Summary of medicine characteristics - Cotellic
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Cotellic 20 mg film-coated tablets
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each film-coated tablet contains cobimetinib hemifumarate equivalent to 20 mg cobimetinib.
Excipient with known effect
Each film-coated tablet contains 36 mg lactose monohydrate.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Film-coated tablet.
White, round film-coated tablets of approximately 6.6 mm diameter, with “COB” debossed on one side.
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS4.1 Therapeutic indications
Cotellic is indicated for use in combination with vemurafenib for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a BRAF V600 mutation (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Treatment with Cotellic in combination with vemurafenib should only be initiated and supervised by a qualified physician experienced in the use of anticancer medicinal products.
Before starting this treatment, patients must have BRAF V600 mutation-positive melanoma tumour status confirmed by a validated test (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).
Posology
The recommended dose of Cotellic is 60 mg (3 tablets of 20 mg) once daily.
Cotellic is taken on a 28 day cycle. Each dose consists of three 20 mg tablets (60 mg) and should be taken once daily for 21 consecutive days (Days 1 to 21-treatment period); followed by a 7-day break (Days 22 to 28-treatment break). Each subsequent Cotellic treatment cycle should start after the 7-day treatment break has elapsed.
For information on the posology of vemurafenib, please refer to its SmPC.
Duration of treatment
Treatment with Cotellic should continue until the patient no longer derives benefit or until the development of unacceptable toxicity (see Table 1 below).
Missed doses
If a dose is missed, it can be taken up to 12 hours prior to the next dose to maintain the once-daily regimen.
Vomiting
In case of vomiting after administration of Cotellic, the patient should not take an additional dose on that day and treatment should be continued as prescribed the following day.
General dose modifications
The decision on whether to reduce the dose for either or both treatments should be based on the prescriber’s assessment of individual patient safety or tolerability. Dose modification of Cotellic is independent of vemurafenib dose modification.
If doses are omitted for toxicity, these doses should not be replaced. Once the dose has been reduced, it should not be increased at a later time.
Table 1 below gives general Cotellic dose modification guidance.
Table 1 Recommended Cotellic dose modifications
| Grade (CTC-AE)* | Recommended Cotellic dose |
| Grade 1 or Grade 2 (tolerable) | No dose reduction. Maintain Cotellic at a dose of 60 mg once daily (3 tablets) |
| Grade 2 (intolerable) or Grade 3/4 | |
| 1st Appearance | Interrupt treatment until Grade < 1, restart treatment at 40 mg once daily (2 tablets) |
| 2nd Appearance | Interrupt treatment until Grade < 1, restart treatment at 20 mg once daily (1 tablet) |
| 3rd Appearance | Consider permanent discontinuation |
*The intensity of clinical adverse events graded by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0 (CTC-AE)
Dose modification advice for haemorrhage
Grade 4 events or cerebral haemorrhage: Cotellic treatment should be interrupted. Cotellic treatment should be permanently discontinued for haemorrhage events attributed to Cotellic.
Grade 3 events: Cotellic treatment should be interrupted during evaluation to avoid any potential contribution to the event. There is no data on the effectiveness of Cotellic dose modification for haemorrhage events. Clinical judgment should be applied when considering restarting Cotellic treatment. Vemurafenib dosing can be continued when Cotellic treatment is interrupted, if clinically indicated.
Dose modification advice for left ventricular dysfunction
Permanent discontinuation of Cotellic treatment should be considered if cardiac symptoms are attributed to Cotellic and do not improve after temporary interruption.
Table 2 Recommended dose modifications for Cotellic in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease from baseline
| Patient | LVEF value | Recommended Cotellic dose modification | LVEF value following treatment break | Recommended Cotellic daily dose |
| Asymptomatic | > 50% (or 40–49% and < 10% absolute decrease from baseline) | Continue at current dose | N/A | N/A |
| < 40% (or 40–49% and > 10% absolute decrease from baseline) | Interrupt treatment for 2 weeks | < 10% absolute decrease from baseline | 1st occurrence: 40 mg | |
| 2nd occurrence: 20 mg | ||||
| 3 rd occurrence: permanent discontinuation | ||||
| < 40% (or > 10% absolute decrease from baseline) | Permanent discontinuation | |||
| Symptomatic | N/A | Interrupt treatment for 4 weeks | Asymptomatic and < 10% absolute decrease from baseline | 1st occurrence: 40 mg |
| 2nd occurrence: 20 mg | ||||
| 3 rd occurrence: permanent discontinuation | ||||
| Asymptomatic and < 40% (or > 10% absolute decrease from baseline) | Permanent discontinuation | |||
| Symptomatic regardless of LVEF | Permanent discontinuation |
N/A = Not Applicable
Vemurafenib treatment can be continued when Cotellic treatment is modified, if clinically indicated.
Dose modification advice for rhabdomyolysis and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevations
Rhabdomyolysis or symptomatic CPK elevations
Cotellic treatment should be interrupted. If rhabdomyolysis or symptomatic CPK elevations do not improve within 4 weeks, Cotellic treatment should be permanently discontinued.
If severity is improved by at least one grade within 4 weeks, Cotellic could be restarted at a dose reduced by 20 mg, if clinically indicated. Patients should be closely monitored. Vemurafenib dosing can be continued when Cotellic treatment is modified.
Asymptomatic CPK elevations
Grade 4: Cotellic treatment should be interrupted. If CPK elevations do not improve to Grade <3 within 4 weeks following dose interruption, Cotellic treatment should be permanently discontinued. If CPK improves to Grade <3 within 4 weeks, Cotellic could be restarted, if clinically indicated, at a dose reduced by 20 mg and the patient should be closely monitored. Vemurafenib dosing can be continued when Cotellic treatment is modified.
Grade <3: After rhabdomyolysis has been ruled out, Cotellic dosing does not need to be modified.
Dose modification advice for Cotellic when used with vemurafenib
Liver laboratory abnormalities
For Grade 1 and 2 liver laboratory abnormalities, Cotellic and vemurafenib should be continued at the prescribed dose.
Grade 3: Cotellic should be continued at the prescribed dose. The dose of vemurafenib may be reduced as clinically appropriate. Please refer to the vemurafenib SmPC.
Grade 4: Cotellic treatment and vemurafenib treatment should be interrupted. If liver laboratory abnormalities improve to Grade <1 within 4 weeks, Cotellic should be restarted at a dose reduced by 20 mg and vemurafenib at a clinically appropriate dose, per its SmPC.
Cotellic treatment and vemurafenib treatment should be discontinued if liver laboratory abnormalities do not resolve to Grade <1 within 4 weeks or if Grade 4 liver laboratory abnormalities recur after initial improvement.
Photosensitivity
Grade <2 (tolerable) photosensitivity should be managed with supportive care.
Grade 2 (intolerable) or Grade >3 photosensitivity: Cotellic and vemurafenib should be interrupted until resolution to Grade <1. Treatment can be restarted with no change in Cotellic dose. Vemurafenib dosing should be reduced as clinically appropriate, please refer to its SmPC for further information.
Rash
Rash events may occur with either Cotellic or vemurafenib treatment. The dose of Cotellic and/or vemurafenib may be either temporarily interrupted and/or reduced as clinically indicated.
Additionally, for:
Grade <2 (tolerable) rash should be managed with supportive care. Cotellic dosing can be continued without modification.
Grade 2 (intolerable) or Grade >3 acneiform rash: General dose modification recommendations in Table 1 for Cotellic should be followed. Vemurafenib dosing can be continued when Cotellic treatment is modified (if clinically indicated).
Grade 2 (intolerable) or Grade >3 non-acneiform or maculopapular rash: Cotellic dosing can be continued without modification if clinically indicated. Vemurafenib dosing may be either temporarily interrupted and/or reduced, please refer to its SmPC for further information.
QT prolongation
If during treatment the QTc exceeds 500 msec, please refer to the vemurafenib SmPC (section 4.2) for dose modifications for vemurafenib. No dose modification of Cotellic is required when taken in combination with vemurafenib.
Special populations
Elderly patients
No dose adjustment is required in patients aged >65 years old.
Renal impairment
No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment based on population pharmacokinetic analysis (see section 5.2). There are minimal data for Cotellic in patients with severe renal impairment, therefore an effect cannot be excluded. Cotellic should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment.
Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with hepatic impairment. Patients with severe hepatic impairment may have increased plasma concentrations of unbound cobimetinib compared to patients with normal hepatic function (see section 5.2). Liver laboratory abnormalities can occur with Cotellic and caution should be used in patients with any degree of hepatic impairment (see section 4.4).
Non-Caucasian patients
The safety and efficacy of Cotellic in non-Caucasian patients have not been established.
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of Cotellic in children and adolescents below 18 years of age have not been established. No data are available.
Method of administration
Cotellic is for oral use. The tablets should be swallowed whole with water. They can be taken with or without food.
4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Before taking Cotellic in combination with vemurafenib, patients must have BRAF V600 mutationpositive tumour status confirmed by a validated test.
Cotellic in combination with vemurafenib in patients who have progressed on a BRAF inhibitor
There are limited data in patients taking the combination of Cotellic with vemurafenib who have progressed on a prior BRAF inhibitor. These data show that the efficacy of the combination will be lower in these patients (see section 5.1). Therefore other treatment options should be considered before treatment with the combination in this prior BRAF inhibitor treated population. The sequencing of treatments following progression on a BRAF inhibitor therapy has not been established.
Cotellic in combination with vemurafenib in patients with brain metastases
The safety and efficacy of the combination of Cotellic and vemurafenib have not been evaluated in patients with a BRAF V600 mutation-positive melanoma which has metastasised to the brain. The intracranial activity of cobimetinib is currently unknown (see sections 5.1 and 5.2).
Haemorrhage
Haemorrhagic events, including major haemorrhagic events can occur (see section 4.8).
Caution should be used in patients with additional risk factors for bleeding, such as brain metastases, and/or in patients that use concomitant medicinal products that increase the risk of bleeding (including antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy). For management of haemorrhage please see section 4.2.
Serous retinopathy
Serous retinopathy (fluid accumulation within the layers of the retina) has been observed in patients treated with MEK-inhibitors, including Cotellic (see section 4.8). The majority of events were reported as chorioretinopathy or retinal detachment.
Median time to initial onset of serous retinopathy events was 1 month (range 0–9 months). Most events observed in clinical studies were resolved, or improved to asymptomatic Grade 1, following dose interruption or reduction.
Patients should be assessed at each visit for symptoms of new or worsening visual disturbances. If symptoms of new or worsening visual disturbances are identified, an ophthalmologic examination is recommended. If serous retinopathy is diagnosed, Cotellic treatment should be withheld until visual symptoms improve to Grade <1. Serous retinopathy can be managed with treatment interruption, dose reduction or with treatment discontinuation (see Table 1 in section 4.2).
Left ventricular dysfunction
Decrease in LVEF from baseline has been reported in patients receiving Cotellic (see section 4.8). Median time to initial onset of events was 4 months (1–13 months).
LVEF should be evaluated before initiation of treatment to establish baseline values, then after the first month of treatment and at least every 3 months or as clinically indicated until treatment discontinuation. Decrease in LVEF from baseline can be managed using treatment interruption, dose reduction or with treatment discontinuation (see section 4.2).
All patients restarting treatment with a dose reduction of Cotellic should have LVEF measurements taken after approximately 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 10 weeks and 16 weeks, and then as clinically indicated.
Patients with a baseline LVEF either below institutional lower limit of normal (LLN) or below 50% have not been studied.
Liver laboratory abnormalities
Liver laboratory abnormalities can occur when Cotellic is used in combination with vemurafenib and with vemurafenib as a single agent (please refer to its SmPC).
Liver laboratory abnormalities, specifically increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), have been observed in patients treated with Cotellic plus vemurafenib (see section 4.8).
Liver value abnormalities should be monitored by liver laboratory tests before initiation of combination treatment and monthly during treatment, or more frequently as clinically indicated (see section 4.2).
Grade 3 liver laboratory abnormalities should be managed with vemurafenib treatment interruption or dose reduction. Manage Grade 4 liver laboratory abnormalities with treatment interruption, dose reduction or with treatment discontinuation of both Cotellic and vemurafenib (see section 4.2).
Rhabdomyolysis and CPK elevations
Rhabdomyolysis has been reported in patients receiving Cotellic (see section 4.8).
If rhabdomyolysis is diagnosed, Cotellic treatment should be interrupted and CPK levels and other symptoms monitored until resolution. Depending on the severity of rhabdomyolysis, dose reduction or treatment discontinuation may be required (see section 4.2).
Grade 3 and 4 CPK elevations, including asymptomatic elevations over baseline, also occurred in patients receiving Cotellic with vemurafenib in clinical studies(see section 4.8). The median time to first occurrence of Grade 3 or 4 CPK elevations was 16 days (range: 11 days to 10 months); the median time to complete resolution was 16 days (range: 2 days to 15 months).
Serum CPK and creatinine levels should be measured before initiation of treatment, to establish baseline values, and then monitored monthly during treatment, or as clinically indicated. If serum CPK is elevated, check for signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis or other causes. Depending on the severity of symptoms or CPK elevation; treatment interruption, dose reduction or treatment discontinuation may be required (see section 4.2).
Diarrhoea
Cases of Grade >3 and serious diarrhoea have been reported in patients treated with Cotellic.
Diarrhoea should be managed with anti-diarrhoeal agents and supportive care. For Grade >3 diarrhoea that occurs despite supportive care, Cotellic and vemurafenib should be withheld until diarrhoea has improved to Grade <1. If Grade >3 diarrhoea recurs, the dose of Cotellic and vemurafenib should be reduced (see section 4.2).
Drug-drug interactions: CYP3A inhibitors
Concurrent use of strong CYP3A inhibitors during treatment with Cotellic should be avoided. Caution should be exercised if a moderate CYP3A inhibitor is co-administered with Cotellic. If concomitant use with a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor is unavoidable, patients should be carefully monitored for safety and dose modifications applied if clinically indicated (see Table 1 in section 4.2).
QT prolongation
If during treatment the QTc exceeds 500 msec, please refer to the vemurafenib SmPC sections 4.2 and 4.4.
Excipients
This medicinal product contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucosegalactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Effects of other medicinal products on cobimetinib
CYP3A inhibitors
Cobimetinib is metabolized by CYP3A and cobimetinib AUC increased approximately 7 fold in the presence of a strong CYP3A inhibitor (itraconazole) in healthy subjects. The magnitude of interaction could potentially be lower in patients.
Strong CYP3A inhibitors (see section 4.4.)
Avoid concurrent use of strong CYP3A inhibitors during treatment with cobimetinib. Strong CYP3A inhibitors include, but are not limited to ritonavir, cobicistat, telaprevir, lopinavir, itraconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, telithromycin, posaconazole, nefazodone and grapefruit juice. If concomitant use of a strong CYP3A inhibitor is unavoidable, patients should be carefully monitored for safety. For strong CYP3A inhibitors used short-term (7 days or less), consider interrupting cobimetinib therapy during the duration of inhibitor use.
Moderate CYP3A inhibitors (see section 4.4.)
Caution should be exercised if cobimetinib is co-administered with moderate CYP3A inhibitors. Moderate CYP3A inhibitors include, but are not limited to, amiodarone, erythromycin, fluconazole, miconazole, diltiazem, verapamil, delavirdine, amprenavir, fosamprenavir, imatinib. When cobimetinib is co-administered with a moderate CYP3A inhibitor, patients should be carefully monitored for safety.
Mild CYP3A inhibitors
Cobimetinib can be co-administered with mild inhibitors of CYP3A without dose adjustment.
CYP3A inducers
Co-administration of cobimetinib with a strong CYP3A inducer was not assessed in a clinical study, however, a reduction in cobimetinib exposure is likely. Therefore, concomitant use of moderate and strong CYP3A inducers (e.g. carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenytoin, and St. John’s Wort) should be avoided. Alternative agents with no or minimal CYP3A induction should be considered. Given that cobimetinib concentrations are likely to be significantly reduced when co-administered with moderate to strong CYP3A inducers, patient’s efficacy may be compromised.
P-glycoprotein inhibitors
Cobimetinib is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Concomitant administration of P-gp inhibitors such as ciclosporin and verapamil may have the potential to increase plasma concentrations of cobimetinib.
Effects of cobimetinib on other medicinal products
CYP3A and CYP2D6 substrates
A clinical drug-drug interaction (DDI) study in cancer patients showed that plasma concentrations of midazolam (a sensitive CYP3A substrate) and dextromethorphan (a sensitive CYP2D6 substrate) were not altered in the presence of cobimetinib.
CYP1A2 substrates
In vitro, cobimetinib is a potential inducer of CYP1A2 and may therefore reduce the exposure of substrates of this enzyme e.g., theophylline. No clinical DDI studies have been conducted to assess the clinical relevance of this finding.
BCRP substrates
In vitro, cobimetinib is a moderate inhibitor of BCRP (Breast Cancer Resistance Protein). No clinical DDI studies have been conducted to assess this finding, and clinically relevant inhibition of intestinal BCRP cannot be ruled out.
Other anti-cancer agents
Vemurafenib
There is no evidence of any clinically significant drug-drug interaction between cobimetinib and vemurafenib in unresectable or metastatic melanoma patients and therefore no dose adjustments is recommended.
Effects of cobimetinib on drug transport systems
In vitro studies show that cobimetinib is not a substrate of the liver uptake transporters OATP1B1, OATP1B3 and OCT1, however, it weakly inhibits these transporters. The clinical relevance of these findings has not been investigated.
Paediatric population
Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Women of childbearing potential / Contraception
Women of childbearing potential should be advised to use two effective contraceptive methods, such as a condom or other barrier method (with spermicide, if available) during treatment with Cotellic and for at least three months following treatment discontinuation.
Pregnancy
There are no data from the use of Cotellic in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown embryolethality and foetal malformations of the great vessels and skull (see section 5.3). Cotellic should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary and after a careful consideration of the needs of the mother and the risk to the foetus.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether cobimetinib is excreted in human breast milk. A risk to the newborns/infants cannot be excluded. A decision should be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or discontinue Cotellic 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 in humans for cobimetinib. In animals, no fertility studies have been performed, but adverse effects were seen on reproductive organs (see section 5.3). The clinical relevance of this is unknown.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Cotellic has minor influence on the ability to drive or use machines. Visual disturbances have been reported in some patients treated with cobimetinib during clinical studies (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). Patients should be advised not to drive or use machines if they experience visual disturbances or any other adverse effects that may affect their ability.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Summary of the safety profile
The safety of Cotellic in combination with vemurafenib has been evaluated in 247 patients with advanced BRAF V600 mutated melanoma in Study GO28141.The median time to onset for the first Grade >3 adverse events was 0.6 months in the Cotellic plus vemurafenib arm vs 0.8 months in the placebo plus vemurafenib arm.
The safety of Cotellic in combination with vemurafenib has also been evaluated in 129 patients with advanced BRAF V600 mutated melanoma in Study NO25395. The safety profile of Study NO25395 was consistent with that observed in Study GO28141.
In Study GO28141, the most common adverse reactions (>20%) observed with a higher frequency in the Cotellic plus vemurafenib arm were diarrhoea, rash, nausea, pyrexia, photosensitivity reaction, increased alanine aminotransferase, increased aspartate aminotransferase, increased blood creatine phosphokinase, and vomiting. The most common adverse reactions (>20%) observed with a higher frequency in the placebo plus vemurafenib arm were arthralgia, alopecia, and hyperkeratosis. Fatigue was observed at similar frequencies in both arms.
Please refer to the vemurafenib SmPC for complete descriptions of all undesirable effects associated with vemurafenib treatment.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are based on results from a multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase III Study (GO28141) that evaluated the safety and efficacy of Cotellic in combination with vemurafenib as compared to vemurafenib alone in previously untreated BRAF V600 mutation-positive patients with unresectable locally advanced (Stage IIIc) or metastatic melanoma (Stage IV).
ADR frequencies are based upon the safety analysis of patients treated with cobimetinib plus vemurafenib with a median follow up of 11.2 months (data cut-off date of 19 September 2014).
ADRs which were reported in melanoma patients are listed below by MedDRA body system organ class, frequency and grade of severity. The following convention has been used for the classification of frequency:
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
Table 3 lists adverse reactions considered associated with the use of Cotellic. Within each frequency grouping, ADRs are presented in order of decreasing severity and were reported according to NCI-CTCAE v 4.0 (common toxicity criteria) for assessment of toxicity in Study GO28141.
Table 3 Adverse drug reactions in patients treated with Cotellic in combination with vemurafenib in Study GO28141A
| System organ class | Very Common | Common | Uncommon |
| Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl. cysts and polyps) | Basal cell carcinoma, Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, Keratoacanthoma | ||
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders | Anaemia | ||
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | Dehydration, Hypophosphataemia, Hyponatremia, Hyperglycaemia | ||
| Eye disorders | Serous retinopathya, Blurred vision | Visual impairment | |
| Vascular disorders | Hypertension, Haemorrhage* | ||
| Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders | Pneumonitis | ||
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Diarrhoea, Nausea, Vomiting | ||
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Photosensitivityb, Rash, Rash maculo-papular, Dermatitis acneiform, Hyperkeratosis | ||
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Rhabdomyolysis | ||
| General disorders and administration site conditions | Pyrexia, Chills | ||
| Investigations | Blood CPK increased, ALT increased, AST increased, GammaGlutamyltransferase (GGT) increased, Blood ALP increased | Ejection fraction decreased, Blood bilirubin increased |
A Data cut-off date of 19 September 2014
* Please refer to the paragraph Haemorrhage in the “ Description of selected adverse reactions” section
Please refer tothe paragraph Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma and hyperkeratosis in the “Description of selected adverse reactions” section.
Please refer to the paragraph Rhabdomyolysis in the “Description of selected adverse reactions” section.
a Includes both chorioretinopathy and retinal detachment events indicative of serous retinopathy (see section 4.4) b Combined figure includes reports of photosensitivity reaction, sunburn, solar dermatitis, actinic elastosis
Description of selected adverse reactions
Haemorrhage
Bleeding events have been reported more frequently in the Cotellic plus vemurafenib arm than in the placebo plus vemurafenib arm (all types and Grades: 13% vs 7%). The median time to first onset was 6.1 months in the Cotellic plus vemurafenib arm.
The majority of events were Grade 1 or 2 and non-serious. Most events resolved with no change in Cotellic dose. Major haemorrhagic events (including intracranial and gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage) were reported in the post-marketing setting. The risk of haemorrhage may be increased with concomitant use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. If haemorrhage occurs, treat as clinically indicated (see section 4.2 and 4.4).
Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis has been reported in the post-marketing setting. Signs or symptoms of rhabdomyolysis warrant an appropriate clinical evaluation and treatment as indicated, along with Cotellic dose modification or discontinuation according to the severity of the adverse reaction (see section 4.2 and 4.4).
Photosensitivity
Photosensitivity has been observed with a higher frequency in the Cotellic plus vemurafenib arm vs placebo plus vemurafenib arm (47% vs 35%). The majority of events were Grades 1 or 2, with Grade >3 events occurring in 4% of patients in the Cotellic plus vemurafenib arm vs 0% in the placebo plus vemurafenib arm.
There were no apparent trends in the time of onset of Grade >3 events. Grade >3 photosensitivity events in the Cotellic plus vemurafenib arm were treated with primary topical medicinal products in conjunction with dose interruptions of both cobimetinib and vemurafenib (see section 4.2).
No evidence of phototoxicity was observed with Cotellic as a single agent.
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma and hyperkeratosis
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma has been reported with a lower frequency in the Cotellic plus vemurafenib arm vs placebo plus vemurafenib arm (all Grade: 3% vs 13%). Keratoacanthoma has been reported with a lower frequency in the Cotellic plus vemurafenib arm vs placebo plus vemurafenib arm (all Grade: 2% vs 9%). Hyperkeratosis has been reported with a lower frequency in the Cotellic plus vemurafenib vs placebo plus vemurafenib arm (all Grade: 11% vs 30%).
Serous retinopathy
Cases of serous retinopathy have been reported in patients treated with Cotellic (see section 4.4.) For patients reporting new or worsening visual disturbances, an ophthalmologic examination is recommended. Serous retinopathy can be managed with treatment interruption, dose reduction or with treatment discontinuation (see Table 1 in section 4.2).
Left ventricular dysfunction
Decrease in LVEF from baseline has been reported in patients receiving Cotellic (see section 4.4). LVEF should be evaluated before initiation of treatment to establish baseline values, then after the first month of treatment and at least every 3 months or as clinically indicated until treatment discontinuation. Decrease in LVEF from baseline can be managed using treatment interruption, dose reduction or with treatment discontinuation (see section 4.2).
Laboratory abnormalities
Liver laboratory abnormalities
Liver laboratory abnormalities, specifically ALT, AST, and ALP have been observed in patients treated with Cotellic in combination with vemurafenib (see section 4.4).
Liver laboratory tests should be monitored before initiation of combination treatment and monthly during treatment, or more frequently if clinically indicated (see section 4.2).
Blood creatine phosphokinase increase
Asymptomatic increases in blood CPK levels were observed with a higher frequency in the Cotellic plus vemurafenib arm vs placebo plus vemurafenib arm in Study GO28141 (see section 4.2 and 4.4). One event of rhabdomyolysis was observed in each treatment arm of the study with concurrent increases in blood CPK.
Table 4 provides the frequency of measured liver laboratory abnormalities and elevated creatine phosphokinase for all Grades and Grades 3–4.
Table 4 Liver function and other laboratory tests observed in the Phase III Study GO28141
| Changes in reported laboratory data | Cobimetinib plus vemurafenib (n = 247) (%) | Placebo plus vemurafenib (n = 246) (%) | ||
| All Grades | Grades 3–4 | All Grades | Grades 3–4 | |
| Liver function test | ||||
| Increased ALP | 69 | 7 | 55 | 3 |
| Increased ALT | 67 | 11 | 54 | 5 |
| Increased AST | 71 | 7 | 43 | 2 |
| Increased GGT | 62 | 20 | 59 | 17 |
| Increased blood bilirubin | 33 | 2 | 43 | 1 |
| Other laboratory abnorma | ities | |||
| Increased blood CPK | 70 | 12 | 14 | <1 |
Special populations
Elderly patients
In the Phase III study with Cotellic in combination with vemurafenib in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma (n=247), 183 patients (74%) were <65 years of age, and 44 patients (18%) were 65–74 years of age, 16 (6%) were 75–84 years of age, and 4 patients (2%) were aged >85 years. The proportion of patients experiencing adverse events (AE) was similar in the patients aged <65 years and those aged >65 years. Patients >65 years were more likely to experience serious adverse events (SAEs) and experience AEs leading to discontinuation of cobimetinib than those <65 years.
Renal impairment
No pharmacokinetic trial in subjects with renal impairment has been conducted. Dose adjustment is not recommended for mild to moderate renal impairment based on the results of the population pharmacokinetic analysis. There are minimal data for Cotellic in patients with severe renal impairment. Cotellic should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment.
Hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with hepatic impairment (see section 5.2).
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
There is no experience with overdose in human clinical studies. In case of suspected overdose, cobimetinib should be withheld and supportive care instituted. There is no specific antidote for overdosage with cobimetinib.
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antineoplastic agents, protein kinase inhibitors, ATC code: L01EE02
Mechanism of action
Cobimetinib is a reversible, selective, allosteric, oral inhibitor that blocks the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway by targeting the mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) 1 and MEK 2 which results in inhibition of phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and ERK 2. Therefore, cobimetinib blocks the cell proliferation induced by the MAPK pathway through inhibition of the MEK1/2 signalling node.
In the preclinical models, the combination of cobimetinib and vemurafenib showed that by simultaneously targeting mutated BRAF V600 proteins and MEK proteins in melanoma cells, the combination of the two products inhibits MAPK pathway reactivation through MEK1/2, resulting in a stronger inhibition of intracellular signalling and decreased tumour cell proliferation
Clinical efficacy and safety
There are no data on the safety or efficacy of Cotellic in combination with vemurafenib in patients with central nervous system metastasis or in patients with non-cutaneous malignant melanoma.
Study GO28141 (coBRIM)
Study GO28141 is a multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase III study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Cotellic in combination with vemurafenib as compared to vemurafenib plus placebo, in previously untreated patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable locally advanced (Stage IIIc) or metastatic melanoma (Stage IV).
Only patients with ECOG performance status 0 and 1 were enrolled in Study GO28141. Patients with ECOG performance status 2 or higher were excluded from the study.
Following confirmation of a BRAF V600 mutation, using the cobas® 4800 BRAF V600 mutation test, 495 previously untreated patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic melanoma were randomised to receive either:
- • Placebo once daily on Days 1–21 of each 28-day treatment cycle and 960 mg vemurafenib twice daily on Days 1–28, or
- • Cotellic 60 mg once daily on Days 1–21 of each 28-day treatment cycle and 960 mg
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Absorption
Following oral dosing of 60 mg in cancer patients, cobimetinib showed a moderate rate of absorption with a median Tmax of 2.4 hours. The mean steady-state Cmax and AUC0–24 were 273 ng/mL and 4340 ng.h/mL respectively. The mean accumulation ratio at steady state was approximately 2.4-fold. Cobimetinib has linear pharmacokinetics in the dose range of ~3.5 mg to 100 mg.
The absolute bioavailability of cobimetinib was 45.9% (90% CI: 39.7%, 53.1%) in healthy subjects. A human mass balance study was conducted in healthy subjects, and showed that cobimetinib was extensively metabolised and eliminated in faeces. The fraction absorbed was ~88% indicating high absorption and first pass metabolism.
The pharmacokinetics of cobimetinib are not altered when administered in the fed state (high-fat meal) compared with the fasted state in healthy subjects. Since food does not alter the pharmacokinetics of cobimetinib, it can be administered with or without food.
Distribution
Cobimetinib is 94.8% bound to human plasma proteins in vitro. No preferential binding to human red blood cells was observed (blood to plasma ratio 0.93).
The volume of distribution was 1050 L in healthy subjects given an intravenous dose of 2 mg. The apparent volume of distribution was 806 L in cancer patients based on population pharmacokinetic analysis.
Cobimetinib is a substrate of P-gp in vitro. The transport across the blood brain barrier is unknown.
Biotransformation
Oxidation by CYP3A and glucuronidation by UGT2B7 appear to be the major pathways of cobimetinib metabolism. Cobimetinib is the predominant moiety in plasma. No oxidative metabolites greater than 10% of total circulating radioactivity or human specific metabolites were observed in plasma. Unchanged medicinal product in faeces and urine accounted for 6.6% and 1.6% of the administered dose, respectively, indicating that cobimetinib is primarily metabolised with minimal renal elimination. In vitro data indicate cobimetinib is not an inhibitor of OAT1, OAT3 or OCT2.
Elimination
Cobimetinib and its metabolites were characterised in a mass balance study in healthy subjects. On average, 94% of the dose was recovered within 17 days. Cobimetinib was extensively metabolised and eliminated in faeces.
Following intravenous administration of a 2 mg dose of cobimetinib, the mean plasma clearance (CL) was 10.7 L/hr. The mean apparent CL following oral dosing of 60 mg in cancer patients was 13.8 L/hr.
The mean elimination half-life following oral dosing of cobimetinib was 43.6 hours (range: 23.1 to 69.6 hours). Therefore, it may take up to 2 weeks following treatment cessation for cobimetinib to be completely removed from systemic circulation.
Special populations
Based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis, gender, race, ethnicity, baseline ECOG, mild and moderate renal impairment did not affect the pharmacokinetic of cobimetinib. Baseline age and baseline body weight were identified as statistically significant covariates on cobimetinib clearance and volume of distribution respectively. However, sensitivity analysis suggests neither of these covariates had clinically significant impact on steady state exposure.
Gender
Gender does not have an effect on the exposure of cobimetinib, based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis including 210 women and 277 men.
Elderly
Age does not have an effect on the exposure of cobimetinib, based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis including 133 patients > 65 years of age.
Renal impairment
Based on preclinical data and the human mass balance study, cobimetinib is mainly metabolised, with minimal renal elimination. No formal pharmacokinetic study has been conducted in patients with renal impairment.
A population pharmacokinetic analysis using data from 151 patients with mild renal impairment (creatinine clearance (CRCL) 60 to less than 90 mL/min), 48 patients with moderate renal impairment (CRCL 30 to less than 60 mL/min), and 286 patients with normal renal function (CRCL greater than or equal to 90 mL/min), showed that CRCL had no meaningful influence on exposure of cobimetinib. Mild to moderate renal impairment does not influence cobimetinib exposure based on the population pharmacokinetic analysis. There are minimal data for Cotellic in patients with severe renal impairment.
Hepatic impairment
The pharmacokinetics of cobimetinib were evaluated in 6 subjects with mild hepatic impairment (Child Pugh A), 6 subjects with moderate hepatic impairment (Child Pugh B), 6 subjects with severe hepatic impairment (Child Pugh C) and 10 healthy subjects. Systemic total cobimetinib exposures after a single dose were similar in subjects with mild or moderate hepatic impairment compared to healthy subjects, while subjects with severe hepatic impairment had lower total cobimetinib exposures (AUC0-w geometric mean ratio of 0.69 compared to healthy subjects) which is not considered to be clinically significant. Unbound cobimetinib exposures were similar between subjects with mild and moderate hepatic impairment compared to subjects with normal hepatic function while subjects with severe hepatic impairment had approximately 2-fold higher exposures (see section 4.2).
Paediatric population
No studies have been conducted to investigate the pharmacokinetics of cobimetinib in paediatric patients.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted with cobimetinib. Standard genotoxicity studies with cobimetinib were negative.
No dedicated fertility studies in animals have been performed with cobimetinib. In toxicology studies, degenerative changes were observed in reproductive tissues including increased apoptosis/necrosis of corpora lutea and seminal vesicle, epididymal and vaginal epithelial cells in rats, and epididymal epithelial cells in dogs. The clinical relevance of this is unknown.
When administered to pregnant rats, cobimetinib caused embryolethality and foetal malformations of the great vessels and skull at systemic exposures similar to human exposure at recommended dose.
Cardiovascular safety of cobimetinib in combination with vemurafenib has not been evaluated in vivo. In vitro , cobimetinib produced moderate hERG ion channel inhibition (IC50= 0.5 |jM [266 ng/mL]), which is approximately 18 fold higher than peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) at the 60 mg to be marketed dose (unbound Cmax=14 ng/mL [0.03 |jM|).
Toxicity studies in rats and dogs identified generally reversible degenerative changes in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, skin, thymus, adrenal gland, liver, spleen, lymph node, kidney, heart, ovary, and vagina at plasma exposures below clinical efficacious levels. Dose limiting toxicities included skin ulcerations, surface exudates, and acanthosis in the rat and chronic active inflammation and degeneration of the oesophagus associated with varying degrees of gastroenteropathy in dogs.
In a repeat dose toxicity study in juvenile rats, cobimetinib systemic exposures were 2 to11 fold higher on post natal day 10 than on post natal day 38 when exposures were similar to those in adult rats. In juvenile rats, cobimetinib administration resulted in similar changes as seen in the pivotal toxicity studies in adults, including reversible degenerative changes in the thymus and liver, decreased spleen and thyroid/parathyroid weights, increased phosphorus, bilirubin and red blood cell mass and decreased triglycerides. Mortality occurred in juvenile animals at a dose (3 mg/kg) which did not lead to mortalities in adult animals.
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS6.1 List of excipients
Tablet core
Lactose monohydrate
Microcrystalline cellulose (E460)
Croscarmellose sodium (E468)
Magnesium stearate (E470b)
Film coating
Polyvinyl alcohol
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Macrogol 3350
Talc (E553b)
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf life
5 years.
6.4 Special precautions for storage
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Transparent PVC/PVDC blister containing 21 tablets. Each pack contains 63 tablets.
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
Roche Registration GmbH
Emil-Barell-Strasse 1
79639 Grenzach-Wyhlen
Germany
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
EU/1/15/1048/001
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
Date of first authorisation: 20 November 2015
Date of latest renewal: 25 June 2020