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Voclosporin

Also sold as: Lupkynis

Calcineurin Inhibitor ImmunosuppressantPrescription OnlyGeneric Available

Related Medications

Important: Only drugs listed as "Exact Equivalents" (FDA AB-rated) are confirmed interchangeable. All other listings are for informational reference only and do NOT indicate that drugs can be substituted without a physician's explicit guidance.
Same Pharmacologic Class

These drugs share a pharmacologic classification but are NOT interchangeable. Listing here does not imply clinical equivalence. A physician must evaluate each drug individually for the patient's specific condition.

Classification: Calcineurin Inhibitor Immunosuppressant (source: RxClass/NLM)

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Drug Information

Mechanism of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action LUPKYNIS is a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant. The mechanism of voclosporin suppression of calcineurin has not been fully established. Activation of lymphocytes involves an increase in intracellular calcium concentrations that bind to the calcineurin regulatory site and activate calmodulin binding catalytic subunit and through dephosphorylation activates the transcription factor, Nuclear Factor of Activated T-Cell Cytoplasmic (NFATc). The immunosuppressant activity results in inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation, T-cell cytokine production, and expression of T-cell activation surface antigens. Studies in animal models also support a non-immunological role for calcineurin inhibition in kidney function to stabilize actin cytoskeleton and stress fibers in podocytes leading to increased podocyte integrity in glomeruli.

Indications & Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE LUPKYNIS is indicated in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy regimen [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] for the treatment of adult patients with active lupus nephritis (LN). Limitations of Use: Safety and efficacy of LUPKYNIS have not been established in combination with cyclophosphamide. Use of LUPKYNIS is not recommended in this situation. LUPKYNIS is a calcineurin-inhibitor immunosuppressant indicated in combination with a background immunosuppressive therapy regimen for the treatment of adult patients with active lupus nephritis (LN). ( 1 , 14 ) Limitations of Use: Safety and efficacy of LUPKYNIS have not been established in combination with cyclophosphamide. Use of LUPKYNIS is not recommended in this situation.

Dosage & Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administration : LUPKYNIS must be swallowed whole on an empty stomach. ( 2.1 ) Administer consistently as close to a 12-hour schedule as possible, and with at least 8 hours between doses. ( 2.1 ) If a dose is missed, instruct the patient to take it as soon as possible within 4 hours after missing the dose. Beyond the 4-hour time frame, instruct the patient to wait until the usual scheduled time to take the next regular dose. Instruct the patient not to double the next dose. ( 2.1 ) Instruct patients to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking LUPKYNIS. ( 2.1 , 7.1 ) Dosage Recommendations : Before initiating LUPKYNIS, establish an accurate baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and check blood pressure (BP). Use of LUPKYNIS is not recommended in patients with a baseline eGFR ≤45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 unless the benefit exceeds the risk; these patients may be at increased risk for acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity. ( 2.2 , 5.3 ) Do not initiate LUPKYNIS in patients with baseline BP >165/105 mmHg or with hypertensive emergency. ( 2.2 , 5.4 ) Recommended starting dose: 23.7 mg orally, twice a day. ( 2.3 ) Use LUPKYNIS in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids. ( 2.3 ) Modify the LUPKYNIS dose based on eGFR ( 2.3 , 5.3 ): Assess eGFR every two weeks for the first month, every four weeks through the first year, and quarterly thereafter. If eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 and reduced from baseline by >20% and <30%, reduce the dose by 7.9 mg twice a day. Re-assess eGFR within two weeks; if eGFR is still reduced from baseline by >20%, reduce the dose again by 7.9 mg twice a day. If eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 and reduced from baseline by ≥30%, discontinue LUPKYNIS. Re-assess eGFR within two weeks; consider re-initiating LUPKYNIS at a lower dose (7.9 mg twice a day) only if eGFR has returned to ≥80% of baseline. For patients that had a decrease in dose due to eGFR, consider increasing the dose by 7.9 mg twice a day for each eGFR measurement that is ≥80% of baseline; do not exceed the starting dose. Monitor blood pressure every two weeks for the first month after initiating LUPKYNIS, and as clinically indicated thereafter. For patients with BP >165/105 mmHg or with hypertensive emergency, discontinue LUPKYNIS and initiate antihypertensive therapy. ( 2.3 , 5.4 ) If the patient has not experienced therapeutic benefit by 24 weeks, consider discontinuation of LUPKYNIS. ( 2.3 ) Dosage Adjustments : Patients with severe renal impairment: the recommended dose is 15.8 mg twice daily. ( 2.4 , 8.6 ) Patients with mild and moderate hepatic impairment: the recommended dose is 15.8 mg twice daily. ( 2.4 , 8.7 ) 2.1 Important Administration Instructions LUPKYNIS capsules must be swallowed whole and must not be opened, crushed, or divided. LUPKYNIS should be taken on an empty stomach consistently as close to a 12-hour schedule as possible, and with a minimum of 8 hours between doses. If a dose is missed, instruct the patient to take it as soon as possible within 4 hours after missing the dose. Beyond the 4-hour time frame, instruct the patient to wait until the usual scheduled time to take the next regular dose. Instruct the patient not to double the next dose. Instruct patients to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking LUPKYNIS [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . 2.2 Prior to Initiating LUPKYNIS Therapy Establish an accurate baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Use of LUPKYNIS is not recommended in patients with a baseline eGFR ≤45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 unless the benefit exceeds the risk; these patients may be at increased risk for acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Check blood pressure (BP) at baseline. Do not initiate LUPKYNIS in patients with BP >165/105 mmHg or with hypertensive emergency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . 2.3 Dosage Recommendations The recommended starting dose of LUPKYNIS is 23.7 mg twice a day. Use LUPKYNIS in combination with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Safety and efficacy of LUPKYNIS have not been established in combination with cyclophosphamide. Use of LUPKYNIS is not recommended in this situation. Assess eGFR every two weeks for the first month, every four weeks through the first year and quarterly thereafter. Dosage of LUPKYNIS is based on the patient’s eGFR. Modify LUPKYNIS dosage based on eGFR [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] : If eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 and reduced from baseline by >20% and <30%, reduce the dose by 7.9 mg twice a day. Re-assess eGFR within two weeks; if eGFR is still reduced from baseline by >20%, reduce the dose again by 7.9 mg twice a day. If eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 and reduced from baseline by ≥30%, discontinue LUPKYNIS. Re-assess eGFR within two weeks; consider re-initiating LUPKYNIS at a lower dose (7.9 mg twice a day) only if eGFR has returned to ≥80% of ba

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Lymphoma and Other Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Nephrotoxicity due to LUPKYNIS and Drug Interactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Neurotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] QTc Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Immunizations [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ] Pure Red Cell Aplasia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] The most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥3%) were: glomerular filtration rate decreased, hypertension, diarrhea, headache, anemia, cough, urinary tract infection, abdominal pain upper, dyspepsia, alopecia, renal impairment, abdominal pain, mouth ulceration, fatigue, tremor, acute kidney injury, and decreased appetite. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurinia Pharmaceuticals at 1-833-672-0028 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. A total of 355 patients with LN were treated with voclosporin in the Phase 2 and 3 clinical studies with 224 exposed for at least 48 weeks, and 92 exposed for 3 years. Patients in Study 1 were randomized to LUPKYNIS 23.7 mg twice a day or placebo. A proportion of patients (n=216, 60%) in Study 1 continued in Study 1 extension, a double-blinded continuation study, and these patients were observed for up to 2 additional years [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Patients in Study 2 were randomized to LUPKYNIS 23.7 mg twice a day, voclosporin 39.5 mg twice a day, or placebo. Patients received background treatment with MMF 2 g daily and an IV bolus of corticosteroids followed by a pre-specified oral corticosteroid taper dosing schedule; LUPKYNIS dosing was adjusted based on eGFR and BP. A total of 267 patients received at least 1 dose of LUPKYNIS 23.7 mg twice a day with 184 exposed for at least 48 weeks. A total of 88 patients received at least 1 dose of voclosporin 39.5 mg twice a day with 40 exposed for 48 weeks. Table 1 lists common adverse reactions occurring in at least 3% of patients receiving LUPKYNIS and at an incidence at least 2% greater than placebo in Studies 1 and 2. Table 1: Adverse Reactions in ≥3% of Patients Treated with LUPKYNIS 23.7 mg Twice a Day and ≥2% Higher than Placebo in Studies 1 and 2 Adverse Reaction LUPKYNIS 23.7 mg twice a day (n=267) Placebo (n=266) Glomerular filtration rate decreased See Specific Adverse Reactions below (Nephrotoxicity) 26% 9% Hypertension 19% 9% Diarrhea 19% 13% Headache 15% 8% Anemia 12% 6% Cough 11% 2% Urinary tract infection 10% 6% Abdominal pain upper 7% 2% Dyspepsia 6% 3% Alopecia 6% 3% Renal Impairment 6% 3% Abdominal pain 5% 2% Mouth ulceration 4% 1% Fatigue 4% 1% Tremor 3% 1% Acute kidney injury 3% 1% Decreased appetite 3% 1% Other adverse reactions reported in less than 3% of patients in the LUPKYNIS 23.7 mg group and at a 2% higher rate than in the placebo group through 48/52 weeks included gingivitis and hypertrichosis. The overall profile of adverse events seen in Study 1 extension (representing 203 patient-years of additional exposure) were similar in both nature and severity to those seen in the first year of treatment (Study 1). The annual incidence of adverse reactions reduced each successive year in both treatment groups. The integrated LN dataset is presented in the Specific Adverse Reactions section: Placebo-controlled Studies: Studies 1 and 2 were integrated to represent safety through 48/52 weeks for placebo (n=266), LUPKYNIS 23.7 mg twice a day (n=267), and voclosporin 39.5 mg twice a day (n=88). Among patients from Study 1, 100 patients (56.2%) on placebo twice a day and 116 patients (64.8%) on LUPKYNIS 23.7 mg twice a day continued in a follow-on study period for up to 2 additional years (Study 1 extension), with safety assessments through a total of up to 3 years. Exposure adjusted incidence rates were adjusted by study for all the adverse events reported in this section. Specific Adverse Reactions Infections In the integrated Study 1 and Study 2 data sets, infections were reported in 146 patients (107.4 per 100 patient-years) treated with placebo, 166 patients (135.2 per 100 patient-years) treated with LUPKYNIS 23.7 mg, and 58 patients (167.5 per 100 patient-years) treated with voclosporin 39.5 mg twice a day. The most frequent infections were upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, viral upper respiratory tract infections, and herpes zoster. Se

Drug Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: Reduce LUPKYNIS daily dosage to 15.8 mg in the morning and 7.9 mg in the evening. ( 2.5 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) Strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers: Avoid co-administration. ( 7.1 , 12.3 ) Certain P-gp substrates: Reduce dosage of certain P-gp substrates with a narrow therapeutic window when co-administered with LUPKYNIS. ( 7.2 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on LUPKYNIS Strong and Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors Voclosporin is a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate. Co-administration with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors increases voclosporin exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which may increase the risk of LUPKYNIS adverse reactions. Co-administration of LUPKYNIS with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin) is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Reduce LUPKYNIS dosage when co-administered with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., verapamil, fluconazole, diltiazem) [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ] . Avoid food or drink containing grapefruit when taking LUPKYNIS. Strong and Moderate CYP3A4 Inducers Voclosporin is a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate. Co-administration with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers decreases voclosporin exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which may decrease the efficacy of LUPKYNIS. Avoid co-administration of LUPKYNIS with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers. 7.2 Effect of LUPKYNIS on Other Drugs Certain P-gp Substrates Voclosporin is a P-gp inhibitor. Co-administration of voclosporin increases exposure of P-gp substrates [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which may increase the risk of adverse reactions of these substrates. For certain P-gp substrates with a narrow therapeutic window, reduce the dosage of the substrate as recommended in its prescribing information, if needed. OATP1B1 Substrates Voclosporin is an inhibitor of OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 transporters. In one clinical study the concomitant administration of a single 40 mg dose of simvastatin with 23.7 mg BID voclosporin increased C max and AUC of the active metabolite simvastatin acid (an OATP1B1 substrate) by 3.1-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Monitor for adverse reactions such as myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when OATP1B1/OATP1B3 substrates (e.g., simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, pitavastatin, fluvastatin) are used concomitantly with LUPKYNIS and reduce the dosage of these substrates as recommended in their prescribing information. For example, when taking LUPKYNIS with simvastatin, limit the simvastatin dosage to 20 mg daily, or 40 mg daily for patients who have previously tolerated simvastatin 80 mg daily for at least one year without evidence of muscle toxicity.

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS LUPKYNIS is contraindicated in: Patients concomitantly using strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin) because these medications can significantly increase exposure to LUPKYNIS which may increase the risk of acute and/or chronic nephrotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ), and Pharmacokinetics ( 12.3 )] . Patients with a history of serious or severe hypersensitivity reaction, including anaphylaxis, to LUPKYNIS or any of its excipients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] . Patients concomitantly using strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin). ( 4 ) History of serious or severe hypersensitivity reaction, including anaphylaxis, to LUPKYNIS or any of its excipients. ( 4 )

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