Pfizer Inc. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has granted Pfizer’s XALKORI® (crizotinib)
regular approval for the treatment of patients with metastatic
ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as detected by an
FDA-approved test. XALKORI was previously granted accelerated approval
in August 2011 due to the critical need for new agents for people living
with ALK-positive NSCLC.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide1
with an estimated 1.4 million deaths each year.2 To date,
globally more than 6,000 patients have been treated with XALKORI,
including those who received XALKORI in clinical trials. ALK testing
rates in the U.S. have increased more than 5-fold from 11 percent before
the XALKORI launch to more than 60 percent.3
"XALKORI has dramatically changed the treatment landscape for patients
with advanced ALK-positive NSCLC," said Garry Nicholson, president and
general manager, Pfizer Oncology Business Unit. "Achievement of this
milestone underscores Pfizer’s commitment to provide physicians with
effective cancer therapies for their patients.”
The FDA’s action marks the conversion of an accelerated approval to
regular approval and is based on data from the pivotal Phase 3 PROFILE
1007 confirmatory trial comparing XALKORI to standard chemotherapy in
previously treated patients. The results of this study were recently
published in the June 20, 2013 issue of the New England Journal of
Medicine.
In addition to the U.S., XALKORI has received approval in more than 60
countries, including EU, Canada, China, Korea, Japan and Australia.
For more information and full prescribing information visit www.XALKORI.com
XALKORI® (crizotinib) Indication and
Important Safety Information
XALKORI is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients
with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors are
anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive as detected by an FDA-approved
test.
Hepatotoxicity: Across three main clinical trials fatal hepatotoxicity
occurred in 0.2% of patients. Monitor with periodic liver testing.
Temporarily suspend, dose reduce, or permanently discontinue XALKORI.
Pneumonitis: Across three main clinical trials interstitial lung disease
(ILD)/pneumonitis occurred in 2% of patients. Permanently discontinue in
patients with ILD/pneumonitis.
QT Interval Prolongation: Across three main clinical trials QT interval
prolongation occurred in 2.7% of patients. Monitor with
electrocardiograms and electrolytes in patients who have a history of or
predisposition for QTc prolongation, or who are taking medications that
prolong QT. Temporarily suspend, dose reduce, or permanently discontinue
XALKORI.
Bradycardia: Xalkori can cause bradycardia. Across three main clinical
trials 11% of patients experienced a heart rate of less than 50 beats
per minute. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure regularly. Temporarily
suspend, dose reduce, or permanently discontinue XALKORI.
Embryofetal Toxicity: XALKORI can cause fetal harm when administered to
a pregnant woman. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to
avoid becoming pregnant while receiving XALKORI.
Adverse Reactions: Across three main clinical trials the most common
adverse reactions (≥25%) were vision disorders, nausea, diarrhea,
vomiting, constipation, edema, elevated transaminases, and fatigue.
In a phase 3 study in patients with ALK-positive metastatic NSCLC
randomized to XALKORI (n=172) or chemotherapy (n=171), serious adverse
reactions were reported in 37.2% of patients treated with XALKORI. The
most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in patients treated
with XALKORI were pneumonia (4.1%), pulmonary embolism (3.5%), dyspnea
(2.3%), and ILD (2.9%). Fatal adverse reactions in XALKORI-treated
patients occurred in 9 (5%) patients, consisting of: acute respiratory
distress syndrome, arrhythmia, dyspnea, ILD, pneumonia, pneumonitis,
pulmonary embolism, respiratory failure, and sepsis. Grade 3 or 4 events
occurring at a higher incidence with XALKORI than with chemotherapy and
at greater than 2%, were syncope (3%), QT prolongation (3%), and
pulmonary embolism (5%). Elevation of ALT of any grade occurred in 76%
of patients and grade 3 or 4 in 17% of patients. Neutropenia of any
grade occurred in 49% of patients and grade 3 or 4 in 12% of patients.
Lymphopenia of any grade occurred in 51% of patients and grade 3 or 4 in
9% of patients. Renal cysts occurred in 4% and neuropathy occurred in
19% of patients treated with XALKORI.
Drug Interactions: Exercise caution with concomitant use of moderate
CYP3A inhibitors. Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice which may
increase plasma concentrations of crizotinib. Avoid concomitant use of
strong CYP3A inducers and inhibitors. Dose reduction may be needed for
co-administered drugs that are predominantly metabolized by CYP3A.
Nursing Mothers: Given the potential for serious adverse reactions in
nursing infants, consider whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue
XALKORI.
Hepatic Impairment: XALKORI has not been studied in patients with
hepatic impairment. As crizotinib is extensively metabolized in the
liver, hepatic impairment is likely to increase plasma crizotinib
concentrations. Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment.
Renal Impairment: Administer XALKORI at a starting dose of 250 mg taken
orally once daily in patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr<30
mL/min) not requiring dialysis. No starting dose adjustment is needed
for patients with mild and moderate renal impairment.
About Pfizer Oncology
Pfizer Oncology is committed to the discovery, investigation and
development of innovative treatment options to improve the outlook for
cancer patients worldwide. Our strong pipeline of biologics and small
molecules, one of the most robust in the industry, is studied with
precise focus on identifying and translating the best scientific
breakthroughs into clinical application for patients across a wide range
of cancers. By working collaboratively with academic institutions,
individual researchers, cooperative research groups, governments, and
licensing partners, Pfizer Oncology strives to cure or control cancer
with breakthrough medicines, to deliver the right drug for each patient
at the right time. For more information please visit www.Pfizer.com.
1 The International Agency for Research on Cancer, the World
Health Organization, GLOBOCAN 2008, Available at: http://globocan.iarc.fr/
(select ‘World’ from the drop down menu under ‘Fact Sheets)’. Accessed
August 8, 2013.
2 The International Agency for Research on Cancer, the World
Health Organization, GLOBOCAN 2008. Available at: http://globocan.iarc.fr/burden.asp?selection_pop=220900&Text-p=World&selection_cancer=14110&Text-c=Lung&pYear=2&type=1&window=1&submit=%A0Execute%A0.
Accessed August 8, 2013.
3 Pfizer data on file
Copyright Business Wire 2013