Drug Interaction Report

MONITOR: Coadministration with other hepatotoxic agents may increase the risk of liver injury and decrease the therapeutic efficacy of fidanacogene elaparvovec and etranacogene dezaparvovec, liver-directed adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors designed to help replace missing coagulation factor IX. Increased transaminase levels, particularly those observed in the first 3 to 4 months after administration of these agents, have been attributed to immune-mediated injury of transduced hepatocytes, which may decrease its therapeutic efficacy. In a prospective, open-label, single-arm, multinational clinical study of adult male patients with moderately severe to severe hemophilia B (n=45) receiving a single dose of fidanacogene elaparvovec (5 x 10[11] vector genomes [vg]/kg), 29 patients experienced increased transaminase levels greater than or equal to 1.5 times baseline. Of these patients, 28 received treatment with corticosteroids due to increased transaminases and/or a decline in factor IX activity, with a mean initiation time to corticosteroid therapy reported at 45 days. However, no serious adverse reactions were reported. Likewise, clinical studies with etranacogene dezaparvovec have also reported asymptomatic and mostly mild elevations in transaminases. The majority of elevated ALT levels returned to baseline; however, there were cases where they remained between 48 IU/L to 193 IU/L at two years post-administration of etranacogene dezaparvovec.

MANAGEMENT: As part of monitoring post-administration of fidanacogene elaparvovec, the manufacturer generally recommends monitoring of ALT and factor IX activity levels (e.g., one to two times a week for at least 4 months). The manufacturer of etranacogene dezaparvovec advises weekly transaminase level monitoring at weekly intervals for 3 months after its administration and, in patients with elevated levels, until those enzymes return to baseline. Initiation of corticosteroid therapy and monitoring of Factor IX activity should be considered in cases where ALT levels rise above the upper limit of normal or double baseline levels. The risk of additive hepatotoxicity and decreased therapeutic efficacy of fidanacogene elaparvovec should be considered after coadministration with other hepatotoxic agents. Alternative treatment may be required if an interaction is suspected. The manufacturer of etranacogene dezaparvovec does not provide specific recommendations concerning coadministration with other hepatotoxic agents. Local protocols and/or the product labeling of the concomitant drug(s) should be consulted for additional guidance.

GENERALLY AVOID: Administration with grapefruit juice (compared to water or orange juice) has been shown to increase blood concentrations of cyclosporine with a relatively high degree of interpatient variability. The mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits.

GENERALLY AVOID: Administration with red wine or purple grape juice may decrease blood concentrations of cyclosporine. In 12 healthy volunteers, 12 ounces total of a merlot consumed 15 minutes prior to and during cyclosporine administration (single 8 mg/kg dose of Sandimmune) decreased cyclosporine peak blood concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) by 38% and 30%, respectively, compared to water. The time to reach peak concentration (Tmax) doubled, and oral clearance increased 50%. Similarly, one study were 12 healthy patients were administered purple grape juice and a single dose of cyclosporine showed a 30% and a 36% decrease in cyclosporine systemic exposure (AUC) and peak blood concentration (Cmax), respectively. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may involve decreased cyclosporine absorption.

MONITOR: Food has been found to have variable effects on the absorption of cyclosporine. There have been reports of impaired, unchanged, and enhanced absorption during administration with meals relative to the fasting state. The mechanisms are unclear. Some investigators found an association with the fat content of food. In one study, increased fat intake resulted in significantly increased cyclosporine bioavailability and clearance. However, the AUC and pharmacodynamics of cyclosporine were not significantly affected, thus clinical relevance of these findings may be minimal.

MANAGEMENT: Patients receiving cyclosporine therapy should be advised to either refrain from or avoid fluctuations in the consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice. Until more data are available, the consumption of red wine or purple grape juice should preferably be avoided or limited. All oral formulations of cyclosporine should be administered on a consistent schedule with regard to time of day and relation to meals so as to avoid large fluctuations in plasma drug levels.