UCB Announces Regulatory Filings for Cimzia® (Certolizumab Pegol) to Treat Psoriatic Arthritis and Axial Spondyloarthritis

ATLANTA, Feb. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- UCB announced today two new regulatory filings with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to extend the marketing authorization for Cimzia^® (certolizumab pegol) for the treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and for adult patients with active axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). The regulatory filings for two new indications for certolizumab pegol are now under review by the US FDA and EMA.

"We are committed to providing treatments for patients with severe diseases such as PsA and axSpA which can affect adults at a very productive and active time of their lives. These new regulatory filings bring us one step closer to supporting more people living with immunological conditions and to building UCB's immunology franchise," said Professor Dr. Iris Loew-Friedrich, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President UCB. "The clinical study supporting the axSpA filing represents the first Phase 3 study with an anti-TNF to include axSpA patients with and without definitive radiographic evidence of structural damage to the spine.  Similarly the study supporting the PsA filing was the first randomized, controlled study of an anti-TNF in PsA to include patients with and without prior anti-TNF exposure."

Certolizumab pegol is a Fc-free, PEGylated anti-TNF. In the US, certolizumab pegol is approved for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. It is also approved for reducing signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease and maintaining clinical response in adult patients with moderately to severely active disease who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy. Certolizumab pegol is marketed under the trade name Cimzia^®.¹

In the EU, certolizumab pegol in combination with methotrexate (MTX) is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients inadequately responsive to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs including MTX. Certolizumab pegol can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or when continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate.²  

PsA is a chronic inflammatory condition which affects both the skin and joints.³ It can cause skin and nail abnormalities and can lead to significant joint damage and disability over time.^3,4

The RAPID™-PsA study was a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol in patients with adult onset active and progressive PsA. Patients (n=409) received certolizumab pegol 400 mg on weeks 0, 2 and 4 and were then randomized (1:1:1) to receive either certolizumab pegol 200 mg every 2 weeks, 400 mg every 4 weeks or placebo. One clinical primary endpoint of the study was the ACR20 response at week 12. The second clinical primary endpoint was the difference from baseline to week 24 in the van der Heijde modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS) of radiographic changes.⁵

AxSpA is a form of spondyloarthritis that affects mainly the spine and sacroiliac joints, and includes ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and axSpA without definitive radiographic evidence of AS (nr-axSpA).⁶ The symptoms of AS can vary, but most people experience back pain and stiffness due to inflammation.⁷ People with nr-axSpA can have similar signs and symptoms to AS, but do not have definitive X-ray evidence of structural damage.⁸

The RAPID™ -axSpA study was a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol in patients with active axSpA. Patients (n=325) received certolizumab pegol 400 mg on weeks 0, 2 and 4 and were then randomized (1:1:1) to receive certolizumab pegol 200 mg every two weeks, 400 mg every four weeks or placebo. The primary endpoint of the study was the ASAS20 response rate at week 12.⁹

Notes to Editors

About SpA⁶

SpA is the overall name of a family of inflammatory rheumatic diseases that can affect the spine and peripheral joints, ligaments and tendons. There are two main types of clinical presentation of SpA – axSpA (symptoms predominantly related to the spine) and peripheral SpA (symptoms predominantly related to the peripheral joints).

About Psoriatic Arthritis³

Signs and symptoms of PsA include stiff, painful, swollen joints with reduced mobility, and changes to the nails. PsA affects approximately 0.24 percent of the population worldwide. Genetic and environmental factors play a role in PsA, and the disease usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 50.

About AS^6,7,10

AS is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease of the spine and is the most defined subset of axSpA. The symptoms of AS can vary, but most people experience back pain and stiffness due to inflammation which can proceed to fusion of the vertebrae. The condition can be severe, with around 1 in 10 people at risk of long-term disability. The condition usually occurs between 15 and 35 years of age, and rarely starts in old age, with prevalence estimated to be between 0.1% - 1.1% of the population. AS is more common in men than in women. Ankylosing spondylitis is hereditary and the major gene that causes this disease is HLA-B27.

About axSpA without radiographic evidence of AS⁸

Patients with no definitive sacroiliitis on conventional radiographs but similar clinical features and showing either sacroiliitis on MRI or who are HLA-B27 positive have axSpA without radiographic evidence of AS (non-radiographic axSpA [nr-axSpA]). There is limited epidemiological data for nr-axSpA.

About ACR20

ACR20 response is the proportion of patients achieving a 20% improvement in tender and swollen joint counts, together with a 20% improvement in at least 3 of: global disease activity assessed by observer, global disease activity assessed by patient, patient assessment of pain, physical disability score or acute phase response (c-reactive protein [CRP] measurement).

About ASAS20
The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS20) improvement criteria is defined as an improvement of at least 20% and absolute improvement of at least one unit on a 0-10 scale in at least three of the four following domains: patient global assessment, pain assessment, patient function, and inflammation and the absence of deterioration in the remaining domain.

About CIMZIA^®

Cimzia^® is the only Fc-free, PEGylated anti-TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor). Cimzia^® has a high affinity for human TNF-alpha, selectively neutralizing the pathophysiological effects of TNF-alpha. Over the past decade, TNF-alpha has emerged as a major target of basic research and clinical investigation. This cytokine plays a key role in mediating pathological inflammation, and excess TNF-alpha production has been directly implicated in a wide variety of diseases. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Cimzia^® for reducing signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease and maintaining clinical response in adult patients with moderately to severely active disease who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy and for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Cimzia^® in combination with MTX is approved in the EU for the treatment of moderate to severe active RA in adult patients inadequately responsive to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) including MTX. Cimzia^® can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or when continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate. UCB is also developing Cimzia^® in other autoimmune disease indications. Cimzia^® is a registered trademark of UCB PHARMA S.A.

Cimzia^® (certolizumab pegol) in the US  important safety information

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Risk of Serious Infections and Malignancy

Patients treated with CIMZIA ^® are at an increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death.  Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids.  CIMZIA ^® should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis.  Reported infections include:

• Active tuberculosis, including reactivation of latent tuberculosis.  Patients with tuberculosis have frequently presented with disseminated or extrapulmonary disease.  Patients should be tested for latent tuberculosis before CIMZIA ^® use and during therapy.  Treatment for latent infection should be initiated prior to CIMZIA ^® use. 
• Invasive fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and pneumocystosis.  Patients with histoplasmosis or other invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized disease.  Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection.  Empiric anti-fungal therapy should be considered in patients at risk for invasive fungal infections who develop severe systemic illness.
• Bacterial, viral and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens, including Legionella and Listeria.

The risks and benefits of treatment with CIMZIA ^® should be carefully considered prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection.  Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with CIMZIA ^® , including the possible development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy.

Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers, of which CIMZIA ^® is a member.  CIMZIA ^® is not indicated for use in pediatric patients.

Patients treated with CIMZIA ^® are at an increased risk for developing serious infections involving various organ systems and sites that may lead to hospitalization or death.  Opportunistic infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, parasitic, or other opportunistic pathogens including aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, legionellosis, listeriosis, pneumocystosis and tuberculosis have been reported with TNF blockers.  Patients have frequently presented with disseminated rather than localized disease.

Treatment with CIMZIA^® should not be initiated in patients with an active infection, including clinically important localized infections. CIMZIA^® should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis.  Patients greater than 65 years of age, patients with co-morbid conditions, and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressants (e.g. corticosteroids or methotrexate) may be at a greater risk of infection.  Patients who develop a new infection during treatment with CIMZIA^® should be closely monitored, undergo a prompt and complete diagnostic workup appropriate for immunocompromised patients, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be initiated.  Appropriate empiric antifungal therapy should also be considered while a diagnostic workup is performed for patients who develop a serious systemic illness and reside or travel in regions where mycoses are endemic.

Malignancies

During controlled and open-labeled portions of CIMZIA^® studies of Crohn's disease and other diseases, malignancies (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) were observed at a rate of 0.5 per 100 patient-years among 4,650 CIMZIA-treated patients versus a rate of 0.6 per 100 patient-years among 1,319 placebo-treated patients. In studies of CIMZIA^® for Crohn's disease and other investigational uses, there was one case of lymphoma among 2,657 CIMZIA^®-treated patients and one case of Hodgkin lymphoma among 1,319 placebo-treated patients.  In CIMZIA^® RA clinical trials (placebo-controlled and open label) a total of three cases of lymphoma were observed among 2,367 patients.  This is approximately 2-fold higher than expected in the general population.  Patients with RA, particularly those with highly active disease, are at a higher risk for the development of lymphoma. The potential role of TNF blocker therapy in the development of malignancies is not known.

Malignancies, some fatal, have been reported among children, adolescents, and young adults who received treatment with TNF-blocking agents (initiation of therapy </=18 years of age), of which CIMZIA^® is a member.  Approximately half of the cases were lymphoma (including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, while the other cases represented a variety of different malignancies and included rare malignancies associated with immunosuppression and malignancies not usually observed in children and adolescents.  Most of the patients were receiving concomitant immunosuppressants. 

Cases of acute and chronic leukemia have been reported with TNF-blocker use.  Even in the absence of TNF-blocker therapy, patients with RA may be at a higher risk (approximately 2-fold) than the general population for developing leukemia.

Periodic skin examinations are recommended for all patients, particularly those with risk factors for skin cancer.

Heart Failure

Cases of worsening congestive heart failure (CHF) and new onset CHF have been reported with TNF blockers. CIMZIA^® has not been formally studied in patients with CHF. Exercise caution when using CIMZIA^® in patients who have heart failure and monitor them carefully.

Hypersensitivity

Symptoms compatible with hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, dyspnea, hypotension, rash, serum sickness, and urticaria, have been reported rarely following CIMZIA^® administration. If such reactions occur, discontinue further administration of CIMZIA^® and institute appropriate therapy.

Hepatitis B Reactivation

Use of TNF blockers, including CIMZIA^®, has been associated with  reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers of this virus. Some cases have been fatal. Test patients for HBV infection before initiating treatment with CIMZIA^®.  Exercise caution in prescribing CIMZIA^® for patients identified as carriers of HBV, with careful evaluation and monitoring prior to and during treatment. In patients who develop HBV reactivation, discontinue CIMZIA^® and initiate effective anti-viral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment.

Neurologic Reactions

Use of TNF blockers, including CIMZIA^®, has been associated with rare cases of new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of central nervous system demyelinating disease, including multiple sclerosis, and with peripheral demyelinating disease, including Guillain-Barre syndrome. Rare cases of neurological disorders, including seizure disorder, optic neuritis, and peripheral neuropathy have been reported in patients treated with CIMZIA^®. Exercise caution in considering the use of CIMZIA^® in patients with these disorders.

Hematologic Reactions

Rare reports of pancytopenia, including aplastic anemia, have been reported with TNF blockers. Medically significant cytopenia (e.g., leukopenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia) has been infrequently reported with CIMZIA^®. Advise all patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias or infection (e.g., persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on CIMZIA^®. Consider discontinuation of CIMZIA^® therapy in patients with confirmed significant hematologic abnormalities.

Drug Interactions

An increased risk of serious infections has been seen in clinical trials of other TNF blocking agents used in combination with anakinra or abatacept.  Formal drug interaction studies have not been performed with rituximab or natalizumab; however because of the nature of the adverse events seen with these combinations with TNF blocker therapy, similar toxicities may also result from the use of CIMZIA^® in these combinations.  Therefore, the combination of CIMZIA^® with anakinra, abatacept, rituximab, or natalizumab is not recommended.  Interference with certain coagulation assays has been detected in patients treated with CIMZIA^®. There is no evidence that CIMZIA^® therapy has an effect on in vivo coagulation. CIMZIA^® may cause erroneously elevated aPTT assay results in patients without coagulation abnormalities.

Autoimmunity

Treatment with CIMZIA^® may result in the formation of autoantibodies and, rarely, in the development of a lupus-like syndrome. Discontinue treatment if symptoms of lupus-like syndrome develop.

Immunizations

Do not administer live vaccines or live-attenuated vaccines concurrently with CIMZIA^®.

Adverse Reactions

In controlled Crohn's clinical trials, the most common adverse events that occurred in >/=5% of CIMZIA^® patients (n=620) and more frequently than with placebo (n=614) were upper respiratory infection (20% CIMZIA^®, 13% placebo), urinary tract infection (7% CIMZIA^®, 6% placebo), and arthralgia (6% CIMZIA^®, 4% placebo). The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions in the controlled clinical studies was 8% for CIMZIA^® and 7% for placebo.

In controlled RA clinical trials, the most common adverse events that occurred in >/= 3% of patients taking CIMZIA^® 200 mg every other week with concomitant methotrexate (n=640) and more frequently than with placebo with concomitant methotrexate (n=324) were upper respiratory tract infection (6% CIMZIA^®, 2% placebo), headache (5% CIMZIA^®, 4% placebo), hypertension (5% CIMZIA^®, 2% placebo), nasopharyngitis (5% CIMZIA^®, 1% placebo), back pain (4% CIMZIA, 1% placebo), pyrexia (3% CIMZIA^®, 2% placebo), pharyngitis (3% CIMZIA^®, 1% placebo), rash (3% CIMZIA^®, 1% placebo), acute bronchitis (3% CIMZIA^®,1% placebo), fatigue (3% CIMZIA^®, 2% placebo). Hypertensive adverse reactions were observed more frequently in patients receiving CIMZIA^® than in controls.  These adverse reactions occurred more frequently among patients with a baseline history of hypertension and among patients receiving concomitant corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  Patients receiving CIMZIA^® 400mg as monotherapy every 4 weeks in RA controlled clinical trials had similar adverse reactions to those patients receiving CIMZIA^® 200mg every other week.  The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions in the controlled clinical studies was 5% for CIMZIA^® and 2.5% for placebo.

For full prescribing information, please go to www.ucb.com http://www.ucb.com/_up/ucb_com_products/documents/Cimzia%20COL%2004-2012_Immunizations%20and%20TB_Updated.pdf

Cimzia^® (certolizumab pegol) in EU/ EEA important safety information

Cimzia^® was studied in 2367 patients with RA in controlled and open label trials for up to 57 months. The commonly reported adverse reactions (1-10%) in clinical trials with Cimzia^® and post-marketing were viral infections (includes herpes, papillomavirus, influenza), bacterial infections (including abscess), rash, headache (including migraine), asthenia, leukopaenia (including lymphopaenia, neutropaenia), eosinophilic disorder, pain (any sites), pyrexia, sensory abnormalities, hypertension, pruritis (any sites), hepatitis (including hepatic enzyme increase), injection site reactions and nausea. Serious adverse reactions include sepsis, opportunistic infections, tuberculosis, herpes zoster, lymphoma, leukaemia, solid organ tumours, angioneurotic edema, cardiomyopathies (includes heart failure), ischemic coronary artery disorders, pancytopaenia, hypercoagulation (including thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism), cerebrovascular accident, vasculitis, hepatitis/hepatopathy (includes cirrhosis), and renal impairment/nephropathy (includes nephritis). In RA controlled clinical trials, 5% of patients discontinued taking Cimzia^® due to adverse events vs. 2.5% for placebo.

Cimzia^® is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients, active tuberculosis or other severe infections such as sepsis or opportunistic infections or moderate to severe heart failure.

Serious infections including sepsis, tuberculosis and opportunistic infections have been reported in patients receiving Cimzia^®. Some of these events have been fatal. Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of infections including tuberculosis before, during and after treatment with Cimzia^®. Treatment with Cimzia must not be initiated in patients with a clinically important active infection. If an infection develops, monitor carefully and stop Cimzia^® if infection becomes serious. Before initiation of therapy with Cimzia^®, all patients must be evaluated for both active and inactive (latent) tuberculosis infection. If active tuberculosis is diagnosed prior to or during treatment, Cimzia^® therapy must not be initiated and must be discontinued. If latent tuberculosis is diagnosed, appropriate anti-tuberculosis therapy must be started before initiating treatment with Cimzia^®. Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if signs/symptoms (e.g. persistent cough, wasting/weight loss, low grade fever, listlessness) suggestive of tuberculosis occur during or after therapy with Cimzia^®.

Reactivation of hepatitis B has occurred in patients receiving a TNF-antagonist including Cimzia^® who are chronic carriers of the virus (i.e. surface antigen positive). Some cases have had a fatal outcome. Patients should be tested for HBV infection before initiating treatment with Cimzia^®. Carriers of HBV who require treatment with Cimzia^® should be closely monitored and in the case of HBV reactivation Cimzia^® should be stopped and effective anti-viral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated.

TNF antagonists including Cimzia^® may increase the risk of new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of demyelinating disease; of formation of autoantibodies and uncommonly of the development of a lupus-like syndrome; of severe hypersensitivity reactions. If a patient develops any of these adverse reactions, Cimzia^® should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

With the current knowledge, a possible risk for the development of lymphomas, leukaemia or other malignancies in patients treated with a TNF antagonist cannot be excluded. Rare cases of neurological disorders, including seizure disorder, neuritis and peripheral neuropathy, have been reported in patients treated with Cimzia^®.

Adverse reactions of the hematologic system, including medically significant cytopenia, have been infrequently reported with Cimzia^®. Advise all patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias or infection (e.g., persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on Cimzia^®. Consider discontinuation of Cimzia^® therapy in patients with confirmed significant hematological abnormalities.

The use of Cimzia^® in combination with anakinra or abatacept is not recommended due to a potential increased risk of serious infections. As no data are available, Cimzia^® should not be administered concurrently with live vaccines. The 14-day half-life of Cimzia^® should be taken into consideration if a surgical procedure is planned. A patient who requires surgery while on Cimzia^® should be closely monitored for infections.

Please consult the full prescribing information in relation to other side effects, full safety and prescribing information. European SmPC date of revision June 2012.

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/001037/WC500069763.pdf

References

1. Cimzia^® US Prescribing Information. Accessed 5^th February 2013 from http://www.ucb.com/_up/ucb_com_products/documents/Cimzia%20COL%2004-2012_Immunizations%20and%20TB_Updated.pdf     
2. Cimzia^® EU Summary of Product Characteristics. Accessed 5^th February 2013 from http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/001037/WC500069763.pdf
3. Psoriatic Arthritis, Genetics Home Reference. Accessed 5th February 2013 from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/psoriatic-arthritis
4. Schett G., Coates L.C. et al. Structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: traditional views, novel insights gained from TNF blockade, and concepts for the future. Arthritis Res Ther. 2011 May 25;13 Suppl 1:S4.
5. ClinTrials.gov. Certolizumab Pegol in subjects with adult onset active and progressive psoriatic arthritis. Accessed 5^th February 2013 from http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01087788?term=certolizumab+pegol+and+psoriatic+arthritis&rank=1
6. Spondyloarthritis (Spondyloarthropathies). American College of Rheumatology. Accessed 5^th February 2013 from http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/spondyloarthritis.pdf#toolbar=1
7. Ankylosing Spondylitis, NHS Choices. Accessed 5^th February 2013 from http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Ankylosing-spondylitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
8. The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) handbook: a guide to assess spondyloarthritis, Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society. Accessed 5^th February 2013 from http://www.asas-group.org/education.php?id=01
9. ClinTrials.gov. Certolizumab pegol in subjects with active axial spondyloarthritis. Accessed 5th February 2013 from http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01087762?term=certolizumab+pegol+and+axial+spondyloarthritis&rank=1
10. Guideline on Clinical Investigation of Medicinal Products for the Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis, European Medicines Agency. Accessed February 13th 2013 from www.ema.europa.eu/ema/pages/includes/document/open_document.jsp?webContentId=WC500003424

For further information

Eimear O'Brien, Director, Brand Communications
T +32.2.559.9271, eimear.obrien@ucb.com
Andrea Levin, Senior PR Manager, US Communications and Public Relations
T +1 770.970.8352, andrea.Levin@ucb.com
Antje Witte, Investor Relations, UCB
T +32.2.559.9414, antje.witte@ucb.com
France Nivelle, Global Communications, UCB
T +32.2.559.9178, france.nivelle@ucb.com
Laurent Schots, Media Relations, UCB
T +32.2.559.9264, laurent.schots@ucb.com    

About UCB

UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 8,500 people in about 40 countries, the company generated revenue of EUR 3.2 billion in 2011. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).

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