IMKELDI Marks Shorla Oncology’s Fourth FDA Approval

Shorla Oncology (‘Shorla’), a U.S.-Ireland specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today that the FDA has approved IMKELDI (imatinib) oral solution, the first oral liquid form of imatinib to treat certain forms of leukemia and other cancers.

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“We are thrilled to offer an oral solution option for patients with leukemia and other cancers, a meaningful advancement for thousands in need,” said Sharon Cunningham, chief executive officer of Shorla. “Oral solutions may ensure more precise and consistent dosing, offering a convenient alternative to compounding for patients who have difficulty swallowing or require dosing tailored to body surface area.”

Leveraging Shorla's novel technology, IMKELDI is an advanced liquid formulation of imatinib designed to provide dosing accuracy. IMKELDI can help slow or prevent the growth of specific cancers, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome /myeloproliferative disease (MDS/MPD), and gastrointestinal tumors (GIST).

In 2024, an estimated 9,280 people will be diagnosed with CML¹, over 10,000 with MDS/MPD², and up to 6,000 with GIST³ in the U.S. Despite the proven clinical benefits of imatinib, patient adherence can be an issue,^4,5 underscoring a critical unmet need for a more accessible, patient-friendly oral solution delivery system.

“This milestone marks our fourth FDA approval as we advance our mission to make existing oncology treatments better through formulation re-innovation,” said Orlaith Ryan, chief technical officer and co-founder of Shorla. “Our team is dedicated to creating more patient-friendly options that address real needs in those suffering from cancer.”

Rayna Herman, chief commercial officer of Shorla added, “At Shorla, every innovation is driven by our commitment to put patients first. IMKELDI is another step forward as we continue to expand our growing portfolio with products that prioritize accessibility and affordability.”

1. Key Statistics for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. American Cancer Society. Updated January 17, 2024. Accessed November 7, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/chronic-myeloid-leukemia/about/statistics.html

2. Key Statistics for Myelodysplastic Syndromes. American Cancer Society. Updated January 22, 2018. Accessed November 7, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/myelodysplastic-syndrome/about/key-statistics.html

3. Key Statistics for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors American Cancer Society. Updated January 26, 2021. Accessed November 7, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/gastrointestinal-stromal-tumor/about/key-statistics.html

4. Yanamandra U, Malhotra P, Sahu KK, et al. Variation in Adherence Measures to Imatinib Therapy. J Glob Oncol. 2018;4:1-10. doi:10.1200/JGO.2016.007906

5. Al-Barrak J, Cheung WY. Adherence to imatinib therapy in gastrointestinal stromal tumors and chronic myeloid leukemia. Support Care Cancer. 2013;21(8):2351-2357. doi:10.1007/s00520-013-1831-6

About IMKELDI

IMKELDI is an oral solution of imatinib mesylate, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in certain forms of leukemia (such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia) and other cancers in adults and pediatric patients as young as one year old. Featuring a convenient, palatable strawberry flavor and a stable formulation that does not require refrigeration, IMKELDI offers a patient-friendly, precise treatment option designed to improve adherence and accessibility.

About Shorla Oncology

Shorla Oncology is a privately- held, U.S. and Ireland- based commercial stage specialty pharmaceutical company established by Sharon Cunningham and Orlaith Ryan. The company has an advanced pipeline of innovative oncology drugs for orphan and pediatric cancers. Shorla is focused on indications where existing treatments are limited, in shortage or the drug applications are inadequate for the target population. The company’s growing portfolio brings accessible, affordable and life-saving treatments to patients, delivering a major contribution to patient care. Shorla currently markets two products, Nelarabine for the treatment of T-cell leukemia and JYLAMVO for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other indications.

For further information, please visit www.shorlaoncology.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

IMKELDI is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the:

• Treatment of newly diagnosed adult and pediatric patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase.
• Treatment of patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in blast crisis (BC), accelerated phase (AP), or in chronic phase (CP) after failure of interferon-alpha therapy.
• Treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL).
• Treatment of pediatric patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) in combination with chemotherapy.
• Treatment of adult patients with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases (MDS/MPD) associated with platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) gene re-arrangements.
• Treatment of adult patients with aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM) without the D816V c-Kit mutation or with c-Kit mutational status unknown.
• Treatment of adult patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) and/or chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) who have the FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase (mutational analysis or fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] demonstration of CHIC2 allele deletion) and for patients with HES and/or CEL who are FIP1L1-PDGFRα fusion kinase negative or unknown.
• Treatment of adult patients with unresectable, recurrent and/or metastatic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).
• Treatment of patients with Kit (CD117) positive unresectable and/or metastatic malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
• Treatment of adjuvant treatment of adult patients following resection of Kit (CD117) positive GIST.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

None

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Fluid Retention and Edema: Imatinib can cause edema and occasionally serious fluid retention. Weigh and monitor patients regularly for signs and symptoms of fluid retention. Investigate unexpected rapid weight gain carefully and provide appropriate treatment. The probability of edema was increased with higher imatinib dose and age greater than 65 years in the CML studies. Severe superficial edema was reported in 1.5% of newly diagnosed CML patients taking imatinib, and in 2% to 6% of other adult CML patients taking imatinib. In addition, other severe fluid retention (e.g., pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, pulmonary edema, and ascites) reactions were reported in 1.3% of newly diagnosed CML patients taking imatinib, and in 2% to 6% of other adult CML patients taking imatinib. Severe fluid retention was reported in 9% to 13.1% of patients taking imatinib for GIST. In a randomized trial in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase comparing imatinib and nilotinib, severe (Grade 3 or 4) fluid retention occurred in 2.5% of patients receiving imatinib and in 3.9% of patients receiving nilotinib 300 mg twice daily.

Effusions (including pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, ascites) or pulmonary edema were observed in 2.1% (none were Grade 3 or 4) of patients in the imatinib arm and 2.2% (0.7% Grade 3 or 4) of patients in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm.

Hematologic Toxicity: Treatment with imatinib can cause anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Perform complete blood counts weekly for the first month, biweekly for the second month, and periodically thereafter as clinically indicated (for example, every 2 to 3 months). In CML, the occurrence of these cytopenias is dependent on the stage of disease and is more frequent in patients with accelerated phase CML or blast crisis than in patients with chronic phase CML. In pediatric CML patients the most frequent toxicities observed were Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. These generally occur within the first several months of therapy.

Congestive Heart Failure and Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Congestive heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction have been reported in patients taking imatinib. Cardiac adverse reactions were more frequent in patients with advanced age or co-morbidities, including previous medical history of cardiac disease. In an international randomized Phase 3 study in 1106 patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase, severe cardiac failure and left ventricular dysfunction were observed in 0.7% of patients taking imatinib compared to 0.9% of patients taking IFN + Ara-C. In another randomized trial with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML patients in chronic phase that compared imatinib and nilotinib, cardiac failure was observed in 1.1% of patients in the imatinib arm and 2.2% of patients in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm and severe (Grade 3 or 4) cardiac failure occurred in 0.7% of patients in each group. Carefully monitor patients with cardiac disease or risk factors for cardiac or history of renal failure. Evaluate and treat any patient with signs or symptoms consistent with cardiac or renal failure.

Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity, occasionally severe, may occur with IMKELDI. Cases of fatal liver failure and severe liver injury requiring liver transplants have been reported with both short-term and long-term use of imatinib. Monitor liver function (transaminases, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase) before initiation of treatment and monthly, or as clinically indicated. Manage laboratory abnormalities with IMKELDI interruption and/or dose reduction. When imatinib is combined with chemotherapy, liver toxicity in the form of transaminase elevation and hyperbilirubinemia has been observed. Additionally, there have been reports of acute liver failure. Monitoring of hepatic function is recommended.

Hemorrhage: In a trial of imatinib versus IFN+Ara-C in patients with the newly diagnosed CML, 1.8% of patients had Grade 3/4 hemorrhage. In the Phase 3 unresectable or metastatic GIST studies, 211 patients (12.9%) reported Grade 3/4 hemorrhage at any site. In the Phase 2 unresectable or metastatic GIST study, 7 patients (5%) had a total of 8 CTC Grade 3/4 hemorrhages; gastrointestinal (GI) (3 patients), intra-tumoral (3 patients) or both (1 patient). Gastrointestinal tumor sites may have been the source of GI hemorrhages. In a randomized trial in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML in chronic phase comparing imatinib and nilotinib, GI hemorrhage occurred in 1.4% of patients in the imatinib arm, and in 2.9% of patients in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm. None of these events were Grade 3 or 4 in the imatinib arm; 0.7% were Grade 3 or 4 in the nilotinib 300 mg twice daily arm. In addition, gastric antral vascular ectasia has been reported in postmarketing experience.

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Imatinib can cause GI irritation. IMKELDI should be taken with food and a large glass of water to minimize this problem. There have been rare reports, including fatalities, of GI perforation.

Hypereosinophilic Cardiac Toxicity: In patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome with occult infiltration of HES cells within the myocardium, cases of cardiogenic shock/left ventricular dysfunction have been associated with HES cell degranulation upon the initiation of IMKELDI therapy. The condition was reported to be reversible with the administration of systemic steroids, circulatory support measures and temporarily withholding IMKELDI.

Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disease and systemic mastocytosis may be associated with high eosinophil levels. Consider performing an echocardiogram and determining serum troponin in patients with HES/CEL, and in patients with MDS/MPD or ASM associated with high eosinophil levels. If either is abnormal, consider prophylactic use of systemic steroids (1-2 mg/kg) for one to two weeks concomitantly with IMKELDI at the initiation of therapy.

Dermatologic Toxicities: Bullous dermatologic reactions, including erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, have been reported with use of imatinib. In some cases of bullous dermatologic reactions, including erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome reported during post-marketing surveillance, a recurrent dermatologic reaction was observed upon rechallenge. Several foreign post-marketing reports have described cases in which patients tolerated the reintroduction of imatinib therapy after resolution or improvement of the bullous reaction. In these instances, imatinib was resumed at a dose lower than that at which the reaction occurred and some patients also received concomitant treatment with corticosteroids or antihistamines.

Hypothyroidism: Clinical cases of hypothyroidism have been reported in thyroidectomy patients undergoing levothyroxine replacement during treatment with imatinib. Monitor TSH levels in such patients.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: IMKELDI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Imatinib mesylate was teratogenic in rats when administered during organogenesis at doses approximately equal to the maximum human dose of 800 mg/day based on body surface area (BSA). Significant post-implantation loss was seen in female rats administered imatinib mesylate at doses approximately one-half the maximum human dose of 800 mg/day based on BSA. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception (methods that result in less than 1% pregnancy rates) when using IMKELDI and for 14 days after stopping IMKELDI. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

Growth Retardation in Children and Adolescents: Growth retardation has been reported in children and pre-adolescents receiving imatinib. The long-term effects of prolonged treatment with IMKELDI on growth in children are unknown. Therefore, monitor growth in children under IMKELDI treatment.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Cases of Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS), including fatal cases, have been reported in patients with CML, GIST, ALL, and eosinophilic leukemia receiving imatinib. The patients at risk of TLS are those with tumors having a high proliferative rate or high tumor burden prior to treatment. Monitor these patients closely and take appropriate precautions. Due to possible occurrence of TLS, correct clinically significant dehydration and treat high uric acid levels prior to initiation of IMKELDI.

Impairments Related to Driving and Using Machinery: Motor vehicle accidents have been reported in patients receiving imatinib. Advise patients that they may experience side effects, such as dizziness, blurred vision, or somnolence during treatment with IMKELDI. Recommend caution when driving a car or operating machinery.

Renal Toxicity: A decline in renal function may occur in patients receiving IMKELDI. Median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values in patients on imatinib 400 mg daily for newly-diagnosed CML (four randomized trials) and malignant GIST (one single-arm trial) declined from a baseline value of 85 mL/min/1.73 m2 (N = 1190) to 75 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 12 months (N = 1082) and 69 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 60 months (N = 549). Evaluate renal function prior to initiating IMKELDI and monitor during therapy, with attention to risk factors for renal dysfunction, such as preexisting renal impairment, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and congestive heart failure.

Measuring Device: Advise patients to measure IMKELDI with an accurate milliliter measuring device. Inform patients that a household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage, which can result in serious adverse reactions. Advise patients to ask their pharmacist to recommend an appropriate press-in bottle adapter and oral dispensing syringe and for instructions for measuring the correct dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most frequently reported drug-related adverse reactions were edema, nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea and rash. Edema was most frequently periorbital or in lower limbs and was managed with diuretics, other supportive measures, or by reducing the dose of imatinib. The frequency of severe superficial edema was 1.5%-6%.

A variety of adverse reactions represent local or general fluid retention, including pleural effusion, ascites, pulmonary edema, and rapid weight gain with or without superficial edema. These reactions appear to be dose related, were more common in the blast crisis and accelerated phase studies (where the dose was 600 mg/day) and are more common in the elderly. These reactions were usually managed by interrupting imatinib treatment and using diuretics or other appropriate supportive care measures. These reactions may be serious or life threatening.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Agents Inducing CYP3A Metabolism: Consider alternative therapeutic agents with less enzyme induction potential in patients when rifampin or other strong CYP3A4 inducers are indicated for concomitant use with IMKELDI. The dosage of IMKELDI should be increased if concomitant use with a strong CYP3A4 inducer is required.

Imatinib is a CYP3A substrate. Concomitant use with a strong CYP3A inducer decreases imatinib exposure, which may reduce imatinib efficacy.

Agents Inhibiting CYP3A Metabolism: Caution is recommended when administering IMKELDI with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Grapefruit juice should be avoided.

Imatinib is a CYP3A substrate. Concomitant use with a strong CYP3A inhibitor increases imatinib exposure, which may increase the risk of IMKELDI adverse reactions.

Interactions With Drugs Metabolized by CYP3A4: Use caution when administering IMKELDI with CYP3A4 substrates where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious adverse reactions. Because warfarin is metabolized by both CYP2C9 and CYP3A4, consider use of other anti-coagulants instead of warfarin in patients receiving IMKELDI who require anticoagulation.

Imatinib is a CYP3A inhibitor. Imatinib increases exposure of CYP3A substrates, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to these substrates.

Interactions With Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6: Use caution when administering IMKELDI with CYP2D6 substrates where minimal concentration changes may lead to serious adverse reactions.

Imatinib is a CYP2D6 inhibitor. Imatinib increases exposure of CYP2D6 substrates, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions related to these substrates.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy: IMKELDI can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman based on human and animal data. There are no clinical studies regarding use of IMKELDI in pregnant women. There have been postmarket reports of spontaneous abortions and congenital anomalies from women who have been exposed to imatinib during pregnancy. Reproductive studies in rats have demonstrated that imatinib mesylate induced teratogenicity and increased incidence of congenital abnormalities following prenatal exposure to imatinib mesylate at doses equal to the highest recommended human dose of 800 mg/day based on BSA. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is not known; however, in the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects of clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20%.

Lactation: Imatinib and its active metabolite are excreted into human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed children from IMKELDI, advise a lactating woman not to breastfeed during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose.

Based on data from 3 breastfeeding women taking imatinib, the milk:plasma ratio is about 0.5 for imatinib and about 0.9 for the active metabolite. Considering the combined concentration of imatinib and active metabolite, a breastfed child could receive up to 10% of the maternal therapeutic dose based on body weight.

Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Based on human postmarketing reports and animal studies, IMKELDI can cause fetal harm.

Pregnancy Testing: Verify pregnancy status in females with reproductive potential prior to the initiation of treatment with IMKELDI.

Contraception: Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception (methods that result in less than 1% pregnancy rates) when using IMKELDI during treatment and for fourteen days after stopping treatment with IMKELDI.

Infertility: The risk of infertility in females or males of reproductive potential has not been studied in humans. In a rat study, the fertility in males and females was not affected.

Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of IMKELDI have been established in pediatric patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ chronic phase CML and Ph+ ALL. There are no data in pediatric patients under 1 year of age.

The safety and efficacy of IMKELDI have not been established in pediatric patients for all other indications.

Geriatric Use: In the CML clinical studies, approximately 20% of patients were older than 65 years. In the study of patients with newly diagnosed CML, 6% of patients were older than 65 years. The frequency of edema was higher in patients older than 65 years as compared to younger patients; no other difference in the safety profile was observed. The efficacy of imatinib was similar in older and younger patients.

In the unresectable or metastatic GIST study, 16% of patients were older than 65 years. No obvious differences in the safety or efficacy profile were noted in patients older than 65 years as compared to younger patients, but the small number of patients does not allow a formal analysis.

In the adjuvant GIST study, 221 patients (31%) were older than 65 years. No difference was observed in the safety profile in patients older than 65 years as compared to younger patients, with the exception of a higher frequency of edema. The efficacy of imatinib was similar in patients older than 65 years and younger patients.

Hepatic Impairment: Reduce the dose by 25% for patients with severe hepatic impairment. Patients with mild hepatic impairment (total bilirubin ≤ upper limit of normal [ULN] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] >ULN, or total bilirubin ˃1 to 1.5 times ULN and any value for AST) and moderate hepatic impairment (total bilirubin ˃ 1.5 to 3 times ULN and any value for AST) do not require a dose adjustment.

The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of both imatinib and its major metabolite, CGP74588, was assessed in 84 patients with cancer with varying degrees of hepatic impairment at imatinib doses ranging from 100 mg to 800 mg. Mild hepatic impairment (total bilirubin ≤ ULN and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] > ULN, or total bilirubin ˃1 to 1.5 times ULN and any value for AST) and moderate hepatic impairment (total bilirubin ˃1.5 to 3 times ULN and any value for AST) do not influence exposure to imatinib and CGP74588. In patients with severe hepatic impairment, (total bilirubin ˃ 3 to 10 times ULN and any value for AST), the imatinib Cmax and area under curve (AUC) increased by 63% and 45% and the CGP74588 Cmax and AUC increased by 56% and 55%, relative to patients with normal hepatic function.

Renal Impairment: Dose reductions are necessary for patients with moderate and severe renal impairment.

The effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of imatinib was assessed in 59 patients with cancer and varying degrees of renal impairment at single and steady state imatinib doses ranging from 100 to 800 mg/day. The mean exposure to imatinib (dose normalized AUC) in patients with mild (CLcr = 40-59 mL/min) and moderate renal impairment (CLcr = 20-39 mL/min) increased 1.5- to 2-fold compared to patients with normal renal function. There are not sufficient data in patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr = less than 20 mL/min).

To report suspected adverse reactions, contact Shorla Oncology at 844-9-SHORLA (844-974-6752) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. Please click here for full Prescribing Information.

©SHORLA ONCOLOGY^® 2024. All Rights Reserved.

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