Xermelo

these highlights do not include all the information needed to use xermelo safely and effectively. see full prescribing information for xermelo.
SPL v6
SPL
SPL Set ID f11c21f8-f725-445e-b38e-1e4c5b05bcc6
Route
oral
Published
Effective Date 2017-02-28
Document Type 34391-3 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL

Drug Facts

Composition & Product

Active Ingredients
telotristat (250 mg)
Inactive Ingredients
anhydrous lactose hydroxypropyl cellulose (90000 wamw) croscarmellose sodium magnesium stearate silicon dioxide polyvinyl alcohol, unspecified titanium dioxide polyethylene glycol, unspecified talc

Identifiers & Packaging

Pill Appearance
Imprint: T;E;250 Shape: oval Color: white Size: 17 mm Score: 1
Marketing Status
nda completed Since 2017-03-01 Until 2025-10-01

Indications and Usage

Xermelo is indicated for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea in combination with somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy in adults inadequately controlled by SSA therapy.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dosage of Xermelo in adult patients is 250 mg three times daily for patients whose diarrhea is inadequately controlled by SSA therapy. Administration Take Xermelo with food [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ), Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . When short-acting octreotide is used in combination with Xermelo, administer short-acting octreotide at least 30 minutes after administering Xermelo [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ), Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. Discontinue Xermelo if severe constipation develops [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].

Contraindications

None.

Warnings and Precautions

Constipation: Xermelo reduces bowel movement frequency; monitor patients for constipation and/or severe persistent or worsening abdominal pain. Discontinue Xermelo if severe constipation or abdominal pain develops. ( 5.1 )

Adverse Reactions

Most common adverse reactions (≥5%) are nausea, headache, increased GGT, depression, flatulence, decreased appetite, peripheral edema, and pyrexia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-844-539-7427 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 Substrates (e.g., midazolam): Efficacy of concomitant drugs may be decreased; monitor for suboptimal efficacy and consider increasing the dose of the concomitant drug. ( 7.1 )

Description

Xermelo is indicated for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea in combination with somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy in adults inadequately controlled by SSA therapy.


Medication Information

Warnings and Precautions

Constipation: Xermelo reduces bowel movement frequency; monitor patients for constipation and/or severe persistent or worsening abdominal pain. Discontinue Xermelo if severe constipation or abdominal pain develops. ( 5.1 )

Indications and Usage

Xermelo is indicated for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea in combination with somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy in adults inadequately controlled by SSA therapy.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dosage of Xermelo in adult patients is 250 mg three times daily for patients whose diarrhea is inadequately controlled by SSA therapy. Administration Take Xermelo with food [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ), Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . When short-acting octreotide is used in combination with Xermelo, administer short-acting octreotide at least 30 minutes after administering Xermelo [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ), Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. Discontinue Xermelo if severe constipation develops [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].

Contraindications

None.

Adverse Reactions

Most common adverse reactions (≥5%) are nausea, headache, increased GGT, depression, flatulence, decreased appetite, peripheral edema, and pyrexia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-844-539-7427 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 Substrates (e.g., midazolam): Efficacy of concomitant drugs may be decreased; monitor for suboptimal efficacy and consider increasing the dose of the concomitant drug. ( 7.1 )

Description

Xermelo is indicated for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea in combination with somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy in adults inadequately controlled by SSA therapy.

Section 42229-5

Less Common Adverse Reactions:

The following is a list of adverse reactions occurring in less than 5% of patients receiving Xermelo during the 12-week placebo-controlled period of the clinical trial:

Investigations: increased alkaline phosphatase, increased alanine aminotransferase, and increased aspartate aminotransferase.

Fecaloma was reported in one patient treated with Xermelo during the 36-week open-label extension period following the 12-week double-blind period of the trial.

Section 44425-7

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Section 51945-4

Principal Display Panel - ShellPak Label

NDC 70183-125-03

Rx Only

To Open:

1. Press and hold button below

2. Pull out blister from the right

XERMELO™

(telotristat ethyl) tablets

250 mg

per tablet

This daily dose pack contains

3 TABLETS

For oral use only. As with all medications,

keep out of reach of children.

11 Description

Xermelo (telotristat ethyl) tablets contain telotristat ethyl as telotristat etiprate, a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor. Telotristat etiprate is the hippurate salt of telotristat ethyl [(S)-ethyl 2-amino-3-(4-(2-amino-6-((R)-1-(4-chloro-2-(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyrimidin-4-yl)phenyl)propanoate], which undergoes hydrolysis to the active metabolite, (S)-2-amino-3-(4-(2-amino-6-((R)-1-(4-chloro-2-(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyrimidin-4-yl)phenyl)propanoic acid.

The molecular formula of telotristat etiprate is C27H26ClF3N6O3 • C9H9NO3 and its molecular weight is 754.2. The molecular weight of the free base (telotristat ethyl) is 575.0.

Chemical Structure:

Telotristat etiprate is a white to off-white solid. The solubility is a function of pH at 25°C; at pH 1 (0.1N HCl), the solubility is greater than 71 mg/mL., at pH 3 phosphate buffer, the solubility is 0.30 mg/mL, at a pH of 5 to 9, the solubility is negligible. In organic solvents, telotristat etiprate is freely soluble in methanol, soluble in acetone, and sparingly soluble in ethanol.

Each Xermelo tablet contains 250 mg of telotristat ethyl (free base) which is equivalent to 328 mg telotristat etiprate. The inactive ingredients of Xermelo tablets include: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose anhydrous, macrogol/PEG, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol [part hydrolyzed], talc and titanium dioxide.

5.1 Constipation

Xermelo reduces bowel movement frequency. In a 12-week, placebo-controlled trial, in which patients had 4 or greater bowel movements per day, 2 out of 45 patients treated with a higher than recommended dosage of Xermelo reported constipation. In one patient the constipation was serious, resulting in hospitalization. During the 36-week extension period with higher than the recommended dosage, 10 of 115 patients reported constipation: one developed intestinal perforation and one developed obstruction. In another 12-week, placebo-controlled trial in which patients had less than 4 bowel movements per day, 4 out of 25 patients treated with the recommended dosage of Xermelo reported constipation. Given that patients with metastatic carcinoid tumors may have impaired integrity of the gastrointestinal tract wall, monitor for the development of constipation and/or severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain in patients taking Xermelo. Discontinue Xermelo if severe constipation or severe persistent or worsening abdominal pain develops [see Dosage and Administration (2), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of Xermelo in pediatric patients have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Of 45 patients in a clinical trial of Xermelo, 19 (42%) patients were 65 years of age and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

14 Clinical Studies

A 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter trial of Xermelo was conducted in adult patients with a well-differentiated metastatic neuroendocrine tumor and carcinoid syndrome diarrhea who were having between 4 to 12 daily bowel movements despite the use of SSA therapy at a stable dose for at least 3 months. Patients were randomized to placebo or treatment with Xermelo 250 mg three times daily.

Study medication was administered within 15 minutes before or within 1 hour after a meal or snack [see Dosage and Administration (2)]. All patients were required to stay on their baseline SSA regimen and were allowed to use rescue medication (short-acting octreotide) and antidiarrheals (e.g., loperamide) for symptomatic relief. A total of 90 patients were evaluated for efficacy. The mean age of the population was 63 years of age (range 37 to 83 years), 50% were male, and 90% were White.

The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in the number of daily bowel movements averaged over the 12-week treatment period. The analysis results can be found in Table 2 below. The average was based on the number of days with valid, non-missing data. When a patient had more than 6 weeks of missing data, the change from baseline was considered equal to zero. A week of missing data was defined as a patient missing at least 4 days of diary data in that week.

Table 2: Change from Baseline in Bowel Movements/Day Averaged Over 12 Weeks in Adult Patients with Carcinoid Syndrome Diarrhea
Parameter Xermelo 250 mg three times daily Placebo

CL=confidence limit; SD=standard deviation.

a Baseline Bowel Movements/Day was assessed over the 3-4 week screening/run-in period.

b Statistical tests used a blocked 2-sample Wilcoxon Rank Sum statistic (van Elteren test) stratified by the u5-HIAA stratification at randomization. CLs were based on the Hodges-Lehmann estimator of the median paired difference.

c p<0.001

Bowel Movements/Day At Baseline a Number of Patients 45 45
Baseline Mean (SD)

Median (Min, Max)
6.1 (2.1)

5.5 (3.5, 13.0)
5.2 (1.4)

5.1 (3.5, 9.0)
 
Change From Baseline In Bowel Movements/Day Averaged Over 12 Weeks Change Averaged over 12 Weeks: Mean (SD)

Median (Min, Max)
˗1.4 (1.4)

-1.3 (-6.1, 1.6)
˗0.6 (0.8)

-0.6 (-2.7,0.8)
Estimate of Treatment Difference (97.5% CL)b ˗0.8c

(˗1.3, ˗0.3)
---
 

In the 12-week study, a difference in average weekly reductions in bowel movement frequency between Xermelo and placebo was observed as early as 1 to 3 weeks, and persisted for the remaining 9 weeks of the study.

To aid in the interpretation of the bowel movement reduction results, the proportion of patients reporting any particular level of reduction in overall average bowel movement frequency is depicted in Figure 1 below. For example, 33% of patients randomized to Xermelo and 4% of patients randomized to placebo experienced a reduction in overall average bowel movements from baseline of at least 2 bowel movements per day.

Figure 1: Cumulative Proportion of Patients with Carcinoid Syndrome Diarrhea Reporting Change in Overall Average Bowel Movement Frequency

Other symptoms of carcinoid syndrome (abdominal pain or flushing) did not show improvement in the comparison of Xermelo to placebo.

The average number of daily short-acting octreotide injections used for rescue therapy over the 12-week double-blind treatment period was 0.3 and 0.7 in the Xermelo and placebo groups, respectively. In the subgroup of patients who received short-acting octreotide injections, observed reductions in the number of bowel movements per day and treatment differences were generally consistent with the reductions and differences observed in patients who did not receive rescue therapy, and were similar to the overall data presented in Table 2 above [see Dosage and Administration (2), Drug Interactions (7.2)].

A third randomized treatment arm of Xermelo 500 mg three times daily did not demonstrate additional treatment benefit on the primary endpoint and had a greater incidence of adverse reactions than Xermelo 250 mg three times daily.  Therefore, Xermelo 500 mg three times daily is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

4 Contraindications

None.

6 Adverse Reactions

Most common adverse reactions (≥5%) are nausea, headache, increased GGT, depression, flatulence, decreased appetite, peripheral edema, and pyrexia. (6.1)

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-844-539-7427 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

7 Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 Substrates (e.g., midazolam): Efficacy of concomitant drugs may be decreased; monitor for suboptimal efficacy and consider increasing the dose of the concomitant drug. (7.1)

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

In healthy subjects, telotristat ethyl 500 mg three times daily (twice the recommended dosage) for 14 days decreased whole blood serotonin and 24-hour urinary 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (u5-HIAA) from baseline. A decrease in 24-hour u5-HIAA was observed as early as after 5 days of treatment.

In patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors and carcinoid syndrome diarrhea, 24-hour u5-HIAA decreased from baseline following 6 and 12 weeks of treatment with Xermelo 250 mg three times a day, whereas placebo did not decrease u5-HIAA.

7.1 Cyp3a4 Substrates

Concomitant use of Xermelo may decrease the efficacy of drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates (e.g., midazolam) by decreasing their systemic exposure. Monitor for suboptimal efficacy and consider increasing the dose for concomitant CYP3A4 substrates, if necessary [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

1 Indications and Usage

Xermelo is indicated for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea in combination with somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy in adults inadequately controlled by SSA therapy.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Telotristat, the active metabolite of telotristat ethyl, is an inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase, which mediates the rate limiting step in serotonin biosynthesis.  The in vitro inhibitory potency of telotristat towards tryptophan hydroxylase is 29 times higher than that of telotristat ethyl. Serotonin plays a role in mediating secretion, motility, inflammation, and sensation of the gastrointestinal tract, and is over-produced in patients with carcinoid syndrome. Through inhibition of tryptophan hydroxylase, telotristat and telotristat ethyl reduce the production of peripheral serotonin, and the frequency of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea.

5 Warnings and Precautions

Constipation: Xermelo reduces bowel movement frequency; monitor patients for constipation and/or severe persistent or worsening abdominal pain. Discontinue Xermelo if severe constipation or abdominal pain develops. (5.1)

2 Dosage and Administration

The recommended dosage of Xermelo in adult patients is 250 mg three times daily for patients whose diarrhea is inadequately controlled by SSA therapy.

Administration

  • Take Xermelo with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14)].
  • When short-acting octreotide is used in combination with Xermelo, administer short-acting octreotide at least 30 minutes after administering Xermelo [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14)].
  • If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
  • Discontinue Xermelo if severe constipation develops [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
7.2 Short Acting Octreotide

Concurrent administration of short-acting octreotide with Xermelo significantly decreased the systemic exposure of telotristat ethyl and telotristat, the active metabolite. If treatment with short-acting octreotide is needed in combination with Xermelo, administer short-acting octreotide at least 30 minutes after administration of Xermelo [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14)].

3 Dosage Forms and Strengths

Tablets: 250 mg telotristat ethyl; white to off-white, coated and oval with “T-E” debossed on one side and “250” debossed on the other side.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Xermelo was studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 90 patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors and carcinoid syndrome diarrhea. Patients reported between 4 to 12 bowel movements daily despite the use of SSA therapy at a stable dose for at least 3 months [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Placebo or Xermelo 250 mg was administered three times daily for 12 weeks. Concomitant anti-diarrheal medications (e.g., loperamide) were used by 43% (36% and 51% in the placebo and Xermelo group, respectively), pancreatic enzyme replacement medications by 39% (36% and 42% in the placebo and Xermelo group, respectively), and opioid analgesics by 29% (24% and 33% in the placebo and Xermelo group, respectively) of patients during the 12-week double-blind period of the trial.

Table 1 below lists adverse reactions occurring at an incidence of at least 5% in the Xermelo group (N=45) and at an incidence greater than placebo (N=45) during the 12-week placebo-controlled period of the trial.

Table 1: Percent Common Adverse Reactionsa by Treatment Group at 12-Weeks in a Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Patients with Carcinoid Syndrome Diarrhea

a incidence of at least 5% in the Xermelo group and at an incidence greater than placebo

b including depression, depressed mood and decreased interest

Adverse Reaction Xermelo

250 mg Three Times Daily, N=45

(%)
Placebo,

N=45

(%)
Nausea 13 11
Headache 11 4
Increased gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) 9 0
Depressionb 9 7
Peripheral edema 7 2
Flatulence 7 2
Decreased appetite 7 4
Pyrexia 7 4

In another placebo-controlled clinical trial of patients with carcinoid syndrome diarrhea and less than 4 bowel movements per day, the following additional adverse reactions, not listed in Table 1, of abdominal pain (including upper and lower abdominal pain, abdominal distention and gastrointestinal pain) and constipation were reported in at least 5% of patients in the Xermelo treated group and at an incidence greater than placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

17 Patient Counseling Information

Advise patients:

  • If they experience severe constipation or severe persistent or worsening abdominal pain, to discontinue Xermelo and contact their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
  • To take Xermelo with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14)].
  • When short-acting octreotide is used in combination with Xermelo, administer short-acting octreotide at least 30 minutes after administering Xermelo [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14)].
  • If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Distributed by:

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

8800 Technology Forest Place

The Woodlands, TX 77381

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

In a 26-week study in transgenic (Tg.rasH2) mice, telotristat ethyl was not tumorigenic at oral doses up to 300 mg/kg/day.

Telotristat ethyl was negative in the in vitro Ames test, the in vitro chromosomal aberration test using Chinese hamster ovary cells, and the in vivo rat micronucleus test.

Telotristat ethyl at oral doses up to 500 mg/kg/day (approximately 5 times the AUC for the active metabolite at the RHD) was found to have no effect on fertility and reproductive performance of male or female rats.


Structured Label Content

Section 42229-5 (42229-5)

Less Common Adverse Reactions:

The following is a list of adverse reactions occurring in less than 5% of patients receiving Xermelo during the 12-week placebo-controlled period of the clinical trial:

Investigations: increased alkaline phosphatase, increased alanine aminotransferase, and increased aspartate aminotransferase.

Fecaloma was reported in one patient treated with Xermelo during the 36-week open-label extension period following the 12-week double-blind period of the trial.

Section 44425-7 (44425-7)

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Section 51945-4 (51945-4)

Principal Display Panel - ShellPak Label

NDC 70183-125-03

Rx Only

To Open:

1. Press and hold button below

2. Pull out blister from the right

XERMELO™

(telotristat ethyl) tablets

250 mg

per tablet

This daily dose pack contains

3 TABLETS

For oral use only. As with all medications,

keep out of reach of children.

11 Description (11 DESCRIPTION)

Xermelo (telotristat ethyl) tablets contain telotristat ethyl as telotristat etiprate, a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor. Telotristat etiprate is the hippurate salt of telotristat ethyl [(S)-ethyl 2-amino-3-(4-(2-amino-6-((R)-1-(4-chloro-2-(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyrimidin-4-yl)phenyl)propanoate], which undergoes hydrolysis to the active metabolite, (S)-2-amino-3-(4-(2-amino-6-((R)-1-(4-chloro-2-(3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)pyrimidin-4-yl)phenyl)propanoic acid.

The molecular formula of telotristat etiprate is C27H26ClF3N6O3 • C9H9NO3 and its molecular weight is 754.2. The molecular weight of the free base (telotristat ethyl) is 575.0.

Chemical Structure:

Telotristat etiprate is a white to off-white solid. The solubility is a function of pH at 25°C; at pH 1 (0.1N HCl), the solubility is greater than 71 mg/mL., at pH 3 phosphate buffer, the solubility is 0.30 mg/mL, at a pH of 5 to 9, the solubility is negligible. In organic solvents, telotristat etiprate is freely soluble in methanol, soluble in acetone, and sparingly soluble in ethanol.

Each Xermelo tablet contains 250 mg of telotristat ethyl (free base) which is equivalent to 328 mg telotristat etiprate. The inactive ingredients of Xermelo tablets include: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose anhydrous, macrogol/PEG, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol [part hydrolyzed], talc and titanium dioxide.

5.1 Constipation

Xermelo reduces bowel movement frequency. In a 12-week, placebo-controlled trial, in which patients had 4 or greater bowel movements per day, 2 out of 45 patients treated with a higher than recommended dosage of Xermelo reported constipation. In one patient the constipation was serious, resulting in hospitalization. During the 36-week extension period with higher than the recommended dosage, 10 of 115 patients reported constipation: one developed intestinal perforation and one developed obstruction. In another 12-week, placebo-controlled trial in which patients had less than 4 bowel movements per day, 4 out of 25 patients treated with the recommended dosage of Xermelo reported constipation. Given that patients with metastatic carcinoid tumors may have impaired integrity of the gastrointestinal tract wall, monitor for the development of constipation and/or severe, persistent, or worsening abdominal pain in patients taking Xermelo. Discontinue Xermelo if severe constipation or severe persistent or worsening abdominal pain develops [see Dosage and Administration (2), Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of Xermelo in pediatric patients have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Of 45 patients in a clinical trial of Xermelo, 19 (42%) patients were 65 years of age and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

14 Clinical Studies (14 CLINICAL STUDIES)

A 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter trial of Xermelo was conducted in adult patients with a well-differentiated metastatic neuroendocrine tumor and carcinoid syndrome diarrhea who were having between 4 to 12 daily bowel movements despite the use of SSA therapy at a stable dose for at least 3 months. Patients were randomized to placebo or treatment with Xermelo 250 mg three times daily.

Study medication was administered within 15 minutes before or within 1 hour after a meal or snack [see Dosage and Administration (2)]. All patients were required to stay on their baseline SSA regimen and were allowed to use rescue medication (short-acting octreotide) and antidiarrheals (e.g., loperamide) for symptomatic relief. A total of 90 patients were evaluated for efficacy. The mean age of the population was 63 years of age (range 37 to 83 years), 50% were male, and 90% were White.

The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in the number of daily bowel movements averaged over the 12-week treatment period. The analysis results can be found in Table 2 below. The average was based on the number of days with valid, non-missing data. When a patient had more than 6 weeks of missing data, the change from baseline was considered equal to zero. A week of missing data was defined as a patient missing at least 4 days of diary data in that week.

Table 2: Change from Baseline in Bowel Movements/Day Averaged Over 12 Weeks in Adult Patients with Carcinoid Syndrome Diarrhea
Parameter Xermelo 250 mg three times daily Placebo

CL=confidence limit; SD=standard deviation.

a Baseline Bowel Movements/Day was assessed over the 3-4 week screening/run-in period.

b Statistical tests used a blocked 2-sample Wilcoxon Rank Sum statistic (van Elteren test) stratified by the u5-HIAA stratification at randomization. CLs were based on the Hodges-Lehmann estimator of the median paired difference.

c p<0.001

Bowel Movements/Day At Baseline a Number of Patients 45 45
Baseline Mean (SD)

Median (Min, Max)
6.1 (2.1)

5.5 (3.5, 13.0)
5.2 (1.4)

5.1 (3.5, 9.0)
 
Change From Baseline In Bowel Movements/Day Averaged Over 12 Weeks Change Averaged over 12 Weeks: Mean (SD)

Median (Min, Max)
˗1.4 (1.4)

-1.3 (-6.1, 1.6)
˗0.6 (0.8)

-0.6 (-2.7,0.8)
Estimate of Treatment Difference (97.5% CL)b ˗0.8c

(˗1.3, ˗0.3)
---
 

In the 12-week study, a difference in average weekly reductions in bowel movement frequency between Xermelo and placebo was observed as early as 1 to 3 weeks, and persisted for the remaining 9 weeks of the study.

To aid in the interpretation of the bowel movement reduction results, the proportion of patients reporting any particular level of reduction in overall average bowel movement frequency is depicted in Figure 1 below. For example, 33% of patients randomized to Xermelo and 4% of patients randomized to placebo experienced a reduction in overall average bowel movements from baseline of at least 2 bowel movements per day.

Figure 1: Cumulative Proportion of Patients with Carcinoid Syndrome Diarrhea Reporting Change in Overall Average Bowel Movement Frequency

Other symptoms of carcinoid syndrome (abdominal pain or flushing) did not show improvement in the comparison of Xermelo to placebo.

The average number of daily short-acting octreotide injections used for rescue therapy over the 12-week double-blind treatment period was 0.3 and 0.7 in the Xermelo and placebo groups, respectively. In the subgroup of patients who received short-acting octreotide injections, observed reductions in the number of bowel movements per day and treatment differences were generally consistent with the reductions and differences observed in patients who did not receive rescue therapy, and were similar to the overall data presented in Table 2 above [see Dosage and Administration (2), Drug Interactions (7.2)].

A third randomized treatment arm of Xermelo 500 mg three times daily did not demonstrate additional treatment benefit on the primary endpoint and had a greater incidence of adverse reactions than Xermelo 250 mg three times daily.  Therefore, Xermelo 500 mg three times daily is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

4 Contraindications (4 CONTRAINDICATIONS)

None.

6 Adverse Reactions (6 ADVERSE REACTIONS)

Most common adverse reactions (≥5%) are nausea, headache, increased GGT, depression, flatulence, decreased appetite, peripheral edema, and pyrexia. (6.1)

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-844-539-7427 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

7 Drug Interactions (7 DRUG INTERACTIONS)

CYP3A4 Substrates (e.g., midazolam): Efficacy of concomitant drugs may be decreased; monitor for suboptimal efficacy and consider increasing the dose of the concomitant drug. (7.1)

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

In healthy subjects, telotristat ethyl 500 mg three times daily (twice the recommended dosage) for 14 days decreased whole blood serotonin and 24-hour urinary 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (u5-HIAA) from baseline. A decrease in 24-hour u5-HIAA was observed as early as after 5 days of treatment.

In patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors and carcinoid syndrome diarrhea, 24-hour u5-HIAA decreased from baseline following 6 and 12 weeks of treatment with Xermelo 250 mg three times a day, whereas placebo did not decrease u5-HIAA.

7.1 Cyp3a4 Substrates (7.1 CYP3A4 Substrates)

Concomitant use of Xermelo may decrease the efficacy of drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates (e.g., midazolam) by decreasing their systemic exposure. Monitor for suboptimal efficacy and consider increasing the dose for concomitant CYP3A4 substrates, if necessary [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

1 Indications and Usage (1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE)

Xermelo is indicated for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea in combination with somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy in adults inadequately controlled by SSA therapy.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Telotristat, the active metabolite of telotristat ethyl, is an inhibitor of tryptophan hydroxylase, which mediates the rate limiting step in serotonin biosynthesis.  The in vitro inhibitory potency of telotristat towards tryptophan hydroxylase is 29 times higher than that of telotristat ethyl. Serotonin plays a role in mediating secretion, motility, inflammation, and sensation of the gastrointestinal tract, and is over-produced in patients with carcinoid syndrome. Through inhibition of tryptophan hydroxylase, telotristat and telotristat ethyl reduce the production of peripheral serotonin, and the frequency of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea.

5 Warnings and Precautions (5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS)

Constipation: Xermelo reduces bowel movement frequency; monitor patients for constipation and/or severe persistent or worsening abdominal pain. Discontinue Xermelo if severe constipation or abdominal pain develops. (5.1)

2 Dosage and Administration (2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION)

The recommended dosage of Xermelo in adult patients is 250 mg three times daily for patients whose diarrhea is inadequately controlled by SSA therapy.

Administration

  • Take Xermelo with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14)].
  • When short-acting octreotide is used in combination with Xermelo, administer short-acting octreotide at least 30 minutes after administering Xermelo [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14)].
  • If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
  • Discontinue Xermelo if severe constipation develops [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
7.2 Short Acting Octreotide (7.2 Short-Acting Octreotide)

Concurrent administration of short-acting octreotide with Xermelo significantly decreased the systemic exposure of telotristat ethyl and telotristat, the active metabolite. If treatment with short-acting octreotide is needed in combination with Xermelo, administer short-acting octreotide at least 30 minutes after administration of Xermelo [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14)].

3 Dosage Forms and Strengths (3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS)

Tablets: 250 mg telotristat ethyl; white to off-white, coated and oval with “T-E” debossed on one side and “250” debossed on the other side.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Xermelo was studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 90 patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors and carcinoid syndrome diarrhea. Patients reported between 4 to 12 bowel movements daily despite the use of SSA therapy at a stable dose for at least 3 months [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Placebo or Xermelo 250 mg was administered three times daily for 12 weeks. Concomitant anti-diarrheal medications (e.g., loperamide) were used by 43% (36% and 51% in the placebo and Xermelo group, respectively), pancreatic enzyme replacement medications by 39% (36% and 42% in the placebo and Xermelo group, respectively), and opioid analgesics by 29% (24% and 33% in the placebo and Xermelo group, respectively) of patients during the 12-week double-blind period of the trial.

Table 1 below lists adverse reactions occurring at an incidence of at least 5% in the Xermelo group (N=45) and at an incidence greater than placebo (N=45) during the 12-week placebo-controlled period of the trial.

Table 1: Percent Common Adverse Reactionsa by Treatment Group at 12-Weeks in a Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Patients with Carcinoid Syndrome Diarrhea

a incidence of at least 5% in the Xermelo group and at an incidence greater than placebo

b including depression, depressed mood and decreased interest

Adverse Reaction Xermelo

250 mg Three Times Daily, N=45

(%)
Placebo,

N=45

(%)
Nausea 13 11
Headache 11 4
Increased gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) 9 0
Depressionb 9 7
Peripheral edema 7 2
Flatulence 7 2
Decreased appetite 7 4
Pyrexia 7 4

In another placebo-controlled clinical trial of patients with carcinoid syndrome diarrhea and less than 4 bowel movements per day, the following additional adverse reactions, not listed in Table 1, of abdominal pain (including upper and lower abdominal pain, abdominal distention and gastrointestinal pain) and constipation were reported in at least 5% of patients in the Xermelo treated group and at an incidence greater than placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

17 Patient Counseling Information (17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION)

Advise patients:

  • If they experience severe constipation or severe persistent or worsening abdominal pain, to discontinue Xermelo and contact their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
  • To take Xermelo with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14)].
  • When short-acting octreotide is used in combination with Xermelo, administer short-acting octreotide at least 30 minutes after administering Xermelo [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14)].
  • If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Distributed by:

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

8800 Technology Forest Place

The Woodlands, TX 77381

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

In a 26-week study in transgenic (Tg.rasH2) mice, telotristat ethyl was not tumorigenic at oral doses up to 300 mg/kg/day.

Telotristat ethyl was negative in the in vitro Ames test, the in vitro chromosomal aberration test using Chinese hamster ovary cells, and the in vivo rat micronucleus test.

Telotristat ethyl at oral doses up to 500 mg/kg/day (approximately 5 times the AUC for the active metabolite at the RHD) was found to have no effect on fertility and reproductive performance of male or female rats.


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