CLINICAL TRIALS FOR AGE 6 YEARS THROUGH 11 YEARS

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TRIAL 3: An open-label study in patients with CF aged 6
through 11 years1

Trial Design1,a

  • Phase 3, 24-week, open-label, multicenter study evaluating the safety and tolerability of TRIKAFTA
  • 66 patients received TRIKAFTAb
  • Dosage was based on weight:
  • <30 kg (n=36): 100 mg/50 mg/75 mg qam and 75 mg qpm
  • ≥30 kg (n=30): 200 mg/100 mg/150 mg qam and 150 mg qpm

Trial 3 was an open-label study with no placebo-controlled arm; therefore, causality cannot be attributed to TRIKAFTA® (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor)

Trial 3 was an open-label study with no placebo-controlled arm; therefore, causality cannot be attributed to TRIKAFTA® (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor)

Trial 3 was an open-label study with no placebo-controlled arm; therefore, causality cannot be attributed to TRIKAFTA®  (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor)

aAll patients who completed the last treatment period visit and did not permanently discontinue the study drug were enrolled in the open-label Extension Study.1

bTrial 3 was a 2-part study: Part A was a pharmacokinetic and safety study, and Part B evaluated safety, tolerability, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics. Patients who completed Part A were automatically enrolled in Part B.

Key inclusion criteria1,c

  • Confirmed CF diagnosis, clinically stable, aged 6 through 11 years
  • Weight ≥15 kg without shoes at screening visit
  • Patient genotype:
  • Homozygous for the F508del mutation OR
  • Heterozygous for the F508del mutation and one of the ~200 other mutations in the CFTR gene that resulted in either:
  • No CFTR protein
  • A CFTR protein that lacks baseline function and is not responsive to ivacaftor and tezacaftor/ivacaftor

cKey exclusion criteria included clinically significant cirrhosis with or without portal hypertension, lung infection with organisms associated with a more rapid decline in pulmonary status (including, but not limited to, Burkholderia cenocepacia, Burkholderia dolosa, and Mycobacterium abscessus), and solid organ or hematologic transplantation.1

Study disclosures and impact of COVID-191
 

  • This 24-week safety study was conducted between August 2019 and August 2020, and overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Due to the onset of the pandemic, some patients were unable to complete in-person evaluations at all time points. For patients who were unable to complete in-person visits, data were collected remotely and those patients remained in the study
  • Additional analyses were performed to evaluate data collected from unscheduled visits. The results of those analyses were consistent with the main analyses

Safety analyses (primary endpoint)1    

  • All patients (N=66) in the study were included in the safety analysis. If a patient was unable to complete an in-clinic visit, safety information was collected remotely with site personnel
  • If a patient was unable to complete laboratory tests at the scheduled Week 24 time point, unscheduled visits were conducted after Week 24
  • The main safety analyses were based on data collected up to Week 24. Additional analyses were conducted with data from unscheduled visits, and those results were consistent with the main analyses

Efficacy analyses (secondary endpoints)1

  • N values declined over time for each efficacy endpoint, as some patients were unable to complete in-clinic visits due to the pandemic
  • The N values differ across endpoints due to varying restrictions placed on data collection during the pandemic
  • The main efficacy analyses were based on data collected in-clinic through Week 24. Additional analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of missing data and to evaluate home-based data. All analyses were consistent with the main analyses

PRIMARY ENDPOINT1

  • Safety and tolerability of TRIKAFTA from baseline as determined by AEs and clinical laboratory assessmentsd

dSafety and tolerability assessments were based on AEs, clinical laboratory values, electrocardiograms, vital signs, pulse oximetry, and ophthalmologic examinations.1

SELECT SECONDARY ENDPOINTS1

FROM BASELINE THROUGH WEEK 24:

  • Absolute change in ppFEV₁
  • Absolute change in sweat chloride concentration
  • Absolute change in CFQ-R Respiratory Domain Score
  • Absolute change in LCI2.5

FROM BASELINE AT WEEK 24:

  • Absolute change in BMI and BMI-for-age z-score
Baseline characteristics in Trial 31
  TRIKAFTA (N=66)
Sex, female, %. 59.1
Mean age, years (SD) 9.3 (1.9)
Mean ppFEV₁ (SD) 88.8 (17.7)
Mean sweat chloride, mmol/L (SD) 102.2 (9.1)
Mean BMI, kg/m² (SD) 16.39 (1.69)
Mean BMI-for-age z-score (SD) -0.16 (0.74)
Mean LCI2.5, units (SD)e 9.77 (2.68)
Mean CFQ-R Respiratory Domain score, points (SD) 80.3 (15.2)

eLung clearance index (LCI), derived from multiple breath washout tests, is an established research outcome for individuals with CF. It involves following an inert gas washed out from the lungs during relaxed tidal breathing. Key advantages of LCI over ppFEV1 include an increased sensitivity to early changes in airway obstruction and ability to be performed repeatedly even in very young children with growing lungs.

Summary of Results

PRIMARY ENDPOINT

Safety and tolerability of trikafta

Safety results from Trial 3 were similar to those observed in Trial 1 in patients aged 12 years and older¹

  • A total of 66 patients with CF aged 6 through 11 years received at least one dose of TRIKAFTA
  • A total of 66 patients with CF aged 6 through 11 years received at least one dose of TRIKAFTA
  • A total of 66 patients with CF aged 6 through 11 years received at least one dose of TRIKAFTA

Safety results from Trial 3 were similar to those observed in Trial 1 in patients aged 12 years and older¹

  • A total of 66 patients with CF aged 6 through 11 years received at least one dose of TRIKAFTA
  • A total of 66 patients with CF aged 6 through 11 years received at least one dose of TRIKAFTA
  • A total of 66 patients with CF aged 6 through 11 years received at least one dose of TRIKAFTA

Serious adverse reactions¹

  • 1 patient (1.5%) experienced serious adverse reactions. These concurrent reactions were rhinovirus infection, metapneumovirus infection, and pneumonia
  • 1 patient (1.5%) experienced serious adverse reactions. These concurrent reactions were rhinovirus infection, metapneumovirus infection, and pneumonia
  • 1 patient (1.5%) experienced serious adverse reactions. These concurrent reactions were rhinovirus infection, metapneumovirus infection, and pneumonia

Most common adverse reactions in Trial 31

Incidence of adverse reactions occurring in ≥10% of patients
  TRIKAFTA
n (%)
(N=66)
Cough 28 (42.4)
Headache 16 (24.2)
Pyrexia 14 (21.2)
Oropharyngeal pain 12 (18.2)
Upper respiratory tract infection 11 (16.7)
Nasal congestion 10 (15.2)
Rashd 8 (12.1)
Abdominal pain 8 (12.1)
Rhinorrhea 8 (12.1)
Viral upper respiratory tract infection 8 (12.1)
Alanine transaminase (ALT) increased 7 (10.6)
Diarrhea 7 (10.6)
Influenza 7 (10.6)
Vomiting 7 (10.6)

dIncludes preferred term of rash only.

Laboratory and vital sign abnormalities1

Liver function test elevations

Incidence of maximum transaminase and maximum total bilirubin elevations
  TRIKAFTA
(N=66)
Elevated ALT or aspartate transaminase (AST), n (%) >3x ULN 7 (10.6)
>5x ULN 1 (1.5)
>8x ULN 0
Total bilirubin elevation >2x ULN, % 0
  • The incidence of adverse reactions of transaminase elevations (AST and/or ALT) was 10.6% in patients treated with TRIKAFTA. No patients discontinued due to transaminase elevations
  • Maximum indirect bilirubin elevations  >2x to ≤3X ULN occurred in 4.6% of patients treated with TRIKAFTA. Maximum direct bilirubin elevations >1.5x ULN occurred in 0%. No patients had transaminase elevations >3x ULN and total bilirubin >2x ULN
  • No patients aged 6 through 11 years had creatine kinase levels >5x ULN
  • There were no serious adverse events of elevated ALT or AST in Trial 3
  • There were no study drug interruptions or discontinuations due to elevated transaminases

Rash events1,2

  • Rash events occurred in 15 (22.7%) patients. All rash events were mild or moderate in severity as determined by the study investigatorf
  • 1 patient (1.5%) discontinued due to rash erythematous; all other rash events resolved without interruption of study drug


fIncludes rash, rash erythematous, rash maculopapular, rash papular, and skin exfoliation.

 

Secondary Endpoints

Efficacy analyses (secondary endpoints)1

  • N values declined over time for each efficacy endpoint, as some patients were unable to complete in-clinic visits due to the pandemic
  • The N values differ across endpoints due to varying restrictions placed on data collection during the pandemic
  • The main efficacy analyses were based on data collected in-clinic through Week 24. Additional analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of missing data and to evaluate home-based data. All analyses were consistent with the main analyses 

Please see study disclosures and impact of COVID-19.

Secondary endpoint

ABSOLUTE CHANGE IN ppFEV1 FROM BASELINE THROUGH WEEK 241

10.2

Percentage Points

INCREASE IN ppFEV1
(95% CI: 7.9, 12.6) | Baseline percent, mean (SD): 88.8 (17.7)
N at baseline: 62 | N at Week 24: 15

INCREASE IN ppFEV1
(95% CI: 7.9, 12.6) | Baseline percent, mean (SD): 88.8 (17.7)
N at baseline: 62 | N at Week 24: 15

Secondary endpoint

ABSOLUTE CHANGE IN SWEAT CHLORIDE FROM BASELINE THROUGH WEEK 241

60.9

mmol/L

DECREASE IN SWEAT CHLORIDE
(95% CI: -63.7, -58.2) | Baseline mmol/L, mean (SD): 102.2 (9.1)
N at baseline: 62 | N at Week 24: 28

DECREASE IN SWEAT CHLORIDE
(95% CI: -63.7, -58.2) | Baseline mmol/L, mean (SD): 102.2 (9.1)
N at baseline: 62 | N at Week 24: 28

Secondary endpoint

ABSOLUTE CHANGE IN CFQ-R RESPIRATORY DOMAIN SCORE FROM BASELINE THROUGH WEEK 241

7.0

Points

INCREASE IN CFQ-R RESPIRATORY DOMAIN SCORE
(95% CI: 4.7, 9.2) | Baseline score, mean (SD): 80.3 (15.2)
N at baseline: 65 | N at Week 24: 36

INCREASE IN CFQ-R RESPIRATORY DOMAIN SCORE
(95% CI: 4.7, 9.2) | Baseline score, mean (SD): 80.3 (15.2)
N at baseline: 65 | N at Week 24: 36

The minimal clinically important difference threshold for CFQ-R Respiratory Domain score is 4 points in patients with CF with stable respiratory symptoms and represents the minimal change a patient can detect.3

 

CFQ-R Respiratory Domain score measured composite patient-/caregiver-reported outcomes in the following respiratory symptoms4:

  • Waking up from coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Congestion
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Mucus production

Secondary endpoint

ABSOLUTE CHANGE IN BMI AND BMI-FOR-AGE Z-SCORE FROM BASELINE AT WEEK 241

1.02

kg/m2

INCREASE IN BMI
(95% CI: 0.76, 1.28) | Baseline kg/m2, mean (SD): 16.39 (1.69)
N at baseline: 66 | N at Week 24: 33

INCREASE IN BMI
(95% CI: 0.76, 1.28) | Baseline kg/m2, mean (SD): 16.39 (1.69)
N at baseline: 66 | N at Week 24: 33

0.37

INCREASE IN BMI-FOR-AGE Z-SCORE
(95% CI: 0.26, 0.48) | Baseline score, mean (SD): -0.16 (0.74)
N at baseline: 66 | N at Week 24: 33

INCREASE IN BMI-FOR-AGE Z-SCORE
(95% CI: 0.26, 0.48) | Baseline score, mean (SD): -0.16 (0.74)
N at baseline: 66 | N at Week 24: 33

Secondary endpoint

ABSOLUTE CHANGE IN LCI2.5 FROM BASELINE THROUGH WEEK 241

1.71

Units

DECREASE IN LCI2.5
(95% CI: -2.11, -1.30) | Baseline units, mean (SD): 9.77 (2.68)
N at baseline: 53 | N at Week 24: 22

DECREASE IN LCI2.5
(95% CI: -2.11, -1.30) | Baseline units, mean (SD): 9.77 (2.68)
N at baseline: 53 | N at Week 24: 22

 

LCI is a measure of lung physiology derived from multiple breath washout tests. LCI represents a measure of the number of times the volume of gas in the lung at the start of the washout must be turned over in order to wash out the tracer gas to the predefined endpoint. With increasing disease severity, LCI increases.5

AE, adverse event; ALT, alanine transaminase; AST, aspartate transaminase; BMI, body mass index; CF, cystic fibrosis; CFQ-R, Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised; CI, confidence interval; LCI, lung clearance index; ppFEV1, percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second; SD, standard deviation; ULN, upper limit of normal.

Important Safety Information

Warnings and Precautions

Elevated Transaminases and Hepatic Injury

  • Liver failure leading to transplantation has been reported in a patient with cirrhosis and portal hypertension while receiving TRIKAFTA. Avoid use of TRIKAFTA in patients with pre-existing advanced liver disease (e.g., as evidenced by cirrhosis, portal hypertension, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy) unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risks. If used in these patients, they should be closely monitored after the initiation of treatment
  • Isolated elevations of transaminases or bilirubin have been observed in patients with CF treated with TRIKAFTA. In some instances, transaminase elevations have been associated with concomitant elevations in total bilirubin and/or international normalized ratio (INR) and have resulted in patients being hospitalized for intervention, including in patients without a history of pre-existing liver disease

Indications and Usage

TRIKAFTA is indicated for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients aged 2 years and older who have at least one F508del mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene or a mutation in the CFTR gene that is responsive based on in vitro data.

If the patient’s genotype is unknown, an FDA-cleared CF mutation test should be used to confirm the presence of at least one F508del mutation or a mutation that is responsive based on in vitro data.

  • Assessments of liver function tests (ALT, AST, and bilirubin) are recommended prior to initiating TRIKAFTA, every 3 months during the first year of treatment, and annually thereafter
  • In the event of significant elevations in liver function tests, e.g. ALT or AST >5x the upper limit of normal (ULN) or ALT or AST >3x ULN with bilirubin >2x ULN, dosing should be interrupted and laboratory tests closely followed until the abnormalities resolve. Following the resolution of liver function test elevations, consider the benefits and risks of resuming treatment
  • For patients with a history of hepatobiliary disease or liver function test elevations, more frequent monitoring should be considered

Hypersensitivity Reactions, Including Anaphylaxis

  • Hypersensitivity reactions, including cases of angioedema and anaphylaxis, have been reported in the postmarketing setting. If signs or symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions develop during treatment, discontinue TRIKAFTA and institute appropriate therapy. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient to determine whether to resume treatment with TRIKAFTA

Concomitant Use With CYP3A Inducers

  • Exposure to ivacaftor is significantly decreased and exposure to elexacaftor and tezacaftor are expected to decrease by the concomitant use of strong CYP3A inducers, which may reduce the therapeutic effectiveness of TRIKAFTA. Co‑administration with strong CYP3A inducers is not recommended

Concomitant Use With CYP3A Inhibitors

  • Exposure to elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor are increased when co-administered with strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors. The dose of TRIKAFTA should be reduced when used concomitantly with moderate or strong CYP3A inhibitors

Cataracts

  • Cases of non-congenital lens opacities have been reported in pediatric patients treated with ivacaftor-containing regimens. Baseline and follow‑up ophthalmological examinations are recommended in pediatric patients initiating treatment with TRIKAFTA

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Serious Adverse Reactions

  • Serious adverse reactions that occurred more frequently in patients treated with TRIKAFTA compared to placebo were rash (1% vs <1%) and influenza (1% vs 0)

Most Common Adverse Reactions

  • The most common adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of patients treated with TRIKAFTA (N=202) and higher than placebo (N=201) by ≥1% in the 24-week placebo-controlled, parallel-group Phase 3 trial (Trial 1) were headache, upper respiratory tract infection, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, alanine aminotransferase increased, nasal congestion, blood creatine phosphokinase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, rhinorrhea, rhinitis, influenza, sinusitis, and blood bilirubin increased
     
  • The safety profile for the patients with CF receiving TRIKAFTA (N=55) enrolled in the 4-week, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled Phase 3 trial (Trial 2) was similar to that observed in Trial 1
     
  • The safety profile in patients age 6 through 11 years from an open-label trial (Trial 3; N=66) was similar to that observed in Trial 1. The safety profile in patients age 2 through 5 years from an open-label trial (Trial 4; N=75) was similar to that observed in Trial 1

Use in Specific Populations

Pediatric Use

  • The safety and effectiveness of TRIKAFTA in patients with CF younger than 2 years of age have not been established

Click here to access full Prescribing Information for TRIKAFTA.


References:

1. Zemanick ET, Taylor-Cousar JL, Davies J, et al. A phase 3 open-label study of ELX/TEZ/IVA in children 6 through 11 years of age with CF and at least one F508del allele. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2021;203(12):1522-1532. doi:10.1164/rccm.202102-0509OC. 2. Data on file. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. Boston, MA. REF-9151 (v1.0); 2021. 3. Quittner AL, Modi AC, Wainwright C, et al. Determination of the minimal clinically important difference scores for the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised respiratory symptom scale in two populations of patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa airway infection. Chest. 2009;135(6):1610-1618. 4. CFQ-R Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Quittner, Modi, Watrous and Messer, 2000. Revised 2002. English version 2.0. 5. Horsley, A. Lung clearance index in the assessment of airways disease. Respir Med. 2009;103(6):793-799. doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2009.01.025