JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is a kinase inhibitor indicated for treatment of:
JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is indicated for treatment of intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis (MF), including primary MF, post-polycythemia vera MF, and post-essential thrombocythemia MF in adults.
JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is indicated for treatment of polycythemia vera (PV) in adults who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant of hydroxyurea.
JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is indicated for treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older.
JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is indicated for treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after failure of one or two lines of systemic therapy in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older.
Doses should be individualized based on safety and efficacy. Starting doses per indication are noted below.
Myelofibrosis (2.2)
Polycythemia Vera (2.3)
Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease (2.4)
The starting dose of JAKAFI is 5 mg given orally twice daily or JAKAFI XR 11 mg given orally once daily.
Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease (2.5)
The recommended starting dose of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is based on platelet count (Table 1). Doses may be titrated based on safety and efficacy.
Dose Reductions
JAKAFI dose reductions should be considered if the platelet counts decrease as outlined in Table 2 with the goal of avoiding dose interruptions for thrombocytopenia.
JAKAFI XR dose reductions should be considered if the platelet counts decrease as outlined in Table 3, with the goal of avoiding dose interruptions for thrombocytopenia.
Treatment Interruption and Restarting Dosing
Interrupt treatment for platelet counts less than 50 x 109/L or absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 0.5 x 109/L.
After recovery of platelet counts above 50 × 109/L and ANC above 0.75 × 109/L, dosing may be restarted. When restarting JAKAFI, begin with a dose that is at least 5 mg twice daily below the dose at interruption. When restarting JAKAFI XR, begin with a dose that is at least 11 mg once daily below the dose at interruption. The maximum allowable dose that may be used in restarting JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR after a previous interruption is outlined in Table 4 for thrombocytopenia and in Table 5 for neutropenia.
If the response is insufficient and platelet and neutrophil counts are adequate, JAKAFI doses may be increased in 5 mg twice daily increments to a maximum of 25 mg twice daily. JAKAFI XR doses may be increased in 11 mg once daily increments to a maximum of 55 mg once daily. Doses should not be increased during the first 4 weeks of therapy and not more frequently than every 2 weeks.
Consider dose increases in patients who meet all of the following conditions:
Based on limited clinical data, long-term maintenance at a JAKAFI 5 mg twice daily dose has not shown responses and continued use at this dose should be limited to patients in whom the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Discontinue JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR if there is no spleen size reduction or symptom improvement after 6 months of therapy.
This section applies only to patients with platelet counts of 50 × 109/L to less than 100 × 109/L prior to any treatment with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR. See dose modifications in Section 2.2 ( Dose Modification Guidelines for Hematologic Toxicity for Patients With Myelofibrosis Starting Treatment With a Platelet Count of 100 × 109/L or Greater ) for hematological toxicity in patients whose platelet counts were 100 × 109/L or more prior to starting treatment with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR.
Dose Reductions
Reduce the dose of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for platelet counts less than 35 x 109/L as described in Table 6.
Treatment Interruption and Restarting Dosing
Interrupt treatment for platelet counts less than 25 x 109/L or ANC less than 0.5 x 109/L.
After recovery of platelet counts above 35 × 109/L and ANC above 0.75 × 109/L, dosing may be restarted. For patients on a dose higher than 5 mg twice daily, when restarting JAKAFI, begin with a dose that is at least 5 mg twice daily below the largest dose in the week prior to interruption. For patients on JAKAFI 5 mg twice daily in the week prior to interruption, when restarting, reduce the dose to 5 mg once daily. When restarting JAKAFI XR, begin with a dose that is at least 11 mg once daily below the largest dose in the week prior to the treatment interruption. For patients on JAKAFI XR 11 mg once daily prior to the first interruption, continue JAKAFI XR 11 mg once daily. Discontinue JAKAFI XR for a second interruption.
Do not increase doses during the first 4 weeks of therapy, and do not increase the dose more frequently than every 2 weeks.
If the response is insufficient as defined in Section 2.2 (see Dose Modification Based on Insufficient Response for Patients With Myelofibrosis Starting Treatment With a Platelet Count of 100 × 109/L or Greater ) , doses may be increased from JAKAFI 5 mg once daily to JAKAFI 5 mg twice daily, or from JAKAFI 5 mg twice daily to a maximum of 10 mg twice daily, if the following conditions are met. For patients on JAKAFI XR 11 mg once daily, dose may be increased to a maximum of 22 mg once daily if:
Continuation of treatment for more than 6 months should be limited to patients in whom the benefits outweigh the potential risks. Discontinue JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR if there is no spleen size reduction or symptom improvement after 6 months of therapy.
Interrupt treatment for bleeding requiring intervention regardless of current platelet count. Once the bleeding event has resolved, consider resuming treatment at the prior dose if the underlying cause of bleeding has been controlled. If the bleeding event has resolved but the underlying cause persists, consider resuming treatment with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR at a lower dose.
The recommended starting dose of JAKAFI is 10 mg orally twice daily.
The recommended starting dose of JAKAFI XR is 22 mg orally once daily.
Doses may be titrated based on safety and efficacy.
Dose Reductions
Dose reductions should be considered for hemoglobin and platelet count decreases as described in Table 7.
Treatment Interruption and Restarting Dosing
Interrupt treatment for hemoglobin less than 8 g/dL, platelet counts less than 50 x 109/L or ANC less than 1 x 109/L.
After recovery of the hematologic parameter(s) to acceptable levels, dosing may be restarted.
Table 8 illustrates the dose that may be used in restarting JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR after a previous interruption.
Table 8: Polycythemia Vera: Restarting Doses for JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR After Safety Interruption for Hematologic Parameter(s)
Use the most severe category of a patient’s hemoglobin, platelet count, or ANC abnormality to determine the corresponding maximum restarting dose.
JAKAFI
Patients who had required dose interruption while receiving a dose of 5 mg twice daily, may restart JAKAFI at a dose of 5 mg twice daily or 5 mg once daily, but not higher, once hemoglobin is greater than or equal to 10 g/dL, platelet count is greater than or equal to 75 × 109/L, and ANC is greater than or equal to 1.5 × 109/L.
JAKAFI XR
Patients who had required dose interruption while receiving a dose of 11 mg once daily, may restart JAKAFI XR at a dose of 11 mg once daily, but not higher, once hemoglobin is greater than or equal to 10 g/dL, platelet count is greater than or equal to 75 × 109/L, and ANC is greater than or equal to 1.5 × 109/L.
Dose Management After Restarting Treatment
After restarting JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR following treatment interruption, doses may be titrated, but the maximum total daily dose should not exceed 5 mg twice daily (JAKAFI) or 11 mg once daily (JAKAFI XR) less than the dose that resulted in the dose interruption. An exception to this is dose interruption following phlebotomy-associated anemia, in which case the maximal total daily dose allowed after restarting JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR would not be limited.
If the response is insufficient and platelet, hemoglobin, and neutrophil counts are adequate, doses may be increased:
JAKAFI: in 5 mg twice daily increments to a maximum of 25 mg twice daily.
JAKAFI XR: in 11 mg once daily increments to a maximum of 55 mg once daily.
Doses should not be increased during the first 4 weeks of therapy and not more frequently than every 2 weeks.
Consider dose increases in patients who meet all of the following conditions:
JAKAFI
The recommended starting dose of JAKAFI is 5 mg given orally twice daily. Consider increasing the dose to 10 mg twice daily after at least 3 days of treatment if the ANC and platelet counts are not decreased by 50% or more relative to the first day of dosing with JAKAFI.
JAKAFI XR
The recommended starting dose of JAKAFI XR is 11 mg given orally once daily. Consider increasing the dose to 22 mg once daily after at least 3 days of treatment if the ANC and platelet counts are not decreased by 50% or more relative to the first day of dosing with JAKAFI XR.
Treatment Completion
Consider tapering JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR after 6 months of treatment in patients with response who have discontinued therapeutic doses of corticosteroids. Taper JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR by one dose level approximately every 8 weeks using the dose levels shown in Table 9. If aGVHD signs or symptoms recur during or after the taper of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR, consider retreatment.
Dose Modification Guidelines for Patients With Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Monitor CBC, including platelet count and ANC, and bilirubin prior to initiating therapy, every 2 to 4 weeks until doses are stabilized, and then as indicated clinically.
Modify the dose of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for adverse reactions as described in Table 10. See Table 9 for the recommended dose when a dose reduction is needed. Patients who are unable to tolerate JAKAFI at a dose of 5 mg once daily should have treatment interrupted until their clinical and/or laboratory parameters recover.
JAKAFI
The recommended starting dose of JAKAFI is 10 mg given orally twice daily.
JAKAFI XR
The recommended starting dose of JAKAFI XR is 22 mg given orally once daily.
Treatment Completion
Consider tapering JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR after 6 months of treatment in patients with response who have discontinued therapeutic doses of corticosteroids. Taper JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR by 1 dose level approximately every 8 weeks using the dose levels shown in Table 9. If GVHD signs or symptoms recur during or after the taper of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR, consider retreatment.
Dose Modification Guidelines for Patients With Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Monitor CBC, including platelet count and ANC, and bilirubin prior to initiating therapy, every 2 to 4 weeks until doses are stabilized, and then as indicated clinically.
Modify the dose of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for adverse reactions as described in Table 11. See Table 9 for the recommended dose when a dose reduction is needed. Patients who are unable to tolerate JAKAFI at a dose of 5 mg once daily should have treatment interrupted until their clinical and/or laboratory parameters recover.
Modify the JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR dosage when coadministered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or doses of less than or equal to 200 mg of fluconazole [see Drug Interactions ( 7 ) ], according to Table 12. Avoid concomitant use of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR with fluconazole doses of greater than 200 mg daily.
Moderate to Severe Renal Impairment or End Stage Renal Disease on Dialysis
Modify the JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR dosage for patients with moderate (CLcr 30 to 59 mL/min) to severe (CLcr 15 to 29 mL/min) renal impairment or end stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis according to Table 13. Avoid use of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR in patients with ESRD (CLcr less than 15 mL/min) not requiring dialysis [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )].
Hepatic Impairment
Modify the JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR dosage for patients with hepatic impairment according to Table 14.
JAKAFI
JAKAFI is dosed orally and can be administered with or without food.
If a dose is missed, the patient should not take an additional dose, but should take the next usual prescribed dose.
When discontinuing JAKAFI therapy for reasons other than potentially life-threatening toxicities, gradually taper the dose of JAKAFI, for example by 5 mg twice daily each week.
For patients unable to ingest tablets, JAKAFI can be administered through a nasogastric tube (8 French or greater) as follows:
The tube should be rinsed with approximately 75 mL of water. The effect of tube feeding preparations on JAKAFI exposure during administration through a nasogastric tube has not been evaluated.
JAKAFI XR
JAKAFI XR is dosed orally and can be administered with or without food.
Swallow JAKAFI XR tablets whole. Do not split, chew, or crush.
If a dose is missed, the patient should not take an additional dose, but should take the next usual prescribed dose.
When discontinuing JAKAFI XR therapy for reasons other than potentially life-threatening toxicities, gradually taper the dose of JAKAFI XR, for example by 11 mg once daily each week for JAKAFI XR.
JAKAFI:
5 mg tablets - round and white with "INCY" on one side and "5" on the other.
10 mg tablets - round and white with "INCY" on one side and "10" on the other.
15 mg tablets - oval and white with "INCY" on one side and "15" on the other.
20 mg tablets - capsule-shaped and white with "INCY" on one side and "20" on the other.
25 mg tablets - oval and white with "INCY" on one side and "25" on the other.
JAKAFI XR:
11 mg extended-release tablets - round and light pink with “I” on one side and “11” on the other.
22 mg extended-release tablets - round and light yellow with “I” on one side and “22” on the other.
33 mg extended-release tablets - round and pink with “I” on one side and “33” on the other.
44 mg extended-release tablets - round and grey with “I” on one side and “44” on the other.
55 mg extended-release tablets - round and yellow with “I” on one side and “55” on the other.
Treatment with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR can cause thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )].
Manage thrombocytopenia by reducing the dose or temporarily interrupting JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR. Platelet transfusions may be necessary [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2 ) ].
Patients developing anemia may require blood transfusions and/or dose modifications of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR.
Severe neutropenia (ANC less than 0.5 × 109/L) was generally reversible by withholding JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR until recovery.
Perform a pre-treatment CBC and monitor CBCs every 2 to 4 weeks until doses are stabilized, and then as clinically indicated [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )].
Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal, and viral infections have occurred [ see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Delay starting therapy with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR until active serious infections have resolved. Observe patients receiving JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for signs and symptoms of infection and manage promptly. Use active surveillance and prophylactic antibiotics according to clinical guidelines.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis infection has been reported in patients receiving JAKAFI. Observe patients receiving JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis and manage promptly.
Prior to initiating JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR, patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis risk factors, and those at higher risk should be tested for latent infection. Risk factors include, but are not limited to, prior residence in or travel to countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, close contact with a person with active tuberculosis, and a history of active or latent tuberculosis where an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed.
For patients with evidence of active or latent tuberculosis, consult a physician with expertise in the treatment of tuberculosis before starting JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR. The decision to continue JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR during treatment of active tuberculosis should be based on the overall risk-benefit determination.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has occurred with JAKAFI treatment. If PML is suspected, stop JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR and evaluate.
Herpes Zoster and Herpes Simplex
Herpes zoster infection has been reported in patients receiving JAKAFI [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Advise patients about early signs and symptoms of herpes zoster and to seek treatment as early as possible if suspected.
Herpes simplex virus reactivation and/or dissemination has been reported in patients receiving JAKAFI [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Monitor patients for the development of herpes simplex infections. If a patient develops evidence of dissemination of herpes simplex, consider interrupting treatment with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR; patients should be promptly treated and monitored according to clinical guidelines.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B viral load (HBV-DNA titer) increases, with or without associated elevations in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, have been reported in patients with chronic HBV infections taking JAKAFI. The effect of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR on viral replication in patients with chronic HBV infection is unknown. Patients with chronic HBV infection should be treated and monitored according to clinical guidelines.
Following discontinuation of JAK-inhibitors, including JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR, signs and symptoms from myeloproliferative neoplasms may flare. Some patients with MF have experienced one or more of the following after discontinuing JAK-inhibitors: fever, respiratory distress, hypotension, disseminated intravascular coagulation, or multi-organ failure.
If one or more of these signs and symptoms occur after discontinuation of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR, or while tapering the dose, evaluate for and treat any intercurrent illness and consider restarting or increasing the dose of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR. Instruct patients not to interrupt or discontinue therapy without consulting their healthcare provider. When discontinuing or interrupting therapy with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for reasons other than life‑threatening toxicities, consider tapering the dose of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR gradually rather than discontinuing abruptly [see Dosage and Administration (2.8)].
Non-melanoma skin cancers including basal cell, squamous cell, and Merkel cell carcinoma have occurred in patients treated with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR. Perform periodic skin examinations.
Treatment with JAKAFI has been associated with increases in lipid parameters including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. The effect of these lipid parameter elevations on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined in patients treated with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR. Assess lipid parameters approximately 8 to 12 weeks following initiation of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR therapy. Monitor and treat according to clinical guidelines for the management of hyperlipidemia.
Another JAK inhibitor has increased the risk of MACE, including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke (compared to those treated with TNF blockers) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is not indicated.
Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR particularly in patients who are current or past smokers and patients with other cardiovascular risk factors. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious cardiovascular events and the steps to take if they occur.
Another JAK-inhibitor has increased the risk of thrombosis, including deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and arterial thrombosis (compared to those treated with TNF blockers) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is not indicated. In patients with MF and PV treated with JAKAFI in clinical trials, the rates of thromboembolic events were similar in JAKAFI and control treated patients.
Patients with symptoms of thrombosis should be promptly evaluated and treated appropriately.
Another JAK-inhibitor has increased the risk of lymphoma and other malignancies excluding NMSC (compared to those treated with TNF blockers) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is not indicated. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk.
Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR, particularly in patients with a known secondary malignancy (other than a successfully treated NMSC), patients who develop a malignancy, and patients who are current or past smokers.
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
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 safety of JAKAFI XR has been established from adequate and well-controlled studies of JAKAFI in adult patients with myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, and adult and pediatric patients with acute and chronic graft-versus-host-disease [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Below is a display of the adverse reactions of JAKAFI in these adequate and well-controlled studies.
Myelofibrosis
The safety of JAKAFI was assessed in 617 patients in 6 clinical studies with a median duration of follow-up of 10.9 months, including 301 patients with MF in 2 Phase 3 studies.
In these 2 Phase 3 studies, patients had a median duration of exposure to JAKAFI of 9.5 months (range: 0.5 to 17 months), with 89% of patients treated for more than 6 months and 25% treated for more than 12 months. One hundred and eleven (111) patients started treatment at 15 mg twice daily and 190 patients started at 20 mg twice daily. In patients starting treatment with 15 mg twice daily (pretreatment platelet counts of 100 to 200 × 109/L) and 20 mg twice daily (pretreatment platelet counts greater than 200 × 109/L), 65% and 25% of patients, respectively, required a dose reduction below the starting dose within the first 8 weeks of therapy.
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of JAKAFI, among the 155 patients treated with JAKAFI, the most frequent adverse reactions were thrombocytopenia and anemia [see Table 14]. Thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neutropenia are dose-related effects. The 3 most frequent nonhematologic adverse reactions were bruising, dizziness, and headache [see Table 13 ].
Discontinuation for adverse events, regardless of causality, was observed in 11% of patients treated with JAKAFI and 11% of patients treated with placebo.
Table 15 presents the most common nonhematologic adverse reactions occurring in patients who received JAKAFI in the double-blind, placebo-controlled study during randomized treatment.
Description of Selected Adverse Reactions
Anemia
In the 2 Phase 3 clinical studies, median time to onset of first CTCAE Grade 2 or higher anemia was approximately 6 weeks. One patient (< 1%) discontinued treatment because of anemia. In patients receiving JAKAFI, mean decreases in hemoglobin reached a nadir of approximately 1.5 to 2 g/dL below baseline after 8 to 12 weeks of therapy and then gradually recovered to reach a new steady state that was approximately 1 g/dL below baseline. This pattern was observed in patients regardless of whether they had received transfusions during therapy.
In the randomized, placebo-controlled study, 60% of patients treated with JAKAFI and 38% of patients receiving placebo received red blood cell transfusions during randomized treatment. Among transfused patients, the median number of units transfused per month was 1.2 in patients treated with JAKAFI and 1.7 in placebo treated patients.
Thrombocytopenia
In the 2 Phase 3 clinical studies, in patients who developed Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia, the median time to onset was approximately 8 weeks. Thrombocytopenia was generally reversible with dose reduction or dose interruption. The median time to recovery of platelet counts above 50 x 109/L was 14 days. Platelet transfusions were administered to 5% of patients receiving JAKAFI and to 4% of patients receiving control regimens. Discontinuation of treatment because of thrombocytopenia occurred in < 1% of patients receiving JAKAFI and < 1% of patients receiving control regimens. Patients with a platelet count of 100 x 109/L to 200 x 109/L before starting JAKAFI had a higher frequency of Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia compared to patients with a platelet count greater than 200 x 109/L (17% versus 7%).
Neutropenia
In the 2 Phase 3 clinical studies, 1% of patients reduced or stopped JAKAFI because of neutropenia.
Table 16 provides the frequency and severity of clinical hematology abnormalities reported for patients receiving treatment with JAKAFI or placebo in the placebo-controlled study.
Additional Data From the Placebo-Controlled Study
Polycythemia Vera
In a randomized, open-label, active-controlled study, 110 patients with PV resistant to or intolerant of hydroxyurea received JAKAFI and 111 patients received best available therapy (BAT) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. The most frequent adverse reaction was anemia. Discontinuation for adverse events, regardless of causality, was observed in 4% of patients treated with JAKAFI. Table 17 presents the most frequent nonhematologic adverse reactions occurring up to Week 32.
Clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities are shown in Table 18.
Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease
In a single-arm, open-label study, 71 adults (ages 18-73 years) were treated with JAKAFI for aGVHD failing treatment with steroids with or without other immunosuppressive drugs [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )]. The median duration of treatment with JAKAFI was 46 days (range: 4 to 382 days).
There were no fatal adverse reactions to JAKAFI. An adverse reaction resulting in treatment discontinuation occurred in 31% of patients. The most common adverse reaction leading to treatment discontinuation was infection (10%). Table 19 shows the adverse reactions other than laboratory abnormalities.
Selected laboratory abnormalities during treatment with JAKAFI are shown in Table 20.
Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
In a Phase 3, randomized, open-label, multi-center study, 165 patients were treated with JAKAFI and 158 patients were treated with BAT for cGVHD failing treatment with steroids with or without other immunosuppressive drugs [ see Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )]; sixty-five patients crossed over from BAT to treatment with JAKAFI, for a total of 230 patients treated with JAKAFI. The median duration of exposure to JAKAFI for the study was 49.7 weeks (range: 0.7 to 144.9 weeks) in the JAKAFI arm. One hundred and nine (47%) patients were on JAKAFI for at least 1 year.
There were 5 fatal adverse reactions to JAKAFI, including 1 from toxic epidermal necrolysis and 4 from neutropenia, anemia and/or thrombocytopenia. An adverse reaction resulting in treatment discontinuation occurred in 18% of patients treated with JAKAFI. An adverse reaction resulting in dose modification occurred in 27%, and an adverse reaction resulting in treatment interruption occurred in 23%. The most common hematologic adverse reactions (incidence > 35%) are anemia and thrombocytopenia. The most common nonhematologic adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 20%) are infections (pathogen not specified) and viral infection.
Table 21 presents the most frequent nonlaboratory adverse reactions occurring up to Cycle 7 Day 1 of randomized treatment.
Clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities are shown in Table 22.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of JAKAFI. 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:
Fluconazole
Concomitant use of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR with fluconazole increases ruxolitinib exposure [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )], which may increase the risk of exposure-related adverse reactions. Avoid concomitant use of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR with fluconazole doses of greater than 200 mg daily. Reduce the JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR dosage when used concomitantly with fluconazole doses of less than or equal to 200 mg [ see Dosage and Administration (2.6 )].
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors
Concomitant use of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increases ruxolitinib exposure [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )], which may increase the risk of exposure-related adverse reactions. Reduce the JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR dosage when used concomitantly with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors except in patients with aGVHD or cGVHD [ see Dosage and Administration (2.6 )].
Strong CYP3A4 Inducers
Concomitant use of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR with strong CYP3A4 inducers may decrease ruxolitinib exposure [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )], which may reduce efficacy of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR. Monitor patients frequently and adjust the JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR dose based on safety and efficacy [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
Risk Summary
When pregnant rats and rabbits were administered ruxolitinib during the period of organogenesis adverse developmental outcomes occurred at doses associated with maternal toxicity (see Data). There are no studies with the use of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. Adverse outcomes in pregnancy occur regardless of the health of the mother or the use of medications. The background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2% to 4% and miscarriage is 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies.
Data
Animal Data
Ruxolitinib was administered orally to pregnant rats or rabbits during the period of organogenesis, at doses of 15, 30, or 60 mg/kg/day in rats and 10, 30, or 60 mg/kg/day in rabbits. There were no treatment-related malformations. Adverse developmental outcomes, such as decreases of approximately 9% in fetal weights were noted in rats at the highest and maternally toxic dose of 60 mg/kg/day. This dose results in an exposure (AUC) that is approximately 2 times the clinical exposure at the maximum recommended dose of 25 mg twice daily. In rabbits, lower fetal weights of approximately 8% and increased late resorptions were noted at the highest and maternally toxic dose of 60 mg/kg/day. This dose is approximately 7% of the clinical exposure at the maximum recommended dose.
In a pre- and post-natal development study in rats, pregnant animals were dosed with ruxolitinib from implantation through lactation at doses up to 30 mg/kg/day. There were no drug-related adverse findings in pups for fertility indices or for maternal or embryofetal survival, growth, and development parameters at the highest dose evaluated (34% the clinical exposure at the maximum recommended dose of 25 mg twice daily).
Risk Summary
No data are available regarding the presence of ruxolitinib in human milk, the effects on the breast-fed child, or the effects on milk production. Ruxolitinib and/or its metabolites were present in the milk of lactating rats (see Data). Because many drugs are present in human milk and because of the potential for thrombocytopenia and anemia shown for JAKAFI in human studies, discontinue breastfeeding during treatment with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR and for 2 weeks after the final dose.
Data
Animal Data
Lactating rats were administered a single dose of [14C]-labeled ruxolitinib (30 mg/kg) on postnatal Day 10, after which plasma and milk samples were collected for up to 24 hours. The AUC for total radioactivity in milk was approximately 13-fold the maternal plasma AUC. Additional analysis showed the presence of ruxolitinib and several of its metabolites in milk, all at levels higher than those in maternal plasma.
Myelofibrosis
The safety and effectiveness of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for treatment of MF in pediatric patients have not been established.
Polycythemia Vera
The safety and effectiveness of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for treatment of PV in pediatric patients have not been established.
Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease
The safety and effectiveness of JAKAFI for treatment of steroid-refractory aGVHD has been established for treatment of pediatric patients 12 years and older. Use of JAKAFI in pediatric patients with steroid-refractory aGVHD is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials of JAKAFI in adults [ see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] and additional pharmacokinetic and safety data in pediatric patients. The safety and effectiveness of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for treatment of steroid-refractory aGVHD has not been established in pediatric patients younger than 12 years old.
Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
The safety and effectiveness of JAKAFI for treatment of cGVHD after failure of one or two lines of systemic therapy has been established for treatment of pediatric patients 12 years and older. Use of JAKAFI in pediatric patients with cGVHD after failure of one or two lines of systemic therapy is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials of JAKAFI in adults and adolescents [ see Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )] and additional pharmacokinetic and safety data in pediatric patients. The safety and effectiveness of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for treatment of cGVHD has not been established in pediatric patients younger than 12 years old.
Other Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, Leukemias, and Solid Tumors
The safety and effectiveness of ruxolitinib were assessed but not established in a single-arm trial (NCT01164163) in patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors, leukemias, or myeloproliferative neoplasms. The patients included 18 children (age 2 to < 12 years) and 14 adolescents (age 12 to < 17 years). Overall, 19% of patients received more than 1 cycle. No new safety signals were observed in pediatric patients in this trial.
The safety and effectiveness of ruxolitinib in combination with chemotherapy for treatment of high-risk, de novo CRLF2 rearranged or JAK pathway–mutant Ph-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were assessed but not established in a single-arm trial (NCT02723994). The patients included 2 infants (age < 2 years), 42 children (age 2 to < 12 years) and 62 adolescents (age 12 to < 17 years). No new safety signals were observed in pediatric patients in this trial.
Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data
Administration of ruxolitinib to juvenile rats resulted in effects on growth and bone measures. When administered starting at postnatal Day 7 (the equivalent of a human newborn) at doses of 1.5 to 75 mg/kg/day, evidence of fractures occurred at doses ≥ 30 mg/kg/day, and effects on body weight and other bone measures (eg, bone mineral content, peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and x-ray analysis) occurred at doses ≥ 5 mg/kg/day. When administered starting at postnatal day 21 (the equivalent of a human 2-3 years of age) at doses of 5 to 60 mg/kg/day, effects on body weight and bone occurred at doses ≥ 15 mg/kg/day, which were considered adverse at 60 mg/kg/day. Males were more severely affected than females in all age groups, and effects were generally more severe when administration was initiated earlier in the postnatal period. These findings were observed at exposures that are at least 27% the clinical exposure at the maximum recommended dose of 25 mg twice daily.
Of the total number of patients with MF in clinical studies with JAKAFI, 52% were 65 years and older, while 15% were 75 years and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness of JAKAFI were observed between these patients and younger patients.
Clinical studies of JAKAFI in patients with aGVHD did not include sufficient numbers of subjects age 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Of the total number of patients with cGVHD treated with JAKAFI in clinical trials, 11% were 65 years and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness of JAKAFI were observed between these patients and younger patients.
Total exposure of ruxolitinib and its active metabolites increased with moderate (CLcr 30 to 59 mL/min) and severe (CLcr 15 to 29 mL/min) renal impairment, and ESRD (CLcr less than 15 mL/min) on dialysis [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Modify JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR dosage as recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.7 )].
Exposure of ruxolitinib increased with mild (Child-Pugh A), moderate (Child-Pugh B), and severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3)].
Reduce JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR dosage as recommended in patients with MF or PV with hepatic impairment [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7 ) ] . Reduce JAKAFI dosage as recommended for patients with Stage 4 liver aGVHD.
Monitor blood counts more frequently for toxicity and modify the JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR dosage for adverse reactions if they occur for patients with Score 3 liver cGVHD [ see Dosage and Administration (2.7 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
There is no known antidote for overdoses with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR. Single doses up to 200 mg have been given with acceptable acute tolerability. Higher than recommended repeat doses are associated with increased myelosuppression including leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Appropriate supportive treatment should be given.
Hemodialysis is not expected to enhance the elimination of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR.
Ruxolitinib phosphate is a kinase inhibitor with the chemical name (R)-3-(4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-cyclopentylpropanenitrile phosphate and a molecular weight of 404.36. Ruxolitinib phosphate has the following structural formula:
Ruxolitinib phosphate is a white to off-white to light pink powder and is soluble in aqueous buffers across a pH range of 1 to 8.
JAKAFI (ruxolitinib) tablets are for oral administration. Each tablet contains 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, or 25 mg of ruxolitinib free base, equivalent to 6.6 mg, 13.2 mg, 19.8 mg, 26.4 mg, or 33 mg of ruxolitinib phosphate, respectively, and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone and sodium starch glycolate.
JAKAFI XR (ruxolitinib) extended-release tablets are for oral administration. Each tablet contains 11 mg, 22 mg, 33 mg, 44 mg, or 55 mg of ruxolitinib free base equivalent to 14.5 mg, 29 mg, 43.6 mg, 58.1 mg, or 72.6 mg of ruxolitinib phosphate, respectively, and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium stearyl fumarate. In addition, the film coating contains the following inactive ingredients: colorants (black iron oxide, red iron oxide, and yellow iron oxide), copovidone, hypromellose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, and triglycerides.
Ruxolitinib, a kinase inhibitor, inhibits Janus Associated Kinases (JAKs), JAK1 and JAK2, which mediate the signaling of a number of cytokines and growth factors that are important for hematopoiesis and immune function. JAK signaling involves recruitment of STATs (signal transducers and activators of transcription) to cytokine receptors, activation, and subsequent localization of STATs to the nucleus leading to modulation of gene expression.
MF and PV are myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) known to be associated with dysregulated JAK1 and JAK2 signaling. In a mouse model of JAK2V617F-positive MPN, oral administration of ruxolitinib prevented splenomegaly, preferentially decreased JAK2V617F mutant cells in the spleen and decreased circulating inflammatory cytokines (eg, TNF-α, IL-6).
JAK-STAT signaling pathways play a role in regulating the development, proliferation, and activation of several immune cell types important for GVHD pathogenesis. In a mouse model of aGVHD, oral administration of ruxolitinib was associated with decreased expression of inflammatory cytokines in colon homogenates and reduced immune-cell infiltration in the colon.
JAKAFI inhibits cytokine-induced STAT3 phosphorylation in whole blood from patients with MF and PV. STAT3 phosphorylation reached maximal inhibition 2 hours after JAKAFI dosing and returned to near baseline by 10 hours in patients with MF and PV.
Cardiac Electrophysiology
At a dose of 1.25 to 10 times the highest recommended starting dosage, JAKAFI does not prolong the QT interval to any clinically relevant extent.
JAKAFI
Mean ruxolitinib maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) and AUC increased proportionally over a single dose range of 5 mg to 200 mg (4 times the approved highest recommended total daily dosage of 25 mg twice daily). Mean ruxolitinib Cmax ranged from 205 nM to 7100 nM and AUC ranged from 862 nM*hr to 30,700 nM*hr over a single dose range of 5 mg to 200 mg. Steady state is reached by Day 3 following repeat twice daily administration of JAKAFI.
JAKAFI XR
Ruxolitinib Cmax and AUC increased in a dose proportional manner following single dose administration from the lowest to the highest strength of JAKAFI XR. Steady state is reached by Day 3 following repeat once daily administration of JAKAFI XR.
Absorption
JAKAFI
Ruxolitinib achieves Cmax within 1 hour to 2 hours post-dose. Oral absorption of ruxolitinib is estimated to be at least 95%.
JAKAFI XR
Ruxolitinib extended-release achieves Cmax within approximately 3 hours post-dose.
Effect of Food
JAKAFI and JAKAFI XR
No clinically relevant changes in the pharmacokinetics of ruxolitinib were observed upon administration of JAKAFI with a high-fat, high-calorie meal (approximately 800 to 1000 calories of which 50% were derived from fat).
Distribution
The mean ruxolitinib volume of distribution at steady-state is 72 L (coefficient of variation [CV] 29%) in patients with MF and 75 L (23%) in patients with PV.
Protein binding of ruxolitinib is approximately 97%, mostly to albumin.
Elimination
JAKAFI
The mean elimination half-life of ruxolitinib is approximately 3 hours and the mean elimination half-life of ruxolitinib and its metabolites is approximately 5.8 hours in healthy volunteers.
Ruxolitinib clearance (%CV) was 17.7 L/h in women and 22.1 L/h in men with MF (39%).
Ruxolitinib clearance (%CV) was 12.7 L/h (42%) in patients with PV.
Ruxolitinib clearance (%CV) was 11.8 L/h (63%) in patients with aGVHD.
Ruxolitinib clearance (%CV) was 9.7 L/h (51%) in patients with cGVHD.
JAKAFI XR
The mean elimination half-life of ruxolitinib extended-release is approximately 5 hours in healthy volunteers.
Metabolism
Ruxolitinib is metabolized by CYP3A4 and to a lesser extent by CYP2C9.
Excretion
Following a single oral dose of radiolabeled ruxolitinib, 74% of radioactivity was excreted in urine and 22% via feces. Unchanged drug accounted for less than 1% of the excreted total radioactivity.
Specific Populations
No clinically relevant differences in ruxolitinib pharmacokinetics were observed based on age (12-73 years), race (White, Asian), sex, or weight (29-139 kg).
Patients With Renal Impairment
Total AUC of ruxolitinib and its active metabolites increased by 1.3-, 1.5-, 1.9-, and 1.6-fold in subjects with mild, moderate, severe renal impairment, and with ESRD after dialysis, respectively, compared to subjects with normal renal function (CLcr ≥ 90 mL/min). The change in the pharmacodynamic marker, pSTAT3 inhibition, was consistent with the corresponding increase in metabolite exposure with renal impairment. Ruxolitinib is not removed by dialysis; however, the removal of some active metabolites by dialysis cannot be ruled out.
Patients With Hepatic Impairment
No clinically relevant effect on ruxolitinib pharmacokinetics was observed based on mild to severe hepatic impairment by NCI criteria (total bilirubin > ULN and any AST) in patients with aGVHD or cGVHD.
Ruxolitinib AUC increased in subjects with mild (Child-Pugh A) by 1.9-fold, moderate (Child-Pugh B) by 1.3-fold, and severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment by 1.7-fold compared to that in subjects with normal hepatic function.
The change in the pharmacodynamic marker, pSTAT3 inhibition, was consistent with the corresponding increase in ruxolitinib exposure except in the severe hepatic impairment cohort where the pharmacodynamic activity was more prolonged in some subjects than expected based on plasma concentrations of ruxolitinib.
Patients With Liver Involvement in Graft-Versus-Host Disease
No clinically relevant effect on ruxolitinib pharmacokinetics was observed based on Stage 1, 2 or 3 liver aGVHD, or Score 1 or 2 liver cGVHD.
A lower apparent clearance of ruxolitinib was observed in patients with Stage 4 liver aGVHD compared to patients with no liver aGVHD.
The effect of Score 3 liver cGVHD on the pharmacokinetics of ruxolitinib is unknown.
Drug Interaction Studies
Clinical Studies and Model-Informed Approaches
Fluconazole: Fluconazole 100 to 400 mg once daily (a moderate CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 inhibitor) increases steady state ruxolitinib AUC by approximately 100% to 300% [ see Dosage and Administration (2.6 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7 )].
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Ketoconazole (strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) increased ruxolitinib Cmax by 33% and AUC by 91% and prolonged ruxolitinib half-life from 3.7 hours to 6 hours [ see Dosage and Administration (2.6 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7 )].
Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Erythromycin (moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor) increased ruxolitinib Cmax by 8% and AUC by 27% [ see Drug Interactions ( 7 )].
Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: Rifampin (strong CYP3A4 inducer) decreased ruxolitinib Cmax by 32% and AUC by 61%. The relative exposure to ruxolitinib’s active metabolites increased approximately 100% [ see Drug Interactions ( 7 )].
In Vitro Studies
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) Enzymes: Ruxolitinib and its M18 metabolite did not inhibit CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, or CYP3A4. Ruxolitinib did not induce CYP1A2, CYP2B6 or CYP3A4 at clinically relevant concentrations.
Transporter Systems: Ruxolitinib and its M18 metabolite did not inhibit the P-gp, BCRP, OATP1B1, OATP1B3, OCT1, OCT2, OAT1, or OAT3 at clinically relevant concentrations. Ruxolitinib was not a P-gp substrate.
Ruxolitinib was not carcinogenic in the 6-month Tg.rasH2 transgenic mouse model or in a 2‑year carcinogenicity study in the rat.
Ruxolitinib was not mutagenic in a bacterial mutagenicity assay (Ames test) or clastogenic in in vitro chromosomal aberration assay (cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes) or in vivo in a rat bone marrow micronucleus assay.
In a fertility study, ruxolitinib was administered to male rats prior to and throughout mating and to female rats prior to mating and up to the implantation day (gestation Day 7). Ruxolitinib had no effect on fertility or reproductive function in male or female rats at doses of 10, 30, or 60 mg/kg/day. However, in female rats, doses of greater than or equal to 30 mg/kg/day resulted in increased post implantation loss. The exposure (AUC) at the dose of 30 mg/kg/day is approximately 34% the clinical exposure at the maximum recommended dose of 25 mg twice daily.
The effectiveness of JAKAFI XR has been established for myelofibrosis based on adequate and well-controlled studies of JAKAFI in adult patients with myelofibrosis. Below is a display of the efficacy results of the adequate and well-controlled studies of JAKAFI in adult patients with myelofibrosis.
Two randomized Phase 3 studies (Studies 1 and 2) were conducted in patients with MF (either primary MF, post-polycythemia vera MF or post-essential thrombocythemia MF). In both studies, patients had palpable splenomegaly at least 5 cm below the costal margin and risk category of intermediate 2 (2 prognostic factors) or high risk (3 or more prognostic factors) based on the International Working Group Consensus Criteria (IWG).
The starting dose of JAKAFI was based on platelet count. Patients with a platelet count between 100 and 200 x 109/L were started on JAKAFI 15 mg twice daily and patients with a platelet count greater than 200 x 109/L were started on JAKAFI 20 mg twice daily. Doses were then individualized based upon tolerability and efficacy with maximum doses of 20 mg twice daily for patients with platelet counts between 100 to less than or equal to 125 x 109/L, of 10 mg twice daily for patients with platelet counts between 75 to less than or equal to 100 x 109/L, and of 5 mg twice daily for patients with platelet counts between 50 to less than or equal to 75 x 109/L.
Study 1
Study 1 (NCT00952289) was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 309 patients who were refractory to or were not candidates for available therapy. The median age was 68 years (range: 40 to 91 years) with 61% of patients older than 65 years, and 54% were male. Fifty percent (50%) of patients had primary MF, 31% had post-polycythemia vera MF, and 18% had post-essential thrombocythemia MF. Twenty-one percent (21%) of patients had red blood cell transfusions within 8 weeks of enrollment in the study. The median hemoglobin count was 10.5 g/dL and the median platelet count was 251 × 109/L. Patients had a median palpable spleen length of 16 cm below the costal margin, with 81% having a spleen length 10 cm or greater below the costal margin. Patients had a median spleen volume as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) of 2595 cm3 (range: 478 cm3 to 8881 cm3; the upper limit of normal is approximately 300 cm3).
Patients were dosed with JAKAFI or matching placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving greater than or equal to a 35% reduction from baseline in spleen volume at Week 24 as measured by MRI or CT.
Secondary endpoints included duration of a 35% or greater reduction in spleen volume and proportion of patients with a 50% or greater reduction in Total Symptom Score from baseline to Week 24 as measured by the modified Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form (MFSAF) v2.0 diary.
Study 2
Study 2 (NCT00934544) was an open-label, randomized study in 219 patients. Patients were randomized 2:1 to JAKAFI versus BAT. Best available therapy was selected by the investigator on a patient-by-patient basis. In the BAT arm, the medications received by more than 10% of patients were hydroxyurea (47%) and glucocorticoids (16%). The median age was 66 years (range: 35 to 85 years) with 52% of patients older than 65 years and 57% were male. Fifty-three percent (53%) of patients had primary MF, 31% had post-polycythemia vera MF and 16% had post-essential thrombocythemia MF. Twenty-one percent (21%) of patients had red blood cell transfusions within 8 weeks of enrollment in the study. The median hemoglobin count was 10.4 g/dL and the median platelet count was 236 x 109/L. Patients had a median palpable spleen length of 15 cm below the costal margin, with 70% having a spleen length 10 cm or greater below the costal margin. Patients had a median spleen volume as measured by MRI or CT of 2381 cm3 (range: 451 cm3 to 7765 cm3).
The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving 35% or greater reduction from baseline in spleen volume at Week 48 as measured by MRI or CT.
A secondary endpoint in Study 2 was the proportion of patients achieving a 35% or greater reduction of spleen volume as measured by MRI or CT from baseline to Week 24.
Study 1 and 2 Efficacy Results
Efficacy analyses of the primary endpoint in Studies 1 and 2 are presented in Table 23 below. A significantly larger proportion of patients in the JAKAFI group achieved a 35% or greater reduction in spleen volume from baseline in both studies compared to placebo in Study 1 and BAT in Study 2. A similar proportion of patients in the JAKAFI group achieved a 50% or greater reduction in palpable spleen length.
Figure 1 shows the percent change from baseline in spleen volume for each patient at Week 24 (JAKAFI N = 139, placebo N = 106) or the last evaluation prior to Week 24 for patients who did not complete 24 weeks of randomized treatment (JAKAFI N = 16, placebo N = 47). One (1) patient (placebo) with a missing baseline spleen volume is not included.
In Study 1, MF symptoms were a secondary endpoint and were measured using the modified MFSAF v2.0 diary. The modified MFSAF is a daily diary capturing the core symptoms of MF (abdominal discomfort, pain under left ribs, night sweats, itching, bone/muscle pain, and early satiety). Symptom scores ranged from 0 to 10 with 0 representing symptoms “absent” and 10 representing “worst imaginable” symptoms. These scores were added to create the daily total score, which has a maximum of 60.
Table 24 presents assessments of Total Symptom Score from baseline to Week 24 in Study 1 including the proportion of patients with at least a 50% reduction (ie, improvement in symptoms). At baseline, the mean Total Symptom Score was 18.0 in the JAKAFI group and 16.5 in the placebo group. A higher proportion of patients in the JAKAFI group had a 50% or greater reduction in Total Symptom Score than in the placebo group, with a median time to response of less than 4 weeks.
Figure 2 shows the percent change from baseline in Total Symptom Score for each patient at Week 24 (JAKAFI N = 129, placebo N = 103) or the last evaluation on randomized therapy prior to Week 24 for patients who did not complete 24 weeks of randomized treatment (JAKAFI N = 16, placebo N = 42). Results are excluded for 5 patients with a baseline Total Symptom Score of zero, 8 patients with missing baseline, and 6 patients with insufficient post baseline data.
Worsening of Total Symptom Score is truncated at 150%.
Figure 3 displays the proportion of patients with at least a 50% improvement in each of the individual symptoms that comprise the Total Symptom Score, indicating that all 6 of the symptoms contributed to the higher Total Symptom Score response rate in the group treated with JAKAFI.
Individual score range = 0 to 10
An exploratory analysis of patients receiving JAKAFI also showed improvement in fatigue‑related symptoms (i.e., tiredness, exhaustion, mental tiredness, and lack of energy) and associated impacts on daily activities (i.e., activity limitations related to work, self-care, and exercise) as measured by the PROMIS® Fatigue 7-item short form total score at Week 24. Patients who achieved a reduction of 4.5 points or more from baseline to Week 24 in the PROMIS® Fatigue total score were considered to have achieved a fatigue response. Fatigue response was reported in 35% of patients in the JAKAFI group versus 14% of the patients in the placebo group.
Overall survival was a secondary endpoint in both Study 1 and Study 2. Patients in the control groups were eligible for crossover in both studies, and the median times to crossover were 9 months in Study 1 and 17 months in Study 2.
Figure 4 and Figure 5 show Kaplan-Meier curves of overall survival at prospectively planned analyses after all patients remaining on study had completed 144 weeks on study.
The effectiveness of JAKAFI XR has been established for polycythemia vera based on adequate and well-controlled studies of JAKAFI in adult patients with polycythemia vera. Below is a display of the efficacy results of the adequate and well-controlled studies of JAKAFI in adult patients with polycythemia vera.
Study 3 (NCT01243944) was a randomized, open-label, active-controlled Phase 3 study conducted in 222 patients with PV. Patients had been diagnosed with PV for at least 24 weeks, had an inadequate response to or were intolerant of hydroxyurea, required phlebotomy, and exhibited splenomegaly. All patients were required to demonstrate hematocrit control between 40-45% prior to randomization. The age ranged from 33 to 90 years with 30% of patients over 65 years of age, and 66% were male. Patients had a median spleen volume as measured by MRI or CT of 1272 cm3 (range: 254 cm3 to 5147 cm3) and median palpable spleen length below the costal margin was 7 cm.
Patients were randomized to JAKAFI or BAT. The starting dose of JAKAFI was 10 mg twice daily. Doses were then individualized based upon tolerability and efficacy with a maximum dose of 25 mg twice daily. At Week 32, 98 patients were still on JAKAFI with 8% receiving greater than 20 mg twice daily, 15% receiving 20 mg twice daily, 33% receiving 15 mg twice daily, 34% receiving 10 mg twice daily, and 10% receiving less than 10 mg twice daily. Best available therapy was selected by the investigator on a patient‑by-patient basis and included hydroxyurea (60%), interferon/pegylated interferon (12%), anagrelide (7%), pipobroman (2%), lenalidomide/thalidomide (5%), and observation (15%).
The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects achieving a response at Week 32, with response defined as having achieved both hematocrit control (the absence of phlebotomy eligibility beginning at the Week 8 visit and continuing through Week 32) and spleen volume reduction (a greater than or equal to 35% reduction from baseline in spleen volume at Week 32). Phlebotomy eligibility was defined as a confirmed hematocrit greater than 45% that is at least 3% higher than the hematocrit obtained at baseline or a confirmed hematocrit greater than 48%, whichever was lower. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of all randomized subjects who achieved the primary endpoint and who maintained their response 48 weeks after randomization, and the proportion of subjects achieving complete hematological remission at Week 32 with complete hematological remission defined as achieving hematocrit control, platelet count less than or equal to 400 × 109/L, and white blood cell count less than or equal to 10 × 109/L.
Results of the primary and secondary endpoints are presented in Table 25. A significantly larger proportion of patients on the JAKAFI arm achieved a response for the primary endpoint compared to BAT at Week 32 and maintained their response 48 weeks after randomization. A significantly larger proportion of patients on the JAKAFI arm compared to BAT also achieved complete hematological remission at Week 32.
Additional analyses for Study 3 to assess durability of response were conducted at Week 80 only in the JAKAFI arm. On this arm, 91 (83%) patients were still on treatment at the time of the Week 80 data cut-off. Of the 25 patients who achieved a primary response at Week 32, 19 (76% of the responders) maintained their response through Week 80, and of the 26 patients who achieved complete hematological remission at Week 32, 15 (58% of the responders) maintained their response through Week 80.
In an assessment of the individual components that make up the primary endpoint, there were 66 (60%) patients with hematocrit control on the JAKAFI arm versus 21 (19%) patients on BAT at Week 32; 51 (77% of hematocrit responders) patients on the JAKAFI arm maintained hematocrit control through Week 80. There were 44 (40%) patients with spleen volume reduction from baseline greater than or equal to 35% on the JAKAFI arm versus 1 (< 1%) patient on BAT at Week 32; 43 (98% of spleen volume reduction responders) patients on the JAKAFI arm maintained spleen volume reduction through Week 80.
The effectiveness of JAKAFI XR has been established for acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD) based on adequate and well-controlled studies of JAKAFI in adult patients with aGVHD. Below is a display of the efficacy results of the adequate and well-controlled studies of JAKAFI in adult patients with aGVHD.
Study 4 (NCT02953678) was an open-label, single-arm, multicenter study of JAKAFI for treatment of patients with steroid-refractory aGVHD Grades 2 to 4 (Mount Sinai Acute GVHD International Consortium [MAGIC] criteria) occurring after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. JAKAFI was administered at 5 mg twice daily, and the dose could be increased to 10 mg twice daily after 3 days in the absence of toxicity.
There were 49 patients with aGVHD refractory to steroids alone. These patients had a median age of 57 years (range: 18 to 72 years), 47% were male, 92% were Caucasian, and 14% were Hispanic. At baseline, aGVHD was Grade 2 in 27%, Grade 3 in 55%, and Grade 4 in 18%; 84% had visceral GVHD; the median MAGIC biomarker score was 0.47 (range: 0.10 to 0.92); and the median ST2 level was 334 mcg/L (range: 55 to 1286 mcg/L). The median duration of prior corticosteroid exposure at baseline was 15 days (range: 3 to 106 days).
The efficacy of JAKAFI was based on Day-28 overall response rate (ORR) (complete response, very good partial response, or partial response by Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research [CIBMTR] criteria) and the duration of response. The ORR results are presented in Table 26; Day-28 ORR was 100% for Grade 2 GVHD, 40.7% for Grade 3 GVHD, and 44.4% for Grade 4 GVHD.
The median duration of response, calculated from Day-28 response to progression, new salvage therapy for aGVHD or death from any cause (with progression being defined as worsening by 1 stage in any organ without improvement in other organs in comparison to prior response assessment) was 16 days (95% CI 9, 83). Also, for the Day-28 responders, the median time from Day-28 response to either death or need for new therapy for aGVHD (additional salvage therapy or increase in steroids) was 173 days (95% CI 66, NE).
The effectiveness of JAKAFI XR has been established for chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD) based on adequate and well-controlled studies of JAKAFI in adult and pediatric patients with cGVHD. Below is a display of the efficacy results of the adequate and well‑controlled studies of JAKAFI in adult and pediatric patients with cGVHD.
Study 5 (REACH-3; NCT03112603) was a randomized, open-label, multicenter study of JAKAFI in comparison to BAT for treatment of corticosteroid-refractory cGVHD after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Eligible patients were ≥ 12 years old with moderate or severe cGVHD as defined by NIH Consensus Criteria requiring additional therapy after failure of corticosteroid therapy and no more than 1 additional salvage treatment. Patients were excluded if they had ANC < 1 Gi/L and platelet count < 25 Gi/L, estimated creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min, progressive onset cGVHD, oxygen saturation < 90%, total bilirubin > 2 mg/dL, or diarrhea due to GVHD.
A total of 329 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either JAKAFI 10 mg twice daily (n = 165) or BAT (n = 164). Best available therapy was selected by the investigator prior to randomization and included the following treatments: extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), low‑dose methotrexate (MTX), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), mTOR inhibitors (everolimus or sirolimus), infliximab, rituximab, pentostatin, imatinib, or ibrutinib. Randomization was stratified by cGVHD severity (moderate versus severe). On Cycle 7 Day 1 and thereafter, patients randomized to BAT could cross over to JAKAFI if they had disease progression, mixed response, unchanged response, cGVHD flare, or toxicity to BAT. All patients also received standard supportive care, including anti-infective medications. GVHD prophylaxis and cGVHD treatment medications initiated before randomization, including systemic corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and topical or inhaled corticosteroid therapy, were allowed to be continued per institutional guidelines. Table 27 shows the demographics and baseline disease characteristics of the randomized population.
The efficacy of JAKAFI was based on ORR through Cycle 7 Day 1, where overall response included complete response or partial response according to the 2014 NIH Response Criteria and durability of the response. The ORR results are presented in Table 28; the difference in ORR between JAKAFI and BAT arms was 13% (95% CI 3, 23). The median time to first response in the responders was 3 weeks (range: 2 to 24) for the JAKAFI arm and 4 weeks (range: 2 to 25) for the BAT arm. The median duration of response, calculated from first response to progression, death, or new systemic therapies for cGVHD was 4.2 months (95% CI 3.2, 6.7) for the JAKAFI arm and 2.1 months (95% CI 1.6, 3.2) for the BAT arm; and the median time from first response to death or new systemic therapies for cGVHD was 25 months (95% CI 16.8, NE) for the JAKAFI arm and 5.6 months (95% CI 4.1, 7.8) for the BAT arm.
ORR results were supported by exploratory analyses of patient-reported symptom severity which showed at least a 7-point decrease in the cGVHD Total Symptom Score at any time through Cycle 7 Day 1 in 66 (40%; 95% CI 32, 48) patients in the JAKAFI arm and 47 (29%; 95% CI 22, 36) patients in the BAT arm.
JAKAFI (ruxolitinib) tablets are available as follows:
JAKAFI XR (ruxolitinib) extended-release tablets are available as follows:
Store JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Dispense in a tight container. Protect from light.
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).
Thrombocytopenia, Anemia and Neutropenia
Inform patients that JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is associated with thrombocytopenia, anemia and neutropenia, and of the need to monitor CBC before and during treatment. Advise patients to observe for and report bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].
Infections
Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of infection and to report any such signs and symptoms promptly.
Inform patients regarding the early signs and symptoms of herpes zoster and of PML, and advise patients to seek the advice of a clinician if such symptoms are observed [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].
Symptom Exacerbation Following Interruption or Discontinuation of Treatment
Inform patients that after discontinuation of treatment, signs and symptoms from myeloproliferative neoplasms may flare. Instruct patients not to interrupt or discontinue JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR therapy without consulting their healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )].
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Inform patients that JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR may increase their risk of certain NMSCs. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider if they have ever had any type of skin cancer or if they observe any new or changing skin lesions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )].
Lipid Elevations
Inform patients that JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR may increase blood cholesterol, and of the need to monitor blood cholesterol levels [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )].
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events
Advise patients that events of MACE including myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death, have been reported in clinical studies with another JAK-inhibitor used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is not indicated. Advise patients, especially current or past smokers or patients with other cardiovascular risk factors, to be alert for the development of signs and symptoms of cardiovascular events [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )].
Thrombosis
Advise patients that events of DVT and PE have been reported in clinical studies with another JAK-inhibitor used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is not indicated. Advise patients to tell their healthcare provider if they develop any signs or symptoms of a DVT or PE [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )].
Secondary Malignancies
Advise patients, especially current or past smokers and patients with a known secondary malignancy (other than a successfully treated NMSC), that lymphoma and other malignancies (excluding NMSC) have been reported in clinical studies with another JAK-inhibitor used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is not indicated [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )].
Drug-Drug Interactions
Advise patients to inform their healthcare providers of all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter medications, herbal products and dietary supplements [see Drug Interactions ( 7.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].
Dialysis
Inform patients on dialysis that their dose should not be taken before dialysis but only following dialysis [see Dosage and Administration (2.7 )].
Lactation
Inform women not to breastfeed during treatment with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR and for 2 weeks after the final dose [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.2 )].
Compliance
Advise patients to continue taking JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR every day for as long as their physician tells them and that this is a long-term treatment. Patients should not change dose or stop taking JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR without first consulting their physician. Patients should be aware that after discontinuation of treatment, signs and symptoms from myeloproliferative neoplasms are expected to return.
Manufactured for:
Incyte Corporation
1801 Augustine Cut-off
Wilmington, DE 19803
JAKAFI is a registered trademark of Incyte.
JAKAFI XR is a trademark of Incyte.
Patent Information: www.incyte.com/patents
© 2026 Incyte Corporation. All rights reserved.
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Issued: 5/2026
Rx only
NDC 50881-005-60
Jakafi® (Ruxolitinib) Tablets
5 mg
60 tablets
Each tablet contains 6.6 mg ruxolitinib phosphate equivalent to 5 mg ruxolitinib free base.
Rx only
NDC 50881-010-60
Jakafi® (Ruxolitinib) Tablets
10 mg
60 tablets
Each tablet contains 13.2 mg ruxolitinib phosphate equivalent to 10 mg ruxolitinib free base.
Rx only
NDC 50881-015-60
Jakafi® (Ruxolitinib) Tablets
15 mg
60 tablets
Each tablet contains 19.8 mg ruxolitinib phosphate equivalent to 15 mg ruxolitinib free base.
Rx only
NDC 50881-020-60
Jakafi® (Ruxolitinib) Tablets
20 mg
60 tablets
Each tablet contains 26.4 mg ruxolitinib phosphate equivalent to 20 mg ruxolitinib free base.
Rx only
NDC 50881-025-60
Jakafi® (Ruxolitinib) Tablets
25 mg
60 tablets
Each tablet contains 33 mg ruxolitinib phosphate equivalent to 25 mg ruxolitinib free base.
Rx only
NDC 50881-011-08
Jakafi XR™ (ruxolitinib) extended-release tablets
11 mg
30 tablets
Each tablet contains 14.5 mg ruxolitinib phosphate equivalent to 11 mg ruxolitinib free base.
Rx only
NDC 50881-022-08
Jakafi XR™ (ruxolitinib) extended-release tablets
22 mg
30 tablets
Each tablet contains 29 mg ruxolitinib phosphate equivalent to 22 mg ruxolitinib free base.
Rx only
NDC 50881-033-08
Jakafi XR™ (ruxolitinib) extended-release tablets
33 mg
30 tablets
Each tablet contains 43.6 mg ruxolitinib phosphate equivalent to 33 mg ruxolitinib free base.
Rx only
NDC 50881-044-08
Jakafi XR™ (ruxolitinib) extended-release tablets
44 mg
30 tablets
Each tablet contains 58.1 mg ruxolitinib phosphate equivalent to 44 mg ruxolitinib free base.
Rx only
NDC 50881-055-08
Jakafi XR™ (ruxolitinib) extended-release tablets
55 mg
30 tablets
Each tablet contains 72.6 mg ruxolitinib phosphate equivalent to 55 mg ruxolitinib free base.
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