2.1 Patient Selection - POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR Deficiency

• Select patients for treatment with IMCIVREE who have genetically determined or suspected deficiency of POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR [see Clinical Studies (14)].
• Treat patients with variants in POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR genes that are interpreted as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or of uncertain significance (VUS) in the clinical context of the patient [see Clinical Studies (14)].
• Information on an FDA-approved test for the detection of variants in the POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR is available at http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics.

2.2 Patient Selection - BBS

Select patients for treatment with IMCIVREE who have a clinical diagnosis of BBS [see Clinical Studies (14)].

2.3 Recommended dosage in Adults and Pediatric Patients 12 Years of Age and Older

In adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older, the recommended starting dosage is 2 mg (0.2 mL) injected subcutaneously once daily for 2 weeks, and the recommended target dosage is 3 mg (0.3 mL) injected subcutaneously once daily. Monitor patients for gastrointestinal (GI) adverse reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

If the starting dosage is:

• Not tolerated, reduce the dosage to 1 mg (0.1 mL) once daily. If the 1 mg once daily dosage is tolerated for at least 1 week, increase the dosage to 2 mg (0.2 mL) once daily.
• Tolerated for 2 weeks, increase the dosage to 3 mg (0.3 mL) once daily. If the 3 mg once daily dosage is not tolerated, decrease the dosage to 2 mg (0.2 mL) once daily.

2.4 Recommended Dosage in Pediatric Patients 6 to Less Than 12 Years of Age

In pediatric patients aged 6 to less than 12 years, the recommended starting dosage is 1 mg (0.1 mL) injected subcutaneously once daily for 2 weeks, and the recommended target dosage is 3 mg (0.3 mL) injected subcutaneously once daily. Monitor patients for GI adverse reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

If the starting dosage is:

• Not tolerated, reduce the dosage to 0.5 mg (0.05 mL) once daily. If the 0.5 mg once daily dosage is tolerated for at least 1 week, increase the dosage to 1 mg (0.1 mL) once daily.
• Tolerated for 2 weeks, increase the dosage to 2 mg (0.2 mL) once daily. If the 2 mg daily dosage is:
  1. Not tolerated, reduce the dosage to 1 mg (0.1 mL) once daily.
  2. Tolerated, increase the dosage to 3 mg (0.3 mL) once daily.

2.5 Recommended Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment

Recommended Dosage in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease

IMCIVREE is not recommended for use in patients with end stage renal disease (eGFR less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2).

Recommended Dosage in Patients with Severe Renal Impairment

For adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] of 15 to 29 mL/min/1.73 m2), the recommended starting dosage is 0.5 mg (0.05 mL) injected subcutaneously once daily for 2 weeks, and the recommended target dosage is 1.5 mg (0.15 mL) injected subcutaneously once daily [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Monitor patients for GI adverse reactions [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

If the recommended starting dosage is [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)]:

• Tolerated for 2 weeks, increase the dosage to 1 mg (0.1 mL) once daily. If the 1 mg daily dosage is tolerated for at least 1 week, increase the dosage to 1.5 mg (0.15 mL) once daily.
• Not tolerated, discontinue IMCIVREE.

The use of IMCIVREE in pediatric patients 6 to less than 12 years of age with severe renal impairment is not recommended [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

Recommended Dosage in Patients with Mild or Moderate Renal Impairment

The recommended dosage in patients with mild renal impairment (eGFR of 60 to 89 mL/min/1.73 m2) or moderate renal impairment (eGFR of 30 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2) is the same as in those with normal kidney function [see Dosage and Administration (2.3, 2.4)].

2.6 Recommended Monitoring

Obesity Due to POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR Deficiency

• Periodically assess response to IMCIVREE therapy. In pediatric patients, evaluate the impact of weight loss on growth and maturation.
• Evaluate weight loss after 12-16 weeks of treatment. If a patient has not lost at least 5% of baseline body weight or 5% of baseline BMI for patients with continued growth potential, discontinue IMCIVREE as it is unlikely that the patient will achieve and sustain clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.

Obesity and a Clinical Diagnosis of BBS

• Periodically assess response to IMCIVREE therapy. In pediatric patients, evaluate the impact of weight loss on growth and maturation.
• Evaluate weight loss after 1 year of treatment. If a patient has not lost at least 5% of baseline body weight or 5% of baseline BMI for patients aged less than 18 years, discontinue IMCIVREE as it is unlikely that the patient will achieve and sustain clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.

2.7 Administration Instructions

• Prior to initiation of IMCIVREE, train patients or their caregivers on proper injection technique. Instruct patients to use a 1-mL syringe with a 28- or 29-gauge needle appropriate for subcutaneous injection.
• Remove IMCIVREE from the refrigerator approximately 15 minutes prior to administration. Alternatively, warm IMCIVREE prior to administration by rolling the vial gently between the palms of the hands for 60 seconds.
• Inspect IMCIVREE visually before use. It should appear clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow. Do not use if particulate matter or discoloration is seen.
• Administer IMCIVREE once daily, at the beginning of the day, without regard to meals.
• Inject IMCIVREE subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or arm, rotating to a different site each day. Do not administer IMCIVREE intravenously or intramuscularly.
• If a dose is missed, resume the once daily regimen as prescribed with the next scheduled dose.

5.1 Disturbance in Sexual Arousal

Sexual adverse reactions may occur in patients treated with IMCIVREE. Spontaneous penile erections in males (24%) and sexual adverse reactions in females (7% in IMCIVREE-treated patients and 0% in placebo-treated patients from an unapproved population) occurred in clinical studies with IMCIVREE [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

Inform patients that these events may occur and instruct patients who have an erection lasting longer than 4 hours to seek emergency medical attention.

5.2 Depression and Suicidal Ideation

Some drugs that target the central nervous system, such as IMCIVREE, may cause depression or suicidal ideation. Depression (26%) and suicidal ideation (11%) occurred in adults and pediatric patients in IMCIVREE clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Patients with a history of depression or suicidal ideation may be at increased risk for recurrent episodes while taking IMCIVREE.

Monitor patients for new onset or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior. Consider discontinuing IMCIVREE if patients experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors or if clinically significant or persistent depression symptoms occur.

5.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions

Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with IMCIVREE. These reactions generally occurred within minutes to hours after injecting IMCIVREE [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, advise patients to promptly seek medical attention and discontinue use of IMCIVREE. IMCIVREE is contraindicated in patients with a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to setmelanotide or any of the excipients in IMCIVREE.

5.4 Skin Pigmentation and Darkening of Pre-Existing Nevi

Generalized increased skin pigmentation occurred in the majority of patients (69%) treated with IMCIVREE in clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)]. IMCIVREE may also cause darkening of pre-existing nevi due to its pharmacologic effect. This effect is reversible upon discontinuation of the drug.

Perform a full body skin examination prior to initiation and periodically during treatment with IMCIVREE to monitor pre-existing and new skin pigmentary lesions.

5.5 Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions Due to Benzyl Alcohol Preservative in Neonates and Low Birth Weight Infants

IMCIVREE is not approved for use in neonates or infants. Serious and fatal adverse reactions including “gasping syndrome” can occur in neonates and low birth weight infants treated with benzyl alcohol-preserved drugs, including IMCIVREE. The “gasping syndrome” is characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, and gasping respirations. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which serious adverse reactions may occur is not known (IMCIVREE contains 10 mg of benzyl alcohol per mL) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

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.

POMC, PCSK1, and LEPR Deficiency

The safety of IMCIVREE was evaluated in two 52-week, open-label clinical studies of 27 patients with obesity due to POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency with POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR genes that are interpreted as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or of uncertain significance (Study 1 and Study 2) [see Clinical Studies (14)].

Table 1 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in the open-label studies during the first 52 weeks of treatment in 3 or more patients treated with IMCIVREE.

Bardet-Biedl Syndrome

The safety of IMCIVREE was evaluated in a clinical study, which included a 14 week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled period followed by a 52-week open-label, treatment period, in 44 patients with obesity and a clinical diagnosis of BBS (Study 3) [see Clinical Studies (14)]. The study duration was 66 weeks.

During the 14-week placebo-controlled period in Study 3, the most common reported adverse reactions in IMCIVREE-treated patients when compared to placebo-treated patients were hyperpigmentation disorders (67% vs 0%, respectively) and vomiting (11% vs 0%, respectively).

Adverse reactions were also evaluated during the 52-week active-treatment period, defined as the period from randomization to Week 52 in patients initially randomized to IMCIVREE, and from Week 14 to Week 66 in patients initially randomized to placebo. Table 2 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in 2 or more IMCIVREE-treated patients in Study 3 during the 52-week active treatment period.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of IMCIVREE. 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.

• Hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Discontinue IMCIVREE when pregnancy is recognized unless the benefits of therapy outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.

IMCIVREE contains the preservative benzyl alcohol. Because benzyl alcohol is rapidly metabolized by a pregnant woman, benzyl alcohol exposure in the fetus is unlikely. However, adverse reactions have occurred in premature neonates and low birth weight infants who received intravenously administered benzyl alcohol-containing drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

There are no available data with IMCIVREE in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. For the general US population, weight loss offers no potential benefit to a pregnant woman and may result in fetal harm (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, setmelanotide subcutaneously administered to pregnant rats from before mating to the end of organogenesis was not teratogenic at doses 11 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 3 mg. Setmelanotide subcutaneously administered to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis was not teratogenic at clinical doses. Setmelanotide administered subcutaneously to pregnant rats during organogenesis through lactation did not result in adverse developmental effects at doses 7 times the MRHD (see Data).

The estimated background risk of birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risks

Maternal obesity increases the risk for congenital malformations, including neural tube defects, cardiac malformations, oral clefts, and limb reduction defects. In addition, weight loss during pregnancy may result in fetal harm including increased risk of small for gestational age. Appropriate weight gain based on pre-pregnancy weight is currently recommended for all pregnant women, including those who are already overweight or have obesity, due to the obligatory weight gain that occurs in maternal tissues during pregnancy.

Data

Animal Data

Embryo-fetal development was evaluated in female rats administered setmelanotide subcutaneously during mating to end of major organogenesis (14 days prior to mating to gestation day 17) at doses of 0.5, 3, and 5 mg/kg/day, resulting in exposures up to 11 times the human exposure at MRHD of 3 mg, based on AUC. Dose-related decreases in maternal food intake and body weight gain were observed during the premating period but not during gestation. No evidence of embryo-fetal toxicity was observed.

Embryo-fetal development was evaluated in pregnant rabbits subcutaneously administered setmelanotide during organogenesis (gestation days 7 to 19) at doses of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg/kg/day, resulting in clinically relevant exposures at the MRHD, based on AUC. Decreases in maternal food consumption and body weight were observed at all doses. Increases in embryo-fetal resorptions and post-implantation losses were observed at ≥0.1 mg/kg/day in the presence of significant maternal toxicity, and fetal body weights were 7% lower than controls at 0.2 mg/kg/day.

Pre- and post-natal development was evaluated in rats subcutaneously administered setmelanotide during organogenesis and continuing to weaning (gestation day 6 to lactation day 21) at doses of 0.5, 3.0, and 5.0 mg/kg/day, which resulted in exposures up to 7 times the human exposure at the MRHD, based on AUC. Pup body weights at birth were 9% lower than controls at 3.0 and 5.0 mg/kg/day, which was consistent with reduced maternal body weight gain and food consumption during gestation. No adverse setmelanotide-related effects on pup survival, growth, maturation, visual function, neurobehavioral performance, or reproductive performance were observed up to the highest dose.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

Treatment with IMCIVREE is not recommended for use while breastfeeding.

IMCIVREE from multiple-dose vials contains the preservative benzyl alcohol. Because benzyl alcohol is rapidly metabolized by a lactating woman, benzyl alcohol exposure in the breastfed infant is unlikely. However, adverse reactions have occurred in premature neonates and low birth weight infants who received intravenously administered benzyl alcohol-containing drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

There is no information on the presence of setmelanotide or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. However, setmelanotide is present in the milk of rats (see Data). When a drug is present in rat milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk.

Data

Dose-related setmelanotide concentrations were observed in milk 2 hours after subcutaneous injection in the preweaning phase of a pre- and post-natal development study in rats. No quantifiable setmelanotide concentrations were detected in plasma from nursing pups on post-natal Day 11.

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of IMCIVREE have been established for chronic weight management in pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with obesity due to:

• POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency with variants in POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR genes that are interpreted as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or of uncertain significance (VUS) [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]
• BBS [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]

Use of IMCIVREE for these indications is supported by evidence from 2 one-year, open-label studies that included 9 pediatric patients with POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency, and from one 66-week study, which included a 14-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled period followed by a 52-week open-label period, and included 22 pediatric patients with BBS [see Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2)].

The safety and effectiveness of IMCIVREE have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 6 years old.

IMCIVREE is not approved for use in neonates or infants. Serious adverse reactions including fatal reactions and the “gasping syndrome” occurred in premature neonates and low birth weight infants in the neonatal intensive care unit who received drugs containing benzyl alcohol as a preservative. In these cases, benzyl alcohol dosages of 99 to 234 mg/kg/day produced high levels of benzyl alcohol and its metabolites in the blood and urine (blood levels of benzyl alcohol were 0.61 to 1.378 mmol/L). Additional adverse reactions included gradual neurological deterioration, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, hematologic abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Preterm, low-birth weight infants may be more likely to develop these reactions because they may be less able to metabolize benzyl alcohol. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which serious adverse reactions may occur is not known (IMCIVREE contains 10 mg of benzyl alcohol) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of IMCIVREE did not include patients aged 65 and over. It is not known whether geriatric patients would respond differently than younger adult patients.

8.6 Renal Impairment

Patients with severe renal impairment have a higher exposure of setmelanotide relative to patients with normal kidney function. Reduce the recommended starting and target dosage of IMCIVREE in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with severe renal impairment (eGFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m2). The use of IMCIVREE in pediatric patients 6 to less than 12 years of age with severe renal impairment is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

The recommended dosage in patients with mild (eGFR of 60-89 mL/min/1.73 m2) or moderate renal impairment (eGFR of 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2) is the same as those with normal kidney function [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

IMCIVREE is not recommended for use in patients with end stage renal disease (eGFR less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2).

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Setmelanotide is an MC4 receptor agonist with 20-fold less activity at the melanocortin 3 (MC3) and melanocortin 1 (MC1) receptors. MC4 receptors in the brain are involved in regulation of hunger, satiety, and energy expenditure. Based on nonclinical evidence, setmelanotide may re-establish MC4 receptor pathway activity to reduce food intake and promote weight loss through decreased caloric intake and increased energy expenditure in patients with obesity due to POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency, or BBS associated with insufficient activation of the MC4 receptor. The MC1 receptor is expressed on melanocytes, and activation of this receptor leads to accumulation of melanin and increased skin pigmentation independently of ultraviolet light [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

At a dose 2.3 times the maximum recommended dose, IMCIVREE does not prolong the QT interval to any clinically relevant extent.

Energy Expenditure

Short-term administration of IMCIVREE in 12 otherwise healthy patients with obesity increased resting energy expenditure and shifted substrate oxidation to fat. The safety and effectiveness of IMCIVREE have not been established in such patients and IMCIVREE is not approved to treat such patients [see Indications and Usage (1)].

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

The mean steady state setmelanotide Cmax,ss, AUCtau, and trough concentration for a 3-mg dose administered subcutaneously once daily was 37.9 ng/mL, 495 h*ng/mL, and 6.77 ng/mL, respectively. Steady-state plasma concentrations of setmelanotide were achieved within 2 days with daily dosing of 1-3 mg setmelanotide. The accumulation of setmelanotide in the systemic circulation during once-daily dosing over 12 weeks was approximately 30%. Setmelanotide AUC and Cmax increased proportionally following multiple-dose subcutaneous administration in the proposed dose range (1-3 mg).

Absorption

After subcutaneous injection of IMCIVREE, plasma concentrations of setmelanotide reached maximum concentrations at a median tmax of 8 h after dosing.

Distribution

The mean apparent volume of distribution of setmelanotide after subcutaneous administration of IMCIVREE 3 mg once daily was estimated from the population pharmacokinetics model to be 48.7 L. Protein binding of setmelanotide is 79.1%.

Elimination

The effective elimination half-life (t½) of setmelanotide was approximately 11 hours. The total apparent steady state clearance of setmelanotide following subcutaneous administration of IMCIVREE 3 mg once daily was estimated from the population PK model to be 4.86 L/h.

Metabolism

Setmelanotide is expected to be metabolized into small peptides by catabolic pathways.

Excretion

Approximately 39% of the administered setmelanotide dose was excreted unchanged in urine during the 24-hour dosing interval following subcutaneous administration of 3 mg once daily.

Specific Populations

No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of setmelanotide were observed based on sex or disease. The effect of age 65 years or older, pregnancy, or hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of setmelanotide is unknown.

Pediatric Patients

IMCIVREE has been evaluated in pediatric patients aged 6 to less than 12 years and aged 12 to 17 years. Simulations from the population pharmacokinetic analyses suggest that AUC and Cmax are 100% and 92% higher in pediatric patients 6 to less than 12 years as compared to patients greater than or equal to 17 years. For patients aged 12 to 17 years, the setmelanotide AUC and Cmax were 44% and 37% higher, respectively as compared to patients greater than or equal to 17 years [see Dosage and Administration (2.3, 2.4)].

Patients with Renal Impairment

Exposure parameters, AUC0-t and AUC0-inf, were approximately 13%-15%, 34%-35%, and 86%-96% higher for patients with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment, respectively, as compared to patients with normal renal function [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].

Renal impairment did not appear to affect plasma protein binding. The average fraction unbound (fu) was approximately 0.2 and was independent of renal function.

Drug Interaction Studies

In vitro assessment of drug-drug interactions

Setmelanotide has low potential for pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions related to cytochrome P450 (CYP), transporters and plasma protein binding.

In vivo assessment of drug-drug interactions

No clinical studies evaluating the drug-drug interaction potential of setmelanotide have been conducted.

12.6 Immunogenicity

The observed incidence of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Differences in assay methods preclude meaningful comparisons of the incidence of ADA in the studies described below with the incidence of ADA in other studies, including those of setmelanotide or of other setmelanotide products.

In patients with POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency or in patients with BBS, there is insufficient information to characterize the ADA response to setmelanotide and the effects of ADA on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, or effectiveness of setmelanotide products.

During the 1-year treatment period in Study 2 in patients with obesity due to LEPR deficiency [see Clinical Studies (14.1)], 3/7 (43%) of IMCIVREE-treated patients developed antibodies to endogenous alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH). Of these 3 patients, 2 tested positive post-IMCIVREE treatment and 1 was positive pre-treatment. Because of the limited sample size, the effect of these antibodies on the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and/or effectiveness of setmelanotide products or consequences from these antibodies against endogenous alpha-MSH could not be determined. None of the IMCIVREE-treated patients with POMC-deficiency developed antibodies to alpha-MSH.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Setmelanotide was not carcinogenic in Tg.rasH2 mice at doses up to 10 mg/kg/day when given subcutaneously for 26 weeks.

Setmelanotide was not mutagenic or clastogenic in a bacterial reverse mutation test, an in vitro chromosome aberration test in human lymphocyte cultures, or an in vivo bone marrow micronucleus study in rats.

There were no effects on the fertility of male rats subcutaneously administered up to 3.0 mg/kg/day setmelanotide, which represents 9 times the MRHD of 3 mg, based on AUC. No effects on the fertility of female rats were observed with subcutaneous administration up to 5 mg/kg/day setmelanotide, which represents 11 times the MRHD of 3 mg, based on AUC.

14.1 POMC, PCSK1, and LEPR Deficiency

The safety and efficacy of IMCIVREE for chronic weight management in adult and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with obesity due to POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency were assessed in 2 identically designed, 1-year, open-label studies, each with an 8-week, double-blind withdrawal period.

• Study 1 (NCT02896192) enrolled patients aged 6 years and above with obesity and genetically confirmed or suspected POMC or PCSK1 deficiency.
• Study 2 (NCT03287960) enrolled patients aged 6 years and above with obesity and genetically confirmed or suspected LEPR deficiency.

The studies enrolled patients with homozygous or presumed compound heterozygous pathogenic, likely pathogenic variants, or VUS for either the POMC or PCSK1 genes (Study 1) or the LEPR gene (Study 2). In both studies, the local genetic testing results were centrally confirmed using Sanger sequencing. Patients with double heterozygous variants in 2 different genes were not eligible for treatment with IMCIVREE. In both studies, adult patients had a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2. Weight in pediatric patients was ≥95th percentile using growth chart assessments.

IMCIVREE dose titration occurred over a 2- to 12-week period, followed by a 10-week, open-label treatment period with IMCIVREE. Patients who achieved at least a 5-kilogram weight loss (or at least 5% weight loss if baseline body weight was <100 kg) at the end of the open-label treatment period continued into a double-blind withdrawal period lasting 8 weeks, including 4 weeks of IMCIVREE followed by 4 weeks of placebo (investigators and patients were blinded to this sequence). Following the withdrawal sequence, patients re-initiated treatment with IMCIVREE at their therapeutic dose for up to 32 weeks.

Efficacy analyses were conducted in 21 patients (10 in Study 1 and 11 in Study 2) who had completed at least 1 year of treatment at the time of a prespecified data cutoff. Six additional patients enrolled in the studies (4 in Study 1 and 2 in Study 2) who had not yet completed 1 year of treatment at the time of the cutoff were not included in the efficacy analyses.

Of the 21 patients included in the efficacy analysis in Studies 1 and 2, 62% were adults and 38% were pediatric patients aged 16 years or younger.

• In Study 1, 50% of patients were female, 70% were White, and the median BMI was 40 kg/m2 (range: 26.6-53.3) at baseline.
• In Study 2, 73% of patients were female, 91% were White, and the median BMI was 46.6 kg/m2 (range: 35.8-64.6) at baseline.

Effect of IMCIVREE on Body Weight in Patients with Obesity due to POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR Deficiency

In Study 1, 80% of patients with obesity due to POMC or PCSK1 deficiency met the primary endpoint, achieving a ≥10% weight loss after 1 year of treatment with IMCIVREE.

In Study 2, 46% of patients with obesity due to LEPR deficiency achieved a ≥10% weight loss after 1 year of treatment with IMCIVREE (Table 3).

When treatment with IMCIVREE was withdrawn in the 16 patients who had lost at least 5 kg (or 5% of body weight if baseline body weight was <100 kg) during the 10-week open-label period in Studies 1 and 2, these patients gained an average of 5.5 kg in Study 1 and 5.0 kg in Study 2 over 4 weeks. Re-initiation of treatment with IMCIVREE resulted in subsequent weight loss (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Mean Percent Change in Body Weight from Baseline in Patients with Obesity due to POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR Deficiency by Visit (Study 1 [N=9] and Study 2 [N=7])

BL=Baseline (day of first dose)
V2 to V3 = variable dose titration period (2 to 12 weeks)
V3 to V6 = 10-week open-label treatment period
V6 to V8 = 8-week placebo withdrawal period (4 weeks active, 4 weeks placebo)
V8 to V12 = 32-week open-label treatment period
FV = Final visit; time point for primary efficacy analysis

Note: This figure includes patients who had lost at least 5 kg (or 5% of body weight if baseline body weight was <100 kg) during the 10-week open-label period.

Effect of IMCIVREE on Hunger in Patients with Obesity due to POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR Deficiency

In Studies 1 and 2, patients 12 years and older self-reported their daily maximal hunger in a diary, assessed by the Daily Hunger Questionnaire Item 2. Hunger was scored on an 11-point numeric rating scale from 0 (“not hungry at all”) to 10 (“hungriest possible”). Weekly means of daily hunger scores at Baseline and Week 52 are summarized in Table 5

Table 5: Daily Hunger Scores – Change from Baseline at 1 Year in IMCIVREE-Treated Patients Aged ≥12 Years with Obesity due to POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR Deficiency in Studies 1 and 2 with Available Hunger Data

Hunger scores generally worsened during the double-blind, placebo withdrawal period among those patients who had experienced an improvement from baseline, and scores improved when IMCIVREE was reinitiated.

Supportive of IMCIVREE’s effect on weight loss, there were general numeric improvements in blood pressure, lipids, glycemic parameters, and waist circumference. However, because of the limited number of patients studied and the lack of a control group, the treatment effects on these parameters could not be accurately quantified.

14.2 Bardet-Biedl Syndrome

The safety and efficacy of IMCIVREE for chronic weight management in adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with obesity and a clinical diagnosis of Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) were assessed in a 66-week clinical study, which included a 14-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled period and a 52-week open-label period (Study 3 [NCT03746522]). The study enrolled patients aged 6 years and above with obesity and a clinical diagnosis of BBS. Adult patients had a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2 and pediatric patients had weight ≥97th percentile using growth chart assessments.

In Study 3, eligible patients entered a 14-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment period (Period 1) in which patients received IMCIVREE or placebo, followed by a 52-week open-label treatment period (Period 2) in which all patients received IMCIVREE. To maintain the blind during Period 1, dose titration to a fixed dose of 3 mg given subcutaneously once daily was performed during the first 2 weeks of both Period 1 and Period 2.

Efficacy analyses were conducted in 44 patients at the end of Period 1 (Week 14, placebo-controlled data) and in 31 patients during the active-treatment period, defined as the period from randomization to Week 52 in patients initially randomized to IMCIVREE, and from Week 14 to Week 66 in patients initially randomized to placebo. Analyses of the active-treatment period include patients who had either completed 52 weeks from the start of IMCIVREE treatment or discontinued the study early at the time of the prespecified data cutoff.

A total of 44 patients with obesity and a clinical diagnosis of BBS were enrolled; 50% were adults, 32% were aged 12 to <18 years, and 18% were aged 6 to <12 years; 46% were male; 77% were White, 5% were Black, 2% were Asian, and 16% had an unknown or not reported race; 2% were Hispanic or Latino and 14% had an unknown or not reported ethnicity; and the mean BMI was 41.5 kg/m2 (range: 24.4-66.1 kg/m2) at baseline.

Effect of IMCIVREE on BMI in Patients with Obesity and a Clinical Diagnosis of BBS

In patients aged ≥6 years with obesity and a clinical diagnosis of BBS in Study 3, the mean percent change in BMI after 52 weeks of IMCIVREE treatment was -7.9% (Table 6), 61.3% of patients achieved a ≥5% BMI decrease from baseline, and 38.7% had a ≥10% decrease in BMI (Table 7).

Table 6: Percent Change from Baseline in BMI after 52 Weeks from the Start of IMCIVREE Treatment in Patients Aged ≥6 Years with Obesity and a Clinical Diagnosis of BBS (Study 3)*

During the 14-week double-blind, placebo-controlled portion of Study 3 (Period 1), there was a statistically significant difference in BMI reduction between the IMCIVREE-treated group and the placebo-treated group (Table 8).

Table 8. Percent Change from Baseline in BMI after 14 Weeks of Treatment in Patients Aged ≥6 Years with Obesity and a Clinical Diagnosis of BBS (Study 3)*

Effect of IMCIVREE on Hunger in Patients with Obesity and a Clinical Diagnosis of BBS

In Study 3, patients 12 years and older who were able to self-report their hunger (n=14), recorded their daily maximal hunger in a diary, which was then assessed by the Daily Hunger Questionnaire Item 2. Hunger was scored on an 11-point scale from 0 (“not hungry at all”) to 10 (“hungriest possible”). Weekly means of daily maximal hunger scores after 52 weeks from the start of IMCIVREE treatment are summarized in Table 9.

Hunger scores decreased in IMCIVREE-treated patients during the 14-week placebo-controlled period and during the open-label treatment period.

Table 9: Daily Hunger Scores – Change from Baseline in IMCIVREE-Treated Patients Aged ≥12 Years with Obesity and a Clinical Diagnosis of BBS After 52 Weeks From the Start of IMCIVREE Treatment (Study 3)

Supportive of IMCIVREE’s effect on weight loss, there were general numeric improvements in blood pressure, lipids, and waist circumference. However, because of the limited number of patients studied and the lack of a control group, the treatment effects on these parameters could not be accurately quantified.