Pitavastatin 4 mg Tablet, 90-count — NDC 0832-6050-90 (Billing 00832-6050-90)

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1Mechanism of Action Pitavastatin is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a rate-limiting step in the biosynthetic pathway for cholesterol. As a result, the expression of LDL-receptors followed by the uptake of LDL from blood to liver is accelerated and then the plasma TC decreases. Sustained inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in the liver also decreases levels of very low-density lipoproteins.

12.2Pharmacodynamics Cardiac Electrophysiology In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-way parallel, active-comparator study with moxifloxacin in 174 healthy participants, pitavastatin was not associated with clinically meaningful prolongation of the QTc interval or heart rate at daily doses up to 16 mg (4 times the recommended maximum dose of 4 mg daily).

12.3Pharmacokinetics Absorption Pitavastatin peak plasma concentrations are achieved about 1 hour after oral administration. Both C max and AUC 0–inf increased in an approximately dose-proportional manner for single pitavastatin tablets doses from 1 mg to 24 mg once daily. The absolute bioavailability of pitavastatin oral solution is 51%.

The C max and AUC of pitavastatin did not differ following evening or morning drug administration. In healthy volunteers receiving 4 mg pitavastatin, the percent change from baseline for LDL-C following evening dosing was slightly greater than that following morning dosing. Pitavastatin was absorbed in the small intestine but very little in the colon.

Effect of Food Administration of pitavastatin tablets with a high fat meal (50% fat content) decreases pitavastatin C max by 43% but does not significantly reduce pitavastatin AUC. Distribution Pitavastatin is more than 99% protein bound in human plasma, mainly to albumin and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, and the mean volume of distribution is approximately 148 L. Elimination Metabolism The principal route of pitavastatin metabolism is glucuronidation via liver uridine 5'-diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) with subsequent formation of pitavastatin lactone.

There is only minimal metabolism by the cytochrome P450 system. Pitavastatin is marginally metabolized by CYP2C9 and to a lesser extent by CYP2C8. The major metabolite in human plasma is the lactone, which is formed via an ester-type pitavastatin glucuronide conjugate by UGTs (UGT1A3 and UGT2B7).

Excretion A mean of 15% of radioactivity of orally administered, single 32 mg 14 C-labeled pitavastatin dose was excreted in urine, whereas a mean of 79% of the dose was excreted in feces within 7 days. The mean plasma elimination half-life is approximately 12 hours. Specific Populations Geriatric Patients In a pharmacokinetic study which compared healthy young and geriatric (≥65 years) volunteers, pitavastatin C max and AUC were 10% and 30% higher, respectively, in the geriatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] .

Pediatric Patients A 12-week study in pediatric patients 8 to 16 years of age treated with pitavastatin 1 mg, 2 mg and 4 mg administered once daily, showed a dose-dependent increase in pitavastatin plasma concentrations at trough (for 2 mg and 4 mg doses) and 1 hour post dose. A dose-dependent increase in pitavastatin lactone plasma concentrations was observed at trough and 1 hour post dose. Male and Female Patients In a pharmacokinetic study, which compared healthy male and female volunteers, pitavastatin C max and AUC were 60% and 54% higher, respectively in females.

Racial or Ethnic Groups In pharmacokinetic studies pitavastatin C max and AUC were 21% and 5% lower, respectively in Black or African American healthy volunteers compared with those of White healthy volunteers. In pharmacokinetic comparison between White volunteers and Japanese volunteers, there were no significant differences in C max and AUC. Patients with Renal Impairment In patients with moderate renal impairment… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

12.1Mechanism of Action Pitavastatin is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a rate-limiting step in the biosynthetic pathway for cholesterol. As a result, the expression of LDL-receptors followed by the uptake of LDL from blood to liver is accelerated and then the plasma TC decreases. Sustained inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in the liver also decreases levels of very low-density lipoproteins.

12.3Pharmacokinetics Absorption Pitavastatin peak plasma concentrations are achieved about 1 hour after oral administration. Both C max and AUC 0–inf increased in an approximately dose-proportional manner for single pitavastatin tablets doses from 1 mg to 24 mg once daily. The absolute bioavailability of pitavastatin oral solution is 51%.

The C max and AUC of pitavastatin did not differ following evening or morning drug administration. In healthy volunteers receiving 4 mg pitavastatin, the percent change from baseline for LDL-C following evening dosing was slightly greater than that following morning dosing. Pitavastatin was absorbed in the small intestine but very little in the colon.

Effect of Food Administration of pitavastatin tablets with a high fat meal (50% fat content) decreases pitavastatin C max by 43% but does not significantly reduce pitavastatin AUC. Distribution Pitavastatin is more than 99% protein bound in human plasma, mainly to albumin and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, and the mean volume of distribution is approximately 148 L. Elimination Metabolism The principal route of pitavastatin metabolism is glucuronidation via liver uridine 5'-diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) with subsequent formation of pitavastatin lactone.

There is only minimal metabolism by the cytochrome P450 system. Pitavastatin is marginally metabolized by CYP2C9 and to a lesser extent by CYP2C8. The major metabolite in human plasma is the lactone, which is formed via an ester-type pitavastatin glucuronide conjugate by UGTs (UGT1A3 and UGT2B7).

Excretion A mean of 15% of radioactivity of orally administered, single 32 mg 14 C-labeled pitavastatin dose was excreted in urine, whereas a mean of 79% of the dose was excreted in feces within 7 days. The mean plasma elimination half-life is approximately 12 hours. Specific Populations Geriatric Patients In a pharmacokinetic study which compared healthy young and geriatric (≥65 years) volunteers, pitavastatin C max and AUC were 10% and 30% higher, respectively, in the geriatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] .

Pediatric Patients A 12-week study in pediatric patients 8 to 16 years of age treated with pitavastatin 1 mg, 2 mg and 4 mg administered once daily, showed a dose-dependent increase in pitavastatin plasma concentrations at trough (for 2 mg and 4 mg doses) and 1 hour post dose. A dose-dependent increase in pitavastatin lactone plasma concentrations was observed at trough and 1 hour post dose. Male and Female Patients In a pharmacokinetic study, which compared healthy male and female volunteers, pitavastatin C max and AUC were 60% and 54% higher, respectively in females.

Racial or Ethnic Groups In pharmacokinetic studies pitavastatin C max and AUC were 21% and 5% lower, respectively in Black or African American healthy volunteers compared with those of White healthy volunteers. In pharmacokinetic comparison between White volunteers and Japanese volunteers, there were no significant differences in C max and AUC. Patients with Renal Impairment In patients with moderate renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate of 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) and end stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis, pitavastatin AUC 0–inf is 102% and 86% higher than those of healthy volunteers, respectively, while pitavastatin C max is 60% and 40% higher than those of healthy volunteers, respectively.

Patients received hemodialysis immediately before pitavastatin dosing and did not undergo hemodialysis during the pharmacokinetic study. Hemodialysis patients have 33% and 36% increases in the mean unbound fraction of pitavastatin as compared to healthy volunteers and patients with moderate renal impairment, respectively [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ] . In another pharmacokinetic study, patients with severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) not receiving hemodialysis were administered a single dose of pitavastatin 4 mg.

The AUC 0–in… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

12.2Pharmacodynamics Cardiac Electrophysiology In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-way parallel, active-comparator study with moxifloxacin in 174 healthy participants, pitavastatin was not associated with clinically meaningful prolongation of the QTc interval or heart rate at daily doses up to 16 mg (4 times the recommended maximum dose of 4 mg daily).

14 CLINICAL STUDIES Primary Hyperlipidemia in Adults Study with Atorvastatin (Study 301) Pitavastatin tablets were compared with atorvastatin calcium tablets (referred to as atorvastatin) in a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled, non-inferiority study of 817 adult patients with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia. Patients entered a 6- to 8-week wash-out/dietary lead-in period and then were randomized to a 12-week treatment with either pitavastatin or atorvastatin (Table 5).

Non-inferiority of pitavastatin to a given dose of atorvastatin was considered to be demonstrated if the lower bound of the 95% CI for the mean treatment difference was greater than -6% for the mean percent change in LDL-C. Lipid results are shown in Table 5. For the percent change from baseline to endpoint in LDL-C, pitavastatin was non-inferior to atorvastatin for the two pairwise comparisons: Pitavastatin 2 mg vs. atorvastatin 10 mg and pitavastatin 4 mg vs. atorvastatin 20 mg.

Mean treatment differences (95% CI) were 0% (-3%, 3%) and 1% (-2%, 4%), respectively. Table 5. Lipid Response by Dose of Pitavastatin and Atorvastatin in Adult Patients with Primary Hyperlipidemia or Mixed Dyslipidemia in Study 301 (Mean % Change from Baseline at Week 12) Treatment N LDL-C Apo-B TC TG HDL-C non-HDL-C Pitavastatin 2 mg daily 315 -38 -30 -28 -14 4 -35 Pitavastatin 4 mg daily 298 -45 -35 -32 -19 5 -41 Atorvastatin 10 mg daily 102 -38 -29 -28 -18 3 -35 Atorvastatin 20 mg daily 102 -44 -36 -33 -22 2 -41 Study with Simvastatin (Study 302) Pitavastatin tablets were compared with simvastatin tablets (referred to as simvastatin) in a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled, non-inferiority study of 843 adult patients with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia.

Patients entered a 6- to 8-week wash-out/dietary lead-in period and then were randomized to a 12-week treatment with either pitavastatin or simvastatin (Table 6). Non-inferiority of pitavastatin to a given dose of simvastatin was considered to be demonstrated if the lower bound of the 95% CI for the mean treatment difference was greater than -6% for the mean percent change in LDL-C. Lipid results are shown in Table 6.

For the percent change from baseline to endpoint in LDL-C, pitavastatin was non-inferior to simvastatin for the two pairwise comparisons: Pitavastatin 2 mg vs. simvastatin 20 mg and pitavastatin 4 mg vs. simvastatin 40 mg. Mean treatment differences (95% CI) were 4% (1%, 7%) and 1% (-2%, 4%), respectively. Table 6.

Lipid Response by Dose of Pitavastatin and Simvastatin in Adult Patients with Primary Hyperlipidemia or Mixed Dyslipidemia in Study 302 (Mean % Change from Baseline at Week 12) Treatment N LDL-C Apo-B TC TG HDL-C non-HDL-C Pitavastatin 2 mg daily 307 -39 -30 -28 -16 6 -36 Pitavastatin 4 mg daily 319 -44 -35 -32 -17 6 -41 Simvastatin 20 mg daily 107 -35 -27 -25 -16 6 -32 Simvastatin 40 mg daily 110 -43 -34 -31 -16 7 -39 Study with Pravastatin in Geriatric Patients (Study 306) Pitavastatin tablets were compared with pravastatin sodium tablets (referred to as pravastatin) in a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel group, active-controlled non-inferiority study of 942 geriatric patients (≥65 years) with primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia.

Patients entered a 6- to 8-week wash-out/dietary lead-in period, and then were randomized to a once daily dose of pitavastatin tablets or pravastatin for 12 weeks (Table 7). Non-inferiority of pitavastatin tablets to a given dose of pravastatin was assumed if the lower bound of the 95% CI for the treatment difference was greater than -6% for the mean percent change in LDL-C. Lipid results are shown in Table 7.

Pitavastatin significantly reduced LDL-C compared to pravastatin as demonstrated by the following pairwise dose comparisons: Pitavastatin 1 mg vs. pravastatin 10 mg, pitavastatin 2 mg vs. pravastatin 20 mg and pitavastatin 4 mg vs. pravastat… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility In a 92-week carcinogenicity study in mice given pitavastatin, at the maximum tolerated dose of 75 mg/kg/day with systemic maximum exposures (AUC) 26 times the clinical maximum exposure at 4 mg daily, there was an absence of drug-related tumors. In a 92-week carcinogenicity study in rats given pitavastatin at 1, 5, 25 mg/kg/day by oral gavage there was a significant increase in the incidence of thyroid follicular cell tumors at 25 mg/kg/day, which represents 295 times human systemic exposures based on AUC at the 4 mg daily maximum human dose.

In a 26-week transgenic mouse (Tg rasH2) carcinogenicity study where animals were given pitavastatin at 30, 75, and 150 mg/kg/day by oral gavage, no clinically significant tumors were observed. Pitavastatin was not mutagenic in the Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli with and without metabolic activation, the micronucleus test following a single administration in mice and multiple administrations in rats, the unscheduled DNA synthesis test in rats, and a Comet assay in mice. In the chromosomal aberration test, clastogenicity was observed at the highest doses tested, which also elicited high levels of cytotoxicity.

Pitavastatin had no adverse effects on male and female rat fertility at oral doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg/day, respectively, at systemic exposures 56- and 354-times clinical exposure at 4 mg daily based on AUC. Pitavastatin treatment in rabbits resulted in mortality in males and females given 1 mg/kg/day (30-times clinical systemic exposure at 4 mg daily based on AUC) and higher during a fertility study. Although the cause of death was not determined, rabbits had gross signs of renal toxicity (kidneys whitened) indicative of possible ischemia.

Lower doses (15-times human systemic exposure) did not show significant toxicity in adult males and females. However, decreased implantations, increased resorptions, and decreased viability of fetuses were observed.