 per patient year \*vs.\* 0.22 per patient year.
\*\*\*Quality of life\*\*\*
In study UC-II, treatment with adalimumab resulted in improvements in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) score.
\*Paediatric ulcerative colitis\*
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab was assessed in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, trial in 93 paediatric patients from 5 to 17 years of age with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (Mayo score 6 to 12 with endoscopy subscore of 2 to 3 points, confirmed by centrally read endoscopy) who had an inadequate response or intolerance to conventional therapy.
Approximately 16% of patients in the study had failed prior anti-TNF treatment. Patients who received corticosteroids at enrollment were allowed to taper their corticosteroid therapy after week 4.
In the induction period of the study, 77 patients were randomized 3:2 to receive double-blind treatment with adalimumab at an induction dose of 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0 and week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2; or an induction dose of 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0, placebo at week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2. Both groups received 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) at week 4 and week 6. following an amendment to the study design, the remaining 16 patients who enrolled in the induction period received open-label treatment with adalimumab at the induction dose of 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0 and week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2.
At week 8, 62 patients who demonstrated clinical response per Partial Mayo Score (PMS; defined as a decrease in PMS ≥ 2 points and ≥ 30% from Baseline) were randomized equally to receive double-blind maintenance treatment with adalimumab at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every week (ew), or a maintenance dose of 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every other week (eow). Prior to an amendment to the study design, 12 additional patients who demonstrated clinical response per PMS were randomized to receive placebo but were not included in the confirmatory analysis of efficacy.
Disease flare was defined as an increase in PMS of at least 3 points (for patients with PMS of 0 to 2 at week 8), at least 2 points (for patients with pms of 3 to 4 at week 8), or at least 1 point (for patients with pms of 5 to 6 at week 8).
Patients who met criteria for disease flare at or after week 12 were randomized to receive a re-induction dose of 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) or a dose of 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) and continued to receive their respective maintenance dose regimen afterwards.
\*\*\*Efficacy Results\*\*\*
The co-primary endpoints of the study were clinical remission per PMS (defined as PMS ≤ 2 and no individual subscore > 1) at week 8, and clinical remission per FMS (Full Mayo Score) (defined as a Mayo Score ≤ 2 and no individual subscore > 1) at week 52 in patients who achieved clinical response per PMS at week 8.
Clinical remission rates per PMS at week 8 for patients in each of the adalimumab double-blind induction groups are presented in Table 21.
\*\*Table 21: Clinical remission per PMS at 8 weeks\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | \*\*Adalimumaba maximum of 160 mg at week 0 / placebo at week 1\*\* N=30 | \*\*Adalimumabb,c maximum of 160 mg at week 0 and week 1\*\* N=47 |
| Clinical remission | 13/30 (43.3%) | 28/47 (59.6%) |
| a Adalimumab 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0, placebo at week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 b Adalimumab 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0 and week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 c Not including open-label Induction dose of adalimumab 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0 and week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 Note 1: Both induction groups received 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) at week 4 and week 6 Note 2: Patients with missing values at week 8 were considered as not having met the endpoint | | |
At week 52, clinical remission per FMS in week 8 responders, clinical response per FMS (defined as a decrease in Mayo Score ≥ 3 points and ≥ 30% from Baseline) in week 8 responders, mucosal healing per FMS (defined as an Mayo endoscopy score ≤ 1) in week 8 responders, clinical remission per FMS in Week 8 remitters, and the proportion of subjects in corticosteroid-free remission per FMS in Week 8 responders were assessed in patients who received adalimumab at the double-blind maximum 40 mg eow (0.6 mg/kg) and maximum 40 mg ew (0.6 mg/kg) maintenance doses (Table 22).
\*\*Table 22 Efficacy results at 52 weeks\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | \*\*Adalimumaba maximum of 40 mg eow\*\* N=31 | \*\*Adalimumabb maximum of 40 mg ew\*\* N=31 |
| Clinical remission in week 8 PMS responders | 9/31 (29.0%) | 14/31 (45.2%) |
| Clinical response in week 8 PMS responders | 19/31 (61.3%) | 21/31 (67.7%) |
| Mucosal healing in week 8 PMS responders | 12/31 (38.7%) | 16/31 (51.6%) |
| Clinical remission in week 8 PMS remitters | 9/21 (42.9%) | 10/22 (45.5%) |
| Corticosteroid-free remission in week 8 PMS respondersc | 4/13 (30.8%) | 5/16 (31.3%) |
| a Adalimumab 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every other week b Adalimumab 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every week c In patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids at baseline Note: Patients with missing values at week 52 or who were randomized to receive re-induction or maintenance treatment were considered non- responders for week 52 endpoints | | |
Additional exploratory efficacy endpoints included clinical response per the Paediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) (defined as a decrease in PUCAI ≥ 20 points from Baseline) and clinical remission per PUCAI (defined as PUCAI < 10) at week 8 and week 52 (Table 23).
\*\*Table 23 Exploratory endpoints results per PUCAI\*\*
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | \*\*Week 8\*\* | |
| \*\*Adalimumaba maximum of 160 mg at week 0 / placebo at week 1\*\* N=30 | \*\*Adalimumabb,c maximum of 160 mg at week 0 and week 1\*\* N=47 |
| Clinical remission per PUCAI | 10/30 (33.3%) | 22/47 (46.8%) |
| Clinical response per PUCAI | 15/30 (50.0%) | 32/47 (68.1%) |
| | \*\*Week 52\*\* | |
| \*\*Adalimumabd\*\* \*\*maximum of 40 mg eow\*\* N=31 | \*\*Adalimumabe\*\* \*\*maximum of 40 mg ew\*\* N=31 |
| Clinical remission per PUCAI in week 8 PMS responders | 14/31 (45.2%) | 18/31 (58.1%) |
| Clinical response per PUCAI in week 8 PMS responders | 18/31 (58.1%) | 16/31 (51.6%) |
| a Adalimumab 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0, placebo at week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 b Adalimumab 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0 and week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 c Not including open-label induction dose of adalimumab 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at week 0 and week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at week 2 d Adalimumab 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every other week e Adalimumab 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every week Note 1: Both induction groups received 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) at week 4 and week 6 Note 2: Patients with missing values at week 8 were considered as not having met the endpoints Note 3: Patients with missing values at week 52 or who were randomized to receive re-induction or maintenance treatment were considered non- responders for week 52 endpoints | | |
Of the adalimumab-treated patients who received re-induction treatment during the maintenance period, 2/6 (33%) achieved clinical response per FMS at week 52.
\*\*\*Quality of life\*\*\*
Clinically meaningful improvements from Baseline were observed in IMPACT III and the caregiver Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) scores for the groups treated with adalimumab.
Clinically meaningful increases (improvement) from Baseline in height velocity were observed for the groups treated with adalimumab, and clinically meaningful increases (improvement) from Baseline in Body Mass Index were observed for subjects on the high maintenance dose of maximum 40 mg (0.6 mg/kg) ew.
\*Uveitis\*
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in adult patients with non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis, excluding patients with isolated anterior uveitis, in two randomised, double- masked, placebo- controlled studies (UV I and II). Patients received placebo or adalimumab at an initial dose of 80 mg followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week after the initial dose. Concomitant stable doses of one non-biologic immunosuppressant were permitted.
Study UV I evaluated 217 patients with active uveitis despite treatment with corticosteroids (oral prednisone at a dose of 10 to 60 mg/day). All patients received a 2-week standardised dose of prednisone 60 mg/day at study entry followed by a mandatory taper schedule, with complete corticosteroid discontinuation by week 15.
Study UV II evaluated 226 patients with inactive uveitis requiring chronic corticosteroid treatment (oral prednisone 10 to 35 mg/day) at baseline to control their disease. Patients subsequently underwent a mandatory taper schedule, with complete corticosteroid discontinuation by week 19.
The primary efficacy endpoint in both studies was 'time to treatment failure'. Treatment failure was defined by a multi-component outcome based on inflammatory chorioretinal and/or inflammatory retinal vascular lesions, anterior chamber (AC) cell grade, vitreous haze (VH) grade and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).
Patients who completed Studies UV I and UV II were eligible to enroll in an uncontrolled long-term extension study with an originally planned duration of 78 weeks. Patients were allowed to continue on study medication beyond week 78 until they had access to adalimumab.
\*\*\*Clinical Response\*\*\*
Results from both studies demonstrated statistically significant reduction of the risk of treatment failure in patients treated with adalimumab versus patients receiving placebo (see Table 24). Both studies demonstrated an early and sustained effect of adalimumab on the treatment failure rate versus placebo (see Figure 1).
\*\*Table 24\*\*
\*\*Time to treatment failure in Studies UV I and UV II\*\*
| | | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*Analysis treatment\*\* | \*\*N\*\* | \*\*Failure N (%)\*\* | \*\*Median time to failure (months)\*\* | \*\*HRa\*\* | \*\*CI 95% for HRa\*\* | \*\*\*p\* Valueb\*\* |
| \*\*time to treatment failure at or after week 6 in study UV I primary analysis (ITT)\*\* | | | | | | |
| placebo | 107 | 84 78.5) | 3.0 | -- | -- | - |
| adalimumab | 110 | 60 54.5) | 5.6 | 0.50 | 0.36, 0.70 | < 0.001 |
| \*\*time to treatment failure at or after week 2 in study UV II primary analysis (ITT)\*\* | | | | | | |
| placebo | 61 | 61 55.0) | 8.3 | -- | -- | -- |
| adalimumab | 115 | 45 (39.1) | NEc | 0.57 | 0.39, 0.84 | 0.04 |
Note: Treatment failure at or after week 6 (Study UV I), or at or after week 2 (Study UV II), was counted as event. Drop outs due to reasons other than treatment failure were censored at the time of dropping out.
HR of adalimumab vs placebo from proportional hazards regression with treatment as factor.
2-sided \*P\* value from log rank test.
NE = not estimable. Fewer than half of at-risk subjects had an event.
\*\*Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Curves Summarizing Time to Treatment Failure on or after Week 6 (Study UV I) or Week 2 (Study UV II)\*\*
In Study UV I statistically significant differences in favour of adalimumab versus placebo were observed for each component of treatment failure. In Study UV II, statistically significant differences were observed for visual acuity only, but the other components were numerically in favour of adalimumab.
Of the 424 subjects included in the uncontrolled long-term extension of Studies UV I and UV II, 60 subjects were regarded ineligible (e.g. due to deviations or due to complications secondary to diabetic retinopathy, due to cataract surgery or vitrectomy) and were excluded from the primary analysis of efficacy. Of the 364 remaining patients, 269 evaluable patients (74%) reached 78 weeks of open-label adalimumab treatment. Based on the observed data approach, 216 (80.3%) were in quiescence (no active inflammatory lesions, AC cell grade ≤ 0.5+, VH grade ≤ 0.5+) with a concomitant steroid dose ≤ 7.5 mg per day, and 178 (66.2%) were in steroid-free quiescence.
BCVA was either improved or maintained (< 5 letters deterioration) in 88.6% of the eyes at week 78. Data beyond week 78 were generally consistent with these results but the number of enrolled subjects declined after this time.
Overall, among the patients who discontinued the study, 18% discontinued due to adverse events, and 8% due to insufficient response to adalimumab treatment.
\*\*\*Quality of Life\*\*\*
Patient reported outcomes regarding vision-related functioning were measured in both clinical studies, using the NEI VFQ-25. Adalimumab was numerically favoured for the majority of subscores with statistically significant mean differences for general vision, ocular pain, near vision, mental health, and total score in Study UV I, and for general vision and mental health in Study UV II. Vision related effects were not numerically in favour of adalimumab for colour vision in Study UVI and for colour vision, peripheral vision and near vision in Study UV II.
\*Paediatric uveitis\*
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab was assessed in a randomised, double- masked, controlled study of 90 paediatric patients from 2 to < 18 years of age with active JIA-associated noninfectious anterior uveitis who were refractory to at least 12 weeks of methotrexate treatment. Patients received either placebo or 20 mg adalimumab (if < 30 kg) or 40 mg adalimumab (if ≥ 30 kg) every other week in combination with their baseline dose of methotrexate.The primary endpoint was 'time to treatment failure'. The criteria determining treatment failure were worsening or sustained non-improvement in ocular inflammation, partial improvement with development of sustained ocular co- morbidities or worsening of ocular co- morbidities, non-permitted use of concomitant medications, and suspension of treatment for an extended period of time.
\*\*\*Clinical response\*\*\*
Adalimumab significantly delayed the time to treatment failure, as compared to placebo (see Figure 2, P < 0.0001 from log rank test).The median time to treatment failure was 24.1 weeks for subjects treated with placebo, whereas the median time to treatment failure was not estimable for subjects treated with adalimumab because less than one-half of these subjects experienced treatment failure. Adalimumab significantly decreased the risk of treatment failure by 75% relative to placebo, as shown by the hazard ratio (HR = 0.25 [95% CI: 0.12, 0.49]).
\*\*Figure 2: Kaplan-Meier curves summarizing time to treatment failure in the paediatric uveitis study\*\*
\*\*Immunogenicity\*\*
Anti-adalimumab antibodies may develop during adalimumab treatment. Formation of anti-adalimumab antibodies is associated with increased clearance and reduced efficacy of adalimumab.
There is no apparent correlation between the presence of anti-adalimumab antibodies and the occurrence of adverse events.5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
\*\*Absorption and distribution\*\*
After subcutaneous administration of a single 40 mg dose, absorption and distribution of adalimumab was slow, with peak serum concentrations being reached about 5 days after administration. The average absolute bioavailability of adalimumab estimated from three studies following a single 40 mg subcutaneous dose was 64%. After single intravenous doses ranging from 0.25 to 10 mg/kg, concentrations were dose proportional. After doses of 0.5 mg/kg (~40 mg), clearances ranged from 11 to 15 ml/hour, the distribution volume (Vss) ranged from 5 to 6 litres and the mean terminal phase half-life was approximately two weeks. Adalimumab concentrations in the synovial fluid from several rheumatoid arthritis patients ranged from 31-96% of those in serum.
Following subcutaneous administration of 40 mg of adalimumab every other week in adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients the mean steady-state trough concentrations were approximately 5 μg/ml (without concomitant methotrexate) and 8 to 9 μg/ml (with concomitant methotrexate), respectively. The serum adalimumab trough levels at steady-state increased roughly proportionally with dose following 20, 40 and 80 mg subcutaneous dosing every other week and every week.
In adult patients with psoriasis, the mean steady-state trough concentration was 5 μg/ml during adalimumab 40 mg every other week monotherapy treatment.
In adult patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, a dose of 160 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 80 mg on week 2 achieved serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 7 to 8 μg/ml at week 2 and week 4. The mean steady-state trough concentration at week 12 through week 36 were approximately 8 to 10 μg/ml during adalimumab 40 mg every week treatment.
Adalimumab exposure in adolescent HS patients was predicted using population pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation based on cross- indication pharmacokinetics in other paediatric patients (paediatric psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, paediatric Crohn's disease, and enthesitis-related arthritis). The recommended adolescent HS dosing schedule is 40 mg every other week. Since exposure to adalimumab can be affected by body size, adolescents with higher body weight and inadequate response may benefit from receiving the recommended adult dose of 40 mg every week.
In patients with Crohn's disease, the loading dose of 80 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 40 mg adalimumab on week 2 achieves serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 5.5 μg/ml during the induction period. A loading dose of 160 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 80 mg adalimumab on week 2 achieves serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 12 μg/ml during the induction period. Mean steady-state trough levels of approximately 7 μg/ml were observed in Crohn's disease patients who received a maintenance dose of 40 mg adalimumab every other week.
In paediatric patients with moderate to severe CD, the open-label adalimumab induction dose was 160/80 mg or 80/40 mg at weeks 0 and 2, respectively, dependent on a body weight cut-off of 40 kg. At week 4, patients were randomised 1:1 to either the Standard Dose (40/20 mg eow) or Low Dose (20/10 mg eow) maintenance treatment groups based on their body weight.
The mean (±SD) serum adalimumab trough concentrations achieved at week 4 were 15.7 ± 6.6 μg/ml for patients ≥ 40 kg (160/80 mg) and 10.6 ± 6.1 μg/ml for patients < 40 kg (80/40 mg).
For patients who stayed on their randomised therapy, the mean (±SD) adalimumab trough concentrations at week 52 were 9.5 ± 5.6 μg/ml for the Standard Dose group and 3.5 ± 2.2 μg/ml for the Low Dose group. The mean trough concentrations were maintained in patients who continued to receive adalimumab treatment eow for 52 weeks. For patients who dose escalated from eow to weekly regimen, the mean (±SD) serum concentrations of adalimumab at week 52 were 15.3 ± 11.4 μg/ml (40/20 mg, weekly) and 6.7 ± 3.5 μg/ml (20/10 mg, weekly).
In patients with ulcerative colitis, a loading dose of 160 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 80 mg adalimumab on week 2 achieves serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 12 μg/ml during the induction period. Mean steady-state trough levels of approximately 8 μg/ml were observed in ulcerative colitis patients who received a maintenance dose of 40 mg adalimumab every other week.
Following the subcutaneous administration of body weight-based dosing of 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every other week to paediatric patients with ulcerative colitis, the mean trough steady-state serum adalimumab concentration was 5.01 ± 3.28 µg/ml at week 52. For patients who received 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every week, the mean (±SD) trough steady- state serum adalimumab concentration was 15.7 ± 5.60 μg/ml at week 52.
In adult patients with uveitis, a loading dose of 80 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 40 mg adalimumab every other week starting at week 1, resulted in mean steady-state concentrations of approximately 8 to 10 μg/mL.
Adalimumab exposure in paediatric uveitis patients was predicted using population pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation based on cross- indication pharmacokinetics in other paediatric patients (paediatric psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, paediatric Crohn's disease, and enthesitis-related arthritis). No clinical exposure data are available on the use of a loading dose in children < 6 years. The predicted exposures indicate that in the absence of methotrexate, a loading dose may lead to an initial increase in systemic exposure.
Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling and simulation predicted comparable adalimumab exposure and efficacy in patients treated with 80 mg every other week when compared with 40 mg every week (including adult patients with RA, HS, UC, CD or Ps, patients with adolescent HS, and paediatric patients ≥ 40 kg with CD and UC).
\*\*Exposure-response relationship in paediatric population\*\*
On the basis of clinical trial data in patients with JIA (pJIA and ERA), an exposure-response relationship was established between plasma concentrations and PedACR 50 response. The apparent adalimumab plasma concentration that produces half the maximum probability of PedACR 50 response (EC50) was 3 μg/ml (95% CI: 1-6 μg/ml).
Exposure-response relationships between adalimumab concentration and efficacy in paediatric patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis were established for PASI 75 and PGA clear or minimal, respectively. PASI 75 and PGA clear or minimal increased with increasing adalimumab concentrations, both with a similar apparent EC50 of approximately 4.5 μg/mL (95% CI 0.4- 47.6 and 1.9-10.5, respectively).
\*\*Elimination\*\*
Population pharmacokinetic analyses with data from over 1,300 RA patients revealed a trend toward higher apparent clearance of adalimumab with increasing body weight. After adjustment for weight differences, gender and age appeared to have a minimal effect on adalimumab clearance. The serum levels of free adalimumab (not bound to anti-adalimumab antibodies, AAA) were observed to be lower in patients with measurable AAA.
\*\*Hepatic or renal impairment\*\*
Adalimumab has not been studied in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.5.3 Preclinical safety data
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on studies of single dose toxicity, repeated dose toxicity, and genotoxicity.
An embryo-foetal developmental toxicity/perinatal developmental study has been performed in cynomolgus monkeys at 0, 30 and 100 mg/kg (9-17 monkeys/group) and has revealed no evidence of harm to the foetuses due to adalimumab. Neither carcinogenicity studies, nor a standard assessment of fertility and postnatal toxicity, were performed with adalimumab due to the lack of appropriate models for an antibody with limited cross-reactivity to rodent TNF and to the development of neutralising antibodies in rodents.
## Pharmaceutical Particulars
6.1 List of excipients
Acetic acid
Sodium acetate trihydrate
Glycine
Polysorbate 80
Water for injections6.2 Incompatibilities
In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.6.3 Shelf life
3 years6.4 Special precautions for storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze.
Keep the pre-filled pen in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
A single Yuflyma pre-filled pen may be stored at temperatures up to a maximum of 25°C for a period of up to 31 days. The pre-filled pen must be protected from light, and discarded if not used within the 31-day period.6.5 Nature and contents of container
Solution for injection in a pre-filled pen for patient use containing a pre-filled syringe. The syringe inside the pen is made from type 1 glass with a plunger stopper (bromobutyl rubber) and a needle with a needle shield (thermoplastic elastomer).
Packs of:
• 1 pre-filled pen (0.8 ml sterile solution), with 2 alcohol pads.
• 3 pre-filled pens (0.8 ml sterile solution), with 4 alcohol pads.
Not all presentations or pack sizes may be marketed.6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
