Summary of medicine characteristics - Anoro Ellipta (previously Anoro)
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
ANORO ELLIPTA 55 micrograms/22 micrograms inhalation powder, pre-dispensed
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each single inhalation provides a delivered dose (the dose leaving the mouthpiece) of 65 micrograms umeclidinium bromide equivalent to 55 micrograms of umeclidinium and 22 micrograms of vilanterol (as trifenatate). This corresponds to a pre-dispensed dose of 74.2 micrograms umeclidinium bromide equivalent to 62.5 micrograms umeclidinium and 25 micrograms vilanterol (as trifenatate).
Excipient with known effect
Each delivered dose contains approximately 25 mg of lactose (as monohydrate).
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Inhalation powder, pre-dispensed (inhalation powder).
White powder in a light grey inhaler (ELLIPTA) with a red mouthpiece cover and a dose counter.
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS4.1 Therapeutic indications
ANORO ELLIPTA is indicated as a maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms in adult patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Posology
Adults
The recommended dose is one inhalation of ANORO ELLIPTA 55/22 micrograms once daily.
ANORO ELLIPTA should be administered at the same time of the day each day to maintain bronchodilation. The maximum dose is one inhalation of ANORO ELLIPTA 55/22 micrograms once daily.
Special populations
Elderly patients
No dose adjustment is required in patients over 65 years.
Renal impairment
No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment.
Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. The use of ANORO ELLIPTA has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment and should be used with caution.
Paediatric population
There is no relevant use of ANORO ELLIPTA in the paediatric population (under 18 years of age) for the indication of COPD.
Method of administration
ANORO ELLIPTA is for inhalation use only.
The following instructions for the 30 dose inhaler (30 day supply) also apply to the 7 dose inhaler (7 day supply).
The ELLIPTA inhaler contains pre-dispensed doses and is ready to use.
The inhaler is packaged in a tray containing a desiccant sachet, to reduce moisture. The desiccant sachet should be thrown away and it should not be opened, eaten or inhaled. The patient should be advised to not open the tray until they are ready to inhale a dose.
The inhaler will be in the ‘closed’ position when it is first taken out of its sealed tray. The “Discard by” date should be written on the inhaler label in the space provided. The “Discard by” date is 6 weeks from the date of opening the tray. After this date the inhaler should no longer be used. The tray can be discarded after first opening.
If the inhaler cover is opened and closed without inhaling the medicinal product, the dose will be lost. The lost dose will be securely held inside the inhaler, but it will no longer be available to be inhaled.
It is not possible to accidentally take extra medicinal product or a double dose in one inhalation.
Instructions for use:
-
a) Prepare a dose
Open the cover when ready to inhale a dose. The inhaler should not be shaken.
Slide the cover down until a “click” is heard. The medicinal product is now ready to be inhaled.
The dose counter counts down by 1 to confirm. If the dose counter does not count down as the “click” is heard, the inhaler will not deliver a dose and should be taken back to a pharmacist for advice.
-
b) How to inhale the medicinal product
The inhaler should be held away from the mouth breathing out as far as is comfortable. But not breathing out into the inhaler.
The mouthpiece should be placed between the lips and the lips should then be closed firmly around it. The air vents should not be blocked with fingers during use.
- • Inhale with one long, steady, deep breath in. This breath should be held in for as long as possible (at least 3–4 seconds).
- • Remove the inhaler from the mouth.
- • Breathe out slowly and gently.
The medicinal product may not be tasted or felt, even when using the inhaler correctly.
The mouthpiece of the inhaler may be cleaned using a dry tissue before closing the cover.
-
c) Close the inhaler
Slide the cover upwards as far as it will go, to cover the mouthpiece.
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Asthma
Umeclidinium/vilanterol should not be used in patients with asthma since it has not been studied in this patient population.
Paradoxical bronchospasm
Administration of umeclidinium/vilanterol may produce paradoxical bronchospasm that may be lifethreatening. Treatment with umeclidinium/vilanterol should be discontinued immediately if paradoxical bronchospasm occurs and alternative therapy instituted if necessary.
Not for acute use
Umeclidinium/vilanterol is not indicated for the treatment of acute episodes of bronchospasm.
Deterioration of disease
Increasing use of short-acting bronchodilators to relieve symptoms indicates deterioration of control. In the event of deterioration of COPD during treatment with umeclidinium/vilanterol, a re-evaluation of the patient and of the COPD treatment regimen should be undertaken.
Cardiovascular effects
Cardiovascular effects, such as cardiac arrhythmias e.g. atrial fibrillation and tachycardia, may be seen after the administration of muscarinic receptor antagonists and sympathomimetics, including umeclidinium/vilanterol. Patients with clinically significant uncontrolled cardiovascular disease were excluded from clinical studies. Therefore, umeclidinium/vilanterol should be used with caution in patients with severe cardiovascular disease.
Antimuscarinic activity
Consistent with its antimuscarinic activity, umeclidinium/vilanterol should be used with caution in patients with urinary retention or with narrow-angle glaucoma.
Hypokalaemia
Beta2-adrenergic agonists may produce significant hypokalaemia in some patients, which has the potential to produce adverse cardiovascular effects. The decrease in serum potassium is usually transient, not requiring supplementation.
No clinically relevant effects of hypokalaemia were observed in clinical studies with umeclidinium/vilanterol at the recommended therapeutic dose. Caution should be exercised when umeclidinium/vilanterol is used with other medicinal products that also have the potential to cause hypokalaemia (see section 4.5).
Hyperglycaemia
Beta2-adrenergic agonists may produce transient hyperglycemia in some patients.
No clinically relevant effects on plasma glucose were observed in clinical studies with umeclidinium/vilanterol at the recommended therapeutic dose. Upon initiation of treatment with umeclidinium/vilanterol plasma glucose should be monitored more closely in diabetic patients.
Coexisting conditions
Umeclidinium/vilanterol should be used with caution in patients with convulsive disorders or thyrotoxicosis, and in patients who are unusually responsive to beta2-adrenergic agonists.
Excipients
This medicinal product contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not use this medicinal product.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Beta-adrenergic blockers
Medicinal products containing beta-adrenergic blockers may weaken or antagonise the effect of beta2-adrenergic agonists, such as vilanterol. Concurrent use of either non-selective or selective beta-adrenergic blockers should be avoided unless there are compelling reasons for their use.
Metabolic and transporter based interactions
Vilanterol is a substrate of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Concomitant administration of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, clarithromycin, itraconazole, ritonavir, telithromycin) may inhibit the metabolism of, and increase the systemic exposure to, vilanterol. Co-administration with ketoconazole (400 mg) in healthy volunteers increased mean vilanterol AUC(0-t) and Cmax, 65% and 22% respectively. The increase in vilanterol exposure was not associated with an increase in beta-adrenergic agonist related systemic effects on heart rate, blood potassium or QT interval (corrected using the Fridericia method). Care is advised when co-administering umeclidinium/vilanterol with ketoconazole and other known strong CYP3A4 inhibitors as there is potential for an increased systemic exposure to vilanterol, which could lead to an increase in the potential for adverse reactions. Verapamil, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of vilanterol.
Umeclidinium is a substrate of cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). The steady-state pharmacokinetics of umeclidinium was assessed in healthy volunteers lacking CYP2D6 (poor metabolisers). No effect on umeclidinium AUC or Cmax was observed at a 8-fold higher dose. An approximately 1.3-fold increase in umeclidinium AUC was observed at 16-fold higher dose with no effect on umeclidinium Cmax. Based on the magnitude of these changes, no clinically relevant drug interaction is expected when umeclidinium/vilanterol is co-administered with CYP2D6 inhibitors or when administered to patients genetically deficient in CYP2D6 activity (poor metabolisers).
Both umeclidinium and vilanterol are substrates of the P-glycoprotein transporter (P-gp). The effect of the moderate P-gp inhibitor verapamil (240 mg once daily) on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of umeclidinium and vilanterol was assessed in healthy volunteers. No effect of verapamil was observed on umeclidinium or vilanterol Cmax. An approximately 1.4-fold increase in umeclidinium AUC was observed with no effect on vilanterol AUC. Based on the magnitude of these changes, no clinically relevant drug interaction is expected when umeclidinium/vilanterol is co-administered with P-gp inhibitors.
Other antimuscarinics and sympathomimetics
Co-administration of umeclidinium/vilanterol with other long-acting muscarinic antagonists, long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists or medicinal products containing either of these agents has not been studied and is not recommended as it may potentiate known inhaled muscarinic antagonist or beta2-adrenergic agonist adverse reactions (see sections 4.4 and 4.9).
Hypokalaemia
Concomitant hypokalaemic treatment with methylxanthine derivatives, steroids, or non-potassium-sparing diuretics may potentiate the possible hypokalaemic effect of beta2-adrenergic agonists, therefore use with caution (see section 4.4).
Other medicinal products for COPD
Although no formal in vivo drug interaction studies have been performed, inhaled umeclidinium/vilanterol has been used concomitantly with other COPD medicinal products including short acting sympathomimetic bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids without clinical evidence of drug interactions.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There are no data from the use of umeclidinium/vilanterol in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity at exposures which are not clinically relevant after administration of vilanterol (see section 5.3).
Umeclidinium/vilanterol should be used during pregnancy only if the expected benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether umeclidinium or vilanterol are excreted in human milk. However, other beta2-adrenergic agonists are detected in human milk. A risk to the newborns/infants cannot be excluded. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue umeclidinium/vilanterol therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.
Fertility
There are no data on the effects of umeclidinium/vilanterol on human fertility. Animal studies indicate no effects of umeclidinium or vilanterol on fertility.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Umeclidinium/vilanterol has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Summary of the safety profile
The most frequently reported adverse reaction with umeclidinium/vilanterol was nasopharyngitis (9%).
Tabulated summary of adverse reactions
The safety profile of ANORO ELLIPTA is based on safety experience with umeclidinium/vilanterol and the individual components from the clinical development program comprising of 6,855 patients with COPD and from spontaneous reporting. The clinical development programme included 2,354 patients who received umeclidinium/vilanterol once daily in the Phase III clinical studies of 24 weeks or more, of whom 1,296 patients received the recommended dose of 55/22 micrograms in 24-week studies, 832 patients received a higher dose of 113/22 micrograms in 24-week studies and 226 patients received 113/22 micrograms in a 12-month study.
The frequencies assigned to the adverse reactions identified in the table below include crude incidence rates observed in the integration of five 24-week studies and in the 12-month safety study.
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention: 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); very rare (<1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from available data).
System Organ Class | Adverse reactions | Frequency |
Infections and infestations | Urinary tract infection Sinusitis Nasopharyngitis Pharyngitis Upper respiratory tract infection | Common Common Common Common Common |
Immune system disorders | Hypersensitivity reactions including: Rash Anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria | Uncommon Rare |
Nervous system disorders | Headache Tremor Dysgeusia Dizziness | Common Uncommon Uncommon Not known |
Eye disorders | Vision blurred Glaucoma Intraocular pressure increased | Rare Rare Rare |
Cardiac disorders | Atrial fibrillation Supraventricular tachycardia Rhythm idioventricular Tachycardia Supraventricular extrasystoles Palpitations | Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon Uncommon |
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | Cough Oropharyngeal pain Dysphonia Paradoxical bronchospasm | Common Common Uncommon Rare |
Gastrointestinal disorders | Constipation Dry mouth | Common Common |
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Rash | Uncommon |
Renal and urinary disorders | Urinary retention Dysuria Bladder outlet obstruction | Rare Rare Rare |
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 national reporting system listed in
4.9 Overdose
An overdose of umeclidinium/vilanterol will likely produce signs and symptoms due to the individual components’ actions, consistent with the known inhaled muscarinic antagonist adverse reactions (e.g. dry mouth, visual accommodation disturbances and tachycardia) or those with overdose of other beta2-adrenergic agonists (e.g. arrhythmias, tremor, headache, palpitations, nausea, hyperglycaemia and hypokalaemia).
If overdose occurs, the patient should be treated supportively with appropriate monitoring as necessary.
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Drugs for obstructive airway diseases, adrenergics in combination with anticholinergics incl. triple combinations with corticosteroids, ATC code: R03AL03
Mechanism of action
Umeclidinium/vilanterol is a combination inhaled long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist/long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (LAMA/LABA). Following oral inhalation both compounds act locally on airways to produce bronchodilation by separate mechanisms.
Umeclidinium
Umeclidinium is a long acting muscarinic receptor antagonist (also referred to as an anticholinergic). It is a quinuclidine derivative with activity across multiple muscarinic receptor subtypes. Umeclidinium exerts its bronchodilatory activity by competitively inhibiting the binding of acetylcholine with muscarinic receptors on airway smooth muscle. It demonstrates slow reversibility at the human M3 muscarinic receptor subtype in vitro and a long duration of action in vivo when administered directly to the lungs in pre-clinical models.
Vilanterol
Vilanterol is a selective long-acting, beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist (beta2-adrenergic agonist).
The pharmacologic effects of beta2-adrenergic agonists, including vilanterol, are at least in part attributable to stimulation of intracellular adenylate cyclase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic-3’,5’-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). Increased cyclic AMP levels cause relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle and inhibition of release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity from cells, especially from mast cells.
Pharmacodynamic effects
In Phase III, 6-month studies umeclidinium/vilanterol provided clinically meaningful improvements over placebo in lung function (as measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]) over 24 hours following once daily administration, which were evident at 15 minutes following administration of the first dose (improvement over placebo by 112 ml (p <0.001). Mean peak improvements in FEV1 within the first 6 hours following dosing relative to placebo was 224 ml (p<0.001) at Week 24. There was no evidence for tachyphylaxis in the effect of ANORO ELLIPTA over time.
Cardiac electrophysiology
The effect of umeclidinium/vilanterol on the QT interval was evaluated in a placebo and active (moxifloxacin) controlled QT study involving once daily administration of umeclidinium/vilanterol 113/22 micrograms or 500/100 micrograms (pre-dispensed dose with umeclidinium at eight times the recommended dose and vilanterol at four times the recommended dose) for 10 days in 103 healthy volunteers. The maximum mean difference in prolongations of QT interval (corrected using the Fridericia method, QTcF) from placebo after baseline-correction was 4.3 (90% CI=2.2 to 6.4) milliseconds seen 10 minutes after administration with umeclidinium/vilanterol 113/22 micrograms and 8.2 (90% CI=6.2 to 10.2) milliseconds seen 30 minutes after administration with umeclidinium/vilanterol 500/100 micrograms. Therefore, no clinically relevant pro-arrhythmic potential related to QT-interval prolongations was observed with umeclidinium/vilanterol 113/22 micrograms.
A dose-dependent increase in heart rate was also observed. The maximum mean difference in heart rate from placebo after baseline-correction was 8.4 (90% CI=7.0 to 9.8) beats/minute and 20.3 (90% CI=18.9 to 21.7) beats/minute seen 10 minutes after administration of umeclidinium/vilanterol 113/22 micrograms and 500/100 micrograms respectively.
In addition, no clinically significant effects on cardiac rhythm were observed on 24-hour Holter monitoring in 53 patients with COPD who were treated with umeclidinium/vilanterol 55/22 micrograms once daily in one 6-month study, or in a further 55 patients who received umeclidinium/vilanterol 113/22 micrograms once daily in another 6-month study and 226 patients who received 113/22 micrograms once daily in the 12-month study.
Clinical efficacy and safety
The clinical efficacy of umeclidinium/vilanterol administered once daily was evaluated in eight Phase III clinical studies in 6,835 adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of COPD; 5,618 patients from five 6-month studies (two placebo-controlled and three active [tiotropium]-comparator controlled), 655 patients from two 3-month exercise endurance/lung function studies and 562 patients from a 12-month supportive study.
Effects on lung function
ANORO ELLIPTA demonstrated improvements in lung function (as defined by change from baseline in trough FEV1) in several studies. In one 6-month Phase III study, ANORO ELLIPTA demonstrated statistically significant improvements in trough FEV1 (primary endpoint) at Week 24 compared with placebo and each monotherapy component treatment arm. In addition, ANORO ELLIPTA demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in trough FEV1 compared with tiotropium in two of the three 6-month active-comparator studies and numerically-greater improvements from tiotropium in the third active-comparator study (see Table 1). There was no attenuation of the bronchodilator effect over time.
Symptomatic outcomes
Breathlessness:
ANORO ELLIPTA demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in breathlessness as evaluated by an increase in TDI focal score at Week 24 (key secondary end-point) compared with placebo (see Table 1). Improvements in TDI focal score compared with each monotherapy component and tiotropium were not statistically significant (see Table 1).
The proportion of patients who responded with at least the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) of 1 unit TDI focal score at Week 24 was greater for ANORO ELLIPTA (58%) compared with placebo (41%) and each monotherapy component (53% for umeclidinium and 51% for vilanterol).
Health-related quality of life:
ANORO ELLIPTA has also shown an improvement in health-related quality of life measured using the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) as indicated by a reduction in SGRQ total score at Week 24 compared with placebo and each monotherapy component (see Table 1). ANORO ELLIPTA showed a statistically significant reduction in SGRQ total score compared with tiotropium in one of the three activecomparator studies (see Table 1).
The proportion of patients who responded with at least the MCID in SGRQ score (defined as a decrease of 4 units from baseline) at Week 24 was greater for ANORO ELLIPTA (49%) compared with placebo (34%) and each monotherapy component (44% for umeclidinium and 48% for vilanterol). In one active-comparator study, a higher percentage of patients receiving ANORO ELLIPTA responded with a clinically meaningful improvement in SGRQ score at Week 24 (53%) compared to tiotropium (46%). In the other two active-comparator studies, a similar proportion of patients achieved at least the MCID with ANORO ELLIPTA and tiotropium; 49% and 54% for ANORO ELLIPTA 55/22 micrograms and 52% and 55% for tiotropium.
Use of rescue medication
ANORO ELLIPTA reduced the use of rescue medication with salbutamol over Weeks 1–24 compared with placebo and umeclidinium (see Table 1) and demonstrated an increase from baseline in the proportion of days when no rescue medication was needed (on average 11.1%) compared with a decrease from baseline on placebo (on average 0.9%).
In the three 6-month active-comparator-controlled studies, ANORO ELLIPTA reduced the use of rescue medication with salbutamol compared with tiotropium, with statistically significant reductions observed in two of the studies (see Table 1). ANORO ELLIPTA also demonstrated a greater increase from baseline in the proportion of days when no rescue medication was needed in all three studies (average within the range 17.6% to 21.5%) compared with tiotropium (average within the range 11.7% to 13.4%).
Table 1. Lung function, symptomatic and health related quality of life outcomes at Week 24
Treatment comparisons with ANORO ELLIPTA 55/22 mcg | Treatment difference1 (95% confidence intervals, p-value) | |||
Trough FEV 1 (ml) | TDI Focal Score | SGRQ Total Score | Use of rescue medication3 | |
ANORO ELLIPTA (N = 413) versus Placebo (N = 280) | 167 (128, 207) <0.001 | 1.2 (0.7,1.7) <0.001 | –5.51 (-7.88, –3.13) <0.001 | –0.8 (-1.3,–0.3) 0.001 |
ANORO ELLIPTA (N = 413) versus Umeclidinium 55 mcg (N = 418) | 52 (17, 87) 0.004 | 0.3 (-0.2, 0.7) 0.244 | –0.82 (-2.90, 1.27) 0.441 | –0.6 (-1.0, –0.1) 0.014 |
ANORO ELLIPTA (N = 413) versus Vilanterol 22 mcg (N = 421) | 95 (60, 130) <0.001 | 0.4 (-0.1, 0.8) 0.117 | –0.32 (-2.41, 1.78) 0.767 | 0.1 (-0.3, 0.5) 0.675 |
ANORO ELLIPTA (N = 454) versus tiotropium 18 mcg (N = 451) (Study ZEP117115) | 112 (81, 144) <0.001 | n/e | –2.10 (-3.61, –0.59) 0.006 | –0.5 (-0.7, –0.2) <0.001 |
ANORO ELLIPTA (N = 207) versus tiotropium 18 mcg (N = 203) (Study DB2113360) | 90 (39, 141) <0.001 | 0.12 (-0.4, 0.5) 0.817 | 0.75 (-2.12, 3.63) 0.607 | –0.7 (-1.2, –0.1) 0.022 |
ANORO ELLIPTA (N = 217) versus tiotropium 18 mcg (N = 215) (Study DB2113374) | 60 (10, 109) 0.018 | –0.17 (-2.85, 2.52) 0.904 | –0.6 (-1.2, 0.0) 0.069 |
N=number in Intent-to-treat population
mcg = micrograms
n/e = not evaluated
-
1. Least squares mean
-
2. Pooled data from Study DB2113360 and Study DB2113374
-
3. Difference in the mean number of puffs per day over Weeks 1–24
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
When umeclidinium and vilanterol were administered in combination by the inhaled route, the pharmacokinetics of each component was similar to those observed when each active substance was administered separately. For pharmacokinetic purposes each component can therefore be considered separately.
Absorption
Umeclidinium
Following inhaled administration of umeclidinium in healthy volunteers, Cmax occurred at 5 to 15 minutes.
The absolute bioavailability of inhaled umeclidinium was on average 13% of the dose, with negligible contribution from oral absorption. Following repeat dosing of inhaled umeclidinium, steady state was achieved within 7 to 10 days with 1.5 to 1.8-fold accumulation.
Vilanterol
Following inhaled administration of vilanterol in healthy volunteers, Cmax occurred at 5 to 15 minutes. The absolute bioavailability of inhaled vilanterol was 27%, with negligible contribution from oral absorption. Following repeat dosing of inhaled vilanterol, steady state was achieved within 6 days with up to 2.4-fold accumulation.
Distribution
Umeclidinium
Following intravenous administration to healthy volunteers, the mean volume of distribution was 86 litres.
In vitro plasma protein binding in human plasma was on average 89%.
Vilanterol
Following intravenous administration to healthy volunteers, the mean volume of distribution at steady state was 165 litres. In vitro plasma protein binding in human plasma was on average 94%.
Biotransformation
Umeclidinium
In vitro studies showed that umeclidinium is primarily metabolised by cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) and is a substrate for the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter. The primary metabolic routes for umeclidinium are oxidative (hydroxylation, O-dealkylation) followed by conjugation (glucuronidation, etc), resulting in a range of metabolites with either reduced pharmacological activity or for which the pharmacological activity has not been established. Systemic exposure to the metabolites is low.
Vilanterol
In vitro studies showed that vilanterol is primarily metabolised by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and is a substrate for the P-gp transporter. The primary metabolic routes for vilanterol are O-dealkylation to a range of metabolites with significantly reduced beta1– and beta2-adrenergic agonist activity. Plasma metabolic profiles following oral administration of vilanterol in a human radiolabel study were consistent with high first-pass metabolism. Systemic exposure to the metabolites is low.
Elimination
Umeclidinium
Plasma clearance following intravenous administration was 151 litres/hour. Following intravenous administration, approximately 58% of the administered radiolabelled dose (or 73% of the recovered radioactivity) was excreted in faeces by 192 hours post-dose. Urinary elimination accounted for 22% of the administered radiolabelled dose by 168 hours (27% of recovered radioactivity). The excretion of the drug-related material in the faeces following intravenous dosing indicated secretion into the bile. Following oral administration to healthy male volunteers, total radioactivity was excreted primarily in faeces (92% of the administered radiolabelled dose or 99% of the recovered radioactivity) by 168 hours post-dose. Less than 1% of the orally administered dose (1% of recovered radioactivity) was excreted in urine, suggesting negligible absorption following oral administration. Umeclidinium plasma elimination half-life following inhaled dosing for 10 days averaged 19 hours in healthy volunteers, with 3% to 4% excreted unchanged in urine at steady-state.
Vilanterol
Plasma clearance of vilanterol following intravenous administration was 108 litres/hour. Following oral administration of radiolabelled vilanterol, mass balance showed 70% of the radiolabel in urine and 30% in faeces. Primary elimination of vilanterol was by metabolism followed by excretion of metabolites in urine and faeces. Vilanterol plasma elimination half-life following inhaled dosing for 10 days averaged 11 hours.
Characteristics in specific groups of healthy volunteers or patients
Elderly
A population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that pharmacokinetics of umeclidinium and vilanterol were similar between COPD patients 65 years and older and those younger than 65 years of age.
Renal impairment
Patients with severe renal impairment showed no evidence of an increase in systemic exposure to either umeclidinium or vilanterol (Cmax and AUC) following administration of umeclidinium/vilanterol with umeclidinium at twice the recommended dose and vilanterol at the recommended dose and no evidence of altered protein binding between patients with severe renal impairment and healthy volunteers.
Hepatic impairment
Patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B) showed no evidence of an increase in systemic exposure to either umeclidinium or vilanterol (Cmax and AUC) following administration of umeclidinium/vilanterol with umeclidinium at twice the recommended dose and vilanterol at the recommended dose and no evidence of altered protein binding between patients with moderate hepatic impairment and healthy volunteers. Umeclidinium/vilanterol has not been evaluated in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Other special populations
A population pharmacokinetic analysis showed that no dose adjustment is required for umeclidinium or vilanterol based on the effect of age, race, gender, inhaled corticosteroid use, or weight. A study in CYP2D6 poor metabolisers showed no evidence of a clinically significant effect of CYP2D6 genetic polymorphism on systemic exposure to umeclidinium.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
In nonclinical studies with umeclidinium and vilanterol, alone and in combination, findings were those typically associated with the primary pharmacology of either muscarinic receptor antagonists or beta2-adrenergic agonists respectively and/or local irritancy. The following statements reflect studies conducted on the individual components.
Genotoxicity and carcinogenicity
Umeclidinium was not genotoxic in a standard battery of studies and was not carcinogenic in lifetime inhalation studies in mice or rats at exposures > 26 or > 22-fold, times the human clinical exposure of umeclidinium 55 micrograms, based on AUC, respectively.
In genetic toxicity studies, vilanterol (as alpha-phenylcinnamate) and triphenylacetic acid were not genotoxic indicating that vilanterol (as trifenatate) does not represent a genotoxic hazard to humans. Consistent with findings for other beta2-adrenergic agonists, in lifetime inhalation studies, vilanterol trifenatate caused proliferative effects in the female rat and mouse reproductive tract and in the rat pituitary gland. There was no increase in tumour incidence in rats or mice at exposures 0.5– or 13-fold, times the human clinical exposure of vilanterol 22 micrograms based on AUC, respectively.
Toxicity to reproduction
Umeclidinium was not teratogenic in rats or rabbits. In a pre- and post-natal study, subcutaneous administration of umeclidinium to rats resulted in lower maternal body weight gain and food consumption and slightly decreased pre-weaning pup body weights in dams given 180 micrograms/kg/day dose (approximately 80-times the human clinical exposure of umeclidinium 55 micrograms, based on AUC).
Vilanterol was not teratogenic in rats. In inhalation studies in rabbits, vilanterol caused effects similar to those seen with other beta2-adrenergic agonists (cleft palate, open eyelids, sternebral fusion and limb flexure/malrotation) at 6-times the human clinical exposure based on AUC. When given subcutaneously there were no effects at 36-times the human clinical exposure of vilanterol 22 micrograms, based on AUC.
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS6.1 List of excipients
Lactose monohydrate
Magnesium stearate
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf life
2 years
In-use shelf-life after opening the tray: 6 weeks
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 30°C. If stored in a refrigerator allow the inhaler to return to room temperature for at least an hour before use.
Keep the inhaler inside the sealed tray in order to protect from moisture and only remove immediately before first use.
Write the date the inhaler should be discarded on the label in the space provided. The date should be added as soon as the inhaler has been removed from the tray.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
The ELLIPTA inhaler consists of a light grey body, red mouthpiece cover and a dose counter, packed into a foil laminate tray containing a silica gel desiccant sachet. The tray is sealed with a peelable foil lid.
The inhaler is a multi-component device composed of polypropylene, high density polyethylene, polyoxymethylene, polybutylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate and stainless steel.
The inhaler contains two aluminium foil laminate blisters of 7 or 30 doses.
Pack sizes of 7 or 30 dose inhalers. Multipack of 3 × 30 dose inhalers.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
GlaxoSmithKline (Ireland) Limited 12 Riverwalk
Citywest Business Campus
Dublin 24
Ireland
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
EU/1/14/898/001
EU/1/14/898/002
EU/1/14/898/003
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
Date of first authorisation: 08 May 2014
Date of latest renewal: 15 January 2019