Degarelix

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE FIRMAGON ® is indicated for treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer. FIRMAGON is a GnRH receptor antagonist indicated for treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer. ( 1 )

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION FIRMAGON is for subcutaneous use only Starting Dosage: 240 mg given as two injections of 120 mg each ( 2.1 ) Maintenance Dosage: 80 mg administered as a single injection every 28 days ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Dosing information FIRMAGON is administered as a subcutaneous injection in the abdominal region only at the dosages in Table 1 below. Table 1: FIRMAGON Recommended Dosages Starting Dosage Maintenance Dosage – Administered once every 28 days 240 mg given as two subcutaneous injections of 120 mg at a concentration of 40 mg/mL The first maintenance dose should be given 28 days after the starting dose. 80 mg given as one subcutaneous injection at a concentration of 20 mg/mL 2.2 Reconstitution and Administration Instructions FIRMAGON is to be administered by a healthcare professional only . Before administering FIRMAGON read the Instructions for reconstitution and administration carefully. As with other drugs administered by subcutaneous injection, the injection site should vary periodically. Injections should be given only in areas of the abdomen that will not be exposed to pressure, e.g., not close to waistband or belt nor close to the ribs. FIRMAGON is supplied as a powder to be reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection, USP. Starting dose (240 mg): Two single-dose vials each delivering 120 mg of degarelix in a white to off-white lyophilized powder for reconstitution supplied with diluent in two prefilled syringes. Each vial is to be reconstituted with a prefilled syringe containing 3 mL of Sterile Water for Injection. 3 mL is withdrawn to deliver 120 mg degarelix at a concentration of 40 mg/mL. Maintenance dose (80 mg): One single-dose vial delivering 80 mg of degarelix in a white to off-white lyophilized powder for reconstitution supplied with diluent in one prefilled syringe. Each vial is to be reconstituted with a prefilled syringe containing 4.2 mL of Sterile Water for Injection. 4 mL is withdrawn to deliver 80 mg degarelix at a concentration of 20 mg/mL. Follow the instructions for reconstitution closely and read the complete instructions before performing the subcutaneous injection. Reconstituted drug must be administered within one hour after addition of Sterile Water for Injection, USP. Do not shake the vials. Follow aseptic technique. FIRMAGON 240 mg Starting Dose Kit contains: 2 vials containing the 120 mg FIRMAGON powder (a) 2 syringes containing Sterile Water for Injection, USP (b) 2 vial adapters (c) 2 25 gauge × 1 inch injection needles (d) 2 plunger rods (e) FIRMAGON 80 mg Maintenance Dose Kit contains: 1 vial containing the 80 mg FIRMAGON powder (f) 1 syringe containing Sterile Water for Injection, USP (g) 1 vial adapter (h) 1 25 gauge × 1 inch injection needle (i) 1 plunger rod (j) In addition the healthcare professional will need: gloves (k) alcohol pads (l) a clean, flat surface (m) to work on, like a table a sharps disposal container (n) for throwing away your used needles and syringes. See " Disposing used needles and syringes " at the end of these instructions. The drug product must be prepared using the following instructions: NOTE: The mixing process must be repeated for the two injections of the Starting Dose prior to injecting the product into the patient's abdomen. Step 1: Attaching the vial adaptor to the vial Thoroughly wash your hands using soap and water and put on a pair of clean gloves. Place all the supplies required on a clean surface. Check that there is powder in the FIRMAGON vial and that the Sterile Water for Injection, USP is clear and free from particles. IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE if there is no powder in the vial or the Sterile Water for Injection, USP is discolored. Uncap the vial containing the FIRMAGON powder (o). Wipe the vial rubber stopper with an alcohol pad. IMPORTANT: Do not touch the top of the vial after wiping. Peel off the seal from the vial adaptor cover. IMPORTANT: Do not touch the vial adapter. Firmly press the vial adaptor (p) onto the vial containing the FIRMAGON powder until the adaptor snaps into place. Pull the vial adaptor cover off the vial. Step 2: Assembling the syringe Insert the plunger rod (q) into the prefilled syringe containing Sterile Water for Injection, USP (r) and screw the plunger rod clockwise to tighten. IMPORTANT: Do not pull the back stopper (flange) (s) off the syringe. NOTE: You will only feel light resistance screwing the plunger rod in position. Step 3: Transferring Sterile Water for Injection, USP from the syringe to the vial Unscrew the gray syringe plug (t) attached to the Luer lock adaptor on the syringe. IMPORTANT: Do not pull off the Luer lock adaptor (u). Carefully twist the prefilled syringe containing Sterile Water for Injection, USP onto the vial adapter on the FIRMAGON powder vial, until it is tight. IMPORTANT: Be careful not to over twist the syringe. Press the plunger slowly to transfer all the Sterile Water for Injection, USP from the syringe to the FIRMAGON powder vial. Step 4: Preparing the reconstituted injection With the syringe still attached to the vial adaptor, swirl gently until the liquid is clear with no powder or visible particles . IMPORTANT: Do not shake the vial as this will cause bubbles. Reconstitute just prior to administration. NOTE : If the powder adheres to the side of the vial, tilt the vial slightly. A ring of small air bubbles on the surface of the liquid is acceptable. Reconstitution time can take up to 15 min but usually takes a few minutes. Step 5: Transferring the liquid to the syringe Turn the vial completely upside down and pull down the plunger to withdraw all of the reconstituted liquid from the vial to the syringe. Tap the syringe gently with your fingers to raise air bubbles in the syringe tip. Press the plunger to the line marked on the syringe to expel all air bubbles. Step 6: Preparing the syringe for injection Holding the vial adaptor detach the syringe from the vial by unscrewing the syringe from the vial adaptor. NOTE : Reconstitute just prior to administration . While holding the syringe with the tip pointing up, screw the injection needle (v) clockwise (right) onto the syringe. Step 7: Preparing the patient Select one of the four available injection sites on the abdomen. IMPORTANT: Do not inject in areas where the patient will be exposed to pressure, such as area around the belt of the waistband or close to the ribs. Vary the injection site periodically during treatment to minimize discomfort to the patient. Clean the injection site with an alcohol pad. Step 8: Performing the injection Move the needle shield (w) away from the needle and carefully remove the needle cover (x). Pinch and elevate the skin of the abdomen. Insert the needle into the skin at a 45 degree angle all the way to the hub . Do not inject into a vein or muscle. Gently pull back the plunger to check if blood is aspirated. IMPORTANT: If blood appears in the syringe, the product should not be injected. Discontinue the injection and discard the syringe and the needle (reconstitute a new dose for the patient). Perform a slow , deep subcutaneous injection over 30 seconds. Remove the needle and then release the skin. IMPORTANT: Do not rub the injection site after retracting the needle. Step 9: Locking the needle into the shield Position the needle shield approximately 45 degrees to a flat surface. Press down with a firm, quick motion until a distinct, audible "click" is heard. Visually confirm that the needle is fully engaged under the lock (y). IMPORTANT: Syringe is for single use only. Do not reuse the syringe and needle . Step 10: Advising the patient Instruct the patient not to rub or scratch the injection site. Inform that some patients may feel a lump at the injection site and experience redness, soreness and discomfort for a few days after the injection. Disposing used needles and syringes Put used alcohol swabs, needles and syringes in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use. Do not throw away loose needles and syringes in the trash. For more information about safe sharps disposal, go to the FDA's website at: http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal. Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure Figure

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (≥10%) are injection site reactions (e.g., pain, erythema, swelling or induration), hot flashes, and increases in serum levels of transaminases and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ferring at 1-888-FERRING (1-888-337-7464) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 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. FIRMAGON was studied in a randomized, open-label trial in which patients with prostate cancer were randomized to receive FIRMAGON (subcutaneous) or leuprolide (intramuscular) monthly for 12 months [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) during FIRMAGON therapy are injection site reactions (e.g., pain, erythema, swelling or induration), hot flashes, and increases in serum levels of transaminases and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). The majority of the adverse reactions were Grade 1 or 2, with Grade 3/4 adverse reaction incidences of 1% or less. Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 5% of patients treated with FIRMAGON (subcutaneous) 240 mg starting dose and then 80 mg maintenance dose once every 28 days or who were treated with 7.5 mg of leuprolide (intramuscular) every 28 days are shown in Table 2. Table 2: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 5% of Patients FIRMAGON 240/80 mg (subcutaneous) N = 207 Leuprolide 7.5 mg (intramuscular) N = 201 Any adverse reaction 79% 78% Body as a whole Injection site reactions Includes pain, erythema, swelling, induration, or nodule. 35% <1% Weight increase 9% 12% Chills 5% 0% Cardiovascular system Hot flash 26% 21% Hypertension 6% 4% Digestive system Increases in Transaminases and GGT 10% 5% Constipation 5% 5% Musculoskeletal system Back pain 6% 8% Arthralgia 5% 9% Urogenital system Urinary tract infection 5% 9% The following adverse reactions occurred in 1 to < 5% of patients treated with FIRMAGON: Body as a whole: Asthenia, fatigue, fever, night sweats Digestive system: Nausea Nervous system: Dizziness, headache, insomnia The following adverse reactions, not already listed, occurred in ≥ 1% of patients treated in any study with FIRMAGON: Reproductive System: Erectile dysfunction, testicular atrophy Endocrine Disorders: Gynecomastia General : Hyperhidrosis Gastrointestinal : Diarrhea Injection Site Reactions The most frequently reported adverse reactions at the injection sites were pain (28%), erythema (17%), swelling (6%), induration (4%) and nodule (3%). These adverse reactions were mostly transient, of mild to moderate intensity, occurred primarily with the starting dose and led to few discontinuations (<1%). Grade 3 injection site reactions occurred in 2% or less of patients receiving FIRMAGON. Hepatic Laboratory Abnormalities Hepatic laboratory abnormalities were primarily Grade 1 or 2 and were generally reversible. Grade 3 hepatic laboratory abnormalities occurred in less than 1% of patients. FIRMAGON Extension Study The safety of FIRMAGON administered once every 28 days was evaluated further in an extension study (NCT00451958) in 385 patients who completed the above active-controlled trial. Of the 385 patients, 251 patients continued treatment with FIRMAGON and 135 patients crossed over treatment from leuprolide to FIRMAGON. The median treatment duration on the extension study was approximately 43 months (range 1 to 58 months). The most common adverse reactions reported in ≥10% of the patients were injection site reactions (e.g., pain, erythema, swelling, induration or inflammation), pyrexia, hot flush, weight loss or gain, fatigue, increases in serum levels of hepatic transaminases and GGT. One percent of patients had injection site infections including abscess. Hepatic laboratory abnormalities in the extension study included the following: Grade 1/2 elevations in hepatic transaminases occurred in 47% of patients and Grade 3 elevations occurred in 1% of patients. 6.2 Immunogenicity As with all peptides, there is potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. Anti-Degarelix Antibodies Anti-degarelix antibody development has been observed in 10% of patients after treatment with FIRMAGON for 1 year. There is no indication that the efficacy or safety of FIRMAGON treatment is affected by antibody formation. 6.3 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of FIRMAGON. 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. Changes in bone density Decreased bone density has been reported in the medical literature in men who have had orchiectomy or who have been treated with a GnRH agonist. It can be anticipated that long periods of medical castration in men will result in decreased bone density.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption FIRMAGON forms a depot upon subcutaneous administration, from which degarelix is released to the circulation. Following administration of FIRMAGON 240 mg at a product concentration of 40 mg/mL, the mean Cmax was 26.2 ng/mL (coefficient of variation, CV 83%) and the mean AUC was 1054 ng∙day/mL (CV 35%). Typically Cmax occurred within 2 days after subcutaneous administration. In prostate cancer patients at a product concentration of 40 mg/mL, the pharmacokinetics of degarelix were linear over a dose range of 120 to 240 mg. The pharmacokinetic behavior of the drug is strongly influenced by its concentration in the injection solution. Distribution The distribution volume of degarelix after intravenous (> 1 L/kg) or subcutaneous administration (> 1000L) indicates that degarelix is distributed throughout total body water. In vitro plasma protein binding of degarelix is estimated to be approximately 90%. Metabolism Degarelix is subject to peptide hydrolysis during the passage of the hepato-biliary system and is mainly excreted as peptide fragments in the feces. No quantitatively significant metabolites were detected in plasma samples after subcutaneous administration. In vitro studies have shown that degarelix is not a substrate, inducer or inhibitor of the CYP450 or p-glycoprotein transporter systems. Excretion Following subcutaneous administration of 240 mg FIRMAGON at a concentration of 40 mg/mL to prostate cancer patients, degarelix is eliminated in a biphasic fashion, with a median terminal half-life of approximately 53 days. The long half-life after subcutaneous administration is a consequence of a very slow release of degarelix from the FIRMAGON depot formed at the injection site(s). Approximately 20-30% of a given dose of degarelix was renally excreted, suggesting that approximately 70-80% is excreted via the hepato-biliary system in humans. Following subcutaneous administration of degarelix to prostate cancer patients the clearance is approximately 9 L/hr. Effect of Age, Weight and Race There was no effect of age, weight or race on the degarelix pharmacokinetic parameters or testosterone concentration.