2.1 Recommended Dosage

The recommended dose of ERLEADA is 240 mg administered orally once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or split tablets. ERLEADA can be taken with or without food.

Patients should also receive a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog concurrently or should have had a bilateral orchiectomy.

2.2 Dosage Modification

If Grade 3 or greater adverse reactions, or other intolerable adverse reactions occur, withhold ERLEADA. Consider permanent discontinuation of ERLEADA for Grade 3 or 4 cerebrovascular and ischemic cardiovascular events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . Permanently discontinue ERLEADA for confirmed SCARs or for other Grade 4 skin reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . For other adverse reactions, when symptoms improve to less than or equal to Grade 1 or original grade, resume ERLEADA at the same dose or a reduced dose (180 mg or 120 mg), if warranted.

2.3 Alternate Methods of Administration

None.

5.1 Cerebrovascular and Ischemic Cardiovascular Events

Cerebrovascular and ischemic cardiovascular events, including events leading to death, occurred in patients receiving ERLEADA. Monitor for signs and symptoms of ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disorders. Optimize management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Consider discontinuation of ERLEADA for Grade 3 and 4 events.

In a randomized study (SPARTAN) of patients with nmCRPC, ischemic cardiovascular events occurred in 3.7% of patients treated with ERLEADA and 2% of patients treated with placebo. In a randomized study (TITAN) in patients with mCSPC, ischemic cardiovascular events occurred in 4.4% of patients treated with ERLEADA and 1.5% of patients treated with placebo. Across the SPARTAN and TITAN studies, 4 patients (0.3%) treated with ERLEADA, and 2 patients (0.2%) treated with placebo died from an ischemic cardiovascular event.

In the SPARTAN study, cerebrovascular events occurred in 2.5% of patients treated with ERLEADA and 1% of patients treated with placebo [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . In the TITAN study, cerebrovascular events occurred in 1.9% of patients treated with ERLEADA and 2.1% of patients treated with placebo. Across the SPARTAN and TITAN studies, 3 patients (0.2%) treated with ERLEADA, and 2 patients (0.2%) treated with placebo died from a cerebrovascular event.

Patients with history of unstable angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke, or transient ischemic attack within six months of randomization were excluded from the SPARTAN and TITAN studies.

5.2 Fractures

Fractures occurred in patients receiving ERLEADA. Evaluate patients for fracture risk. Monitor and manage patients at risk for fractures according to established treatment guidelines and consider use of bone-targeted agents.

In a randomized study (SPARTAN) of patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, fractures occurred in 12% of patients treated with ERLEADA and in 7% of patients treated with placebo. Grade 3–4 fractures occurred in 2.7% of patients treated with ERLEADA and in 0.8% of patients treated with placebo. The median time to onset of fracture was 314 days (range: 20 to 953 days) for patients treated with ERLEADA. Routine bone density assessment and treatment of osteoporosis with bone-targeted agents were not performed in the SPARTAN study.

In a randomized study (TITAN) of patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer, fractures occurred in 9% of patients treated with ERLEADA and in 6% of patients treated with placebo. Grade 3–4 fractures were similar in both arms at 1.5%. The median time to onset of fracture was 56 days (range: 2 to 111 days) for patients treated with ERLEADA. Routine bone density assessment and treatment of osteoporosis with bone-targeted agents were not performed in the TITAN study.

5.3 Falls

Falls occurred in patients receiving ERLEADA with increased frequency in the elderly [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)] . Evaluate patients for fall risk.

In a randomized study (SPARTAN), falls occurred in 16% of patients treated with ERLEADA compared to 9% of patients treated with placebo. Falls were not associated with loss of consciousness or seizure.

5.4 Seizure

Seizure occurred in patients receiving ERLEADA. Permanently discontinue ERLEADA in patients who develop a seizure during treatment. It is unknown whether anti-epileptic medications will prevent seizures with ERLEADA. Advise patients of the risk of developing a seizure while receiving ERLEADA and of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause harm to themselves or others.

In two randomized studies (SPARTAN and TITAN), five patients (0.4%) treated with ERLEADA and one patient treated with placebo (0.1%) experienced a seizure. Seizure occurred from 159 to 650 days after initiation of ERLEADA. Patients with a history of seizure, predisposing factors for seizure, or receiving drugs known to decrease the seizure threshold or to induce seizure were excluded. There is no clinical experience in re-administering ERLEADA to patients who experienced a seizure.

5.5 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions

Fatal and life threatening cases of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), occurred in patients receiving ERLEADA [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)] .

Monitor patients for the development of SCARs. Advise patients of the signs and symptoms of SCARs (e.g., a prodrome of fever, flu-like symptoms, mucosal lesions, progressive skin rash, or lymphadenopathy).

If a SCAR is suspected, interrupt ERLEADA until the etiology of the reaction has been determined. Consultation with a dermatologist is recommended. If a SCAR is confirmed, or for other grade 4 skin reactions, permanently discontinue ERLEADA [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)] .

5.6 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

The safety and efficacy of ERLEADA have not been established in females. Based on findings from animals and its mechanism of action, ERLEADA can cause fetal harm and loss of pregnancy when administered to a pregnant female. In an animal reproduction study, oral administration of apalutamide to pregnant rats during and after organogenesis resulted in fetal abnormalities and embryo-fetal lethality at maternal exposures ≥ 2 times the human clinical exposure (AUC) at the recommended dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of ERLEADA [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1, 8.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.1)] .

6.1 Clinical Trial 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.

The most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%) that occurred more frequently in the ERLEADA-treated patients (≥ 2% over placebo) from the randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials (TITAN and SPARTAN) were fatigue, arthralgia, rash, decreased appetite, fall, weight decreased, hypertension, hot flush, diarrhea, and fracture.

6.2 Post-Marketing Experience

The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of ERLEADA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate the frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: interstitial lung disease

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).

7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on ERLEADA

7.2 Effect of ERLEADA on Other Drugs

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

8.4 Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of ERLEADA in pediatric patients have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Of the 1327 patients who received ERLEADA in clinical studies, 19% of patients were less than 65 years, 41% of patients were 65 years to 74 years, and 40% were 75 years and over.

No overall differences in effectiveness were observed between older and younger patients.

Of patients treated with ERLEADA (n=1073), Grade 3–4 adverse reactions occurred in 39% of patients younger than 65 years, 41% of patients 65–74 years, and 49% of patients 75 years or older. Falls in patients receiving ERLEADA with androgen deprivation therapy was elevated in the elderly, occurring in 8% of patients younger than 65 years, 10% of patients 65–74 years, and 19% of patients 75 years or older.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Apalutamide is an Androgen Receptor (AR) inhibitor that binds directly to the ligand-binding domain of the AR. Apalutamide inhibits AR nuclear translocation, inhibits DNA binding, and impedes AR-mediated transcription. A major metabolite, N-desmethyl apalutamide, is a less potent inhibitor of AR, and exhibited one-third the activity of apalutamide in an in vitro transcriptional reporter assay. Apalutamide administration caused decreased tumor cell proliferation and increased apoptosis leading to decreased tumor volume in mouse xenograft models of prostate cancer.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Apalutamide pharmacokinetic parameters are presented as the mean [standard deviation (SD)] unless otherwise specified. Apalutamide C max and area under the concentration curve (AUC) increased proportionally following repeated once-daily dosing of 30 to 480 mg (0.125 to 2 times the recommended dosage). Following administration of the recommended dosage, apalutamide steady-state was achieved after 4 weeks and the mean accumulation ratio was approximately 5-fold. Apalutamide C max was 6.0 mcg/mL (1.7) and AUC was 100 mcg∙h/mL (32) at steady-state. Daily fluctuations in apalutamide plasma concentrations were low, with mean peak-to-trough ratio of 1.63. An increase in apparent clearance (CL/F) was observed with repeat dosing, likely due to induction of apalutamide's own metabolism. The auto-induction effect likely reached its maximum at the recommended dosage because exposure of apalutamide across the dose range of 30 to 480 mg is dose-proportional.

The major active metabolite N-desmethyl apalutamide C max was 5.9 mcg/mL (1.0) and AUC was 124 mcg∙h/mL (23) at steady-state after the recommended dosage. N-desmethyl apalutamide was characterized by a flat concentration-time profile at steady-state with a mean peak-to-trough ratio of 1.27. Mean AUC metabolite/parent drug ratio for N-desmethyl apalutamide following repeat-dose administration was 1.3. Based on systemic exposure, relative potency, and pharmacokinetic properties, N-desmethyl apalutamide likely contributed to the clinical activity of apalutamide.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

In a 2-year carcinogenicity study in male rats, apalutamide was administered by oral gavage at doses of 5, 15 and 50 mg/kg/day. Apalutamide increased the incidence of Leydig interstitial cell adenoma in the testes at doses ≥ 5 mg/kg/day (0.2 times the human exposure based on AUC). The findings in the testes are considered to be related to the pharmacological activity of apalutamide. Rats are regarded as more sensitive than humans to developing interstitial cell tumors in the testes. Oral administration of apalutamide to male rasH2 transgenic mice for 6 months did not result in increased incidence of neoplasms at doses up to 30 mg/kg/day.

Apalutamide did not induce mutations in the bacterial reverse mutation (Ames) assay and was not genotoxic in either in vitro chromosome aberration assay or the in vivo rat bone marrow micronucleus assay or the in vivo rat Comet assay.

In repeat-dose toxicity studies in male rats (up to 26 weeks) and dogs (up to 39 weeks), atrophy of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, aspermia/hypospermia, tubular degeneration and/or hyperplasia or hypertrophy of the interstitial cells in the reproductive system were observed at ≥ 25 mg/kg/day in rats (1.4 times the human exposure based on AUC) and ≥ 2.5 mg/kg/day in dogs (0.9 times the human exposure based on AUC).

In a fertility study in male rats, a decrease in sperm concentration and motility, increased abnormal sperm morphology, lower copulation and fertility rates (upon pairing with untreated females) along with reduced weights of the secondary sex glands and epididymis were observed following 4 weeks of dosing at ≥ 25 mg/kg/day (0.8 times the human exposure based on AUC). A reduced number of live fetuses due to increased pre- and/or post-implantation loss was observed following 4 weeks of 150 mg/kg/day administration (5.7 times the human exposure based on AUC). Effects on male rats were reversible after 8 weeks from the last apalutamide administration.

TITAN (NCT02489318): Metastatic Castration-sensitive Prostate Cancer (mCSPC)

TITAN was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational, clinical trial in which 1052 patients with mCSPC were randomized (1:1) to receive either ERLEADA orally at a dose of 240 mg once daily (N=525) or placebo once daily (N=527). All patients in the TITAN trial received concomitant GnRH analog or had prior bilateral orchiectomy. Patients were stratified by Gleason score at diagnosis, prior docetaxel use, and region of the world. Patients with both high- and low-volume mCSPC were eligible for the study. High volume of disease was defined as metastases involving the viscera with 1 bone lesion or the presence of 4 or more bone lesions, at least 1 of which must be in a bony structure beyond the vertebral column and pelvic bones.

The following patient demographics and baseline disease characteristics were balanced between the treatment arms. The median age was 68 years (range 43–94) and 23% of patients were 75 years of age or older. The racial distribution was 68% Caucasian, 22% Asian, and 2% Black. Sixty-three percent (63%) of patients had high-volume disease and 37% had low-volume disease. Sixteen percent (16%) of patients had prior surgery, radiotherapy of the prostate or both. A majority of patients had a Gleason score of 8 or higher (67%). Sixty-eight percent (68%) of patients received prior treatment with an anti-androgen (bicalutamide, flutamide, or nilutamide). All patients except one in the placebo group, had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) score of 0 or 1 at study entry.

The major efficacy outcome measures of the study were overall survival (OS) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS). Radiographic progression-free survival was based on investigator assessment and was defined as time from randomization to radiographic disease progression or death. Radiographic disease progression was defined by identification of 2 or more new bone lesions on a bone scan with confirmation (Prostate Cancer Working Group 2 criteria) and/or progression in soft tissue disease.

A statistically significant improvement in OS and rPFS was demonstrated in patients randomized to receive ERLEADA compared with patients randomized to receive placebo. The results for OS are based upon a prespecified interim efficacy analysis. An updated OS analysis was conducted at the time of final study analysis when 405 deaths were observed. The median follow-up time was 44 months. Thirty-nine percent of patients in the placebo arm crossed over to receive ERLEADA. Efficacy results of TITAN are summarized in Table 5 and Figures 1 and 2.

Consistent improvement in rPFS was observed across the following patient subgroups: disease volume (high vs low), prior docetaxel use (yes or no), and Gleason score at diagnosis (≤7 vs. >7).

Consistent improvement in OS was observed across the following patient subgroups: disease volume (high vs low) and Gleason score at diagnosis (≤7 vs. >7).

Treatment with ERLEADA resulted in a statistically significant delay in the initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy (HR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.27, 0.56; p < 0.0001).

Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Plot of Updated Overall Survival (OS); Intent-to-treat mCSPC Population (TITAN)

Figure 2: Kaplan-Meier Plot of Radiographic Progression-Free Survival (rPFS); Intent-to-treat mCSPC Population (TITAN)

SPARTAN (NCT01946204): Non-metastatic, Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer (nmCRPC)

SPARTAN was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized (2:1), placebo-controlled clinical trial in which 1207 patients with nmCRPC were randomized (2:1) to receive either ERLEADA orally at a dose of 240 mg once daily (N=806) or placebo once daily (N=401). All patients in the SPARTAN trial received a concomitant GnRH analog or had a bilateral orchiectomy. Patients were stratified by Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Doubling Time (PSADT), the use of bone-sparing agents, and locoregional disease. Patients were required to have a PSADT ≤ 10 months and confirmation of non-metastatic disease by blinded independent central review (BICR). PSA results were blinded and were not used for treatment discontinuation. Patients randomized to either arm discontinued treatment for radiographic disease progression confirmed by BICR, locoregional-only progression, initiation of new treatment, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal.

The following patient demographics and baseline disease characteristics were balanced between the treatment arms. The median age was 74 years (range 48–97) and 26% of patients were 80 years of age or older. The racial distribution was 66% Caucasian, 12% Asian, and 6% Black. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of patients in both treatment arms had prior surgery or radiotherapy of the prostate. A majority of patients had a Gleason score of 7 or higher (78%). Fifteen percent (15%) of patients had <2 cm pelvic lymph nodes at study entry. Seventy-three percent (73%) of patients received prior treatment with an anti-androgen; 69% of patients received bicalutamide and 10% of patients received flutamide. All patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) score of 0 or 1 at study entry.

The major efficacy outcome measure of the study was metastasis-free survival (MFS), defined as the time from randomization to the time of first evidence of BICR-confirmed distant metastasis, defined as new bone or soft tissue lesions or enlarged lymph nodes above the iliac bifurcation, or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. Additional efficacy endpoints were time to metastasis (TTM), progression-free survival (PFS) which also includes locoregional progression, time to symptomatic progression, overall survival (OS), and time to initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy.

A statistically significant improvement in MFS and OS was demonstrated in patients randomized to receive ERLEADA compared with patients randomized to receive placebo. The major efficacy outcome (MFS) was supported by improvements in TTM and PFS. The final analysis of OS and time to initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy was conducted 32 months after the analysis of MFS, TTM and PFS. The efficacy results from SPARTAN are summarized in Table 6 and Figures 3 and 4.

Consistent results for MFS were observed across patient subgroups including PSADT (≤ 6 months or > 6 months), use of a prior bone-sparing agent (yes or no), and locoregional disease (N0 or N1).

Treatment with ERLEADA resulted in a statistically significant delay in the initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy [HR = 0.63 (95% CI:0.49, 0.81), p=0.0002].

Figure 3: Kaplan-Meier Metastasis-Free Survival (MFS) Curve in SPARTAN (nmCRPC)

Figure 4: Kaplan-Meier Overall Survival (OS) Curve in SPARTAN (nmCRPC)

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) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Store in original package to protect from light and moisture. Do not discard desiccant.

Cerebrovascular and Ischemic Cardiovascular Events

• Inform patients that ERLEADA has been associated with cerebrovascular and ischemic cardiovascular events. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if any symptoms suggestive of a cardiovascular or a cerebrovascular event occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] .

Falls and Fractures

• Inform patients that ERLEADA is associated with an increased incidence of falls and fractures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.3)] .

Seizures

• Inform patients that ERLEADA has been associated with an increased risk of seizure. Discuss conditions that may predispose to seizures and medications that may lower the seizure threshold. Advise patients of the risk of engaging in any activity where sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm to themselves or others. Inform patients to contact their healthcare provider right away if they experience a seizure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] .

Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs)

• Inform patients that ERLEADA has been associated with SCARs (including SJS/TEN and DRESS), which can be life-threatening or fatal. Advise patients to stop taking ERLEADA and contact their healthcare provider or seek medical attention right away if they experience signs or symptoms of SCARs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] .

Rash

• Inform patients that ERLEADA is associated with rashes and to inform their healthcare provider if they develop a rash [see Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2)] .

Dosage and Administration

• Inform patients receiving concomitant gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog therapy that they need to maintain this treatment during the course of treatment with ERLEADA.
• Instruct patients to take their dose at the same time each day (once daily). ERLEADA can be taken with or without food. Each tablet should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or split tablets [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] .
• Instruct patients who cannot swallow tablets whole to follow the instructions for the prescribed strength of ERLEADA tablets for alternate methods of administration [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] .
• Instruct patients on administration of the ERLEADA 240 mg tablet through a feeding tube [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)] .
• Inform patients that in the event of a missed daily dose of ERLEADA, they should take their normal dose as soon as possible on the same day with a return to the normal schedule on the following day. The patient should not take extra tablets to make up the missed dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)] .

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

• Inform patients that ERLEADA can be harmful to a developing fetus. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of ERLEADA. Advise male patients to use a condom if having sex with a pregnant woman [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] .

Infertility

• Advise male patients that ERLEADA may impair fertility and not to donate sperm during therapy and for 3 months following the last dose of ERLEADA [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)] .