Shire and Shionogi Announce Positive Topline Results for INTUNIV® Evaluated in Phase 3 Clinical Trial in Adults with ADHD

 | Source: Shire Pharmaceuticals Group Shire Pharmaceuticals Group

Shire and Shionogi Announce Positive Topline Results for INTUNIV® (guanfacine hydrochloride prolonged release) Evaluated in Phase 3 Clinical Trial
in Adults with ADHD

  • Topline results revealed the study met its primary endpoint for INTUNIV® (4 to 6 mg) administered once daily, indicating superiority over placebo in ADHD symptom improvement
  • Results also showed improvement over placebo in patients' global functioning

Zug, Switzerland  - September 20, 2017 - Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPG) and its partner in Japan, Shionogi & Co., Ltd, announced that a Phase 3 study evaluating INTUNIV® (guanfacine hydrochloride prolonged release) in adult patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Japan has positive topline results, and the study met the primary endpoint. This is the first clinical trial evaluating INTUNIV in adult patients (18 years old and over) with ADHD.

"The positive topline results of this Phase 3 study provide us with important data and insights regarding the clinical profile of INTUNIV in adult patients with ADHD," said Brigitte Robertson, VP and Head of Global Clinical Development, Neuropsychiatry, Shire. "We are evaluating the full data set, and excited to advance the development of INTUNIV as a non-stimulant treatment option for adults with ADHD in Japan, building on the established efficacy and safety data for ADHD in child and adolescent patients."

INTUNIV, a non-stimulant and selective alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonist1 is currently approved as a treatment for child and adolescent patients (6 to 17 years old) in Japan. INTUNIV is being evaluated in Japan as a potential treatment option for ADHD in adults, a therapeutic area with significant need. Japan is the third largest ADHD market, growing at more than 20% annually.

ADHD causes inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity, or a combination of these symptoms,2,3 and can have substantial impact on all major areas of life, including: schooling, work and employment, behaviour, and social functioning.4-7

This Phase 3 trial was a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, multi-center, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study in 201 adult patients (18 years old and over) with ADHD. The primary efficacy analysis demonstrated that INTUNIV  (4 to 6mg), administered as a once-daily dose, was superior to placebo with respect to the change from baseline on a clinically administered ADHD rating scale (ADHD-RS-IV with adults prompts) total score. INTUNIV also demonstrated nominal significance over placebo at the end of treatment on the clinically important secondary efficacy analysis of the clinical global impression improvement scale (CGI-I), suggesting more patients achieved a marked clinical improvement in global functioning.

The CGI-I is a standardized assessment tool that allows clinicians to rate the severity of an illness, change over time and response to treatment.  

Treatment-emergent adverse events in the study were generally mild to moderate in severity and similar to those observed in previous INTUNIV studies with no new or unexpected safety findings. Treatment emergent adverse events reported at more than or equal to 10% for INTUNIV were somnolence, dry mouth, blood pressure decrease, nasopharyngitis, dizziness postural and constipation.

Shire Japan and Shionogi will evaluate the full data, and will communicate plans for publication or presentation of the data, as well as potential milestones for the continued development of INTUNIV in adults with ADHD.

About ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO).2 Although there is no global consensus, a cross-national analysis of WHO World Mental Health (WMH) surveys estimated the prevalence of ADHD at 3.4% (range 1.2 to 7.3%) in adults.17

Although the exact origin of ADHD is not fully understood, the area of the brain identified as the prefrontal cortex is known to control several cognitive functions including attention and social behaviours,7,9,10 and has been associated with some structural and functional abnormalities in individuals with ADHD.11-13

ADHD is a complex condition and approaches to treatment typically include educational methods, psychotherapy and medication.18 When required, either stimulants or non-stimulants are indicated as part of a comprehensive treatment programme for ADHD. Non-stimulant medications are an important alternative to stimulants for some ADHD patients.18

About INTUNIV

INTUNIV (guanfacine hydrochloride prolonged release) is a once-daily non-stimulant indicated for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years old.1

INTUNIV contains the active substance guanfacine, a selective alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonist.1 Studies suggest that guanfacine may exert physiological effects by selectively stimulating the alpha-2A adrenergic receptor in the prefrontal cortex.15-16

INTUNIV is currently approved in 36 countries around the world including Australia, Canada, Switzerland, the United States, and Europe. INTUNIV should only be used in accordance with locally approved prescribing information. Please refer to the local label for the approved indication.

INTUNIV Safety Information for Japan
Precautions on Indication

  1. The efficacy and safety of INTUNIV in children under 6 years of age or adults over 18 years of age have not been established.
  2. If INTUNIV is continued after age 18 in patients who started pharmacological treatment with this drug before the age of 18 years, it should be administered with caution after the therapeutic benefits are weighed against the possible risks. The efficacy and safety of INTUNIV should regularly be evaluated, and if INTUNIV is of no value, it should be considered for discontinuation and must not be administered without purpose.
  3. A diagnosis of ADHD must be made with caution, according to standard, established diagnostic criteria, including DSM* published by the American Psychiatric Association. INTUNIV must be used only in patients who meet such criteria.

*Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

Contraindication (INTUNIV is contraindicated in the following patients.)

  1. Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of this drug.
  2. Pregnant women or women who may possibly be pregnant.
  3. Patients with atrioventricular block second degree and third degree. [The condition may get worse because of the central bradycardia effect of this drug.]

Precautions

  1. Careful Administration (INTUNIV should be administered with care in the following patients.)
    1) Patients with a current or previous history of hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, or cardiovascular disease, or patients treating with drugs which can reduce blood pressure or pulse rate [INTUNIV may decrease blood pressure and heart rate.]
    2) Patients with a current or previous history of hypertension [Blood pressure may increase when administration of this drug is abruptly discontinued.] 
    3) Patients with a current or previous history of arrhythmia, patients with congenital long QT syndrome or patients treating with drugs that are known to cause QT prolongation [QT prolongation may occur because of this drug.] 
    4) Patients with a current or previous history of ischaemic heart disease such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction [If the acute reduction of blood pressure occurs, ischaemic heart disease may get worse because of the decreased coronary flow.]
    5) Patients with cerebrovascular disorder such as cerebral infarction etc. [If the acute reduction of blood pressure occurs, the symptoms may be aggravated due to the decrease in cerebral blood flow.]
    6) Patients with severe hepatic function disorder [The blood concentration of this drug may increase.] 
    7) Patients with severe renal function disorder [The blood concentration of this drug may increase.]
    8) Patients in depressed state [The symptom may get worse because of the sedative effects of this drug.]
  2. Important Precautions
    1) Before prescribing INTUNIV, the physician or healthcare professional should fully inform the patient and his/her parent or other appropriate representative of its therapeutic position and potential risks, including adverse reactions to the drug, and instruct the patient on the proper administration method. 
    2) During long-term use of INTUNIV, the value of ongoing treatment should be periodically assessed and patients should not be administered without purpose.
    3) Since syncope may occur when advanced decreases in blood pressure or pulse rate are observed, blood pressure and pulse rate should be measured prior to initiation of treatment of INTUNIV and 1-2 weeks after changing the dosage. Blood pressure and pulse rate should also be measured at intervals of once in 4 weeks after setting an optimal dose. Also, dehydration along with the administration of INTUNIV should be fully cautioned. If any dehydration symptoms are observed, proper care such as fluid replacement should be taken. 
    4) Since the effects on cardiovascular system (advanced bradycardia, hypotension, QT prolongation etc.) may appear, the following points should be cautioned before and during treatment with INTUNIV.
      (i)The presence or absence of abnormality in ECG should be confirmed before treatment with INTUNIV. If any abnormality in ECG is observed, the initiation of administration should be carefully judged.
      (ii)When INTUNIV is administered to patients with cardiovascular disease or with a medical history of cardiovascular disease, or any abnormality in ECG is observed before treatment with INTUNIV, patients' condition should be carefully observed by conducting routine ECG and so on.
      (iii)Patients' cardiovascular condition should be cautioned during treatment with INTUNIV. If any symptoms suggesting the effects on cardiovascular system (bradycardia, syncope, dizziness, palpitations, etc.) appear, proper care should be taken by conducting ECG and so on.
    5) Since suicidal ideation or behavior may occur, patient's condition should be carefully observed. Also, patients, the parents or other appropriate representative should be instructed to contact a medical institution immediately, if any suicidal symptoms occur.
    6) While hostility and aggression are frequently observed in AD/HD patients, occurrence of these events during treatment has been also reported. The occurrence or worsening of these events should be carefully monitored during treatment.
    7) Since INTUNIV may cause weight increase, body weight should be monitored regularly. If any symptom of obesity appears, proper care should be taken such as food therapy, movement therapy, etc.
    8) Since sleepiness, sedation, etc. may occur, patients should be cautioned not to engage in operating potentially hazardous machinery, including automobiles during treatment.

Drug interactions
This drug is primarily metabolized by the hepatic metabolizing enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP3A5.

Adverse Reactions

Out of 254 patients evaluated for safety before NDA approval, adverse reactions (including abnormal changes in laboratory values) were observed in 190 patients (74.8%). Main adverse reactions were somnolence in 146 patients (57.5%), decreased blood pressure in 39 patients (15.4%), and headache in 31 patients (12.2%).

  1. Clinically significant adverse reactions
    1) Hypotension (greater than or equal to 5%), bradycardia (greater than or equal to 5%): Since advanced hypotension or/and bradycardia may occur and lead to syncope, patients' condition should be carefully monitored, measuring blood pressure and pulse rate regularly. If any of these symptoms appears, proper care such as dose reduction, interruption, or discontinuation should be taken.
    2) Syncope (Incidence unknownNote 1): Since syncope may occur, patients should be fully observed. If any abnormality is observed, proper care such as discontinuation of administration should be taken.
    3) Atrioventricular block (<0.5%): Since atrioventricular block may occur, proper care such as dose reduction, interruption, or discontinuation should be taken if any abnormality is observed.
  2. Other adverse reactions
    If the following adverse reactions occur, appropriate measures such as dose reduction, interruption, or discontinuation should be taken as necessary.
Type/ Incidence Greater than or equal to 5% <5%, greater than or equal to 1% <1% Incidence unknownNote 1
Hypersensitivity       Hypersensitivity, rash, pruritus
Cardiovascular   Orthostatic hypotension Increased blood pressure Tachycardia, sinus arrhythmia, pallor, hypertensive encephalopathy
Psychoneurologic Somnolence, headache, insomnia, dizziness Irritability Nightmare, affect lability, agitation, sedation, asthenia Anxiety, depression, lethargy, convulsion, hypersomnia
Gastrointestinal Abdominal pain Decreased appetite, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, thirst, vomiting   Abdominal discomfort, dyspepsia
Others Malaise Enuresis, increased weight Pollakiuria, increased ALT (GPT) Asthma, chest pain, dehydration

Note 1: The incidence of adverse reactions on the basis of overseas clinical studies and spontaneous reports is unknown.

For further information please contact:

Investor Relations    
Ian Karp ikarp@shire.com +1 781 482 9018
Robert Coates rcoates@shire.com +44 1256 894874
Media    
Gwen Fisher gfisher@shire.com   +1 781 482 9649
Clotilde Houzé chouze0@shire.com   +1 781 266 3567

SHIRE and the Shire Logo are registered trademarks of Shire Pharmaceutical Holdings Ireland Limited or its affiliates.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Shire

Shire is the leading global biotechnology company focused on serving people with rare diseases. We strive to develop best-in-class products, many of which are available in more than 100 countries, across core therapeutic areas including Hematology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Ophthalmics, Lysosomal Storage Disorders, Gastrointestinal / Internal Medicine / Endocrine and Hereditary Angioedema; and a growing franchise in Oncology.

Our employees come to work every day with a shared mission: to develop and deliver breakthrough therapies for the hundreds of millions of people in the world affected by rare diseases and other high-need conditions, and who lack effective therapies to live their lives to the fullest.

www.shire.com

©2017 Shire. All rights reserved. SHIRE and the Shire logo are registered trademarks of Shire Pharmaceutical Holdings Ireland Limited or its affiliates.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements included herein that are not historical facts, including without limitation statements concerning future strategy, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, the anticipated timing of clinical trials and approvals for, and the commercial potential of, inline or pipeline products, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time. In the event such risks or uncertainties materialize, Shire's results could be materially adversely affected. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Shire's products may not be a commercial success;
  • increased pricing pressures and limits on patient access as a result of governmental regulations and market developments may affect Shire's future revenues, financial condition and results of operations;
  • Shire conducts its own manufacturing operations for certain of its products and is reliant on third party contract manufacturers to manufacture other products and to provide goods and services. Some of Shire's products or ingredients are only available from a single approved source for manufacture. Any disruption to the supply chain for any of Shire's products may result in Shire being unable to continue marketing or developing a product or may result in Shire being unable to do so on a commercially viable basis for some period of time;
  • the manufacture of Shire's products is subject to extensive oversight by various regulatory agencies. Regulatory approvals or interventions associated with changes to manufacturing sites, ingredients or manufacturing processes could lead to, among other things, significant delays, an increase in operating costs, lost product sales, an interruption of research activities or the delay of new product launches;
  • certain of Shire's therapies involve lengthy and complex processes, which may prevent Shire from timely responding to market forces and effectively managing its production capacity;
  • Shire has a portfolio of products in various stages of research and development. The successful development of these products is highly uncertain and requires significant expenditures and time, and there is no guarantee that these products will receive regulatory approval;
  • the actions of certain customers could affect Shire's ability to sell or market products profitably. Fluctuations in buying or distribution patterns by such customers can adversely affect Shire's revenues, financial conditions or results of operations;
  • Shire's products and product candidates face substantial competition in the product markets in which it operates, including competition from generics;
  • adverse outcomes in legal matters, tax audits and other disputes, including Shire's ability to enforce and defend patents and other intellectual property rights required for its business, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's revenues, financial condition or results of operations;
  • inability to successfully compete for highly qualified personnel from other companies and organizations;
  • failure to achieve the strategic objectives, including expected operating efficiencies, cost savings, revenue enhancements, synergies or other benefits at the time anticipated or at all with respect to Shire's acquisitions, including NPS Pharmaceuticals Inc., Dyax Corp. or Baxalta Incorporated may adversely affect Shire's financial condition and results of operations;
  • Shire's growth strategy depends in part upon its ability to expand its product portfolio through external collaborations, which, if unsuccessful, may adversely affect the development and sale of its products;
  • a slowdown of global economic growth, or economic instability of countries in which Shire does business, as well as changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates, that adversely impact the availability and cost of credit and customer purchasing and payment patterns, including the collectability of customer accounts receivable;
  • failure of a marketed product to work effectively or if such a product is the cause of adverse side effects could result in damage to Shire's reputation, the withdrawal of the product and legal action against Shire;
  • investigations or enforcement action by regulatory authorities or law enforcement agencies relating to Shire's activities in the highly regulated markets in which it operates may result in significant legal costs and the payment of substantial compensation or fines;
  • Shire is dependent on information technology and its systems and infrastructure face certain risks, including from service disruptions, the loss of sensitive or confidential information, cyber-attacks and other security breaches or data leakages that could have a material adverse effect on Shire's revenues, financial condition or results of operations;
  • Shire incurred substantial additional indebtedness to finance the Baxalta acquisition, which has increased its borrowing costs may decrease its business flexibility; and

a further list and description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in Shire's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Shire's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, in each case including those risks outlined in "ITEM 1A: Risk Factors", and in Shire's subsequent reports on Form 8-K and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings, all of which are available on Shire's website.

All forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. Except to the extent otherwise required by applicable law, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

References

  1. INTUNIV Prescribing Information, Shionogi & Co., Ltd 2017.
  2. International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10 Version). Chapter 5, F90. http://www.icd10data.com. Last accessed September 2017.
  3. American Psychiatric Association. (2013) Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
  4. DIAMANTOPOULOU S, et al. Impact of Executive Functioning and Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Children's Peer Relations and School Performance. Dev Neuropsychol 2007; 32(1):521-542.
  5. BIEDERMAN J, et al. Functional Impairments in Adults with Self-reports of Diagnosed ADHD: A Controlled Study of 1001 Adults in the Community. J Clin Psychiatry 2006; 67:524-540.
  6. SHAW M, et al. A Systematic Review and Analysis of Long-term Outcomes in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Effects of Treatment and Non-treatment. BMC Medicine 2012; 10:99.
  7. MANES, F. et al. (2002). Decision-making processes following damage to the prefrontal cortex. Brain. 125:624-639.
  8. POLANCZYK, G. et al. (2007). The Worldwide Prevalence of ADHD: A Systematic Review and Metaregression Analysis. Am J Psych. 164:942-948.
  9. WILKINS, AJ. et al. (1987). Frontal lesions and sustained attention. Neuropsychologia. 25:359-365.
  10. ANDERSON, SW. et al. (1999). Impairment of social and moral behavior related to early damage in human prefrontal cortex. Nature Neuroscience. 2:1032-1037.
  11. FARAONE S, et al. (2005) Molecular Genetics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. BioPsych 57:1313-1323.
  12. RUBIA, K. et al. (1999). Hypofrontality in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder during higher-order motor control: a study with functional MRI. American Journal of Psychiatry. 156:891-896.
  13. HOEKZEMA, E. et al. (2014). An independent components and functional connectivity analysis of resting state FMRI data points to neural network dysregulation in adult ADHD. Human Brain Mapping. 35:1261-1272.
  14. HERVAS, A. et al. (2014). Efficacy and safety of extended-release guanfacine hydrochloride in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A randomized, controlled, Phase III trial. European Neuropsychopharmacology. 24:1861-1872.
  15. REN, WW. et al. (2012). Stimulation of Alpha(2A)-adrenoceptors promotes the maturation of dendritic spines in cultured neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex. Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience. 49:205-216.
  16. WANG, M. et al. (2007). Alpha2A-adrenoceptors strengthen working memory networks by inhibiting cAMP-HCN channel signaling in prefrontal cortex. Cell 129:397-410.
  17. FAYYAD J, et al. (2007). Cross-national prevalence and correlates of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Br J Psychiatry. 190: 402-409.
  18. TAYLOR, E. et al. (2004). European clinical guidelines for hyperkinetic disorder - first upgrade. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 13 Suppl 1:i7-i30.