2.1 Blood Tests Prior to Initiation of VUMERITY

Obtain the following prior to treatment with VUMERITY:

• A complete blood cell count (CBC), including lymphocyte count [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
• Serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

2.2 Dosing Information

The starting dosage for VUMERITY is 231 mg twice a day orally. After 7 days, the dosage should be increased to the maintenance dosage of 462 mg (administered as two 231 mg capsules) twice a day orally. Temporary dosage reductions to 231 mg twice a day may be considered for individuals who do not tolerate the maintenance dosage. Within 4 weeks, the recommended dosage of 462 mg twice a day should be resumed. Discontinuation of VUMERITY should be considered for patients unable to tolerate return to the maintenance dosage. Administration of non-enteric coated aspirin (up to a dose of 325 mg) 30 minutes prior to VUMERITY dosing may reduce the incidence or severity of flushing [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.3 Administration Instructions

Swallow VUMERITY capsules whole and intact. Do not crush or chew, or sprinkle the capsule contents on food.

If taken with food, avoid a high-fat, high-calorie meal/snack; the meal/snack should contain no more than 700 calories and no more than 30 g fat [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Avoid co-administration of VUMERITY with alcohol [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.4 Blood Tests to Assess Safety After Initiation of VUMERITY

Obtain a complete blood cell count (CBC), including lymphocyte count, 6 months after initiation of VUMERITY and then every 6 to 12 months thereafter, as clinically indicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Obtain serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels during treatment with VUMERITY, as clinically indicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

2.5 Patients With Renal Impairment

No dosing adjustment is recommended in patients with mild renal impairment.

VUMERITY is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

5.1 Anaphylaxis and Angioedema

VUMERITY can cause anaphylaxis and angioedema after the first dose or at any time during treatment. Signs and symptoms in patients taking dimethyl fumarate (which has the same active metabolite as VUMERITY) have included difficulty breathing, urticaria, and swelling of the throat and tongue. Patients should be instructed to discontinue VUMERITY and seek immediate medical care should they experience signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis or angioedema.

5.2 Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has occurred in patients with MS treated with dimethyl fumarate (which has the same active metabolite as VUMERITY). PML is an opportunistic viral infection of the brain caused by the JC virus (JCV) that typically only occurs in patients who are immunocompromised, and that usually leads to death or severe disability. A fatal case of PML occurred in a patient who received dimethyl fumarate for 4 years while enrolled in a clinical trial. During the clinical trial, the patient experienced prolonged lymphopenia (lymphocyte counts predominantly <0.5 × 109/L for 3.5 years) while taking dimethyl fumarate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. The patient had no other identified systemic medical conditions resulting in compromised immune system function and had not previously been treated with natalizumab, which has a known association with PML. The patient was also not taking any immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory medications concomitantly.

PML has also occurred in patients taking dimethyl fumarate in the postmarketing setting in the presence of lymphopenia (<0.9 × 109/L). While the role of lymphopenia in these cases is uncertain, the PML cases have occurred predominantly in patients with lymphocyte counts <0.8×109/L persisting for more than 6 months.

At the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML, withhold VUMERITY and perform an appropriate diagnostic evaluation. Typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings may be apparent before clinical signs or symptoms. Cases of PML diagnosed based on MRI findings and the detection of JCV DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid in the absence of clinical signs or symptoms specific to PML, have been reported in patients treated with other MS medications associated with PML. Many of these patients subsequently became symptomatic with PML. Therefore, monitoring with MRI for signs that may be consistent with PML may be useful, and any suspicious findings should lead to further investigation to allow for an early diagnosis of PML, if present. Lower PML-related mortality and morbidity have been reported following discontinuation of another MS medication associated with PML in patients with PML who were initially asymptomatic compared to patients with PML who had characteristic clinical signs and symptoms at diagnosis. It is not known whether these differences are due to early detection and discontinuation of MS treatment or due to differences in disease in these patients.

5.3 Herpes Zoster and Other Serious Opportunistic Infections

Serious cases of herpes zoster have occurred in patients treated with dimethyl fumarate (which has the same active metabolite as VUMERITY) including disseminated herpes zoster, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, herpes zoster meningoencephalitis, and herpes zoster meningomyelitis. These events may occur at any time during treatment. Monitor patients on VUMERITY for signs and symptoms of herpes zoster. If herpes zoster occurs, appropriate treatment for herpes zoster should be administered.

Other serious opportunistic infections have occurred with dimethyl fumarate, including cases of serious viral (herpes simplex virus, West Nile virus, cytomegalovirus), fungal (Candida and Aspergillus), and bacterial (Nocardia, Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium tuberculosis) infections. These infections have been reported in patients with reduced absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC) as well as in patients with normal ALC. These infections have affected the brain, meninges, spinal cord, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, skin, eye, and ear. Patients with symptoms and signs consistent with any of these infections should undergo prompt diagnostic evaluation and receive appropriate treatment.

Consider withholding VUMERITY treatment in patients with herpes zoster or other serious infections until the infection has resolved [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

5.4 Lymphopenia

VUMERITY may decrease lymphocyte counts. In the MS placebo-controlled trials with dimethyl fumarate (which has the same active metabolite as VUMERITY), mean lymphocyte counts decreased by approximately 30% during the first year of treatment with dimethyl fumarate and then remained stable. Four weeks after stopping dimethyl fumarate, mean lymphocyte counts increased but did not return to baseline. Six percent (6%) of dimethyl fumarate patients and <1% of placebo patients experienced lymphocyte counts <0.5 × 109/L (lower limit of normal 0.91 × 109/L). The incidence of infections (60% vs 58%) and serious infections (2% vs 2%) was similar in patients treated with dimethyl fumarate or placebo, respectively. There was no increased incidence of serious infections observed in patients with lymphocyte counts <0.8 × 109/L or ≤0.5 × 109/L in controlled trials, although one patient in an extension study developed PML in the setting of prolonged lymphopenia (lymphocyte counts predominantly <0.5 × 109/L for 3.5 years) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

In controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials with dimethyl fumarate, 2% of patients experienced prolonged, severe lymphopenia, (defined as lymphocyte counts <0.5 x 109/L for at least six months); in this group of patients, the majority of lymphocyte counts remained <0.5 x 109/L with continued therapy. In these patients with prolonged, severe lymphopenia, the median time for lymphocyte counts to return to normal after discontinuing dimethyl fumarate was 96.0 weeks.

In these controlled and uncontrolled clinical studies, among patients who did not experience prolonged, severe lymphopenia during treatment, the median times for lymphocyte counts to return to normal after discontinuing dimethyl fumarate were as follows:

• 4.3 weeks in patients with mild lymphopenia (lymphocyte count ≥0.8 x 109/L) at discontinuation,
• 10.0 weeks in patients with moderate lymphopenia (lymphocyte count 0.5 to <0.8 x 109/L) at discontinuation, and
• 16.7 weeks in patients with severe lymphopenia (lymphocyte count <0.5 x 109/L) at discontinuation.

Neither VUMERITY nor dimethyl fumarate have been studied in patients with preexisting low lymphocyte counts.

Obtain a complete blood count (CBC), including lymphocyte count, before initiating treatment with VUMERITY, 6 months after starting treatment, and then every 6 to 12 months thereafter, and as clinically indicated. Consider interruption of VUMERITY in patients with lymphocyte counts less than 0.5 × 109/L persisting for more than six months. Given the potential for delayed recovery of lymphocyte counts, continue to obtain lymphocyte counts until their recovery if VUMERITY is discontinued or interrupted because of lymphopenia. Consider withholding treatment from patients with serious infections until resolution. Decisions about whether or not to restart VUMERITY should be individualized based on clinical circumstances.

5.5 Liver Injury

Clinically significant cases of liver injury have been reported in patients treated with dimethyl fumarate (which has the same active metabolite as VUMERITY) in the postmarketing setting. The onset has ranged from a few days to several months after initiation of treatment with dimethyl fumarate. Signs and symptoms of liver injury, including elevation of serum aminotransferases to greater than 5-fold the upper limit of normal and elevation of total bilirubin to greater than 2-fold the upper limit of normal have been observed. These abnormalities resolved upon treatment discontinuation. Some cases required hospitalization. None of the reported cases resulted in liver failure, liver transplant, or death. However, the combination of new serum aminotransferase elevations with increased levels of bilirubin caused by drug-induced hepatocellular injury is an important predictor of serious liver injury that may lead to acute liver failure, liver transplant, or death in some patients.

Elevations of hepatic transaminases (most no greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal) were observed during controlled trials with dimethyl fumarate [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Obtain serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin levels prior to treatment with VUMERITY and during treatment, as clinically indicated. Discontinue VUMERITY if clinically significant liver injury induced by VUMERITY is suspected.

5.6 Flushing

VUMERITY may cause flushing (e.g., warmth, redness, itching, and/or burning sensation). In clinical trials of dimethyl fumarate (which has the same active metabolite as VUMERITY), 40% of dimethyl fumarate-treated patients experienced flushing. Flushing symptoms generally began soon after initiating dimethyl fumarate and usually improved or resolved over time. In the majority of patients who experienced flushing, it was mild or moderate in severity. Three percent (3%) of patients discontinued dimethyl fumarate for flushing and <1% had serious flushing symptoms that were not life-threatening but led to hospitalization.

Administration of VUMERITY with food may reduce the incidence of flushing [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. Studies with dimethyl fumarate show that administration of non-enteric coated aspirin (up to a dose of 325 mg) 30 minutes prior to dosing may reduce the incidence or severity of flushing [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

5.7 Serious Gastrointestinal Reactions

Serious gastrointestinal reactions, including perforation, ulceration, hemorrhage, and obstruction, some with fatal outcomes, have been reported in the postmarketing setting with the use of fumaric acid esters, including VUMERITY, with or without concomitant aspirin use. The majority of these events have occurred within 6 months of fumaric acid ester treatment initiation. In controlled clinical trials, the incidence of serious gastrointestinal adverse reactions was 1% in patients treated with dimethyl fumarate; these events, none of which were fatal, included vomiting (0.3%) and abdominal pain (0.3%) [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Monitor patients, promptly evaluate, and discontinue VUMERITY for new or worsening severe gastrointestinal signs and symptoms.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in 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 clinical practice.

The data described in the following sections were obtained using dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules, which has the same active metabolite as VUMERITY.

In placebo controlled and uncontrolled clinical studies of dimethyl fumarate (which has the same active metabolite as VUMERITY), a total of 2513 patients have been followed for periods up to 13 years with an overall exposure equivalent to 11,318 person-years. A total of 1169 patients have received at least 5 years of treatment with dimethyl fumarate, and 426 patients have received at least 10 years of treatment with dimethyl fumarate.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reaction has been identified during post approval use of dimethyl fumarate. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Acute pancreatitis; Gastrointestinal perforation, ulceration, obstruction, and hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]

Hepatobiliary Disorders: Liver function abnormalities (elevations in transaminases ≥3 times ULN with concomitant elevations in total bilirubin >2 times ULN) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Infections and Infestations: Herpes zoster infection and other serious opportunistic infections [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders: Rhinorrhea

Skin and Subcutaneous: Alopecia

7.1 Concomitant Dimethyl Fumarate

VUMERITY is contraindicated in patients currently taking dimethyl fumarate, which is also metabolized to monomethyl fumarate. VUMERITY may be initiated the day following discontinuation of dimethyl fumarate [see Contraindications (4)].

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of dimethyl fumarate and VUMERITY did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.

8.6 Renal Impairment

No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild renal impairment. Because of an increase in the exposure of a major metabolite [2-hydroxyethyl succinimide (HES)], use of VUMERITY is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

12.1 Mechanism of Action

The mechanism by which diroximel fumarate exerts its therapeutic effect in multiple sclerosis is unknown. MMF, the active metabolite of diroximel fumarate, has been shown to activate the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) pathway in vitro and in vivo in animals and humans. The Nrf2 pathway is involved in the cellular response to oxidative stress. MMF has been identified as a nicotinic acid receptor agonist in vitro.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration of VUMERITY, diroximel fumarate undergoes rapid presystemic hydrolysis by esterases and is converted to its active metabolite, monomethyl fumarate (MMF). Diroximel fumarate is not quantifiable in plasma following oral administration of VUMERITY. Therefore, all pharmacokinetic analyses related to VUMERITY were performed with plasma MMF concentrations. Pharmacokinetic data were obtained in subjects with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy volunteers.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

13.2 Animal Toxicology and/or Pharmacology

Kidney toxicity, including tubular changes (degeneration, necrosis, regeneration, hypertrophy) and/or interstitial fibrosis, were observed following oral administration of diroximel fumarate in rats and monkeys. In the chronic toxicology study in rats (0, 50, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day), adverse renal findings occurred at all doses tested. Plasma exposures (AUC) at the low dose (50 mg/kg/day) were similar to (MMF) or less than (HES) those in humans at the RHD. In the chronic toxicology study in monkeys (0, 15, 50, or 150 mg/kg/day), adverse renal findings occurred at all but the lowest dose tested (15 mg/kg/day), which was associated with plasma MMF and HES exposures (AUC) less than those in humans at the RHD.

Study 1: Placebo-Controlled Trial in RRMS

Study 1 was a 2-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 1234 patients with RRMS. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients relapsed at 2 years. Additional endpoints at 2 years included the number of new or newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions, number of new T1 hypointense lesions, number of Gd+ lesions, annualized relapse rate (ARR), and time to confirmed disability progression. Confirmed disability progression was defined as at least a 1 point increase from baseline EDSS (1.5 point increase for patients with baseline EDSS of 0) sustained for 12 weeks.

Patients were randomized to receive dimethyl fumarate 240 mg twice a day (n=410), dimethyl fumarate 240 mg three times a day (n=416), or placebo (n=408) for up to 2 years. The median age was 39 years, median time since diagnosis was 4 years, and median EDSS score at baseline was 2. The median time on study drug for all treatment arms was 96 weeks. The percentages of patients who completed 96 weeks on study drug per treatment group were 69% for patients assigned to dimethyl fumarate 240 mg twice a day, 69% for patients assigned to dimethyl fumarate 240 mg three times a day, and 65% for patients assigned to placebo groups.

Dimethyl fumarate had a statistically significant effect on all of the endpoints described above and the 240 mg three times daily dose showed no additional benefit over the dimethyl fumarate 240 mg twice daily dose. The results for this study (240 mg twice a day vs. placebo) are shown in Table 2 and Figure 1.

Figure 1: Time to 12-Week Confirmed Progression of Disability (Study 1)

Study 2: Placebo-Controlled Trial in RRMS

Study 2 was a 2-year multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that also included an open-label comparator arm in patients with RRMS. The primary endpoint was the annualized relapse rate at 2 years. Additional endpoints at 2 years included the number of new or newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions, number of T1 hypointense lesions, number of Gd+ lesions, proportion of patients relapsed, and time to confirmed disability progression as defined in Study 1.

Patients were randomized to receive dimethyl fumarate 240 mg twice a day (n=359), dimethyl fumarate 240 mg three times a day (n=345), an open-label comparator (n=350), or placebo (n=363) for up to 2 years. The median age was 37 years, median time since diagnosis was 3 years, and median EDSS score at baseline was 2.5. The median time on study drug for all treatment arms was 96 weeks. The percentages of patients who completed 96 weeks on study drug per treatment group were 70% for patients assigned to dimethyl fumarate 240 mg twice a day, 72% for patients assigned to dimethyl fumarate 240 mg three times a day, and 64% for patients assigned to placebo groups.

Dimethyl fumarate had a statistically significant effect on the relapse and MRI endpoints described above. There was no statistically significant effect on disability progression. The dimethyl fumarate 240 mg three times daily dose resulted in no additional benefit over the dimethyl fumarate 240 mg twice daily dose. The results for this study (240 mg twice a day vs. placebo) are shown in Table 3.

16.1 How Supplied

VUMERITY is available as delayed-release capsules for oral administration, containing 231 mg of diroximel fumarate. The 231 mg capsules have a white cap and a white body, printed with “DRF 231 mg” in black ink on the body. VUMERITY is available as follows:

Bottle of 120 capsules, NDC 64406-020-03.

16.2 Storage and Handling

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

Dosage and Administration

Inform patients that they will take one capsule twice a day for the first 7 days and then two capsules twice a day thereafter. Advise patients to take VUMERITY as instructed. Inform patients to swallow VUMERITY capsules whole and intact. Inform patients to not crush, chew, or sprinkle capsule contents on food. Inform patients that they should avoid a high-fat, high-calorie meal/snack at the time they take VUMERITY. If taken with food, the meal/snack should contain no more than 700 calories and no more than 30 g fat. Advise patients to avoid co-administration of VUMERITY with alcohol [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Anaphylaxis and Angioedema

Advise patients to discontinue VUMERITY and seek medical care if they develop signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis or angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Inform patients that progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has occured in patients who received dimethyl fumarate, and therefore may occur with VUMERITY. Inform the patient that PML is characterized by a progression of deficits and usually leads to death or severe disability over weeks or months. Inform the patient of the importance of contacting their healthcare provider if they develop any symptoms suggestive of PML. Inform the patient that typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Herpes Zoster and Other Serious Opportunistic Infections

Inform patients that herpes zoster and other serious opportunistic infections have occurred in patients who received dimethyl fumarate and therefore may occur with VUMERITY. Instruct the patient of the importance of contacting their doctor if they develop any signs or symptoms associated with herpes zoster or other serious opportunistic infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

Lymphocyte Counts

Inform patients that VUMERITY may decrease lymphocyte counts. A blood test should be obtained before they start therapy. Blood tests are also recommended after 6 months of treatment, every 6 to 12 months thereafter, and as clinically indicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Liver Injury

Inform patients that VUMERITY may cause liver injury. Instruct patients treated with VUMERITY to report promptly to their healthcare provider any symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or jaundice. A blood test should be obtained before patients start therapy and during treatment, as clinically indicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Flushing

Inform patients that flushing is one of the most common reactions, especially at the initiation of therapy, and may decrease over time. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they experience persistent and/or severe flushing. Advise patients experiencing flushing that taking VUMERITY with food (avoid high-fat, high-calorie meal or snack) or taking a non-enteric coated aspirin prior to taking VUMERITY may help [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Gastrointestinal (GI) Reactions

Inform patients that GI events (abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea) are some of the most common adverse reactions, especially at the initiation of therapy, and may decrease over time. Some patients may experience more severe GI events, Advise patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider and discontinue VUMERITY if they experience gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, hematemesis) or other serious gastrointestinal adverse events (e.g., severe abdominal pain, severe vomiting and/or diarrhea) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Pregnancy and Pregnancy Registry

Instruct patients that if they are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking VUMERITY they should inform their healthcare provider.

Encourage patients to enroll in the VUMERITY Pregnancy Registry if they become pregnant while taking VUMERITY [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

PPI-54499-09

Manufactured for:
Biogen Inc.
Cambridge, MA 02142

VUMERITY is a registered trademark of Biogen.
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