inbound links Cresemba Generic Name: isavuconazonium sulfate Dosage Form: capsule, injection Overview Side Effects Dosage Professional Interactions More Pregnancy Warnings User Reviews Drug Images Support Group Q & A Pricing & Coupons Indications and Usage for Cresemba Invasive Aspergillosis Cresemba is an azole antifungal indicated for patients 18 years of age and older for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis. [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.4 )] . Invasive Mucormycosis Cresemba is an azole antifungal indicated for patients 18 years of age and older for the treatment of invasive mucormycosis. [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.4 )] . Usage Specimens for fungal culture and other relevant laboratory studies (including histopathology) to isolate and identify causative organism(s) should be obtained prior to initiating antifungal therapy. Therapy may be instituted before the results of the cultures and other laboratory studies are known. However, once these results become available, antifungal therapy should be adjusted accordingly. Slideshow Shingles: Settling The Score Cresemba Dosage and Administration Important Instructions for Intravenous Administration Intravenous formulation must be administered via an infusion set with an in-line filter (pore size 0.2 to 1.2 micron). Infuse the intravenous formulation over a minimum of 1 hour in 250 mL of a compatible diluent, to reduce the risk for infusion-related reactions. Do not administer as an intravenous bolus injection. Do not infuse Cresemba with other intravenous medications. Flush intravenous lines with 0.9% sodium chloride injection, USP or 5% dextrose injection, USP prior to and after infusion of Cresemba. After dilution of the intravenous formulation, avoid unnecessary vibration or vigorous shaking of the solution. Do not use a pneumatic transport system. Dosage Regimen Cresemba (isavuconazonium sulfate) is the prodrug of isavuconazole, an azole antifungal drug. Prescribe Cresemba as shown in Table 1 below. Table 1. Dosage Regimen for Cresemba a 372 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate is equivalent to 200 mg of isavuconazole b 186 mg of isavuconazonium sulfate is equivalent to 100 mg of isavuconazole c Start maintenance doses 12 to 24 hours after the last loading dose Loading Dose Maintenance Dose c Cresemba for Injection 372 mg a of isavuconazonium sulfate per vial 1 reconstituted vial (372 mg a ) intravenously every 8 hours for 6 doses (48 hours) 1 reconstituted vial (372 mg a ) intravenously once daily Cresemba Capsules 186 mg b of isavuconazonium sulfate per capsule 2 capsules (372 mg a ) orally every 8 hours for 6 doses (48 hours) 2 capsules (372 mg a ) orally once daily Switching between the intravenous and oral formulations of Cresemba is acceptable as bioequivalence has been demonstrated. Loading dose is not required when switching between formulations. With oral administration, swallow capsules whole. Do not chew, crush, dissolve, or open the capsules. Cresemba capsules can be taken with or without food. Reconstitution Instructions for the Injection Formulation Aseptic technique must be strictly observed in all handling since no preservative or bacteriostatic agent is present in Cresemba or in the materials specified for reconstitution. Cresemba is water soluble, preservative-free, sterile, and nonpyrogenic. Reconstitute one vial of Cresemba by adding 5 mL water for injection, USP to the vial. Gently shake to dissolve the powder completely. Visually inspect the reconstituted solution for particulate matter and discoloration. Reconstituted Cresemba should be clear and free of visible particulate. The reconstituted solution may be stored below 25 C for maximum 1 hour prior to preparation of the patient infusion solution. Dilution and Preparation Instructions for the Injection Formulation Remove 5 mL of the reconstituted solution from the vial and add it to an infusion bag containing 250 mL (approximately 1.5 mg isavuconazonium sulfate per mL) of compatible diluent. The diluted solution may show visible translucent to white particulates of isavuconazole (which will be removed by in-line filtration). Use gentle mixing or roll bag to minimize the formation of particulates. Avoid unnecessary vibration or vigorous shaking of the solution. Apply in-line filter with a microporous membrane pore size of 0.2 to 1.2 micron and in-line filter reminder sticker to the infusion bag. Do not use a pneumatic transport system. The intravenous administration should be completed within 6 hours of dilution at room temperature. If this is not possible, immediately refrigerate (2 to 8 C / 36 to 46 F) the infusion solution after dilution and complete the infusion within 24 hours. Do not freeze the infusion solution. Compatibility for the Injection Formulation Cresemba for injection should only be administered with the following diluents: 0.9% sodium chloride injection, USP 5% dextrose injection, USP Dosage Forms and Strengths Each Cresemba capsule contains 186 mg isavuconazonium sulfate (equivalent to 100 mg of isavuconazole). Capsules are opaque and elongated, and have a Swedish orange (reddish-brown) body imprinted with the Astellas logo in black ink and a white cap imprinted with 766 in black ink. Each single-dose vial of Cresemba for injection contains 372 mg isavuconazonium sulfate (equivalent to 200 mg of isavuconazole). Cresemba for injection is supplied in a single-dose vial as a sterile lyophilized white to yellow powder. Contraindications Cresemba is contraindicated in persons with known hypersensitivity to isavuconazole. Coadministration of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole or high-dose ritonavir (400 mg every 12 hours), with Cresemba is contraindicated because strong CYP3A4 inhibitors can significantly increase the plasma concentration of isavuconazole [see Drug Interactions ( 7 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Coadministration of strong CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, St. John s wort, or long acting barbiturates with Cresemba is contraindicated because strong CYP3A4 inducers can significantly decrease the plasma concentration of isavuconazole [see Drug Interactions ( 7 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Cresemba shortened the QTc interval in a concentration-related manner. Cresemba is contraindicated in patients with familial short QT syndrome [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Warnings and Precautions Hepatic Adverse Drug Reactions Hepatic adverse drug reactions (e.g., elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin) have been reported in clinical trials. The elevations in liver-related laboratory tests were generally reversible and did not require discontinuation of Cresemba. Cases of more severe hepatic adverse drug reactions including hepatitis, cholestasis or hepatic failure including death have been reported in patients with serious underlying medical conditions (e.g., hematologic malignancy) during treatment with azole antifungal agents, including Cresemba. Evaluate liver-related laboratory tests at the start and during the course of Cresemba therapy. Monitor patients who develop abnormal liver-related laboratory tests during Cresemba therapy for the development of more severe hepatic injury. Discontinue Cresemba if clinical signs and symptoms consistent with liver disease develop that may be attributable to Cresemba [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Infusion-Related Reactions Infusion-related reactions including hypotension, dyspnea, chills, dizziness, paresthesia, and hypoesthesia were reported during intravenous administration of Cresemba. Discontinue the infusion if these reactions occur [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Hypersensitivity Reactions Serious hypersensitivity and severe skin reactions, such as anaphylaxis or Stevens Johnson syndrome, have been reported during treatment with other azole antifungal agents. Discontinue Cresemba if a patient develops a severe cutaneous adverse reaction. There is no information regarding cross-sensitivity between Cresemba and other azole antifungal agents. Caution should be used when prescribing Cresemba to patients with hypersensitivity to other azoles. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Cresemba may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Cresemba should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the risk to the fetus. Women who become pregnant while receiving Cresemba are encouraged to contact their physician [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]. Perinatal mortality was significantly increased in the offspring of pregnant rats dosed orally with isavuconazonium sulfate at 90 mg/kg/day (less than half the maintenance human dose based on AUC comparisons) during pregnancy through the weaning period. Isavuconazonium chloride administration was associated with dose-related increases in the incidences of rudimentary cervical ribs in rats and rabbits at 30 and 45 mg/kg, respectively, doses equivalent to about one fifth and one tenth of the clinical exposures based on AUC comparisons. In rats, dose-related increases in the incidences of zygomatic arch fusion and supernumerary ribs/rudimentary supernumerary ribs were also noted at 30 mg/kg and above, equivalent to one fifth the clinical dose based on AUC comparisons [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . Drug Interactions Coadministration of Cresemba with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole or high-dose ritonavir and strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin, carbamazepine, St. John s wort, or long acting barbiturates is contraindicated [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Drug Particulates Following dilution, Cresemba intravenous formulation may form precipitate from the insoluble isavuconazole. Administer Cresemba through an in-line filter [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )] . Adverse Reactions The following are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Hepatic Adverse Drug Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Infusion-Related Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of Cresemba cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Clinical Trial Experience A total of 403 patients were exposed to Cresemba in two clinical trials. The most frequently reported adverse reactions among Cresemba-treated patients were nausea (26%), vomiting (25%), diarrhea (22%), headache (17%), elevated liver chemistry tests (16%), hypokalemia (14%), constipation (13%), dyspnea (12%), cough (12%), peripheral edema (11%), and back pain (10%). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 223/403 (55%) of patients and 56/403 (14%) of patients permanently discontinued treatment with Cresemba due to an adverse reaction in the two trials. The adverse reactions which most often led to permanent discontinuation of Cresemba therapy during the clinical trials were: confusional state (0.7%), acute renal failure (0.7%), increased blood bilirubin (0.5%), convulsion (0.5%), dyspnea (0.5%), epilepsy (0.5%), respiratory failure (0.5%), and vomiting (0.5%). Patients in the clinical trials were immunocompromised with underlying conditions including hematological malignancy, neutropenia post-chemotherapy, graft-versus-host disease, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The patient population was 61% male, had a mean age of 51 years (range 17-92, including 85 patients aged greater than 65 years), and was 79% white and 3% black. One hundred forty-four (144) patients had a duration of Cresemba therapy of greater than 12 weeks, with 52 patients receiving Cresemba for over six months. In Trial 1, a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial for treatment of invasive aspergillosis, treatment-emergent adverse reactions occurred in 247/257 (96%), and 255/259 (99%) patients in the Cresemba and voriconazole treatment groups, respectively. Treatment-emergent adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation were reported in 37 (14%) Cresemba-treated patients and 59 (23%) voriconazole-treated patients. Table 2 includes selected treatment-emergent adverse reactions which were reported at an incidence of 5% during Cresemba therapy in Trial 1. In Trial 2, an open-label, non-comparative trial of Cresemba in patients with invasive aspergillosis and renal impairment or invasive mucormycosis, treatment-emergent adverse reactions occurred in 139/146 (95%) of patients in the Cresemba treatment group. Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation were reported in 19 (13%) Cresemba-treated patients. The frequencies and types of adverse reactions observed in Cresemba-treated patients were similar between Trial 1 and Trial 2. Table 2. Selected Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions with Rates of 5% or Greater in Cresemba-treated Patients in Trial 1 a Elevated liver laboratory tests include reactions of increased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood alkaline phosphatase, blood bilirubin, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. b Delirium includes adverse reactions of agitation, confusional state, delirium, disorientation, and mental status changes. System Organ Class Preferred Term Trial 1 Cresemba (N=257) n (%) Voriconazole (N=259) n (%) Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea 71 (27.6) 78 (30.1) Vomiting 64 (24.9) 73 (28.2) Diarrhea 61 (23.7) 60 (23.2) Abdominal pain 43 (16.7) 59 (22.8) Constipation 36 (14.0) 54 (20.8) Dyspepsia 16 (6.2) 14 (5.4) General disorders and administration site conditions Edema peripheral 39 (15.2) 46 (17.8) Fatigue 27 (10.5) 18 (6.9) Chest pain 23 (8.9) 16 (6.2) Injection site reaction 16 (6.2) 4 (1.5) Hepatobiliary disorders Elevated liver laboratory tests a 44 (17.1) 63 (24.3) Metabolism and nutrition disorders Hypokalemia 49 (19.1) 58 (22.4) Decreased appetite 22 (8.6) 28 (10.8) Hypomagnesemia 14 (5.4) 27 (10.4) Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Back pain 26 (10.1) 19 (7.3) Nervous system disorders Headache 43 (16.7) 38 (14.7) Psychiatric disorders Insomnia 27 (10.5) 25 (9.7) Delirium b 22 (8.6) 30 (11.6) Anxiety 21 (8.2) 18 (6.9) Renal and urinary disorders Renal failure 26 (10.1) 21 (8.1) Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders Dyspnea 44 (17.1) 35 (13.5) Acute respiratory failure 19 (7.4) 22 (8.5) Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Rash 22 (8.6) 36 (13.9) Pruritus 21 (8.2) 15 (5.8) Vascular disorders Hypotension 21 (8.2) 28 (10.8) The following adverse reactions occurred in less than 5% of all Cresemba-treated patients in Trial 1 or 2. The list does not include reactions presented in Table 2 . This listing includes adverse reactions where a causal relationship to isavuconazole cannot be ruled out or those which may help the physician in managing the risks to the patients. Blood and lymphatic system disorders: agranulocytosis, leukopenia, pancytopenia Cardiac disorders: atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, bradycardia, reduced QT interval on electrocardiogram, palpitations, supraventricular extrasystoles, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular extrasystoles, cardiac arrest Ear and labyrinth disorders: tinnitus, vertigo Eye disorders: optic neuropathy Gastrointestinal disorders: abdominal distension, gastritis, gingivitis, stomatitis General disorders and administration site conditions: catheter thrombosis, malaise, chills Hepatobiliary disorders: cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, hepatitis, hepatomegaly, hepatic failure Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: fall Metabolism and nutrition disorders: hypoalbuminemia, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: myositis, bone pain, neck pain Nervous system disorders: convulsion, dysgeusia, encephalopathy, hypoesthesia, migraine, peripheral neuropathy, paraesthesia, somnolence, stupor, syncope, tremor Psychiatric disorders: confusion, hallucination, depression Renal and urinary disorders: hematuria, proteinuria Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: bronchospasm, tachypnea Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: alopecia, dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema, petechiae, urticaria Vascular disorders: thrombophlebitis Laboratory effects In Trial 1, elevated liver transaminases (alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase) greater than three times the upper limit of normal were reported at the end of study treatment in 4.4% of patients who received Cresemba. Elevations of liver transaminases greater than ten times the upper limit of normal developed in 1.2% of patients who received Cresemba. Drug Interactions Isavuconazole is a sensitive substrate of CYP3A4. CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers may alter the plasma concentrations of isavuconazole. Isavuconazole is a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4, and a mild inhibitor of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2). Drug interaction studies were conducted to investigate the effect of co-administered drugs on pharmacokinetics of isavuconazole and the effect of isavuconazole on the pharmacokinetics of co-administered drugs [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Table 3. Drug(s) Affecting Pharmacokinetics of Cresemba a 400 mg of lopinavir in combination with 100 mg of ritonavir. Recommendation Comments Ketoconazole Contraindicate coadministration of all potent CYP3A4 inhibitors There is more than a 5-fold increase in exposure of isavuconazole upon coadministration with ketoconazole [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Lopinavir/ritonavir a Caution is advised when Cresemba is coadministered with lopinavir/ritonavir There is a 96% increase in exposure of isavuconazole when coadministered with lopinavir/ritonavir [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Rifampin Contraindicate coadministration of all potent CYP3A4 inducers There is a 97% decrease in exposure of isavuconazole upon coadministration with rifampin [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Table 4. The Effect of Cresemba on the Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs a 400 mg of lopinavir in combination with 100 mg of ritonavir. Recommendation Comments Lopinavir/ritonavir a Use with Caution Concomitant administration of lopinavir/ritonavir and Cresemba resulted in decreased exposure of lopinavir and ritonavir that could possibly result in loss of antiviral efficacy [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Atorvastatin Use with Caution Caution should be used when atorvastatin is used with Cresemba due to a potential increase in atorvastatin exposure. Monitor patients for adverse reactions that are typical of atorvastatin. Cyclosporine Use with Caution Concomitant administration of Cresemba and cyclosporine results in increase in cyclosporine exposure. Monitor drug concentrations of cyclosporine and adjust dose as needed [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Sirolimus Use with Caution Concomitant administration of Cresemba and sirolimus results in increase in sirolimus exposure. Monitor drug concentrations of sirolimus and adjust dose as needed [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Tacrolimus Use with Caution Concomitant administration of Cresemba and tacrolimus results in increase in tacrolimus exposure. Monitor drug concentrations of tacrolimus and adjust dose as needed [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Midazolam Use with Caution Concomitant administration of Cresemba and midazolam results in increase in midazolam exposure. Consider dose reduction of midazolam when isavuconazole is coadministered [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Bupropion Use with Caution Concomitant administration of Cresemba and bupropion results in decrease in bupropion exposure. Dose increase of bupropion may be necessary when coadministered with Cresemba, but should not exceed the maximum recommended dose [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Mycophenolate Mofetil Use with Caution Concomitant administration of Cresemba and MMF results in increase in MMF exposure. Patients receiving Cresemba concurrently with MMF should be monitored for MPA-related toxicities [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Digoxin Use with Caution Concomitant administration of Cresemba and digoxin results in increase in digoxin exposure. Serum digoxin concentrations should be monitored and used for titration when dosed concurrently with Cresemba [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C There are no adequate and well-controlled clinical studies of Cresemba in pregnant women. Cresemba should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the risk to the fetus. Women who become pregnant during Cresemba treatment are encouraged to contact their physician. Risk Summary Based on animal data, Cresemba is predicted to have the potential for increasing the risk of adverse developmental outcomes above background risk. Animal Data Perinatal mortality was significantly increased in the offspring of pregnant rats dosed orally with isavuconazonium sulfate at 90 mg/kg/day (less than half the maintenance human dose based on AUC comparisons) during pregnancy through the weaning period. Isavuconazonium chloride administration was associated with dose-related increases in the incidences of rudimentary cervical ribs in rats and rabbits at 30 and 45 mg/kg, respectively, doses equivalent to about one fifth and one tenth of the clinical exposures based on AUC comparisons. In rats, dose-related increases in the incidences of zygomatic arch fusion and supernumerary ribs/rudimentary supernumerary ribs were also noted at 30 mg/kg and above, equivalent to one fifth the clinical dose based on AUC comparisons [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . Skeletal abnormalities have also been observed in embryo-fetal development studies of other azole antifungal agents. Nursing Mothers Isavuconazole is excreted in the milk of lactating rats following intravenous administration. Mothers should not breast feed while taking Cresemba. Pediatric Use The safety and efficacy of Cresemba in pediatric patients less than 18 years of age have not been established. Geriatric Use Of the 547 patients who received Cresemba in the Phase 2 and 3 trials, 86 (16%) of patients were greater than 65 years of age and 20 (4%) were greater than 75 years of age. The pharmacokinetics of isavuconazole are comparable in young and elderly subjects (65 years of age and older) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . No dose adjustment of Cresemba is needed in elderly patients. Renal Impairment Of the 403 patients who received Cresemba in the Phase 3 trials, 79 (20%) of patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . No dose adjustment is needed in patients with mild, moderate, or severe renal impairment, including those patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Hepatic Impairment No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A and B) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Cresemba has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) and should be used in these patients only when the benefits outweigh the risks. Clinical monitoring for Cresemba-related adverse reactions is recommended when treating patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Overdosage During clinical studies, total daily Cresemba doses higher than the recommended dose regimen were associated with an increased rate of adverse reactions. At supratherapeutic doses (three times the recommended maintenance dose) evaluated in a thorough QT study, there were proportionally more treatment-emergent adverse reactions than in the therapeutic dose group (maintenance dose) for the following: headache, dizziness, paresthesia, somnolence, disturbance in attention, dysgeusia, dry mouth, diarrhea, oral hypoesthesia, vomiting, hot flush, anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, tachycardia, photophobia and arthralgia. Treatment-emergent adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of study drug occurred in 7 of 39 (17.9%) subjects in the supratherapeutic dose group. Isavuconazole is not removed by hemodialysis. There is no specific antidote for isavuconazole. Treatment should be supportive with appropriate monitoring. Cresemba Description Cresemba contains isavuconazonium sulfate, which is the prodrug of isavuconazole, an azole antifungal drug. Isavuconazonium sulfate drug substance is an amorphous, white to yellowish-white powder. The chemical name of isavuconazonium sulfate is glycine, N -methyl-, [2-[[[1-[1-[(2 R ,3 R )-3-[4-(4-cyanophenyl)-2-thiazolyl]-2-(2,5-difluorophenyl)-2-hydroxybutyl]-4 H -1,2,4-triazolium-4-yl]ethoxy]carbonyl]methylamino]-3-pyridinyl]methyl ester, sulfate (1:1). The empirical formula is C 35 H 35 F 2 N 8 O 5 S HSO 4 , the molecular weight is 814.84 and the structural formula is: Cresemba (isavuconazonium sulfate) capsules are available for oral administration. Each Cresemba capsule contains 186 mg isavuconazonium sulfate, equivalent to 100 mg isavuconazole. The inactive ingredients include magnesium citrate, microcrystalline cellulose, talc, colloidal silicon dioxide, stearic acid, hypromellose, red iron oxide, titanium dioxide, purified water, gellan gum, potassium acetate, disodium edetate, sodium laurylsulfate, shellac, propylene glycol, strong ammonia solution, potassium hydroxide and black iron oxide. Cresemba (isavuconazonium sulfate) for injection is available for intravenous administration. Cresemba for injection is a white to yellow sterile lyophilized powder containing 372 mg isavuconazonium sulfate, equivalent to 200 mg isavuconazole, per vial. Inactive ingredients included in each vial are 96 mg mannitol and sulfuric acid for pH adjustment. Cresemba - Clinical Pharmacology Mechanism of Action Isavuconazonium sulfate is the prodrug of isavuconazole, an azole antifungal [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.4 )] . Pharmacodynamics Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Relationship In patients treated with Cresemba for invasive aspergillosis in a controlled trial, there was no significant association between plasma AUC or plasma isavuconazole concentration and efficacy. Cardiac Electrophysiology The effect on QTc interval of multiple doses of Cresemba capsules was evaluated. Cresemba was administered as 2 capsules (equivalent to 200 mg isavuconazole) three times daily on days 1 and 2 followed by either 2 capsules or 6 capsules (equivalent to 600 mg isavuconazole) once daily for 13 days in a randomized, placebo- and active-controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg single dose), four-treatment-arm, parallel study in 160 healthy subjects. Isavuconazole resulted in dose-related shortening of the QTc interval. For the 2-capsule dosing regimen, the least squares mean (LSM) difference from placebo was -13.1 msec at 2 hours postdose [90% CI: -17.1, -9.1 msec]. Increasing the dose to 6 capsules resulted in an LSM difference from placebo of -24.6 msec at 2 hours postdose [90% CI: -28.7, -20.4]. Cresemba was not evaluated in combination with other drugs that reduce the QTc interval, so the additive effects are not known. Pharmacokinetics General Pharmacokinetics In healthy subjects, the pharmacokinetics of isavuconazole following oral administration of Cresemba capsules at isavuconazole equivalent doses up to 600 mg per day (6 capsules) are dose proportional ( Table 5 ). Based on a population pharmacokinetics analysis of healthy subjects and patients, the mean plasma half-life of isavuconazole was 130 hours and the mean volume of distribution (V ss ) was approximately 450 L following intravenous administration. Table 5. Steady State Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Isavuconazole Following Administration of Cresemba Capsules a Each capsule contains the equivalent of 100 mg of isavuconazole. Parameter Cresemba 2 Capsules a (n = 37) Cresemba 6 Capsules a (n = 32) C max (ng/mL) Mean SD CV % 7499 1893.3 25.2 20028 3584.3 17.9 t max (h) Median Range 3.000 2.0 4.0 4.000 2.0 4.0 AUC (h ng/mL) Mean SD CV % 121402 35768.8 29.5 352805 72018.5 20.4 Absorption After oral administration of Cresemba in healthy volunteers, the active moiety, isavuconazole, generally reaches maximum plasma concentrations (C max ) 2 hours to 3 hours after single and multiple dosing. The absolute bioavailability of isavuconazole following oral administration of Cresemba is 98%. No significant concentrations of the prodrug or inactive cleavage product were seen in plasma after oral administration. Following intravenous administration of Cresemba, maximal plasma concentrations of the prodrug and inactive cleavage product were detectable during infusion and declined rapidly following the end of administration. The prodrug was below the level of detection by 1.25 hours after the start of a 1 hour infusion. The total exposure of the prodrug based on AUC was less than 1% that of isavuconazole. The inactive cleavage product was quantifiable in some subjects up to 8 hours after the start of infusion. The total exposure of inactive cleavage product based on AUC was approximately 1.3% that of isavuconazole. Effect of Food Coadministration of Cresemba equivalent to isavuconazole 400 mg oral dose with a high-fat meal reduced isavuconazole C max by 9% and increased AUC by 9%. Cresemba can be taken with or without food. Distribution Isavuconazole is extensively distributed with a mean steady state volume of distribution (V ss ) of approximately 450 L. Isavuconazole is highly protein bound (greater than 99%), predominantly to albumin. Metabolism In in vitro studies isavuconazonium sulfate is rapidly hydrolyzed in blood to isavuconazole by esterases, predominately by butylcholinesterase. Isavuconazole is a substrate of cytochrome P450 enzymes 3A4 and 3A5. Following single doses of [cyano 14 C] isavuconazonium and [pyridinylmethyl 14 C] isavuconazonium in humans, in addition to the active moiety (isavuconazole) and the inactive cleavage product, a number of minor metabolites were identified. Except for the active moiety isavuconazole, no individual metabolite was observed with an AUC greater than 10% of drug related material. In vivo studies indicate that CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and subsequently uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) are involved in the metabolism of isavuconazole. Excretion Following oral administration of radio-labeled isavuconazonium sulfate to healthy volunteers, a mean of 46.1% of the total radioactive dose was recovered in the feces and 45.5% was recovered in the urine. Renal excretion of isavuconazole itself was less than 1% of the dose administered. The inactive cleavage product is primarily eliminated by metabolism and subsequent renal excretion of the metabolites. Renal elimination of intact cleavage product was less than 1% of the total dose administered. Following intravenous administration of radio-labeled cleavage product, 95% of the total radioactive dose was excreted in the urine. Special populations Geriatric Patients The AUC of isavuconazole following a single oral dose of Cresemba equivalent to 200 mg isavuconazole in elderly subjects (65 years and older) was similar to that in younger volunteers (18 years to 45 years). The AUC was similar between younger female and male subjects and between elderly and younger males. Elderly female AUC estimates were 38% and 47% greater than AUC estimates obtained in elderly males and younger females, respectively. The pharmacokinetic difference in elderly females receiving Cresemba are not considered to be clinically significant. Therefore, no dose adjustment is required based on age and gender. Pediatric Patients The pharmacokinetics of Cresemba in pediatric patients have not been evaluated. Race A 2-compartment population pharmacokinetic model was developed to assess the pharmacokinetics of isavuconazole between healthy Western and Chinese subjects. Chinese subjects were found to have on average a 40% lower clearance compared to Western subjects (1.6 L/hr for Chinese subjects as compared to 2.6 L/hr for Western subjects) and therefore approximately 50% higher AUC than Western subjects. Body mass index (BMI) did not play a role in the observed differences. No dose adjustment is recommended for Chinese patients. Gender AUC estimates were similar between young female and male subjects (18 years to 45 most people
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