Kevzara: Package Insert / Prescribing Info

Not Recommended for Concomitant Use with Biological DMARDS

The concurrent use of KEVZARA with biological DMARDs such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists, IL-1R antagonists, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies and selective co-stimulation modulators has not been studied. Avoid using KEVZARA with biological DMARDs because of the possibility of increased immunosuppression and increased risk of infection.

Recommended Evaluations Prior to Treatment

• Complete blood count (CBC): Treatment initiation with KEVZARA is not recommended in patients with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 2000 per mm3, or platelet count below 150,000 per mm3. Monitor laboratory parameters [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
• Liver function tests (LFT): Treatment initiation with KEVZARA is not recommended in patients with or who have alanine transaminase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) above 1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Monitor laboratory parameters [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
• Lipid parameters (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and/or triglycerides): Assess lipid parameters at baseline. Monitor laboratory parameters [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
• Active and latent tuberculosis infection evaluation: Prior to initiating KEVZARA, test patients for active and latent tuberculosis (TB). KEVZARA should not be administered to patients with active TB. If positive for latent infection, consider treating for TB prior to KEVZARA use [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
• Evaluate for infections: Avoid KEVZARA use in patients with active infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Pre-filled Pen and Pre-filled Syringe

• KEVZARA is intended for use under the guidance of a healthcare professional. A patient may self-inject KEVZARA or the patient's caregiver may administer KEVZARA. Provide proper training to patients and/or caregivers on the preparation and administration of KEVZARA prior to use according to the Instructions for Use (IFU).
• Allow the pre-filled syringe to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to subcutaneous injection. Do not warm KEVZARA in any other way.
• If using a pre-filled pen, allow the pre-filled pen to sit at room temperature for 60 minutes prior to subcutaneous injection. Do not warm KEVZARA in any other way.
• Instruct patients to inject the full amount in the syringe or pen (1.14 mL), which provides 200 mg or 150 mg of KEVZARA, according to the directions provided in the IFU.
• The ability of pediatric patients to self-inject with the pre-filled pen has not been tested.

Dosage Modifications for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Laboratory Abnormalities: Modify dosage in case of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or liver enzyme elevations as shown in Table 1 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. For treatment initiation criteria, refer to the dosage recommendations for RA [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2)].

• Infections: If a patient with RA develops a serious infection or an opportunistic infection, hold treatment with KEVZARA until the infection is controlled [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Dosage Modifications for Patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica

• Laboratory Abnormalities: Discontinue KEVZARA in patients with PMR who develop the following laboratory abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]:
  • neutropenia (ANC below 1,000 per mm3 at the end of the dosing interval)
  • thrombocytopenia (platelet count below 100,000 per mm3)
  • AST or ALT elevations 3 times above the ULN
  
  Dosage modifications have not been studied in patients with PMR with these conditions. For treatment initiation criteria, refer to the dosage recommendations for PMR [see Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.3)].
• Infections: If a patient with PMR develops a serious infection or an opportunistic infection, hold treatment with KEVZARA until the infection is controlled [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Dosage Modification for Patients with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Dose reduction of KEVZARA has not been studied in the pJIA population. Discontinue KEVZARA if ALT >5 ULN, platelet count ≤50,000 cells/mm3, neutrophil count <500 cells/mm3 associated with infection. Hold KEVZARA dosing for ALT >3 to ≤5 ULN, platelet count >50,000 to ≤100,000 cells/mm3, and neutrophil count ≥500 to <1000 cells/mm3, and until the clinical condition has been evaluated. The decision to discontinue KEVZARA should be based upon the medical assessment of the individual patient. If appropriate, the dose of concomitant methotrexate and/or other medications should be modified or discontinued.

Tuberculosis

Evaluate patients for tuberculosis (TB) risk factors and test for latent infection prior to initiating treatment with KEVZARA. Treat patients with latent TB with standard antimycobacterial therapy before initiating KEVZARA. Consider anti-TB therapy prior to initiation of KEVZARA in patients with a past history of latent or active TB in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent TB but having risk factors for TB infection. When considering anti-TB therapy, consultation with a physician with expertise in TB may be appropriate.

Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of TB including patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy.

Viral Reactivation

Viral reactivation has been reported with immunosuppressive biologic therapies. Cases of herpes zoster were observed in clinical studies with KEVZARA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. The risk of Hepatitis B reactivation with KEVZARA is unknown since patients who were at risk for reactivation were excluded.

Neutropenia

Treatment with KEVZARA was associated with a higher incidence of decrease in absolute neutrophil count (ANC), including neutropenia [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

• Assess neutrophil count prior to initiation of KEVZARA and monitor neutrophil count 4 to 8 weeks after start of therapy and every 3 months thereafter [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. For recommendations regarding initiating KEVZARA therapy and dosage modifications based on ANC results see Dosage and Administration (2.1 and 2.6).
• Based on the pharmacodynamics of the changes in ANC [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)], use results obtained at the end of the dosing interval when considering dosage modification.

Thrombocytopenia

Treatment with KEVZARA was associated with a reduction in platelet counts in clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

• Assess platelet count prior to initiation of KEVZARA and monitor platelets 4 to 8 weeks after start of therapy and every 3 months thereafter. For recommendations regarding initiating KEVZARA therapy and dosage modifications based on platelet counts see Dosage and Administration (2.1 and 2.6).

Elevated Liver Enzymes

Treatment with KEVZARA was associated with a higher incidence of transaminase elevations. These elevations were transient and did not result in any clinically evident hepatic injury in clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Increased frequency and magnitude of these elevations were observed when potentially hepatotoxic drugs (e.g., MTX) were used in combination with KEVZARA.

• Assess ALT/AST levels prior to initiation of KEVZARA and monitor ALT and AST levels 4 to 8 weeks after start of therapy and every 3 months thereafter. When clinically indicated, consider other liver function tests such as bilirubin. For recommendations regarding initiating KEVZARA therapy and dosage modifications based on transaminase elevations see Dosage and Administration (2.1 and 2.6).

Lipid Abnormalities

Treatment with KEVZARA was associated with increases in lipid parameters such as LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and/or triglycerides [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

• Assess lipid parameters approximately 4 to 8 weeks following initiation of treatment with KEVZARA, then at approximately 6-month intervals.
• Manage patients according to clinical guidelines for the management of hyperlipidemia.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

All patients in the safety data described below had moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis.

The safety of KEVZARA in combination with conventional DMARDs was evaluated based on data from seven studies, of which two were placebo-controlled, consisting of 2887 patients (long-term safety population). Of these, 2170 patients received KEVZARA for at least 24 weeks, 1546 for at least 48 weeks, 1020 for at least 96 weeks, and 624 for at least 144 weeks.

The pre-rescue placebo-controlled population includes patients from the two Phase 3 efficacy studies (Studies 1 and 2) from weeks 0 to 16 for Study 1 and weeks 0 to 12 for Study 2, and was used to assess common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities prior to patients being permitted to switch from placebo to KEVZARA. In this population, 582 patients, 579 patients, and 579 patients received KEVZARA 200 mg, KEVZARA 150 mg, or placebo once every two weeks, respectively, in combination with conventional DMARDs.

The 52-week placebo-controlled population includes patients from one Phase 2 study of 12-week duration and two Phase 3 efficacy studies (one of 24-week duration and the other of 52-week duration). This placebo-controlled population includes all subjects from the double-blind, placebo-controlled periods from each study and was analyzed under their original randomization assignment. In this population, 661 patients, 660 patients, and 661 patients received KEVZARA 200 mg, KEVZARA 150 mg, or placebo once every two weeks, respectively, in combination with conventional DMARDs.

Most safety data are described for the pre-rescue population. For rarer events, the 52-week placebo-controlled population is used.

The most common serious adverse reactions were infections.

The most frequent adverse reactions (occurring in at least 3% of patients treated with KEVZARA in combination with DMARDs) observed with KEVZARA in the clinical studies were neutropenia, increased ALT, injection site erythema, upper respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections.

In the pre-rescue placebo-controlled population, premature discontinuation due to adverse reactions occurred in 8%, 6% and 3% of patients treated with KEVZARA 200 mg, KEVZARA 150 mg, and placebo, respectively.

The most common adverse reaction (greater than 1%) that resulted in discontinuation of therapy with KEVZARA was neutropenia.

The use of KEVZARA as monotherapy was assessed in 132 patients, of which 67 received KEVZARA 200 mg and 65 patients received KEVZARA 150 mg without concomitant DMARDs. The safety profile was generally consistent with that in the population receiving concomitant DMARDs.

Overall Infections

In the pre-rescue placebo-controlled population, the rate of infections in the 200 mg and 150 mg KEVZARA + DMARD group was 110 and 105 events per 100 patient-years, respectively, compared to 81 events per 100 patient-years in the placebo + DMARD group. The most commonly reported infections (2% to 4% of patients) were upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and nasopharyngitis.

In the 52-week placebo-controlled population, 0.8% of patients (5 patients) treated with KEVZARA 200 mg + DMARD, 0.6% (4 patients) treated with KEVZARA 150 mg + DMARD and 0.5% (3 patients) treated with placebo + DMARD had an event of herpes zoster [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

The overall rate of infections with KEVZARA + DMARD in the long-term safety population was consistent with rates in the controlled periods of the studies.

Serious Infections

In the pre-rescue population, the rate of serious infections in the 200 mg and 150 mg KEVZARA + DMARD group was 3.8 and 4.4 events per 100 patient-years, respectively, compared to 2.5 events per 100 patient-years in the placebo + DMARD group. In the 52-week placebo-controlled population, the rate of serious infections in the 200 mg and 150 mg KEVZARA + DMARD group was 4.3 and 3.0 events per 100 patient-years, respectively, compared to 3.1 events per 100 patient-years in the placebo + DMARD group.

In the long-term safety population, the overall rate of serious infections was consistent with rates in the controlled periods of the studies. The most frequently observed serious infections included pneumonia and cellulitis. Cases of opportunistic infection have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Gastrointestinal Perforation

In the 52-week placebo-controlled population, one patient on KEVZARA therapy experienced a gastrointestinal (GI) perforation (0.11 events per 100 patient-years).

In the long-term safety population, the overall rate of GI perforation was consistent with rates in the controlled periods of the studies. Reports of GI perforation were primarily reported as complications of diverticulitis including lower GI perforation and abscess. Most patients who developed GI perforations were taking concomitant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. The contribution of these concomitant medications relative to KEVZARA in the development of GI perforations is not known [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Hypersensitivity Reactions

In the pre-rescue placebo-controlled population, the proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to hypersensitivity reactions was higher among those treated with KEVZARA (0.3% in 200 mg, 0.2% in 150 mg) than placebo (0%). The rate of discontinuations due to hypersensitivity in the long-term safety population was consistent with the placebo-controlled period.

Injection Site Reactions

In the pre-rescue placebo-controlled population, injection site reactions were reported in 7% of patients receiving KEVZARA 200 mg, 6% receiving KEVZARA 150 mg, and 1% receiving placebo. These injection site reactions (including erythema and pruritus) were mild in severity for the majority of patients and necessitated drug discontinuation in 2 (0.2%) patients receiving KEVZARA.

Laboratory Abnormalities

Malignancies

In the 52-week placebo-controlled population, 9 malignancies (exposure-adjusted event rate of 1.0 event per 100 patient-years) were diagnosed in patients receiving KEVZARA + DMARD compared to 4 malignancies in patients in the control group (exposure-adjusted event rate of 1.0 event per 100 patient-years).

In the long-term safety population, the rate of malignancies was consistent with the rate observed in the placebo-controlled period [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Other Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions occurring in 2% or more of patients on KEVZARA + DMARD and greater than those observed in patients on placebo + DMARD are summarized in Table 3.

Medically relevant adverse reactions occurring at an incidence less than 2% in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with KEVZARA in controlled studies was oral herpes.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Safety has been studied in one Phase 3 study (Study 3) in 117 PMR patients of whom 59 received subcutaneous KEVZARA 200 mg [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. Of these, 45 patients received KEVZARA for at least 24 weeks, 44 patients for at least 40 weeks, and 10 patients for at least 52 weeks. The total patient years duration in the KEVZARA PMR population was 47.37 patient years during the 12-month double blind, placebo-controlled study.

The common adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of patients treated with KEVZARA were neutropenia (15.3%), leukopenia (6.8%), constipation (6.8%), rash pruritic (5.1%), myalgia (6.8%), fatigue (5.1%), and injection site pruritus (5.1%).

Serious adverse reactions of neutropenia occurred in 2 patients (3.4%) in the KEVZARA group compared to none in the placebo group. In both cases of neutropenia, the participants had a neutrophil count less than 500 per mm3 without any infections and resolved following permanent discontinuation of study drug.

The most common adverse reactions that resulted in permanent discontinuation of therapy with KEVZARA were neutropenia in 3 patients (5.1%) and infection in 3 separate patients (5.1%), including COVID-19 (n=1), intervertebral discitis (n=1), and pneumonia (n=1).

Overall Infections

In Study 3, the proportion of patients with infections was lower in the KEVZARA group (37.3%) compared to the placebo group (50.0%). Two patients (3.2%) in the KEVZARA group and 1 patient (1.7%) in the placebo group had an event of herpes zoster.

Injection Site Reactions

In Study 3, three patients (5.1%) in the KEVZARA group experienced injection site reactions of pruritus which were mild in severity. No patient in the placebo group experienced injection site reactions.

Laboratory Abnormalities

Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (pJIA)

The safety of KEVZARA was studied in patients 2 to 17 years of age with pJIA who have had an inadequate response to current therapy (Study 4) [see Clinical Studies (14.3)]. A total of 93 patients received at least one administration of the recommended dose: 79 (84.9%) patients received the recommended dose for 52 weeks, 53 (57%) patients received it for 96 weeks and 30 (32.2%) patients received it for 156 weeks.

The overall median duration of study treatment for the recommended dose was 672 days. The cumulative exposure to treatment for patients who received the recommended dose at any time during the study was 184.1 patient-years.

The most common adverse drug reactions were nasopharyngitis, neutropenia, upper respiratory tract infection, and injection site erythema.

The most common adverse drug reaction that resulted in permanent discontinuation of therapy with KEVZARA was neutropenia (5.4%).

No new adverse reactions and safety concerns were identified in the pJIA population compared to the RA population.

Infections

In Study 4, the rate of infections was 146.6 events per 100 patient-years. The most common infections observed were nasopharyngitis (36.6%) and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) (14.0%).

Injection Site Reactions

In Study 4, injection site reactions (ISRs) occurred in 13 (14.0%) patients and the most commonly reported ISR was injection site erythema (9.7%). The majority of these events were mild and none of the ISRs required patient withdrawal from treatment or dose interruption.

Laboratory Abnormalities

Risk Summary

The limited human data with KEVZARA in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. Monoclonal antibodies, such as sarilumab, are actively transported across the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy and may affect immune response in the in utero exposed infant (see Clinical Considerations). From animal data, and consistent with the mechanism of action, levels of IgG, in response to antigen challenge, may be reduced in the fetus/infant of treated mothers (see Clinical Considerations and Data). In an animal reproduction study, consisting of a combined embryo-fetal and pre- and postnatal development study with monkeys that received intravenous administration of sarilumab, there was no evidence of embryotoxicity or fetal malformations with exposures up to approximately 84 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) (see Data). The literature suggests that inhibition of IL-6 signaling may interfere with cervical ripening and dilatation and myometrial contractile activity leading to potential delays of parturition (see Data).

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. KEVZARA should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Clinical Considerations

Data

Risk Summary

No information is available on the presence of sarilumab in human milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Maternal IgG is present in human milk. If sarilumab is transferred into human milk, the effects of local exposure in the gastrointestinal tract and potential limited systemic exposure in the infant to sarilumab are unknown. The lack of clinical data during lactation precludes clear determination of the risk of KEVZARA to an infant during lactation; therefore, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for KEVZARA and the potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from KEVZARA or from the underlying maternal condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

The pharmacokinetic profile of subcutaneous sarilumab in PMR patients was determined using a population pharmacokinetic analysis on a data set including 58 PMR patients treated with repeated subcutaneous administration of sarilumab 200 mg every two weeks. In general, pharmacokinetic exposures were higher in patients with PMR when compared to patients with RA. For this dose regimen, the estimated mean (± SD) steady-state AUC, Cmin and Cmax of sarilumab were 551 ± 321 mg.day/L, 27.0 ± 21.5 mg/L, and 46.5 ± 23.0 mg/L, respectively. The median time to steady state in PMR patients was estimated to be 28 weeks. There was accumulation following subcutaneous administration of sarilumab 200 mg, with an accumulation ratio of approximately 6-fold based on the mean trough concentrations.

Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA)

The pharmacokinetics of sarilumab in pJIA patients was characterized by a population pharmacokinetic analysis which included 101 pediatric patients 2 to 17 years of age who were treated with repeated subcutaneous doses of sarilumab.

For 3 mg/kg sarilumab (patients with a body weight ≥30 kg) given every 2 weeks, the estimated mean (±SD) steady-state AUC, Cmin, and Cmax of sarilumab were 276 ± 121 mg.day/L, 9.57 ± 5.84 mg/L, and 27.1 ± 11.6 mg/L, respectively.

For 4 mg/kg sarilumab (patients with a body weight 10 to <30 kg) given every 2 weeks, the estimated mean (± SD) steady-state AUC, Cmin, and Cmax of sarilumab were 395 ± 101 mg.day/L, 14.4 ± 9.81 mg/L, and 40.4 ± 7.77 mg/L, respectively.

Steady state was reached in 12 to 28 weeks with a 2- to 4-fold accumulation compared to single dose exposure for 3 and 4 mg/kg q2w. Steady state concentrations were within the range of exposures in adult RA patients following 150 mg/200 mg every 2 weeks.

Specific Populations

Population pharmacokinetic analyses in adult patients showed that age, gender and race did not meaningfully influence the pharmacokinetics of sarilumab. Although body weight influenced the pharmacokinetics of sarilumab, no dose adjustments are recommended for any of these demographics in adult patients.

Drug-Drug Interactions

Design of Clinical Studies in Adults with Moderately to Severely Active RA

The efficacy and safety of KEVZARA in RA were assessed in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter studies (Study 1 and Study 2) in patients older than 18 years with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Patients had at least 8 tender and 6 swollen joints at baseline.

Study 1 (NCT01061736) evaluated 1197 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who had inadequate clinical response to methotrexate (MTX). Patients received subcutaneous KEVZARA 200 mg, KEVZARA 150 mg, or placebo every two weeks with concomitant MTX. After Week 16 in Study 1, patients with an inadequate response could have been rescued with KEVZARA 200 mg every two weeks.

Study 2 (NCT01146652) evaluated 546 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate clinical response or were intolerant to one or more TNF-α antagonists. Patients received subcutaneous KEVZARA 200 mg, KEVZARA 150 mg, or placebo every two weeks with concomitant conventional DMARDs (MTX, sulfasalazine, leflunomide, and/or hydroxychloroquine). After Week 12 in Study 2, patients with an inadequate response could have been rescued with KEVZARA 200 mg every two weeks.

In Studies 1 and 2, the primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response at Week 24. Other key endpoints evaluated included change from baseline in HAQ-DI at Week 16 in Study 1 and at Week 12 in Study 2, and change from baseline in van der Heijde-modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS) at Week 52 in Study 1.

Clinical Response

The percentages of KEVZARA every two weeks + MTX/DMARD-treated patients achieving ACR20, ACR50 and ACR70 responses in Studies 1 and 2 are shown Table 4. In both studies, patients treated with either 200 mg or 150 mg of KEVZARA every two weeks + MTX/DMARD had higher ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 response rates versus placebo + MTX/DMARD-treated patients at Week 24.

In Studies 1 and 2, a greater proportion of patients treated with KEVZARA 200 mg or 150 mg every two weeks plus MTX/DMARD achieved a low level of disease activity as measured by a Disease Activity Score 28-C-Reactive Protein (DAS28-CRP) <2.6 compared with placebo + MTX/DMARD at the end of the studies (Table 4). In Study 1, the proportion of patients achieving DAS28-CRP <2.6 who had at least 3 or more active joints at the end of Week 24 was 33.1%, 37.8% and 20%, in the KEVZARA 200 mg + MTX/DMARD arm, KEVZARA 150 mg + MTX/DMARD arm, and placebo arm respectively.

The percent ACR20 response by visit in Study 1 is shown in Figure 1. A similar response curve was observed in Study 2.

Figure 1: Percent of ACR20 Response by Visit for Study 1 (Adults with Moderately to Severely Active RA)

The results of the components of the ACR response criteria at Week 12 for Studies 1 and 2 are shown in Table 5.

Radiographic Response

In Study 1, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as the van der Heijde-modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS) and its components, the erosion score and joint space narrowing score. Radiographs of hands and feet were obtained at baseline, 24 weeks, and 52 weeks and scored independently by at least two well-trained readers who were blinded to treatment group and visit number.

Both doses of KEVZARA + MTX were superior to placebo + MTX in the change from baseline in mTSS over 52 weeks (see Table 6). Less progression of both erosion and joint space narrowing scores over 52 weeks was reported in the KEVZARA + MTX treatment groups compared to the placebo + MTX group.

Treatment with KEVZARA + MTX was associated with significantly less radiographic progression of structural damage as compared with placebo + MTX. At Week 52, 55.6% of patients receiving KEVZARA 200 mg + MTX and 47.8% of patients receiving KEVZARA 150 mg + MTX had no progression of structural damage (as defined by a change in the Total Sharp Score of zero or less) compared with 38.7% of patients receiving placebo.

Physical Function Response

In Studies 1 and 2, physical function and disability were assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Patients receiving KEVZARA 200 mg every two weeks + MTX/DMARD and KEVZARA 150 mg every two weeks + MTX/DMARD demonstrated greater improvement from baseline in physical function compared to placebo + MTX/DMARD at Week 16 and Week 12 in Studies 1 and 2, respectively (Table 7).

Other Health Related Outcomes

General health status was assessed by the Short Form health survey (SF-36) in Studies 1 and 2. Patients receiving KEVZARA 200 mg every two weeks + MTX/DMARD demonstrated greater improvement from baseline compared to placebo + MTX/DMARD in the physical component summary (PCS) at Week 24, but there was no evidence of a difference between the treatment groups in the mental component summary (MCS) at Week 24. Patients receiving KEVZARA 200 mg + MTX/DMARD reported greater improvement relative to placebo in the domains of Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health Perception, Vitality, Social Functioning and Mental Health, but not in the Role Emotional domain.

Clinical Response

The proportion of participants achieving sustained remission at Week 52 was higher in the KEVZARA arm compared to the placebo arm; this difference was statistically significant. At 52 weeks, a higher proportion of patients in the KEVZARA arm achieved each component of the sustained remission endpoint compared to the placebo. An analysis was conducted that removed all acute phase reactants (CRP and ESR) criteria from the definition of the sustained remission, given sarilumab's direct impact on acute phase reactants. The results of this analysis were consistent with the primary analysis (see Table 8).

Effect on Concomitant Corticosteroid Use

The total actual cumulative corticosteroid dose included all corticosteroids taken during the study (i.e., prednisone taper regimen per protocol, add-on prednisone prior to Week 12, corticosteroid use due to rescue, or corticosteroid use during the treatment period to manage an adverse reaction not related to PMR). The total actual cumulative prednisone equivalent corticosteroid dose was lower in the KEVZARA arm (mean [SD] 1039.5 [612.2] mg and median 777 mg) relative to the placebo arm (mean [SD] 2235.8 [839.4] mg and median 2044 mg).