About ZEJULA

ZEJULA inhibits PARP1 and PARP2, leading to cancer cell death in preclinical studies1

The clinical significance of in vitro studies is unknown. Mechanism of action statements are not meant to imply clinical efficacy.

Single strand break icon

Single-Strand Break

PARP inhibition interferes with DNA repair, leading to accumulation of single-strand breaks (SSBs).1,2

Double strand break icon

Double-Strand Break

SSBs become double-strand breaks (DSBs), which are not repaired due to deficient DNA repair pathways present in many ovarian tumors.3

Cell death icon

Cell Death

Persistent DSBs that cannot be repaired lead to programmed cell death.3

ZEJULA is an inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes, PARP1 and PARP2, which play a role in DNA repair. In vitro studies suggest that ZEJULA’s cytotoxic effects may involve inhibition of PARP enzymatic activity and increased formation of PARP-DNA complexes resulting in DNA damage, apoptosis, and cell death.1

Preclinical studies suggest the activity of PARP inhibitors depends on tumor exposure and subsequent PARP1/2 inhibition.4

  • Tumor cells carrying a BRCA mutation have been shown to be significantly more sensitive to PARP inhibition than tumors that do not carry a BRCA mutation5
  • It is hypothesized that in tumors without a BRCA mutation, PARP inhibitors may need to achieve higher tumor concentrations for effect5

The clinical significance of in vitro studies is unknown. Mechanism of action statements are not meant to imply clinical efficacy.

ZEJULA has high bioavailability and extensive tissue distribution, as well as a long half-life1

Highly Bioavailable1

Patient icon

~73%

Absolute bioavailability

Long Half-life1

Dosing tablet icon

36

 HOURS
Mean half-life, allowing for once-daily dosing

Extensive Tissue Distribution1

Tissue icon

1220 L

 (Vd/F)
Concentrates in tissue

BRCA = breast cancer susceptibility gene; Vd/F = apparent volume of distribution.

Indication & Important Safety Info

Indication

Important Safety Information

Indication

ZEJULA (niraparib) tablets 100 mg/200 mg/300 mg are indicated:

  • for first-line maintenance treatment of adult patients with advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in a complete or partial response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy

Important Safety Information

Myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia (MDS/AML), including cases with a fatal outcome, have been reported in patients who received ZEJULA. In PRIMA, MDS/AML occurred in 6 out of 484 (1.2%) patients treated with ZEJULA, and in 3 out of 244 (1.2%) patients treated with placebo. The duration of therapy with ZEJULA in patients who developed secondary MDS/cancer therapy-related AML varied from 3.7 months to 2.5 years. All patients who developed secondary MDS/cancer therapy-related AML had received previous chemotherapy with platinum agents and/or other DNA-damaging agents, including radiotherapy. For suspected MDS/AML or prolonged hematological toxicities, refer the patient to a hematologist for further evaluation. Discontinue ZEJULA if MDS/AML is confirmed.

 

Hematologic adverse reactions (thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, and/or pancytopenia) have been reported in patients receiving ZEJULA. The overall incidence of Grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia were reported, respectively, in 39%, 31%, and 21% of patients receiving ZEJULA in PRIMA. Discontinuation due to thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia occurred, respectively, in 4%, 2%, and 2% of patients in PRIMA. In patients who were administered a starting dose of ZEJULA based on baseline weight or platelet count in PRIMA, Grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia were reported, respectively, in 22%, 23%, and 15% of patients receiving ZEJULA. Discontinuation due to thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia occurred, respectively, in 3%, 3%, and 2% of patients. Do not start ZEJULA until patients have recovered from hematological toxicity caused by prior chemotherapy (≤Grade 1). Monitor complete blood counts weekly for the first month, monthly for the next 11 months, and periodically thereafter. If hematological toxicities do not resolve within 28 days following interruption, discontinue ZEJULA, and refer the patient to a hematologist for further investigations.

 

Hypertension and hypertensive crisis have been reported in patients receiving ZEJULA. Grade 3-4 hypertension occurred in 6% of patients receiving ZEJULA vs 1% of patients receiving placebo in PRIMA, with no reported discontinuations. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate at least weekly for the first two months, then monthly for the first year, and periodically thereafter during treatment with ZEJULA. Closely monitor patients with cardiovascular disorders, especially coronary insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension. Manage hypertension with antihypertensive medications and adjustment of the ZEJULA dose if necessary.

 

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) occurred in 0.1% of 2,165 patients treated with ZEJULA in clinical trials and has also been described in postmarketing reports. Monitor all patients for signs and symptoms of PRES, which include seizure, headache, altered mental status, visual disturbance, or cortical blindness, with or without associated hypertension. Diagnosis requires confirmation by brain imaging. If suspected, promptly discontinue ZEJULA and administer appropriate treatment. The safety of reinitiating ZEJULA is unknown.

 

Embryo-fetal toxicity and lactation: Based on its mechanism of action, ZEJULA can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after receiving their final dose of ZEJULA. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions from ZEJULA in breastfed infants, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with ZEJULA and for 1 month after receiving the last dose.

 

First-line Maintenance Advanced Ovarian Cancer

 

Most common adverse reactions (Grades 1-4) in ≥10% of all patients who received ZEJULA in PRIMA were thrombocytopenia (66%), anemia (64%), nausea (57%), fatigue (51%), neutropenia (42%), constipation (40%), musculoskeletal pain (39%), leukopenia (28%), headache (26%), insomnia (25%), vomiting (22%), dyspnea (22%), decreased appetite (19%), dizziness (19%), cough (18%), hypertension (18%), AST/ALT elevation (14%), and acute kidney injury (12%).

 

Common lab abnormalities (Grades 1-4) in ≥25% of all patients who received ZEJULA in PRIMA included: decreased hemoglobin (87%), decreased platelets (74%), decreased leukocytes (71%), increased glucose (66%), decreased neutrophils (66%), decreased lymphocytes (51%), increased alkaline phosphatase (46%), increased creatinine (40%), decreased magnesium (36%), increased AST (35%), and increased ALT (29%).

 

Please see accompanying Prescribing Information for ZEJULA tablets.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact GSK at gsk.public.reportum.com or 1-888-825-5249 or
FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

References

  1. ZEJULA (niraparib) Tablets. Prescribing Information. GSK; 2023.

  2. Satoh MS, Lindahl T. Nature. 1992;356(6367):356-358.

  3. Rein ID, Landsverk KS, Micci F, Patzke S, Stokke T. Cell Cycle. 2015;14(20):3248-3260.

  4. Ricks TK, Chiu HJ, Ison G, et al. Front Oncol. 2015;5:222. doi:10.3389/fonc.2015.00222

  5. Farmer H, McCabe N, Lord CJ, et al. Nature. 2005;434(7035):917-921.

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