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TOOKAD 366 mg powder for solution for injection {equilateral_black_triangle}

Active Ingredient:
Company:  
Steba Biotech See contact details
ATC code: 
L01XD07
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About Medicine
{healthcare_pro_orange} This information is for use by healthcare professionals
Last updated on emc: 01 Aug 2018

black_triangle.svg This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions. See section 4.8 for how to report adverse reactions.

1. Name of the medicinal product

TOOKAD 183 mg powder for solution for injection

TOOKAD 366 mg powder for solution for injection

2. Qualitative and quantitative composition

TOOKAD 183 mg powder for solution for injection

Each vial contains 183 mg of padeliporfin (as di-potassium salt).

TOOKAD 366 mg powder for solution for injection

Each vial contains 366 mg of padeliporfin (as di-potassium salt).

1 mL of reconstituted solution contains 9.15 mg of padeliporfin.

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3. Pharmaceutical form

Powder for solution for injection. The powder is a dark lyophilisate.

4. Clinical particulars
4.1 Therapeutic indications

TOOKAD is indicated as monotherapy for adult patients with previously untreated, unilateral, low-risk, adenocarcinoma of the prostate with a life expectancy ≥ 10 years and:

- Clinical stage T1c or T2a,

- Gleason Score ≤ 6, based on high-resolution biopsy strategies,

- PSA ≤ 10 ng/mL,

- 3 positive cancer cores with a maximum cancer core length of 5 mm in any one core or 1-2 positive cancer cores with ≥ 50 % cancer involvement in any one core or a PSA density ≥ 0.15 ng/mL/cm3.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

TOOKAD is restricted to hospital use only. It should only be used by personnel trained in the Vascular-Targeted Photodynamic therapy (VTP) procedure.

Posology

The recommended posology of TOOKAD is one single dose of 3.66 mg/kg of padeliporfin.

TOOKAD is administered as part of focal VTP. The VTP procedure is performed under general anaesthetic after rectal preparation. Prophylactic antibiotics and alpha-blockers may be prescribed at the physician's discretion.

Retreatment of the same lobe or sequential treatment of the contralateral lobe of the prostate are not recommended (see section 4.4).

Special populations

Hepatic impairment

No data are available in patients with hepatic impairment. Exposure to padeliporfin is expected to be increased and/or prolonged in patients with hepatic impairment. No specific dosage recommendation can be given. TOOKAD should be used with caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

TOOKAD is contraindicated in patients who have been diagnosed with cholestasis (see section 4.3).

Renal impairment

There is minimal renal excretion of TOOKAD so no adjustment in dose is required in patients with renal impairment.

This medicinal product contains potassium. This should be taken into consideration (see section 4.4).

Elderly

No specific posology adjustment is necessary in this population (see section 5.2).

Paediatric population

There is no relevant use of TOOKAD in the paediatric population in the treatment of low-risk localised prostate cancer.

Method of administration

TOOKAD is for intravenous use. For instructions on reconstitution of TOOKAD before administration, see section 6.6.

Illumination for photoactivation of TOOKAD

The solution is administered by intravenous injection over 10 minutes. Then the prostate is illuminated immediately for 22 minutes 15 seconds by laser light at 753 nm delivered via interstitial optical fibres from a laser device at a power of 150 mW/cm of fibre, delivering an energy of 200 J/cm.

Planning of optical fibre positioning should be performed at the beginning of the procedure using the treatment guidance software. During the procedure, the number and the length of the optical fibres are selected depending on the shape and the size of the prostate and the optical fibres are positioned transperineally into the prostate gland under ultrasound guidance to achieve a Light Density Index (LDI) ≥ 1 in the targeted tissue. Treatment should not be undertaken in patients where an LDI ≥ 1 cannot be achieved (see section 5.1).

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Any previous prostatic interventions where the internal urinary sphincter may have been damaged, including trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Current or prior treatment for prostate cancer.

Patients who have been diagnosed with cholestasis.

Current exacerbation of rectal inflammatory bowel disease (see section 4.4).

Any medical condition that precludes the administration of a general anaesthetic or invasive procedures.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Tumour localisation

Before treatment, the tumour must be accurately located and confirmed as unilateral using high-resolution biopsy strategies based on current best practice, such as multi--parametric MRI-based strategies or template--based biopsy procedures.

Simultaneous treatment of both prostate lobes was associated with an inferior outcome in clinical trials and should not be performed.

Insufficient patients underwent retreatment of the ipsilateral lobe or sequential treatment of the contralateral lobe to determine the efficacy and safety of a second TOOKAD-VTP procedure.

Follow-up post TOOKAD-VTP

There is limited biopsy data beyond 2 years after TOOKAD treatment, so long-term efficacy has not been determined. Residual tumour has been found on follow-up biopsy of the treated lobe at 12 and 24 months, usually outside of the treated volume, but occasionally within the area of necrosis.

There is limited data on long-term outcomes and on potential consequences of post-TOOKAD local scarring in case of disease progression.

At present TOOKAD-VTP has been shown to defer the need for radical therapy and its associated toxicity. Longer follow-up will be required to determine whether TOOKAD-VTP will be curative in a proportion of patients.

Following TOOKAD VTP, patients should undergo digital rectal examination (DRE) and have their serum PSA monitored, including an assessment of PSA dynamics (PSA doubling time and PSA velocity). PSA should be tested every 3 months for first 2 years post VTP and every 6-months thereafter in order to assess PSA dynamics (PSA Doubling Time (DT), PSA velocity). Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) is recommended to be performed at least once a year and more often if clinically justified.Routine biopsy is recommended at 2-4 years and 7 years post VTP, with additional biopsies based on clinical/ PSA assessment. mpMRI may be used to improve the decision making but not, at present, to replace biopsy. In case of positive biopsies, patients who exceed the threshold for low risk disease (i.e. have GS > 6, > 3 positive cores or any single core length > 5mm) should receive a treatment recommendation for radical therapy.

Radical therapy post VTP procedure

The safety and efficacy of subsequent radical therapy (surgery or radiotherapy) is uncertain. Limited information is available regarding the safety and efficacy of radical prostatectomy after TOOKAD-VTP. In small surgical series, there have been reports of T3 tumours, positive margins and impotence. In the 24 months of the pivotal European Phase III study, no patients underwent radical radiotherapy post TOOKAD-VTP.

Photosensitivity

There is a risk of skin and eye photosensitivity with exposure to light post TOOKAD-VTP.

It is important that all patients follow the light precautions below for 48 hours post-procedure to minimize the risk of damage to the skin and eyes.

Patients should avoid exposure to direct sunlight (including through windows) and all bright light sources, both indoors and outdoors. This includes sunbeds, bright computer monitor screens and medical examination lights, such as ophthalmoscopes, otoscopes and endoscopy equipment, for 48 hours following the VTP procedure.

Sunscreen creams do not protect against near infra-red light and, therefore, do not provide adequate protection.

If the patient reports discomfort to the skin or eyes during hospitalisation, reduce the level of lighting and take extra care to shield the patient from artificial and natural light.

First 12 hours after VTP procedure

The patient should wear protective goggles and be kept under medical surveillance for at least 6 hours in a room with dimmed light.

The patient may be discharged in the evening of the same day at the physician's discretion.

The patient must stay in a dimmed light environment without any direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to daylight. The patient may only use incandescent light bulbs with a maximum power of 60 watts or equivalent (i.e. 6 watts for LED lights, 12 watts for fluorescent low-energy lights).

The patient may watch television from a distance of 2 metres and, from 6 hours onwards, may use electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers. If the patient must go outdoors during daylight hours, he should wear protective clothes and high protection goggles to shield his skin and eyes.

12-48 hours after VTP procedure

The patient may go outdoors during daylight hours but only in shaded areas or when it is overcast. He should wear dark clothes and take care when exposing hands and face to the sun.

The patient can return to normal activity and tolerate direct sunlight 48 hours after the procedure.

No patients with photosensitive dermatitis, skin conditions such as porphyria or a history of sensitivity to sunlight have received TOOKAD in clinical studies. However, the short duration of action of TOOKAD means that the risk of enhanced phototoxicity is expected to be low provided these patients strictly follow the precautions against light exposure.

There could be an additional risk of eye photosensitivity in patients who have received intra-occular anti-VEGF therapy. Patients who have received prior VEGF therapy should take particular care to protect the eyes from light for 48 hours post TOOKAD injection. Concomitant use of systemic VEGF inhibitors is not recommended with TOOKAD.

See section 4.5 for interactions with photosensitizing medicinal products.

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction may occur even if radical prostatectomy is avoided.

Some degree of erectile dysfunction is possible soon after the procedure and may last for more than 6 months (see section 4.8).

Extraprostatic necrosis

There may be extraprostatic necrosis in the peri-prostatic fat not associated with clinical symptoms.

Excessive extraprostatic necrosis occurred as a result of incorrect calibration of the laser or placement of the light fibres (see section 4.8). In consequence there is a potential risk of damage to adjacent structures, such as the bladder and/or rectum, and development of a recto-urethral or external fistula. A urinary fistula has occurred in one case due to incorrect fibre placement.

The equipment should be carefully calibrated and use the treatment guidance software to reduce the risk of clinically significant extraprostatic necrosis.

Urinary retention/urethral stricture

Patients with a history of urethral stricture or with urinary flow problems may be at increased risk of poor flow and urinary retention post the TOOKAD-VTP procedure. Urinary retention immediately post procedure has been attributed to transient prostatic oedema and generally only short term recatheterisation was required.

Poor urinary flow due to urethral stricture developed some months post procedure. In certain cases, the bulbar location suggested that the stenosis was caused by urinary catheterisation. In other cases, urethral stenosis may have been a late consequence of TOOKAD-VTP induced necrosis.

Although they were excluded from the clinical trials, there is a potential risk of increased stenosis post the TOOKAD-VTP procedure in patients with pre-existing stenosis (see section 4.8).

Urinary incontinence

The risk of sphincter damage can be minimised by careful planning of the fibre placement using the treatment guidance software. Severe long-term urinary incontinence was observed in a patient who underwent a previous transurethral prostatectomy (TURP). This event was not considered to be related to a faulty procedure but rather the pre-existing damage to the internal urethral sphincter from the TURP. The TOOKAD-VTP procedure is contraindicated in patients with any previous prostatic interventions where the internal urinary sphincter may have been damaged, including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hypertrophy (see section 4.3).

Inflammatory bowel disease

TOOKAD-VTP should only be administered after careful clinical evaluation, to patients with a history of active rectal inflammatory bowel disease or any condition that may increase the risk of recto-urethral fistula formation (see section 4.3).

Use in patients with abnormal clotting

Patients with abnormal clotting may develop excessive bleeding due to the insertion of the needles required to position the light fibres. This may also cause bruising, haematuria and/or local pain. It is not expected that a delay in clotting will reduce the effectiveness of the TOOKAD-VTP treatment ; however, it is recommended that drugs that affect clotting are stopped prior to and for the immediate period following the VTP procedure (see section 4.5).

Use in patients on a controlled potassium diet

This medicinal product contains potassium and in general the dose (3.66 mg/kg) will be less than 1 mmol (39 mg) i.e. essentially 'potassium free'. However, this will be exceeded in patients heavier than 115 kg. This should be taken into consideration in patients with reduced kidney function or patients on a controlled potassium diet where a rise in serum potassium would be considered detrimental (see section 4.2).

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 transporters

In vitro studies predict that TOOKAD at therapeutic concentrations is unlikely to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes but could inhibit OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 transporters (see section 5.2).

The magnitude of interaction has not been investigated clinically but a transient increase in the plasma concentration of co-administered substrates of OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 cannot be ruled out. The use of medicinal products that are substrates of OATP1B1 or OATP1B3 (repaglinide, atorvastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, bosentan, glyburide) for which concentration-dependent serious adverse events have been observed should be avoided on the day of TOOKAD infusion and for at least 24 hours after administration. Co-administration should be done with caution and close monitoring is recommended.

Photosensitisers

Medicinal products which have potential photosensitising effects (such as tetracyclines, sulphonamides, quinolones, phenothiazines, sulfonylurea hypoglycaemic agents, thiazide diuretics, griseofulvin or amiodarone) should be stopped at least 10 days before the procedure with TOOKAD and for at least 3 days after the procedure or replaced by other treatments without photosensitizing properties. If it is not possible to stop a photosensitising medicinal product (such as amiodarone), the patient should be advised that increased sensitivity to sunlight may occur and they may need to protect themselves from direct light exposure for a longer period (see section 4.2).

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents

Anticoagulant medicinal products and those that decrease platelet aggregation (e.g. acetylsalicylic acid) should be stopped at least 10 days before the procedure with TOOKAD. Medicinal products that prevent or reduce platelet aggregation should not be started for at least 3 days after the procedure.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Contraception

If the patient is sexually active with women who are capable of getting pregnant, he and/or his partner should use an effective form of birth control to prevent getting pregnant during a period of 90 days after the VTP procedure.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

TOOKAD is not indicated for the treatment of women.

Fertility

Padeliporfin has not been tested for reproductive toxicity and fertility.

However, all stages of spermatogenesis have been observed in animal. Minimal seminiferous epithelial degeneration was also recorded in one high-dose male with vacuolation. All these changes were considered to be incidental and probably related to the intravenous administration procedure.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

TOOKAD has no influence on the ability to drive or use machines. However, as the procedure includes general anaesthesia, patients should not perform complex tasks like driving or using machines until 24 hours after a general anaesthetic is employed.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

The most frequently reported adverse reactions in the Phase II and III clinical studies were urinary and reproductive system disorders: dysuria (25.1 %), erectile dysfunction (21.1 %), haematuria (19.6 %), perineal pain/haematoma (15.3 %), urinary retention (13.3 %), micturition urgency (9.0 %), pollakiuria (7.3 %), urinary tract infection (5.5 %), incontinence (5.3 %) and ejaculation failure (5.0 %).

Unspecific adverse events probably linked to the general anaesthesia were also observed: transient global amnesia, bradycardia, sinus arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, hypotension, bronchospasm, pharyngeal inflammation, respiratory tract congestion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, pyrexia, procedural hypotension. Some cases of hepatotoxicity (1.5 %), such as elevation of transaminases, were also reported. All of them were mild in intensity.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Adverse reactions reported are listed below in Table 1 by organ class and frequency. Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. Frequencies are defined as: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100).

Table 1: Summary of adverse reactions considered related to TOOKAD and/or the study device and/or the study procedure in the pooled safety analysis (N=398)

System Organ Class

Frequency

Adverse reaction

Infections and infestations

Common

Genito-urinary tract infection1

Uncommon

Prostatic abscess

Psychiatric disorders

Uncommon

Libido decreased

Affective disorder

Encopresis

Nervous system disorders

Uncommon

Headache

Dizziness

Sciatica

Sensory disturbance

Formication

Eye disorders

Uncommon

Eye irritation

Photophobia

Vascular disorders

Common

Haematoma

Hypertension

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Uncommon

Exertional dyspnoea

Gastrointestinal disorders

Common

Haemorrhoids

Anorectal discomfort2

Abdominal pain

Rectal haemorrhage3

Uncommon

Abdominal discomfort

Abnormal faeces

Diarrhoea

Hepatobiliary disorders

Common

Hepatotoxicity4

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Common

Ecchymosis

Uncommon

Rash

Erythema

Dry skin

Pruritus

Skin depigmentation

Skin reaction

Muscular and connective tissue disorders

Common

Back pain5

Uncommon

Groin pain

Muscle haemorrhage

Haemarthrosis

Musculoskeletal pain

Pain in extremity

Renal and urinary disorders

Very common

Urinary retention

Haematuria

Dysuria6

Micturition disorders7

Common

Urethral stenosis

Urinary incontinence8

Uncommon

Ureteric haemorrhage

Urethral haemorrhage

Urinary tract disorders

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Very common

Perineal pain9

Male sexual dysfunction10

Common

Prostatitis

Genital pain11

Prostatic pain12

Haematospermia

Uncommon

Genital haemorrhage

Penile swelling13

Prostatic haemorrhage

Testicular swelling

General disorders and administration site conditions

Common

Fatigue

Uncommon

Asthenia

Catheter site pain

Laser device failure

Infusion site bruising

Nodule

Pain

Application site erythema

Investigations

Common

Abnormal clotting14

Uncommon

Blood lactate dehydrogenase increased

Blood triglyceride increased

Gamma-glutamyltransferase increased

Blood cholesterol increased

Blood creatine phosphokinase increased

Blood potassium decreased

Low density lipoprotein increased

Neutrophil count increased

PSA increased

Weight decreased

White blood cell count increased

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications

Common

Perineal injury15

Uncommon

Surgical procedure repeated

Contusion

Post-procedural urine leak

Procedural pain

Post-procedural discharge

Fall

The following terms represent a group of related events that describes a medical condition rather than a single event.

1 Genito-urinary tract infection (urinary tract infection, orchitis, epididymitis, cystitis).

2 Anorectal discomfort (proctalgia, rectal tenesmus).

3 Rectal haemorrhage (anal haemorrhage).

4 Hepatotoxicity (alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased).

5 Back pain (intervertebral disc protrusion).

6 Dysuria (bladder pain, bladder spasm, hypertonic bladder, urethral spasm, urinary tract pain).

7 Micturition disorders (micturition urgency, pollakiuria, nocturia, urine flow decreased, urinary straining).

8 Urinary incontinence (urge incontinence, incontinence, stress urinary incontinence).

9 Perineal pain (pelvic pain).

10 Male sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction, ejaculation failure, dyspareunia, ejaculation disorder, hypospermia, painful ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, sexual dysfunction, semen volume decreased).

11 Genital pain (penile pain, testicular pain, scrotal pain, non-infective orchitis, spermatic cord inflammation, genital contusion).

12 Prostatic pain (prostatism, prostatic disorders, prostatic fibrosis).

13 Penile swelling (balanoposthitis).

14 Abnormal clotting (fibrin D dimer increased, aPTT prolonged, INR increased).

15 Perineal injury (post-procedural haematoma, necrosis, perineal haematoma, pelvic haematoma).

Description of selected adverse reactions

Erectile dysfunction

In the Phase III European study, 60 (30.5 %) of patients in the TOOKAD-VTP arm experienced erectile dysfunction and 16 (8.1 %) experienced ejaculation failure. 53 (26.9 %) patients experienced erectile dysfunction for more than 6 months, including 34 (17.3 %) patients in whom the erectile dysfunction had not resolved at the end of the study. When the analysis was restricted to patients that underwent unilateral VTP, 33 (16.8 %) patients experienced erectile dysfunction for more than 6 months, including 17 (8.6 %) patients in whom the erectile dysfunction had not resolved at the end of the study.

Urinary retention

In the Phase III European study, 30 (15.2 %) patients experienced urinary retention. The median time to onset of urinary retention was 3 days (1-417). The median duration was 10 days (1-344).

Genito-urinary infections

The most common infections are orchitis, epididymitis and urinary tract infections including cystitis. In the Phase III European study, 20 (10.2 %) patients in the TOOKAD-VTP arm experienced genito-urinary infection. In 5 (2.5 %) patients, the infection was considered serious. The median time to onset of genito-urinary infections was 22.5 days (4-360). The median duration was 21 days (4-197).

Urinary incontinence

In the Phase III European study, 25 (12.7 %) patients experienced urinary incontinence (including incontinence, stress urinary incontinence and urge incontinence). The median time to onset of urinary incontinence was 4 days (1-142). In 18 patients the adverse event resolved with a median duration of 63.5 days (1-360), and the adverse event was still ongoing at the end of the study for 7 patients. Only 1 (0.5 %) patient had a severe (Grade 3) urinary incontinence. None of these patients required an operation for incontinence.

Perineal injury, perineal pain and prostatitis

Perineal injury and perineal pain occurred in 46 (23.4 %) patients in the controlled Phase III European study. In some cases pain relief was required for perineal pain or anorectal discomfort. One patient had Grade 3 perineal pain that started 35 weeks after the VTP procedure, and lasted for about 35 weeks before resolving without sequelae.

Prostatitis occurred in 7 (3.6 %) patients in the controlled Phase III European study. One patient had Grade 3 prostatitis considered as serious that started 4 days after the VTP procedure, and lasted for 31 days before resolving without sequelae.

Urethral stenosis

In the pivotal Phase III European study, moderate or severe urethral stenosis developed in 2 (1.0 %) patients 5 to 6 months post-procedure. This required urethral dilatation (see section 4.4).

Additional adverse reactions in the Phase II prostate cancer studies and Special Authorization

Extraprostatic necrosis

Two cases of excessive extraprostatic necrosis occurred due to incorrect laser calibration without clinical sequelae. One case of external urethral fistula occurred due to fibre misplacement (see section 4.4).

Phototoxicity

In a patient treated at 2 mg/kg of TOOKAD, one case of Grade 3 ischaemic optic neuropathy was reported 33 days after the VTP procedure. This resolved with a small defect in the visual field.

Prostatic abscess

One serious adverse event of prostatic abscess which was considered severe was reported in the study performed in Latin America in a patient who had a unilateral VTP procedure. The case resolved within three days.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via

Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9 Overdose

There is limited clinical information on overdose involving TOOKAD. Healthy subjects have been exposed to doses up to 15 mg/kg of padeliporfin di-potassium (corresponding to 13.73 mg/kg of padeliporfin) without light activation and 23 patients have been treated with 6 mg/kg of padeliporfin di-potassium (corresponding to 5.49 mg/kg of padeliporfin) without significant safety issues.

However, a prolongation of photosensitisation is possible and precautions against light exposure should be maintained for an additional 24 hours (see section 4.4).

An overdose of the laser light may increase the risk of undesirable extraprostatic necrosis (see section 4.4).

5. Pharmacological properties
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Sensitizers used in photodynamic/radiation therapy, ATC code: L01XD07

Mechanism of action

Padeliporfin is retained within the vascular system. When activated with 753 nm wavelength laser light, padeliporfin triggers a cascade of pathophysiological events resulting in focal necrosis within a few days. Activation within the illuminated tumour vasculature, generates oxygen radicals SMPC_35255_147389a_1.png causing local hypoxia that induces the release of nitric oxide (• NO) radicals. This results in transient arterial vasodilatation that triggers the release of the vasoconstrictor, endothelin-1. Rapid consumption of the • NO radicals, by oxygen radicals, leads to the formation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) (e.g. peroxynitrite), in parallel to arterial constriction. In addition, impaired deformability is thought to enhance erythrocyte aggregability and formation of blood clots at the interface of the arterial supply (feeding arteries) and tumour microcirculation, results in occlusion of the tumour vasculature. This is enhanced by RNS-induced endothelial cell apoptosis and initiation of self-propagated tumour cells necrosis through peroxidation of their membrane.

Pharmacodynamic effects

In patients with localised prostate cancer who received TOOKAD-VTP, necrosis was observed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at day 7. There was a correlation between the total energy delivered and the volume of necrosis observed at day 7. The LDI corresponds to the ratio of the cumulative length of illuminated fibre tips (cm) to the volume (cc) of the targeted zone to be treated. The targeted zone corresponds to the lobe containing the positive biopsies. Its volume is measured after prostate delineation using the treatment guidance software. In Phase II studies, treatment conditions corresponding to an LDI ≥ 1 were associated with a mean rate of necrosis of the targeted zone at day 7 of 89 % ± 20.75 for unilateral treatment. An LDI ≥ 1 appeared to be associated with a greater volume of necrosis on Day 7 MRI and greater share of patients with negative biopsy at 6 months compared with an LDI < 1 (see section 4.2).

There was no significant correlation between the percentage of prostate necrosis on Day 7 MRI and the likelihood of a negative prostate biopsy at follow-up.

Clinical efficacy and safety

Phase III Study (PCM301)

The pivotal open-label Phase III study (PCM301), conducted in 10 European countries, randomised 413 patients to TOOKAD-VTP arm or AS arm.

The main inclusion criteria were low-risk prostate cancer with Gleason 3 + 3 prostate adenocarcinoma as a maximum, two to three cores positive for cancer and a maximum cancer core length of 5 mm in any core (at least 3 mm for patients with only one positive core), clinical stage up to T2a, PSA ≤ 10 ng/mL, prostate volume equal or greater than 25 cc and less than 70 cc.

The main exclusion criteria were any prior or current treatment for prostate cancer, any surgical intervention for benign prostatic hypertrophy, life expectancy less than 10 years, medical conditions which preclude the use of general anaesthesia.

The VTP procedure consisted of a 10 minutes IV injection of 4 mg/kg of TOOKAD followed by 22 minutes 15 seconds of illumination with 753 nm laser light at 200 J/cm of fibre delivered using interstitial optical fibres, inserted transperineally into the prostate gland. In case of unilateral disease, focal treatment of one lobe was to be applied. In case of bilateral disease (discovered at entry or during follow-up), bilateral treatment was to be applied, either simultaneously or consecutively. Retreatment of lobes found positive for cancer at 12-months follow-up was allowed.

AS involved serial absolute PSA measurements and ultrasound-guided prostatic biospy at 12 and 24 months.

The study had two co-primary endpoints for TOOKAD-VTP in comparison to AS:

- A: The rate of absence of definite cancer based on histology at 24 months,

- B: The difference in rate of treatment failure associated with observed progression of disease from low to moderate or higher risk prostate cancer. Moderate/higher risk prostate cancer was defined as any of the following: > 3 cores definitively positive for cancer; Gleason primary or secondary pattern ≥ 4; at least 1 cancer core length > 5 mm; PSA > 10 ng/mL in 3 consecutive measures; T3 prostate cancer; metastasis; prostate cancer-related death.

All patients had Gleason score ≤ 3 + 3 at baseline.

In each table are also presented the results of patients meeting the indication criteria (patients with unilateral low-risk localised prostate cancer excluded the very low-risk)

Table 2 gives baseline characteristics by arm.

Table 2: PCM301 – Baseline characteristics by arm for the Intention-To-Treat (ITT) population and patients meeting the indication criteria

Characteristic

ITT population

Patients meeting indication criteria

TOOKAD- VTP arm

N = 206

AS arm
 

N = 207

TOOKAD- VTP arm

N = 80

AS arm
 

N = 78

Age (years)

Mean (SD)

64.2 (6.70)

62.9 (6.68)

63.9 (6.27)

62.3 (6.32)

Range: min, max

45, 85

44, 79

48, 74

46, 73

Patients aged > 75 year old, n (%)

6 (2.9)

6 (2.9)

0

0

Unilateral disease, n (%)

157 (76.2)

163 (78.7)

80 (100)

78 (100)

Bilateral disease, n (%)

49 (23.8)

44 (21.3)

Not applicable

Not applicable

Clinical stages

T1, n (%)

178 (86.4)

180 (87.0)

66 (82.5)

71 (91.0)

T2a, n (%)

28 (13.6)

27 (13.0)

14 (17.5)

7 (9.0)

Total number of positive cores

Mean (SD)

2.1 (0.68)

2.0 (0.72)

2.2 (0.74)

2.1 (0.76)

Range: min, max

1, 3

1, 3

1, 3

1, 3

Estimated prostate volume (cc)

Mean (SD)

42.5 (12.49)

42.5 (11.76)

37.2 (9.67)

37.6 (9.63)

Range: min, max

25, 70

25, 70

25, 68

25, 66

PSA (ng/mL)

Mean (SD)

6.19 (2.114)

5.91 (2.049)

6.98 (1.796)

7.12 (1.704)

Range: min, max

0.1, 10.0

0.5, 10.0

1.0, 10.0

3.1, 10.0

Of the 206 subjects randomised TOOKAD-VTP, 10 did not receive treatment for various reasons including study withdrawal, meeting exclusion criteria, non-compliance and other medical events.

Table 3 describes the co-primary efficacy endpoints in the whole prostate gland and in the treated lobe (ITT population and patients meeting the indication criteria).

Table 3: PCM301 – Co-primary efficacy endpoints – Whole prostate gland and treated lobe(s)* – ITT population and patients meeting the indication criteria

Number of subjects with

ITT population

Patients meeting indication criteria

TOOKAD-VTP arm

N = 206

AS arm

N = 207

TOOKAD-VTP arm

N = 80

AS arm

N = 78

A: Rate of absence of definite cancer based on histology at 24 months

Negative biopsy, n (%)

101 (49.0)a

28 (13.5)a

36 (45.0)e

8 (10.3)e

Negative biopsy in the treated lobe*, n (%)

129 (62.6)b

40 (19.3)b

52 (65.0)f

11 (14.1)f

No biopsy result, n (%)

38 (18.4)

86 (41.5)

11 (13.8)

34 (43.6)

Subjects who had radical therapy leading to missing biopsy, n (%)

12 (5.8)

55 (26.6)c

6 (7.5)

27 (34.6)

Other reasonsd, n (%)

26 (12.6)

31 (15.0)

5 (6.3)

7 (9.0)

Positive biopsy, n (%)

67 (32.5)

93 (44.9)

33 (41.3)

36 (46.2)

Positive biopsy in the treated lobe*, n (%)

39 (18.9)

81 (39.1)

17 (21.3)

33 (42.3)

aRisk Ratio (95% CI) = 3.62 (2.50 ; 5.26) ; p value < 0.001

bRisk Ratio (95% CI) = 3.24 (2.41 ; 4.36) ; p value < 0.001

cAmong the 60 patients who had radical therapy, 5 patients had a Month 24 biopsy

dFor example: study withdrawal, medical reason, subject refusal

eRisk Ratio (95% CI) = 4.39 (2.18 ; 8.83) ; p value < 0.001

fRisk Ratio (95% CI) = 4.61 (2.60 ; 8.16) ; p value < 0.001

B: Difference in rate of treatment failure associated with observed progression of disease

Number of subjects progressed at Month 24, n (%)

58 (28.2)g

121 (58.5)g

27 (33.8)h

53 (67.9)h

Progression to Gleason ≥ 4

49 (23.8)

91 (44.0)

19 (23.8)

40 (51.3)

Number of subjects progressed in the treated lobe* at Month 24, n (%)

24 (11.7)i

90 (43.5)i

7 (8.8)j

39 (50.0)j

gAdjusted Hazard Ratio (95% CI) = 0.34 (0.24 ; 0.46) ; p value ≤ 0.001

hAdjusted Hazard Ratio (95% CI) = 0.31 (0.20 ; 0.50) ; p value ≤ 0.001

iAdjusted Hazard Ratio (95% CI) = 0.17 (0.12 ; 0.27) ; p value ≤ 0.001

jAdjusted Hazard Ratio (95% CI) = 0.11 (0.05 ; 0.25) ; p value ≤ 0.001

* The treated lobe(s) in the AS arm was defined as the lobe(s) with disease at baseline.

A secondary objective was to determine the difference between the two arms with regard to the rate of subsequent radical therapy for prostate cancer. Of 58 patients that progressed in the TOOKAD-VTP arm, only 11 underwent radical therapy, 18 patients underwent a second VTP procedure and 29 had not received further treatment at the end of the study. Of 121 patients that progressed in the AS arm, 54 underwent radical therapy and 67 had not received any active treatment at the end of the study. Patients in the AS arm were not offered subsequent VTP. In assessing overall tolerability by Month 24, post enrolment patients who underwent a radical therapy were also counted in the scoring of prostate symptoms and erectile function.

Table 4: PCM301 – Number of subjects with radical treatment at 24 months – ITT population and patients meeting the indication criteria

Characteristic

ITT population

Patients meeting indication criteria

TOOKAD-VTP arm

N = 206

AS arm
 

N = 207

TOOKAD-VTP arm

N = 80

AS arm
 

N = 78

Number of subjects who initiated a radical treatment, n (%)

12 (5.8)

62 (29.9)

6 (7.5)

28 (35.9)

Number of subjects who initiated a radical treatment after progression, n (%)

11 (5.3)

54 (26.1)

5 (6.3)

25 (32.1)

Effect on urinary morbidity (IPSS) and erectile function (IIEF) following TOOKAD-VTP

As shown in Table 5, in PCM301 study, the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) showed, a moderate increase 7 days after the VTP procedure, in both the ITT population and in patients meeting the indication criteria. Those results were improved at Month 3 and back to baseline values at Month 6, with further improvement until Month 24. In the Active Surveillance arm, the IPSS score slightly worsened over time until Month 24.

Table 5: PCM301 – Effect on urinary morbidity (IPSS) – ITT population and patients meeting the indication criteria

ITT population

Patients meeting indication criteria

TOOKAD-VTP arm

AS arm

TOOKAD-VTP arm

AS arm

n

Mean score (SD)

n

Mean score (SD)

n

Mean score (SD)

n

Mean score (SD)

Baseline

179

7.6 (6.09)

185

6.6 (5.30)

71

6.7 (5.69)

73

6.0 (4.34)

Day 7

180

14.8 (8.64)

Not applicable

72

14.2 (8.89)

Not applicable

Month 3

179

9.6 (6.86)

190

7.2 (5.75)

71

8.7 (5.72)

72

6.6 (5.11)

Month 6

182

7.5 (6.06)

189

6.8 (5.84)

74

6.4 (5.33)

73

6.3 (5.36)

Month 12

177

7.2 (5.85)

173

7.3 (5.95)

71

5.7 (5.01)

68

7.1 (5.75)

Month 24*

165

6.6 (5.47)

154

8.2 (6.47)

66

5.5 (5.34)

55

8.6 (6.56)

*Scores at Month 24 include patients who underwent radical therapy

As shown in Table 6, in the VTP arm of PCM301 study, erectile function domain scores of the 15-question International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire showed a marked decrease, 7 days after the VTP procedure followed by a subsequent improvement in the following months up to Month 24, in the ITT population and in patients meeting the indication criteria.

Table 6: PCM301 – Effect on erectile function (IIEF) – ITT population and patients meeting the indication criteria

ITT population

Patients meeting indication criteria

TOOKAD-VTP arm

AS arm

TOOKAD-VTP arm

AS arm

n

Mean score (SD)

n

Mean score (SD)

n

Mean score (SD)

n

Mean score (SD)

Baseline

184

18.6 (10.22)

188

20.6 (9.92)

74

18.4 (10.31)

74

20.8 (10.02)

Day 7

165

11.5 (10.96)

Not applicable

68

10.1 (10.82)

Not applicable

Month 3

171

14.7 (10.48)

182

21.0 (9.84)

69

14.3 (10.81)

70

21.7 (9.95)

Month 6

176

16.1 (9.98)

185

20.4 (9.83)

68

16.9 (9.78)

72

20.6 (9.85)

Month 12

170

15.1 (10.28)

167

19.9 (10.29)

70

16.7 (10.18)

65

20.4 (10.44)

Month 24*

159

15.0 (10.70)

152

16.8 (11.17)

62

15.4 (11.11)

54

16.4 (11.10)

*Scores at Month 24 include patients who underwent radical therapy

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

The pharmacokinetic properties of TOOKAD were studied in 42 healthy human male subjects (without photoactivation) and in 70 patients with localised prostate cancer (after photoactivation).

Distribution

In healthy human male subjects, the mean volume of distribution ranged from 0.064-0.279 L/kg, for posologies from 1.25 to 15 mg/kg of padeliporfin di-potassium indicating distribution into extracellular fluid. A similar mean distribution volume was seen in patients with localised prostate cancer treated with 2 and 4 mg/kg of padeliporfin di-potassium (0.09-0.10 L/kg respectively).

Padeliporfin di-potassium is highly bound to human plasma proteins (99 %).

In vitro studies indicate that TOOKAD is unlikely to be a substrate of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OCT1, OATP2B1, P-gp, BCRP, MRP2 or BSEP hepatic uptake transporters.

Biotransformation

Minimal metabolism of padeliporfin was observed in in vitro metabolism studies in human liver microsomes and S9 fractions. No metabolites of padeliporfin were observed in these studies.

No in vitro or in vivo studies have been conducted with radiolabelled padeliporfin. Therefore, the possibility for some in vivo metabolism of padeliporfin cannot be fully excluded.

In vitro studies indicate that TOOKAD is unlikely to be an inhibitor of CYP450 enzymes.

In vitro studies indicate that TOOKAD does not inhibit P-gp, OAT1, OAT3, OCT2, OCT1, BCRP and BSEP but it could inhibit both OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 transporters (see section 4.5).

Elimination

Clearance of padeliporfin di-potassium in healthy male subjects treated from 1.25 mg/kg up to 15 mg/kg of padeliporfin di-potassium ranged from 0.0245 to 0.088 L/h/kg. Based on popPK analysis the estimated half-life is 1.19 h ± 0.08 at 4 mg/kg of padeliporfin di-potassium. A similar mean clearance range was seen in patients with localised prostate cancer treated with 4 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg of padeliporfin di-potassium (0.04-0.06 L/h/kg respectively). Urinary excretion of padeliporfin in healthy human subjects was very low (< 0.2 % of the dose). Taking into account its molecular mass and the very low urinary excretion of the molecule, faecal elimination is the most probable route of elimination in human.

Elderly population

Very few patients aged over 75 years were enrolled into studies where pharmacokinetic measurements were taken so it is not known if there is a difference in these older patients compared to patients less than 75 years of age (see sections 4.2 and 5.1).

Linearity/non-linearity

In healthy human male subjects, the Cmax was shown to be linear from 1.25 mg/kg to 15 mg/kg of padeliporfin di-potassium, covering the therapeutic range.

Effects of covariates on pharmacokinetic properties

The effects of age, weight and race were investigated in healthy volunteers and patients.

The results of the population PK study showed that age, race, health status and markers of hepatic function were unlikely to have a substantial and biologically significant impact on the pharmacokinetics of TOOKAD.

The body weight of patients (range 60-120 kg) presented a minor impact on the TOOKAD pharmacokinetic parameters for doses up to 5 mg/kg of padeliporfin di-potassium.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology and repeated dose toxicity.

In vitro genotoxicity testing identified padeliporfin as having weak potential to induce clastogenicity when illuminated by ultraviolet (UV); this correlates with the mechanism of action (formation of reactive oxygen species).

Padeliporfin was shown to be cytotoxic in the presence of UVA irradiation (in vitro) and considered phototoxic in the guinea pig (in vivo).

Carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity studies have not been conducted with padeliporfin.

6. Pharmaceutical particulars
6.1 List of excipients

Mannitol (E421)

6.2 Incompatibilities

This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except those mentioned in section 6.6.

6.3 Shelf life

Unopened vial

5 years

After reconstitution

The chemical and physical stability of TOOKAD after reconstitution with 5 % glucose solution, in its vial, has been demonstrated for 8 hours at 15° C-25° C and at 5° C ± 3° C.

From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user.

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Store in a refrigerator (2° C-8° C).

Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light.

For storage conditions after reconstitution of the medicinal product, see section 6.3.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

TOOKAD 183 mg powder for solution for injection

Amber type I glass vial, sealed with a rubber stopper crimped with an aluminium seal and covered with a blue plastic flip-off cap, containing 183 mg padeliporfin.

Pack size: 1 vial

TOOKAD 366 mg powder for solution for injection

Amber type I glass vial, sealed with a rubber stopper crimped with an aluminium seal and covered with a white plastic flip-off cap, containing 366 mg padeliporfin.

Pack size: 1 vial

6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling

The preparation of the solution should take place in a dimmed-light environment.

TOOKAD is prepared by reconstituting the powder for solution for injection with:

- 20 mL of 5 % glucose solution for TOOKAD 183 mg,

- 40 mL of 5 % glucose solution for TOOKAD 366 mg.

The vial should then be swirled gently for 2 minutes. Each mL of the resulting solution will contain 9.15 mg of padeliporfin. The vial should rest in an upright position for 3 minutes without further shaking or moving. Due to the photosensitising properties of TOOKAD, the content of the vial should then be transferred into an opaque syringe that should be held in an upright position for 3 minutes to ensure any foam disappears. An injection filter of 0.22 µ m and an opaque tubing should be used to administer the medicinal product to the patient. Standard handling of syringes should follow.

The reconstituted solution is dark. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

7. Marketing authorisation holder

Steba Biotech S.A.

7 Place du Thé â tre

L-2613 Luxembourg

Luxembourg

8. Marketing authorisation number(s)

EU/1/17/1228/001

EU/1/17/1228/002

9. Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation

10 November 2017

10. Date of revision of the text

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu.

Steba Biotech
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