RINVOQ 30 mg prolonged-release tablets

Rheumatoid arthritis

RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). RINVOQ may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate.

Psoriatic arthritis

RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in adult patients who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more DMARDs. RINVOQ may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate.

Axial spondyloarthritis

Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA)

RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adult patients with objective signs of inflammation as indicated by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), who have responded inadequately to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS, radiographic axial spondyloarthritis)

RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis in adult patients who have responded inadequately to conventional therapy.

Giant cell arteritis

RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of giant cell arteritis in adult patients.

Atopic dermatitis

RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents 12 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy.

Ulcerative colitis

RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who have had an inadequate response, lost response or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a biologic agent.

Crohn's disease

RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease who have had an inadequate response, lost response or were intolerant to either conventional therapy or a biologic agent.

Treatment with upadacitinib should be initiated and supervised by physicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions for which upadacitinib is indicated.

Posology

Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis

The recommended dose of upadacitinib is 15 mg once daily.

Consideration should be given to discontinuing treatment in patients with axial spondyloarthritis who have shown no clinical response after 16 weeks of treatment. Some patients with initial partial response may subsequently improve with continued treatment beyond 16 weeks.

Giant cell arteritis

The recommended dose of upadacitinib is 15 mg once daily in combination with a tapering course of corticosteroids. Upadacitinib monotherapy should not be used for the treatment of acute relapses (see section 4.4).

Based upon the chronic nature of giant cell arteritis, upadacitinib 15 mg once daily can be continued as monotherapy following discontinuation of corticosteroids.

Atopic dermatitis

The recommended dose of upadacitinib is 15 mg or 30 mg once daily based on individual patient presentation.

• A dose of 15 mg is recommended for patients at higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and malignancy (see section 4.4).

• A dose of 30 mg once daily may be appropriate for patients with high disease burden who are not at higher risk of VTE, MACE and malignancy (see section 4.4) or patients with an inadequate response to 15 mg once daily.

• In adolescents (12 to 17 years of age) weighing at least 30 kg, a dose of 15 mg is recommended. If the patient does not respond adequately to 15 mg once daily, the dose can be increased to 30 mg once daily.

• The lowest effective dose to maintain response should be used.

For patients 65 years of age and older, the recommended dose is 15 mg once daily (see section 4.4).

Concomitant topical therapies

Upadacitinib can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. Topical calcineurin inhibitors may be used for sensitive areas such as the face, neck, and intertriginous and genital areas.

Consideration should be given to discontinuing upadacitinib treatment in any patient who shows no evidence of therapeutic benefit after 12 weeks of treatment.

Ulcerative colitis

Induction

The recommended induction dose of upadacitinib is 45 mg once daily for 8 weeks. For patients who do not achieve adequate therapeutic benefit by week 8, upadacitinib 45 mg once daily may be continued for an additional 8-week period (see section 5.1). Upadacitinib should be discontinued in any patient who shows no evidence of therapeutic benefit by week 16.

Maintenance

The recommended maintenance dose of upadacitinib is 15 mg or 30 mg once daily based on individual patient presentation:

• A dose of 15 mg is recommended for patients at higher risk of VTE, MACE and malignancy (see section 4.4).

• A dose of 30 mg once daily may be appropriate for some patients, such as those with high disease burden or requiring 16‑week induction treatment who are not at higher risk of VTE, MACE and malignancy (see section 4.4) or who do not show adequate therapeutic benefit to 15 mg once daily.

• The lowest effective dose to maintain response should be used.

For patients65 years of age and older, the recommended dose is 15 mg once daily (see section 4.4).

In patients who have responded to treatment with upadacitinib, corticosteroids may be reduced and/or discontinued in accordance with standard of care.

Crohn's disease

Induction

The recommended induction dose of upadacitinib is 45 mg once daily for 12 weeks.

Maintenance

The recommended maintenance dose of upadacitinib is 15 mg or 30 mg once daily based on individual patient presentation:

• A dose of 15 mg is recommended for patients at higher risk of VTE, MACE and malignancy (see section 4.4).

• A dose of 30 mg once daily may be appropriate for patients with high disease burden who are not at higher risk of VTE, MACE and malignancy (see section 4.4) or who do not show adequate therapeutic benefit to 15 mg once daily.

• A dose of 30 mg once daily may be appropriate for patients who have not achieved adequate therapeutic benefit after the initial 12-week induction. For these patients, upadacitinib should be discontinued if there is no evidence of therapeutic benefit after 24 weeks of treatment.

• The lowest effective dose to maintain response should be used.

For patients 65 years of age and older, the recommended maintenance dose is 15 mg once daily (see section 4.4).

In patients who have responded to treatment with upadacitinib, corticosteroids may be reduced and/or discontinued in accordance with standard of care.

Interactions

For patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease receiving strong inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin), the recommended induction dose is 30 mg once daily and the recommended maintenance dose is 15 mg once daily (see section 4.5).

Dose initiation

Treatment should not be initiated in patients with an absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) that is < 0.5 x 10⁹ cells/L, an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) that is < 1 x 10⁹ cells/L or who have haemoglobin (Hb) levels that are < 8 g/dL (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).

Dose interruption

Treatment should be interrupted if a patient develops a serious infection until the infection is controlled.

Interruption of dosing may be needed for management of laboratory abnormalities as described in Table 1.

Table 1 Laboratory measures and monitoring guidance

Special populations

Elderly

Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis

There are limited data in patients 75 years of age and older (see section 4.4).

Atopic dermatitis

For atopic dermatitis, doses higher than 15 mg once daily are not recommended in patients 65 years of age and older (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease

For ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, doses higher than 15 mg once daily for maintenance therapy are not recommended in patients 65 years of age and older (see sections 4.4 and 4.8). The safety and efficacy of upadacitinib in patients 75 years of age and older have not yet been established.

Renal impairment

No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. There are limited data on the use of upadacitinib in subjects with severe renal impairment (see section 5.2). Upadacitinib should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment as described in Table 2. The use of upadacitinib has not been studied in subjects with end stage renal disease and is therefore not recommended for use in these patients.

Table 2 Recommended dose for severe renal impairment^a

Hepatic impairment

No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild (Child-Pugh A) or moderate (Child-Pugh B) hepatic impairment (see section 5.2). Upadacitinib should not be used in patients with severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment (see section 4.3).

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of RINVOQ in children with atopic dermatitis below the age of 12 years have not been established. No data are available.

The safety and efficacy of RINVOQ in children and adolescents with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease, aged 0 to less than 18 years have not yet been established. No data are available.

There is no relevant use of RINVOQ in the paediatric population in the indication giant cell arteritis.

Method of administration

RINVOQ is to be taken orally once daily with or without food and may be taken at any time of the day. Tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be split, crushed, or chewed in order to ensure the entire dose is delivered correctly.

Food or drink containing grapefruit should be avoided during treatment with upadacitinib (see section 4.5).

• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

• Active tuberculosis (TB) or active serious infections (see section 4.4).

• Severe hepatic impairment (see section 4.2).

• Pregnancy (see section 4.6).

Use in patients 65 years of age and older

Considering the increased risk of MACE, malignancies, serious infections, and all-cause mortality in patients 65 years of age and older, as observed in a large randomised study of tofacitinib (another Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor), upadacitinib should only be used in these patients if no suitable treatment alternatives are available.

In patients 65 years of age and older, there is an increased risk of adverse reactions with upadacitinib 30 mg once daily. Consequently, the recommended dose for long-term use in this patient population is 15 mg once daily (see sections 4.2 and 4.8).

Immunosuppressive medicinal products

Combination with other potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, and biologic DMARDs or other JAK inhibitors has not been evaluated in clinical studies and is not recommended as a risk of additive immunosuppression cannot be excluded.

Serious infections

Serious and sometimes fatal infections have been reported in patients receiving upadacitinib. The most frequent serious infections reported with upadacitinib included pneumonia (see section 4.8)and cellulitis. Cases of bacterial meningitis and sepsis have been reported in patients receiving upadacitinib. Among opportunistic infections, tuberculosis, multidermatomal herpes zoster, oral/oesophageal candidiasis, and cryptococcosis were reported with upadacitinib.

Upadacitinib should not be initiated in patients with an active, serious infection, including localised infections (see section 4.3).

Consider the risks and benefits of treatment prior to initiating upadacitinib in patients:

• with chronic or recurrent infection

• who have been exposed to tuberculosis

• with a history of a serious or an opportunistic infection

• who have resided or travelled in areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses; or

• with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection.

Patients should be closely monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with upadacitinib. Upadacitinib therapy should be interrupted if a patient develops a serious or opportunistic infection. A patient who develops a new infection during treatment with upadacitinib should undergo prompt and complete diagnostic testing appropriate for an immunocompromised patient; appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be initiated, the patient should be closely monitored, and upadacitinib therapy should be interrupted if the patient is not responding to antimicrobial therapy. Upadacitinib therapy may be resumed once the infection is controlled and only following a careful consideration of benefit-risk.

A higher rate of serious infections was observed with upadacitinib 30 mg compared to upadacitinib 15 mg.

As there is a higher incidence of infections in the elderly and in the diabetic populations in general, caution should be used when treating the elderly and in patients with diabetes. In patients 65 years of age and older, upadacitinib should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available (see section 4.2).

Tuberculosis

Patients should be screened for tuberculosis (TB) before starting upadacitinib therapy. Upadacitinib should not be given to patients with active TB (see section 4.3). Anti-TB therapy should be considered prior to initiation of upadacitinib in patients with previously untreated latent TB or in patients with risk factors for TB infection.

Consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of TB is recommended to aid in the decision about whether initiating anti-TB therapy is appropriate for an individual patient.

Patients should be monitored for the development of signs and symptoms of TB, including patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy.

Viral reactivation

Viral reactivation, including cases of herpes virus reactivation (e.g., herpes zoster), was reported in clinical studies (see section 4.8). The risk of herpes zoster appears to be higher in Japanese patients treated with upadacitinib. If a patient develops herpes zoster, interruption of upadacitinib therapy should be considered until the episode resolves.

Screening for viral hepatitis and monitoring for reactivation should be performed before starting and during therapy with upadacitinib. Patients who were positive for hepatitis C antibody and hepatitis C virus RNA were excluded from clinical studies. Patients who were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen or hepatitis B virus DNA were excluded from clinical studies. If hepatitis B virus DNA is detected while receiving upadacitinib, a liver specialist should be consulted.

Vaccination

No data are available on the response to vaccination with live vaccines in patients receiving upadacitinib. Use of live, attenuated vaccines during or immediately prior to upadacitinib therapy is not recommended. Prior to initiating upadacitinib treatment, it is recommended that patients be brought up to date with all immunisations, including prophylactic zoster vaccinations, in agreement with current immunisation guidelines (see section 5.1).

Malignancy

Lymphoma and other malignancies have been reported in patients receiving JAK inhibitors, including upadacitinib.

In a large randomised active‑controlled study of tofacitinib (another JAK inhibitor) in rheumatoid arthritis patients 50 years and older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, a higher rate of malignancies, particularly lung cancer, lymphoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) was observed with tofacitinib compared to tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.

A higher rate of malignancies was observed with upadacitinib 30 mg compared to upadacitinib 15 mg.

In patients 65 years of age and older, patients who are current or past long-time smokers, or with other malignancy risk factors (e.g., current malignancy or history of malignancy) upadacitinib should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available.

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)

NMSCs have been reported in patients treated with upadacitinib (see section 4.8). A higher rate of NMSC was observed with upadacitinib 30 mg compared to upadacitinib 15 mg. Periodic skin examination is recommended for all patients, particularly those with risk factors for skin cancer.

Haematological abnormalities

Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) < 1 x 10⁹ cells/L, Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC) < 0.5 x 10⁹ cells/L and haemoglobin < 8 g/dL were reported in ≤1 % of patients in clinical trials (see section 4.8). Treatment should not be initiated, or should be temporarily interrupted, in patients with an ANC < 1 x 10⁹ cells/L, ALC < 0.5 x 10⁹ cells/L or haemoglobin < 8 g/dL observed during routine patient management (see section 4.2).

Gastrointestinal perforations

Events of diverticulitis (see section 4.8) and gastrointestinal perforations have been reported in clinical trials and from post‑marketing sources. Upadacitinib should be used with caution in patients who may be at risk for gastrointestinal perforation (e.g., patients with diverticular disease, a history of diverticulitis, or who are taking nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or opioids). Patients presenting with new onset abdominal signs and symptoms should be evaluated promptly for early identification of diverticulitis or gastrointestinal perforation.

Major adverse cardiovascular events

Events of MACE were observed in clinical studies of upadacitinib.

In a large randomised active-controlled study of tofacitinib (another JAK inhibitor) in rheumatoid arthritis patients 50 years and older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, a higher rate of MACE, defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and non-fatal stroke, was observed with tofacitinib compared to TNF inhibitors.

Therefore, in patients 65 years of age and older, patients who are current or past long-time smokers, and patients with history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or other cardiovascular risk factors, upadacitinib should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available.

Lipids

Treatment with upadacitinib was associated with dose-dependent increases in lipid parameters, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (see section 4.8). Elevations in LDL cholesterol decreased to pre-treatment levels in response to statin therapy, although evidence is limited. The effect of these lipid parameter elevations on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined (see section 4.2 for monitoring guidance).

Hepatic transaminase elevations

Treatment with upadacitinib was associated with an increased incidence of liver enzyme elevation compared to placebo (see section 4.8).

Hepatic transaminases must be evaluated at baseline and thereafter according to routine patient management. Prompt investigation of the cause of liver enzyme elevation is recommended to identify potential cases of drug-induced liver injury.

If increases in ALT or AST are observed during routine patient management and drug-induced liver injury is suspected, upadacitinib therapy should be interrupted until this diagnosis is excluded.

Venous thromboembolism

Events of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were observed in clinical trials for upadacitinib.

In a large randomised active-controlled study of tofacitinib (another JAK inhibitor) in rheumatoid arthritis patients 50 years and older with at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, a dose‑dependent higher rate of VTE including DVT and PE was observed with tofacitinib compared to TNF inhibitors.

In patients with cardiovascular or malignancy risk factors (see also section 4.4 “Major adverse cardiovascular events” and “Malignancy”) upadacitinib should only be used if no suitable treatment alternatives are available.

In patients with known VTE risk factors other than cardiovascular or malignancy risk factors, upadacitinib should be used with caution VTE risk factors other than cardiovascular or malignancy risk factors include previous VTE, patients undergoing major surgery, immobilisation, use of combined hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, and inherited coagulation disorder. Patients should be re-evaluated periodically during upadacitinib treatment to assess for changes in VTE risk. Patients with signs and symptoms of VTE should be promptly evaluated and treatment should be discontinued in patients with suspected VTE, regardless of dose.

Retinal vein occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion has been reported in patients treated with JAK inhibitors, including upadacitinib. Patients should be advised to promptly seek medical care in case they experience symptoms suggestive of retinal vein occlusion.

Hypersensitivity reactions

Serious hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported in patients receiving upadacitinib. If a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction occurs, treatment with upadacitinib must be discontinued and appropriate therapy must be instituted (see sections 4.3 and 4.8).

Hypoglycaemia in patients treated for diabetes

There have been reports of hypoglycaemia following initiation of JAK inhibitors, including upadacitinib, in patients receiving treatment for diabetes. Dose adjustment of anti-diabetic medicinal products may be necessary in the event that hypoglycaemia occurs.

Medication Residue in Stool

Reports of medication residue in stool or ostomy output have occurred in patients taking upadacitinib. Most reports described anatomic (e.g., ileostomy, colostomy, intestinal resection) or functional gastrointestinal conditions with shortened gastrointestinal transit times. Patients should be instructed to contact their healthcare professional if medication residue is observed repeatedly. Patients should be clinically monitored, and alternative treatment should be considered if there is an inadequate therapeutic response.

Giant Cell Arteritis

Upadacitinib monotherapy should not be used for the treatment of acute relapses as efficacy in this setting has not been established. Corticosteroids should be given according to medical judgement and practice guidelines.

Potential for other medicinal products to affect the pharmacokinetics of upadacitinib

Upadacitinib is metabolised mainly by CYP3A4. Therefore, upadacitinib plasma exposures can be affected by medicinal products that strongly inhibit or induce CYP3A4.

Co-administration with CYP3A4 inhibitors

Upadacitinib exposure is increased when co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, and grapefruit juice). In a clinical study, co-administration of upadacitinib with ketoconazole resulted in 70% and 75% increases in upadacitinib C_max and AUC, respectively. Upadacitinib 15 mg once daily should be used with caution in patients receiving chronic treatment with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Upadacitinib 30 mg once daily dose is not recommended for patients with atopic dermatitis receiving chronic treatment with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. For patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease using strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, the recommended induction dose is 30 mg once daily and the recommended maintenance dose is 15 mg once daily (see section 4.2). Alternatives to strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be considered when used in the long-term.

Co-administration of upadacitinib with grapefruit may increase exposure to upadacitinib. Food or drink containing grapefruit should be avoided during treatment with upadacitinib.

Co-administration with CYP3A4 inducers

Upadacitinib exposure is decreased when co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inducers (such as rifampin and phenytoin), which may lead to reduced therapeutic effect of upadacitinib. In a clinical study, co-administration of upadacitinib after multiple doses of rifampicin (strong CYP3A inducer) resulted in approximately 50% and 60% decreases in upadacitinib C_max and AUC, respectively. Patients should be monitored for changes in disease activity if upadacitinib is co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inducers.

Methotrexate and pH modifying medicinal products (e.g., antacids or proton pump inhibitors) have no effect on upadacitinib plasma exposures.

Potential for upadacitinib to affect the pharmacokinetics of other medicinal products

Administration of multiple 30 mg or 45 mg once daily doses of upadacitinib to healthy subjects had a limited effect on midazolam (sensitive substrate for CYP3A) plasma exposures (24-26% decrease in midazolam AUC and C_max), indicating that upadacitinib 30 mg or 45 mg once daily may have a weak induction effect on CYP3A. In a clinical study, rosuvastatin and atorvastatin AUC were decreased by 33% and 23%, respectively, and rosuvastatin C_max was decreased by 23% following the administration of multiple 30 mg once daily doses of upadacitinib to healthy subjects. Upadacitinib had no relevant effect on atorvastatin C_max or on plasma exposures of ortho-hydroxyatorvastatin (major active metabolite for atorvastatin). Administration of multiple 45 mg once daily doses of upadacitinib to healthy subjects led to a limited increase in AUC and C_max of dextromethorphan (sensitive CYP2D6 substrate) by 30% and 35%, respectively, indicating that upadacitinib 45 mg once daily has a weak inhibitory effect on CYP2D6. No dose adjustment is recommended for CYP3A substrates, CYP2D6 substrates, rosuvastatin or atorvastatin when co-administered with upadacitinib.

Upadacitinib has no relevant effects on plasma exposures of ethinylestradiol, levonorgestrel, methotrexate, or medicinal products that are substrates for metabolism by CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, or CYP2C19.

Women of childbearing potential

Women of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 weeks following the final dose of upadacitinib. Female paediatric patients and/or their parents/caregivers should be informed about the need to contact the treating physician once the patient experiences menarche while taking upadacitinib.

Pregnancy

There are no or limited data on the use of upadacitinib in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Upadacitinib was teratogenic in rats and rabbits with effects in bones in rat foetuses and in the heart in rabbit foetuses when exposed in utero.

Upadacitinib is contraindicated during pregnancy (see section 4.3).

If a patient becomes pregnant while taking upadacitinib the parents should be informed of the potential risk to the foetus.

Breast-feeding

It is unknown whether upadacitinib/metabolites are excreted in human milk. Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of upadacitinib in milk (see section 5.3).

A risk to newborns/infants cannot be excluded.

Upadacitinib should not be used during breast-feeding. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue upadacitinib therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

Fertility

The effect of upadacitinib on human fertility has not been evaluated. Animal studies do not indicate effects with respect to fertility (see section 5.3).

Upadacitinib may have a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines because dizziness and vertigo may occur during treatment with RINVOQ (see section 4.8).

Summary of the safety profile

In the placebo-controlled clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and axial spondyloarthritis, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥2% of patients in at least one of the indications with the highest rate among indications presented) with upadacitinib 15 mg were upper respiratory tract infections (19.5%), blood creatine phosphokinase (CPK) increased (8.6%), alanine transaminase increased (4.3%), bronchitis (3.9%), nausea (3.5%), neutropenia (2.8%), cough (2.2%), aspartate transaminase increased (2.2%), and hypercholesterolaemia (2.2%).

In the placebo-controlled atopic dermatitis clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥2% of patients) with upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg were upper respiratory tract infection (25.4%), acne (15.1%), herpes simplex (8.4%), headache (6.3%), CPK increased (5.5%), cough (3.2%), folliculitis (3.2%), abdominal pain (2.9%), nausea (2.7%), neutropenia (2.3%), pyrexia (2.1%), and influenza (2.1%).

In the placebo-controlled ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease induction and maintenance clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥3% of patients) with upadacitinib 45 mg, 30 mg or 15 mg were upper respiratory tract infection (19.9%), pyrexia (8.7%), blood CPK increased (7.6%), anaemia (7.4%), headache (6.6%), acne (6.3%), neutropenia (6.0%), rash (5.2%), herpes zoster (6.1%), pneumonia (4.1%), hypercholesterolemia (4.0%), bronchitis (3.9%), aspartate transaminase increased (3.9%), fatigue (3.9%), alanine transaminase increased (3.5%), folliculitis (3.6%), herpes simplex (3.2%), and influenza (3.2%).

The most common serious adverse reactions were serious infections (see section 4.4).

The safety profile of upadacitinib with long‑term treatment was generally similar to the safety profile during the placebo‑controlled period across indications.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The following list of adverse reactions is based on experience from clinical studies and post-marketing experience. The frequency of adverse reactions listed below is defined using the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1000 to < 1/100). The frequencies in Table 3 are based on the higher of the rates for adverse reactions reported with RINVOQ in clinical trials of rheumatologic disease (15 mg), atopic dermatitis (15 mg and 30 mg), ulcerative colitis (15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg), or Crohn's disease (15 mg, 30 mg, and 45 mg). When notable differences in frequency were observed between indications, these are presented in the footnotes below the table.

Table 3 Adverse reactions

Description of selected adverse reactions

Rheumatoid arthritis

Infections

In placebo-controlled clinical studies with background DMARDs, the frequency of infection over 12/14 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg group was 27.4% compared to 20.9% in the placebo group. In methotrexate (MTX)-controlled studies, the frequency of infection over 12/14 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg monotherapy group was 19.5% compared to 24.0% in the MTX group. The overall long-term rate of infections for the upadacitinib 15 mg group across all five Phase 3 clinical studies (2630 patients) was 93.7 events per 100 patient-years.

In placebo-controlled clinical studies with background DMARDs, the frequency of serious infection over 12/14 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg group was 1.2% compared to 0.6% in the placebo group. In MTX-controlled studies, the frequency of serious infection over 12/14 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg monotherapy group was 0.6% compared to 0.4% in the MTX group. The overall long-term rate of serious infections for the upadacitinib 15 mg group across all five Phase 3 clinical studies was 3.8 events per 100 patient-years. The most common serious infection was pneumonia. The rate of serious infections remained stable with long-term exposure.

Opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis)

In placebo-controlled clinical studies with background DMARDs, the frequency of opportunistic infections over 12/14 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg group was 0.5% compared to 0.3% in the placebo group. In MTX-controlled studies, there were no cases of opportunistic infection over 12/14 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg monotherapy group and 0.2% in the MTX group. The overall long-term rate of opportunistic infections for the upadacitinib 15 mg group across all five Phase 3 clinical studies was 0.6 events per 100 patient-years.

The long-term rate of herpes zoster for the upadacitinib 15 mg group across all five Phase 3 clinical studies was 3.7 events per 100 patient-years. Most of the herpes zoster events involved a single dermatome and were non-serious.

Hepatic transaminase elevations

In placebo-controlled studies with background DMARDs, for up to 12/14 weeks, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) elevations ≥ 3 x upper limit of normal (ULN) in at least one measurement were observed in 2.1% and 1.5% of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg, compared to 1.5% and 0.7%, respectively, of patients treated with placebo. Of the 22 cases of hepatic transaminase elevations, most were asymptomatic and transient.

In MTX-controlled studies, for up to 12/14 weeks, ALT and AST elevations ≥ 3 x ULN in at least one measurement were observed in 0.8% and 0.4% of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg, compared to 1.9% and 0.9%, respectively, of patients treated with MTX.

The pattern and incidence of elevation in ALT/AST remained stable over time including in long‑term extension studies.

Lipid elevations

Upadacitinib 15 mg treatment was associated with increases in lipid parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. There was no change in the LDL/HDL ratio. Elevations were observed at 2 to 4 weeks of treatment and remained stable with longer-term treatment. Among patients in the controlled studies with baseline values below the specified limits, the following frequencies of patients were observed to shift to above the specified limits on at least one occasion during 12/14 weeks (including patients who had an isolated elevated value):

• Total cholesterol ≥ 5.17 mmol/L (200 mg/dL): 62% vs. 31%, in the upadacitinib 15 mg and placebo groups, respectively

• LDL cholesterol ≥ 3.36 mmol/L (130 mg/dL): 42% vs. 19%, in the upadacitinib 15 mg and placebo groups, respectively

• HDL cholesterol ≥ 1.03 mmol/L (40 mg/dL): 89% vs. 61%, in the upadacitinib 15 mg and placebo groups, respectively

• Triglycerides ≥ 2.26 mmol/L (200 mg/dL): 25% vs. 15%, in the upadacitinib 15 mg and placebo groups, respectively

Creatine phosphokinase

In placebo-controlled studies with background DMARDs, for up to 12/14 weeks, increases in CPK values were observed. CPK elevations > 5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) were reported in 1.0% and 0.3% of patients over 12/14 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg and placebo groups, respectively. Most elevations > 5 x ULN were transient and did not require treatment discontinuation. Mean CPK values increased by 4 weeks with a mean increase of 60 U/L at 12 weeks and then remained stable at an increased value thereafter including with extended therapy.

Neutropenia

In placebo-controlled studies with background DMARDs, for up to 12/14 weeks, decreases in neutrophil counts below 1 x 10⁹ cells/L in at least one measurement occurred in 1.1% and <0.1% of patients in the upadacitinib 15 mg and placebo groups, respectively. In clinical studies, treatment was interrupted in response to ANC < 1 x 10⁹ cells/L (see section 4.2). Mean neutrophil counts decreased over 4 to 8 weeks. The decreases in neutrophil counts remained stable at a lower value than baseline over time including with extended therapy.

Psoriatic arthritis

Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with active psoriatic arthritis treated with upadacitinib 15 mg was consistent with the safety profile observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A higher rate of serious infections (2.6 events per 100 patient‑years and 1.3 events per 100 patient‑years, respectively) and hepatic transaminase elevations (ALT elevations Grade 3 and higher rates 1.4% and 0.4%, respectively) was observed in patients treated with upadacitinib in combination with MTX therapy compared to patients treated with monotherapy.

Axial spondyloarthritis

Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with active axial spondyloarthritis treated with upadacitinib 15 mg was consistent with the safety profile observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. No new safety findings were identified.

Giant cell arteritis

Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with giant cell arteritis treated with upadacitinib 15 mg was generally consistent with the known safety profile for upadacitinib.

Serious Infections

In the placebo-controlled clinical study, the frequency of serious infections over 52 weeks was 5.7% in the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 10.7% in the placebo group. The long-term rate of serious infections was 5.9 events per 100 patient-years for the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 10.5 events per 100 patient-years for the placebo group.

Opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis)

In the placebo‑controlled clinical study, the frequency of opportunistic infection (excluding tuberculosis and herpes zoster) over 52 weeks was 1.9% in the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 0.9% in the placebo group. The long-term rate of opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis and herpes zoster) was 1.8 events per 100 patient-years for the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 1.5 events per 100 patient-years for the placebo group.

In the placebo-controlled clinical study, the frequency of herpes zoster over 52 weeks was 5.3% in the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 2.7% in the placebo group. The long‑term rate of herpes zoster was 5.9 events per 100 patient-years for the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 3.0 events per 100 patient-years for the placebo group.

Atopic dermatitis

Infections

In the placebo-controlled period of the clinical studies, the frequency of infection over 16 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 39% and 43% compared to 30% in the placebo group, respectively. The long-term rate of infections for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 98.5 and 109.6 events per 100 patient-years, respectively.

In placebo-controlled clinical studies, the frequency of serious infection over 16 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 0.8% and 0.4% compared to 0.6% in the placebo group, respectively. The long-term rate of serious infections for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 2.3 and 2.8 events per 100 patient-years, respectively.

Opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis)

In the placebo-controlled period of the clinical studies, all opportunistic infections (excluding TB and herpes zoster) reported were eczema herpeticum. The frequency of eczema herpeticum over 16 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 0.7% and 0.8% compared to 0.4% in the placebo group, respectively. The long-term rate of eczema herpeticum for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 1.6 and 1.8 events per 100 patient-years, respectively. One case of esophageal candidiasis was reported with upadacitinib 30 mg.

The long-term rate of herpes zoster for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 3.5 and 5.2 events per 100 patient-years, respectively. Most of the herpes zoster events involved a single dermatome and were non-serious.

Laboratory abnormalities

Dose-dependent changes in ALT increased and/or AST increased (≥ 3 x ULN), lipid parameters, CPK values (> 5 x ULN), and neutropenia (ANC < 1 x 10⁹ cells/L) associated with upadacitinib treatment were similar to what was observed in the rheumatologic disease clinical studies.

Small increases in LDL cholesterol were observed after week 16 in atopic dermatitis studies. At week 52, the mean increase in LDL cholesterol from baseline was 0.41 mmol/L for upadacitinib 15 mg and 0.56 mmol/L for upadacitinib 30 mg.

Ulcerative colitis

The overall safety profile observed in patients with ulcerative colitis was generally consistent with that observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

A higher rate of herpes zoster was observed with an induction treatment period of 16 weeks vs 8 weeks.

Infections

In the placebo‑controlled induction studies, the frequency of infection over 8 weeks in the upadacitinib 45 mg group compared to the placebo group was 20.7% and 17.5%, respectively. In the placebo‑controlled maintenance study, the frequency of infection over 52 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 40.4 % and 44.2%, respectively, compared to 38.8% in the placebo group. The long-term rate of infections for upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg was 64.5 and 77.8 events per 100 patient-years, respectively.

In the placebo‑controlled induction studies, the frequency of serious infection over 8 weeks in both the upadacitinib 45 mg group and the placebo group was 1.3%. No additional serious infections were observed over 8-week extended treatment with upadacitinib 45 mg. In the placebo‑controlled maintenance study, the frequency of serious infection over 52 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 3.6% and 3.2%, respectively, compared to 3.3% in the placebo group. The long-term rate of serious infections for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 3.0 and 4.6 events per 100 patient-years, respectively. The most frequently reported serious infection in the induction and maintenance phases was COVID‑19 pneumonia.

Opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis)

In the placebo‑controlled induction studies over 8 weeks, the frequency of opportunistic infection (excluding tuberculosis and herpes zoster) in the upadacitinib 45 mg group was 0.4% and 0.3% in the placebo group. No additional opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis and herpes zoster) were observed over 8‑week extended treatment with upadacitinib 45 mg. In the placebo‑controlled maintenance study over 52 weeks, the frequency of opportunistic infection (excluding tuberculosis and herpes zoster) in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 0.8% and 0.8%, respectively, compared to 0.8% in the placebo group. The long‑term rate of opportunistic infections (excluding tuberculosis and herpes zoster) for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 0.3 and 0.6 events per 100 patient-years, respectively.

In the placebo-controlled induction studies over 8 weeks, the frequency of herpes zoster in the upadacitinib 45 mg group was 0.6% and 0% in the placebo group. The frequency of herpes zoster was 3.9% over 16-week treatment with upadacitinib 45 mg. In the placebo‑controlled maintenance study over 52 weeks, the frequency of herpes zoster in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 4.8% and 5.6%, respectively, compared to 0% in the placebo group. The long‑term rate of herpes zoster for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 4.5 and 7.2 events per 100 patient-years, respectively.

Gastrointestinal perforations

In the placebo-controlled maintenance period, gastrointestinal perforation was reported in 1 patient treated with placebo (1.5 per 100 patient-years) and no patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg. In the long-term extension study, 1 patient treated with upadacitinib 15 mg (0.1 per 100 patient-years) and 1 patient treated with upadacitinib 30 mg (<0.1 per 100 patient-years) reported events.

Laboratory abnormalities

In the induction and maintenance clinical studies, the laboratory changes in ALT increased and/or AST increased (≥ 3 x ULN), CPK values (> 5 x ULN), and neutropenia (ANC < 1 x 10⁹ cells/L) associated with upadacitinib treatment were generally similar to what was observed in the rheumatologic disease and atopic dermatitis clinical studies. Dose-dependent changes for these laboratory parameters associated with 15 mg and 30 mg upadacitinib treatment were observed.

In the placebo‑controlled induction studies for up to 8 weeks, decreases in lymphocyte counts below 0.5 x 10⁹ cells/L in at least one measurement occurred in 2.0% and 0.8% of patients in the upadacitinib 45 mg and placebo groups, respectively. In the placebo-controlled maintenance study, for up to 52 weeks, decreases in lymphocyte counts below 0.5 x 10⁹ cells/L in at least one measurement occurred in 1.6%, 1.2% and 0.8% of patients in the upadacitinib 15 mg, 30 mg and placebo groups, respectively. In clinical studies, treatment was interrupted in response to ALC < 0.5 x 10⁹ cells/L (see section 4.2). No notable mean changes of lymphocyte counts were observed during upadacitinib treatment over time.

Elevations in lipid parameters were observed at 8 weeks of treatment with upadacitinib 45 mg and remained generally stable with longer-term treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg. Among patients in the placebo-controlled induction studies with baseline values below the specified limits, the following frequencies of patients were observed to shift to above the specified limits on at least one occasion during 8 weeks (including patients who had an isolated elevated value):

• Total cholesterol ≥ 5.17 mmol/L (200 mg/dL): 49% vs. 11%, in the upadacitinib 45 mg and placebo groups, respectively

• LDL cholesterol ≥ 3.36 mmol/L (130 mg/dL): 27% vs. 9%, in the upadacitinib 45 mg and placebo groups, respectively

• HDL cholesterol ≥ 1.03 mmol/L (40 mg/dL): 79% vs. 36%, in the upadacitinib 45 mg and placebo groups, respectively

• Triglycerides ≥ 2.26 mmol/L (200 mg/dL): 6% vs 4% in the upadacitinib 45 mg and placebo groups, respectively

Crohn's disease

Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with Crohn's disease treated with upadacitinib was consistent with the known safety profile for upadacitinib.

Serious infections

In the placebo‑controlled induction studies, the frequency of serious infection over 12 weeks in the upadacitinib 45 mg group and the placebo group was 1.9% and 1.7%, respectively. In the placebo‑controlled maintenance study, the frequency of serious infection over 52 weeks in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups was 3.2% and 5.7%, respectively, compared to 4.5% in the placebo group. The long-term rate of serious infections for the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups in patients who responded to upadacitinib 45 mg as induction treatment was 5.1 and 7.3 events per 100 patient-years, respectively. The most frequently reported serious infection in the induction and maintenance studies was gastrointestinal infections.

Gastrointestinal perforations

During the placebo-controlled period in the Phase 3 induction clinical studies, gastrointestinal perforation was reported in 1 patient (0.1%) treated with upadacitinib 45 mg and no patients on placebo through 12 weeks. In all patients treated with upadacitinib 45 mg (n=938) during the induction studies, gastrointestinal perforation was reported in 4 patients (0.4%).

In the long-term placebo-controlled period, gastrointestinal perforation was reported in 1 patient each treated with placebo (0.7 per 100 patient-years), upadacitinib 15 mg (0.4 per 100 patient-years), and upadacitinib 30 mg (0.4 per 100 patient-years). In all patients treated with rescue upadacitinib 30 mg (n=336), gastrointestinal perforation was reported in 3 patients (0.8 per 100 patient-years) through long-term treatment.

Laboratory abnormalities

In the induction and maintenance clinical studies, the laboratory changes in ALT increased and/or AST increased (≥ 3 x ULN), CPK values (> 5 x ULN), neutropenia (ANC < 1 x 10⁹ cells/L), and lipid parameters associated with upadacitinib treatment were generally similar to what was observed in the rheumatologic disease, atopic dermatitis and ulcerative colitis clinical studies. Dose-dependent changes for these laboratory parameters associated with 15 mg and 30 mg upadacitinib treatment were observed.

In the placebo‑controlled induction studies for up to 12 weeks, decreases in lymphocyte counts below 0.5 x 10⁹ cells/L in at least one measurement occurred in 2.2% and 2.0% of patients in the upadacitinib 45 mg and placebo groups, respectively. In the placebo-controlled maintenance study, for up to 52 weeks, decreases in lymphocyte counts below 0.5 x 10⁹ cells/L in at least one measurement occurred in 4.6%, 5.2% and 1.8% of patients in the upadacitinib 15 mg, 30 mg and placebo groups, respectively. In clinical studies, treatment was interrupted in response to ALC < 0.5 x 10⁹ cells/L (see section 4.2). No notable mean changes of lymphocyte counts were observed during upadacitinib treatment over time.

In the placebo‑controlled induction studies for up to 12 weeks, decreases in haemoglobin concentration to below 8 g/dL in at least one measurement occurred in 2.7% and 1.4% of patients in the upadacitinib 45 mg and placebo groups, respectively. In the placebo-controlled maintenance study, for up to 52 weeks, decreases in haemoglobin concentration below 8 g/dL in at least one measurement occurred in 1.4%, 4.4% and 2.8% of patients in the upadacitinib 15 mg, 30 mg and placebo groups, respectively. In clinical studies, treatment was interrupted in response to Hb < 8 g/dL (see section 4.2). No notable mean changes of haemoglobin concentration were observed during upadacitinib treatment over time.

Elderly

Based on the limited data from patients 65 years and older with atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, there was a higher rate of overall adverse reactions with the upadacitinib 30 mg dose compared to the 15 mg dose (see section 4.4).

Paediatric population

A total of 541 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with atopic dermatitis were treated in the global Phase 3 studies (n=343) and the supplemental adolescent substudies (n=198), of whom 264 were exposed to 15 mg and 265 were exposed to 30 mg. The safety profile for upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg in adolescents was similar to that in adults. With long-term exposure, the adverse drug reaction of skin papilloma was reported in 3.4% and 6.8% of adolescent patients with atopic dermatitis in the upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg groups, respectively.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme: Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Upadacitinib was administered in clinical studies up to doses equivalent in daily AUC to 60 mg prolonged-release once daily. Adverse reactions were comparable to those seen at lower doses and no specific toxicities were identified. Approximately 90% of upadacitinib in the systemic circulation is eliminated within 24 hours of dosing (within the range of doses evaluated in clinical studies). In case of an overdose, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions. Patients who develop adverse reactions should receive appropriate treatment.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Immunosuppressants, Janus-associated kinase (JAK) inhibitors ATC code: L04AF03

Mechanism of action

Upadacitinib is a selective and reversible Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. JAKs are intracellular enzymes that transmit cytokine or growth factor signals involved in a broad range of cellular processes including inflammatory responses, hematopoiesis, and immune surveillance. The JAK family of enzymes contains four members, JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2 which work in pairs to phosphorylate and activate signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). This phosphorylation, in turn, modulates gene expression and cellular function. JAK1 is important in inflammatory cytokine signals while JAK2 is important for red blood cell maturation and JAK3 signals play a role in immune surveillance and lymphocyte function.

In human cellular assays, upadacitinib preferentially inhibits signalling by JAK1 or JAK1/3 with functional selectivity over cytokine receptors that signal via pairs of JAK2. Atopic dermatitis is driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-4, IL-13, IL-22, TSLP, IL-31 and IFN-γ) that transduce signals via the JAK1 pathway. Inhibiting JAK1 with upadacitinib reduces the signaling of many mediators which drive the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis such as eczematous skin lesions and pruritus. Pro‑inflammatory cytokines (primarily IL‑6, IL‑7, IL‑15 and IFNγ) transduce signals via the JAK1 pathway and are involved in the pathology of inflammatory bowel diseases. JAK1 inhibition with upadacitinib modulates the signalling of the JAK-dependent cytokines underlying the inflammatory burden and signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Pharmacodynamic effects

Inhibition of IL-6 induced STAT3 and IL-7 induced STAT5 phosphorylation

In healthy volunteers, the administration of upadacitinib (immediate-release formulation) resulted in a dose- and concentration-dependent inhibition of IL-6 (JAK1/JAK2) - induced STAT3 and IL-7 (JAK1/JAK3)-induced STAT5 phosphorylation in whole blood. The maximal inhibition was observed 1 hour after dosing which returned to near baseline by the end of dosing interval.

Lymphocytes

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, treatment with upadacitinib was associated with a small, transient increase in mean ALC from baseline up to week 36 which gradually returned to at or near baseline levels with continued treatment.

hsCRP and other markers of inflammation

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, treatment with upadacitinib was associated with decreases from baseline in mean hsCRP levels as early as week 1 which were maintained with continued treatment.

In patients with Crohn's disease, reductions in hsCRP and faecal calprotectin (FCP) were observed after induction treatment with upadacitinib. Decreases in hsCRP and FCP were maintained out to week 52 in the maintenance study.

Vaccine studies

The influence of upadacitinib on the humoral response following administration of adjuvanted recombinant glycoprotein E herpes zoster vaccine was evaluated in 93 patients with rheumatoid arthritis under stable treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg. 98% of patients were on concomitant methotrexate. 49% of patients were on oral corticosteroids at baseline. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a satisfactory humoral response defined as ≥ 4‑fold increase in pre-vaccination concentration of anti-glycoprotein E titer levels at week 16 (4 weeks post-dose 2 vaccination). Vaccination of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg resulted in a satisfactory humoral response in 79/90 (88% [95% CI: 81.0, 94.5]) of patients at week 16.

The influence of upadacitinib on the humoral response following the administration of inactivated pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (13-valent, adsorbed) was evaluated in 111 patients with rheumatoid arthritis under stable treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg (n=87) or 30 mg (n=24). 97% of patients (n=108) were on concomitant methotrexate. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with satisfactory humoral response defined as ≥ 2-fold increase in antibody concentration from baseline to week 4 in at least 6 out of the 12 pneumococcal antigens (1, 3, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, and 23F). Results at week 4 demonstrated a satisfactory humoral response in 67.5% (95% CI: 57.4, 77.5) and 56.5% (95% CI: 36.3, 76.8) of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg, respectively.

Clinical efficacy and safety

Rheumatoid arthritis

The efficacy and safety of upadacitinib 15 mg once daily was assessed in five Phase 3 randomised, double-blind, multicentre studies in patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis and fulfilling the ACR/EULAR 2010 classification criteria (see Table 4). Patients 18 years of age and older were eligible to participate. The presence of at least 6 tender and 6 swollen joints and evidence of systemic inflammation based on elevation of hsCRP was required at baseline. Four studies included long-term extensions for up to 5 years, and one study (SELECT‑COMPARE) included a long‑term extension for up to 10 years.

The primary analysis for each of these studies included all randomised subjects who received at least 1 dose of upadacitinib or placebo, and non-responder imputation was used for categorical endpoints.

Across the Phase 3 studies, the efficacy seen with upadacitinib 15 mg QD was generally similar to that observed with upadacitinib 30 mg QD.

Table 4 Clinical trials summary

Clinical response

Remission and low disease activity

In the studies, a significantly higher proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg achieved low disease activity (DAS28-CRP ≤3.2) and clinical remission (DAS28-CRP <2.6) compared to placebo, MTX, or adalimumab (Table 5). Compared to adalimumab, significantly higher rates of low disease activity were achieved at week 12 in SELECT-COMPARE. Overall, both low disease activity and clinical remission rates were consistent across patient populations, with or without MTX. At 3 years, 297/651 (45.6%) and 111/327 (33.9%) patients remained on originally randomised treatment of upadacitinib 15 mg or adalimumab, respectively, in SELECT‑COMPARE, and 216/317 (68.1%) and 149/315 (47.3%) patients remained on originally randomised treatment of upadacitinib 15 mg or MTX monotherapy, respectively, in SELECT-EARLY. Among the patients who remained on their originally allocated treatment, low disease activity and clinical remission were maintained through 3 years.

ACR response

In all studies, more patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg achieved ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 responses at 12 weeks compared to placebo, MTX, or adalimumab (Table 5). Time to onset of efficacy was rapid across measures with greater responses seen as early as week 1 for ACR20. Durable response rates were observed (with or without MTX), with ACR20/50/70 responses maintained through 3 years among the patients who remained on their originally allocated treatment.

Treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg, alone or in combination with csDMARDs, resulted in improvements in individual ACR components, including tender and swollen joint counts, patient and physician global assessments, HAQ-DI, pain assessment and hsCRP.

Table 5 Response and remission

Radiographic response

Inhibition of progression of structural joint damage was assessed using the modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS) and its components, the erosion score and joint space narrowing score, at weeks 24/26 and week 48 in SELECT-EARLY and SELECT-COMPARE.

Treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg resulted in significantly greater inhibition of the progression of structural joint damage compared to placebo in combination with MTX in SELECT-COMPARE and as monotherapy compared to MTX in SELECT-EARLY (Table 6). Analyses of erosion and joint space narrowing scores were consistent with the overall scores. The proportion of patients with no radiographic progression (mTSS change ≤ 0) was significantly higher with upadacitinib 15 mg in both studies. Inhibition of progression of structural joint damage was maintained through week 96 in both studies for patients who remained on their originally allocated treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg (based on available results from 327 patients in SELECT-COMPARE and 238 patients in SELECT-EARLY).

Table 6 Radiographic changes

Physical function response and health-related outcomes

Treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg, alone or in combination with csDMARDs, resulted in a significantly greater improvement in physical function compared to all comparators as measured by HAQ-DI (see Table 7). Improvement in HAQ-DI was maintained through 3 years for patients who remained on their originally allocated treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg based on available results from SELECT‑COMPARE and SELECT‑EARLY.

Table 7 Mean change from baseline in HAQ-DI^{a, b}

In the studies SELECT-MONOTHERAPY, SELECT-NEXT, and SELECT-COMPARE, treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg resulted in a significantly greater improvement in the mean duration of morning joint stiffness compared to placebo or MTX.

In the clinical studies, upadacitinib-treated patients reported significant improvements in patient-reported quality of life, as measured by the Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) Physical Component Summary compared to placebo and MTX. Moreover, upadacitinib-treated patients reported significant improvements in fatigue, as measured by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue score (FACIT-F) compared to placebo.

Psoriatic arthritis

The efficacy and safety of upadacitinib 15 mg once daily were assessed in two Phase 3 randomised, double‑blind, multicentre, placebo‑controlled studies in patients 18 years of age or older with moderately to severely active psoriatic arthritis. All patients had active psoriatic arthritis for at least 6 months based upon the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR), at least 3 tender joints and at least 3 swollen joints, and active plaque psoriasis or history of plaque psoriasis. For both studies, the primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved an ACR20 response at week 12.

SELECT‑PsA 1 was a 24‑week trial in 1705 patients who had an inadequate response or intolerance to at least one non-biologic DMARD. At baseline, 1393 (82%) of patients were on at least one concomitant non‑biologic DMARD; 1084 (64%) of patients received concomitant MTX only; and 311 (18%) of patients were on monotherapy. Patients received upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg once daily, adalimumab, or placebo. At week 24, all patients randomised to placebo were switched to upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg once daily in a blinded manner. SELECT‑PsA 1 included a long‑term extension for up to 5 years.

SELECT‑PsA 2 was a 24‑week trial in 642 patients who had an inadequate response or intolerance to at least one biologic DMARD. At baseline, 296 (46%) of patients were on at least one concomitant non-biologic DMARD; 222 (35%) of patients received concomitant MTX only; and 345 (54%) of patients were on monotherapy. Patients received upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg once daily or placebo. At week 24, all patients randomised to placebo were switched to upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg once daily in a blinded manner. SELECT‑PsA 2 included a long-term extension for up to 3 years.

Clinical response

In both studies, a statistically significant greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg achieved ACR20 response compared to placebo at week 12 (Table 8). Time to onset of efficacy was rapid across measures with greater responses seen as early as week 2 for ACR20.

Treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg resulted in improvements in individual ACR components, including tender/painful and swollen joint counts, patient and physician global assessments, HAQ-DI, pain assessment, and hsCRP compared to placebo.

In SELECT‑PsA 1, upadacitinib 15 mg achieved non‑inferiority compared to adalimumab in the proportion of patients achieving ACR20 response at week 12; however, superiority to adalimumab could not be demonstrated.

In both studies, consistent responses were observed alone or in combination with methotrexate for primary and key secondary endpoints.

The efficacy of upadacitinib 15 mg was demonstrated regardless of subgroups evaluated including baseline BMI, baseline hsCRP, and number of prior non‑biologic DMARDs (≤ 1 or >1).

Table 8 Clinical response in SELECT-PsA 1 and SELECT-PsA 2

Radiographic response

In SELECT‑PsA 1, inhibition of progression of structural damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as the change from baseline in modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS) and its components, the erosion score and the joint space narrowing score, at week 24.

Treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg resulted in statistically significant greater inhibition of the progression of structural joint damage compared to placebo at week 24 (Table 9). Erosion and joint space narrowing scores were consistent with the overall scores. The proportion of patients with no radiographic progression (mTSS change ≤ 0.5) was higher with upadacitinib 15 mg compared to placebo at week 24.

Table 9 Radiographic changes in SELECT-PsA 1

Physical function response and health-related outcomes

In SELECT‑PsA 1, patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg showed statistically significant improvement from baseline in physical function as assessed by HAQ‑DI at week 12 (-0.42 [95% CI: -0.47, -0.37]) compared to placebo (-0.14 [95% CI: -0.18, -0.09]); improvement in patients treated with adalimumab was -0.34 (95% CI: -0.38, -0.29). In SELECT-PsA 2, patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg showed statistically significant improvement from baseline in HAQ‑DI at week 12 (-0.30 [95% CI: -0.37, -0.24]) compared to placebo (-0.10 [95% CI: -0.16, -0.03]). Improvement in physical function was maintained through week 56 in both studies.

Health‑related quality of life was assessed by SF‑36v2. In both studies, patients receiving upadacitinib 15 mg experienced statistically significant greater improvement from baseline in the Physical Component Summary score compared to placebo at week 12. Improvements from baseline were maintained through week 56 in both studies.

Patients receiving upadacitinib 15 mg experienced statistically significant improvement from baseline in fatigue, as measured by FACIT‑F score, at week 12 compared to placebo in both studies. Improvements from baseline were maintained through week 56 in both studies.

At baseline, psoriatic spondylitis was reported in 31% and 34% of patients in SELECT‑PsA 1 and SELECT‑PsA 2, respectively. Patients with psoriatic spondylitis treated with upadacitinib 15 mg showed improvements from baseline in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores compared to placebo at week 24. Improvements from baseline were maintained through week 56 in both studies.

Axial spondyloarthritis

Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

The efficacy and safety of upadacitinib 15 mg once daily were assessed in a randomised, double‑blind, multicentre, placebo‑controlled study in patients 18 years of age or older with active non‑radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Study SELECT‑AXIS 2 (nr‑axSpA) was a 52-week placebo‑controlled trial in 314 patients with active non‑radiographic axial spondyloarthritis with an inadequate response to at least two NSAIDs or intolerance to or contraindication for NSAIDs. Patients must have had objective signs of inflammation indicated by elevated C‑reactive protein (CRP) (defined as > upper limit of normal), and/or sacroiliitis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and no definitive radiographic evidence of structural damage on sacroiliac joints. Patients had active disease as defined by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) ≥ 4, and a Patient's Assessment of Total Back Pain score ≥ 4 based on a 0 – 10 numerical rating scale (NRS) at the Screening and Baseline Visits. At baseline, patients had symptoms of non‑radiographic axial spondyloarthritis for an average of 9.1 years and 29.1% of the patients were on a concomitant csDMARD. 32.9% of the patients had an inadequate response or intolerance to bDMARD therapy. Patients received upadacitinib 15 mg once daily or placebo. At week 52, all patients randomised to placebo were switched to upadacitinib 15 mg once daily. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving an Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society 40 (ASAS40) response at week 14. The study included a long-term extension for up to 2 years. Of patients who were initially randomised to upadacitinib, 75% (117/156) in SELECT-AXIS 2 (nr-axSpA) continued therapy through 2 years.

Clinical response

In SELECT‑AXIS 2 (nr‑axSpA), a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg achieved an ASAS40 response compared to placebo at week 14 (Table 10).

A numerical difference between treatment groups was observed at all timepoints from week 2 to week 14.

Treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg resulted in improvements in individual ASAS components (patient global assessment of disease activity, total back pain assessment, inflammation, and function) and other measures of disease activity, including hsCRP, compared to placebo at week 14.

The efficacy of upadacitinib 15 mg was demonstrated across subgroups including gender, baseline BMI, symptom duration of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, baseline hsCRP, MRI sacroiliitis, and prior use of bDMARDs.

Table 10 Clinical response in SELECT-AXIS 2 (nr-axSpA)

Efficacy was maintained through 2 years as assessed by the endpoints presented in Table 10.

Physical function response and health-related outcomes

Patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg showed significant improvement in physical function from baseline compared to placebo as assessed by the BASFI at week 14.

Patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg showed significant improvements in total back pain and nocturnal back pain compared to placebo at week 14.

Patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg showed significant improvements in health‑related quality of life and overall health as measured by ASQoL and ASAS Health Index, respectively, compared to placebo at week 14.

Improvements in BASFI, total and nocturnal back pain, ASQoL and ASAS Health Index were maintained through 2 years.

Objective measure of inflammation

Signs of inflammation were assessed by MRI and expressed as change from baseline in the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) score of the sacroiliac joints. At week 14, significant improvement of inflammatory signs in the sacroiliac joints was observed in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg compared to placebo. Improvement in inflammation as assessed by MRI was maintained through 2 years.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS, radiographic axial spondyloarthritis)

The efficacy and safety of upadacitinib 15 mg once daily were assessed in two randomised, double‑blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled studies in patients 18 years of age or older with active ankylosing spondylitis based upon the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) ≥4 and Patient's Assessment of Total Back Pain score ≥4. Both studies included a long‑term extension for up to 2 years.

SELECT‑AXIS 1 was a 14‑week placebo‑controlled trial in 187 ankylosing spondylitis patients with an inadequate response to at least two NSAIDs or intolerance to or contraindication for NSAIDs and had no previous exposure to biologic DMARDs. At baseline, patients had symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis for an average of 14.4 years and approximately 16% of the patients were on a concomitant csDMARD. Patients received upadacitinib 15 mg once daily or placebo. At week 14, all patients randomised to placebo were switched to upadacitinib 15 mg once daily. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving an Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society 40 (ASAS40) response at week 14.

SELECT‑AXIS 2 (AS) was a 14‑week placebo‑controlled trial in 420 ankylosing spondylitis patients with prior exposure to bDMARDs (77.4% had lack of efficacy to either a TNF inhibitor or interleukin-17 inhibitor (IL-17i); 30.2% had intolerance; 12.9% had prior exposure but not lack of efficacy to two bDMARDs). At baseline, patients had symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis for an average of 12.8 years and approximately 31% of the patients were on a concomitant csDMARD. Patients received upadacitinib 15 mg once daily or placebo. At week 14, all patients randomised to placebo were switched to upadacitinib 15 mg once daily. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving an Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society 40 (ASAS40) response at week 14. Of patients who were initially randomised to upadacitinib, 72% (67/93) in SELECT-AXIS 1 and 77% (163/211) in SELECT-AXIS 2 (AS) continued therapy through 2 years.

Clinical response

In both studies, a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg achieved an ASAS40 response compared to placebo at week 14 (Table 11). A numerical difference between treatment groups was observed from week 2 in SELECT‑AXIS 1 and week 4 in SELECT‑AXIS 2 (AS) for ASAS40.

Treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg resulted in improvements in individual ASAS components (patient global assessment of disease activity, total back pain assessment, inflammation, and function) and other measures of disease activity, including hsCRP, at week 14 compared to placebo.

The efficacy of upadacitinib 15 mg was demonstrated regardless of subgroups evaluated including gender, baseline BMI, symptom duration of AS, baseline hsCRP, and prior use of bDMARDs.

Table 11 Clinical response

In both studies, efficacy was maintained through 2 years as assessed by the endpoints presented in Table 11.

Physical function response and health-related outcomes

In both studies patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg showed significant improvement in physical function from baseline compared to placebo as assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) change from baseline at week 14. Improvement in BASFI was maintained through 2 years.

In SELECT‑AXIS 2 (AS), patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg showed significant improvements in total back pain and nocturnal back pain compared to placebo at week 14. Improvements in total back pain and nocturnal back pain were maintained through 2 years.

In SELECT‑AXIS 2 (AS), patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg showed significant improvements in health‑related quality of life and overall health as measured by ASQoL and ASAS Health Index, respectively, compared to placebo at week 14. Improvements in ASQoL and ASAS Health Index were maintained through 2 years.

Enthesitis

In SELECT‑AXIS 2 (AS), patients with pre‑existing enthesitis (n=310) treated with upadacitinib 15 mg showed significant improvement in enthesitis compared to placebo as measured by change from baseline in Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES) at week 14. Improvement in enthesitis was maintained through 2 years.

Spinal mobility

In SELECT‑AXIS 2 (AS), patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg showed significant improvement in spinal mobility compared to placebo as measured by change from baseline in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) at week 14. Improvement in BASMI was maintained through 2 years.

Objective measure of inflammation

Signs of inflammation were assessed by MRI and expressed as change from baseline in the SPARCC score for spine. In both studies at week 14, significant improvement of inflammatory signs in the spine was observed in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg compared to placebo. Improvement in inflammation as assessed by MRI was maintained through 2 years.

Giant cell arteritis

The efficacy and safety of upadacitinib 15 mg once daily were assessed in SELECT-GCA, a Phase 3 randomised, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled study in patients 50 years of age and older with new onset or relapsing giant cell arteritis. SELECT-GCA (Period 1) was a 52-week study in which 428 patients were randomised in a 2:1:1 ratio and dosed once daily with upadacitinib 15 mg, upadacitinib 7.5 mg, or placebo. All patients received background corticosteroid (prednisone or prednisolone) therapy. The upadacitinib-treated groups followed a pre-specified corticosteroid taper regimen with the aim to reach 0 mg by 26 weeks; the placebo-treated group followed a pre-specified corticosteroid taper regimen with the aim to reach 0 mg by 52 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving sustained remission at week 52 as defined by the absence of giant cell arteritis signs and symptoms from week 12 through week 52 and adherence to the protocol-defined corticosteroid taper regimen. Patients who prematurely discontinued study treatment (upadacitinib or placebo) or had a missing assessment were classified as non-responders. The study included a 52‑week blinded extension (Period 2) for a total study duration of up to 2 years.

Clinical response

Upadacitinib 15 mg and a 26-week corticosteroid taper showed superiority in achieving corticosteroid-free sustained remission at week 52 compared to placebo and a 52-week corticosteroid taper (Table 12). Results for each component of sustained remission and sustained complete remission at week 52 were consistent with those of the composite endpoints. For sustained remission at week 52 (the primary endpoint), a similar percentage of patients in each arm were classified as non-responders due to premature discontinuation of study treatment (placebo: 19.6%; upadacitinib 15 mg: 20.1%) or due to a missing assessment (placebo: 0.9%; upadacitinib 15 mg: 0.5%).

Treatment effects in subgroups (gender, age, race, prior use of interleukin-6 inhibitor, new onset or relapsing giant cell arteritis, baseline corticosteroid dose, and giant cell arteritis with or without polymyalgia rheumatica) were consistent with the results in the overall study population.

A significantly lower proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg and a 26‑week corticosteroid taper experienced at least one giant cell arteritis flare compared to those treated with placebo and a 52-week corticosteroid taper through week 52. In addition, the risk of flare in the upadacitinib arm was significantly lower compared to the placebo arm as measured by time to first flare through week 52 (Table 12).

Table 12 Clinical response in SELECT-GCA (Period 1)

Cumulative corticosteroid dose

Among patients who completed 52 weeks of follow-up, the cumulative corticosteroid exposure at week 52 was significantly lower in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg and a 26-week corticosteroid taper compared to placebo and a 52-week corticosteroid taper (median 1615 mg vs 2882 mg, respectively). The comparison of cumulative corticosteroid dose between the upadacitinib arm and the placebo arm is affected by the different pre-specified regimens for steroid tapering in the upadacitinib arm versus the placebo arm.

Health-related outcomes

Fatigue was assessed using FACIT-Fatigue score. Patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg and a 26‑week corticosteroid taper experienced significantly greater improvement from baseline compared to placebo and a 52-week corticosteroid taper in FACIT-Fatigue score at week 52 (4.0, 95% CI: 1.33, 6.76).

Health-related quality of life was assessed using SF-36. Patients receiving upadacitinib 15 mg and a 26-week corticosteroid taper experienced significantly greater improvement from baseline compared to placebo and a 52-week corticosteroid taper in the Physical Component Summary score of SF-36 at week 52 (3.75, 95% CI: 1.39, 6.11).

Maintenance of response

A total of 223 patients entered the blinded extension period (Period 2), of the SELECT-GCA study. Patients originally randomised to upadacitinib 15 mg in Period 1, and who achieved sustained remission (defined by the absence of giant cell arteritis signs and symptoms and being corticosteroid free) for at least 24 weeks prior to week 52, were re-randomised to continue upadacitinib 15 mg (N = 68) or placebo (N = 35).

Among patients who achieved sustained remission at week 52, 71.7% of patients re-randomised to continue treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg maintained corticosteroid-free remission through week 104 compared to 31.4% of patients re-randomised to placebo.

Among those patients who were re-randomised to placebo, 59.5% experienced a giant cell arteritis flare, compared to 7.4% of patients re-randomised to continue upadacitinib 15 mg. The median time to flare was 113 days for patients re-randomised to placebo and was greater than 365 days (median not reached) for patients re-randomised to upadacitinib 15 mg.

Atopic dermatitis

The efficacy and safety of upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg once daily were assessed in three Phase 3 randomised, double‑blind, multicentre studies (MEASURE UP 1, MEASURE UP 2 and AD UP) in a total of 2782 patients (12 years of age and older). Upadacitinib was evaluated in 542 (344 in the primary analysis) adolescent and 2240 adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) not adequately controlled by topical medication(s). At baseline, patients had to have all the following: an Investigator's Global Assessment (vIGA‑AD) score ≥ 3 in the overall assessment of AD (erythema, induration/papulation, and oozing/crusting) on an increasing severity scale of 0 to 4, an Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score ≥16 (composite score assessing extent and severity of erythema, oedema/papulation, scratches and lichenification across 4 different body sites), a minimum body surface area (BSA) involvement of ≥ 10%, and weekly average Worst Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) ≥ 4.

In all three studies, patients received upadacitinib once daily doses of 15 mg, 30 mg, or matching placebo for 16 weeks. In the AD UP study, patients also received concomitant topical corticosteroids (TCS). Following completion of the double blinded period, patients originally randomised to upadacitinib were to continue receiving the same dose until week 260. Patients in the placebo group were re-randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg until week 260.

Baseline characteristics

In the monotherapy studies (MEASURE UP 1 and 2), 50.0% of patients had a baseline vIGA-AD score of 3 (moderate) and 50.0% of patients had a baseline vIGA-AD of 4 (severe). The mean baseline EASI score was 29.3 and the mean baseline weekly average Worst Pruritus NRS was 7.3. In the concomitant TCS study (AD UP), 47.1% of patients had a baseline vIGA-AD score of 3 (moderate) and 52.9% of patients had a baseline vIGA-AD of 4 (severe). The mean baseline EASI score was 29.7 and the mean baseline weekly average Worst Pruritus NRS was 7.2.

Clinical response

Monotherapy (MEASURE UP 1 AND MEASURE UP 2) and Concomitant TCS (AD UP) studies

A significantly greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg achieved vIGA-AD 0 or 1, EASI 75, or a ≥ 4-point improvement on the Worst Pruritus NRS compared to placebo at week 16. Rapid improvements in skin clearance and itch were also achieved (see Table 13).

Figure 1 shows the proportion of patients achieving an EASI 75 response and mean percent change from baseline in Worst Pruritus NRS, respectively up to week 16 for MEASURE UP 1 and 2.

Table 13 Efficacy results of upadacitinib

Figure 1 Proportion of patients achieving an EASI 75 response and mean percent change from baseline in Worst Pruritus NRS in MEASURE UP 1 and MEASURE UP 2

*: p < 0.001 vs placebo, without multiplicity control

**: statistically significant vs. placebo with p < 0.001

Treatment effects in subgroups (weight, age, gender, race, and prior systemic treatment with immunosuppressants) were consistent with the results in the overall study population.

Results at week 16 continued to be maintained through week 52 in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg.

Quality of life/patient‑reported outcomes

Table 14 Patient-reported outcomes results of upadacitinib at week 16

Ulcerative colitis

The efficacy and safety of upadacitinib was evaluated in three multicentre, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled Phase 3 clinical studies: two replicate induction studies, UC‑1 (U‑ACHIEVE Induction) and UC‑2 (U‑ACCOMPLISH), and a maintenance study UC‑3 (U‑ACHIEVE Maintenance). In addition, safety and efficacy of upadacitinib were assessed in a long-term extension study, UC-4 (U-ACTIVATE).

Disease activity was based on the adapted Mayo score (aMS, Mayo scoring system excluding Physician's Global Assessment), which ranged from 0 to 9 and has three subscores that were each scored 0 (normal) to 3 (most severe): stool frequency subscore (SFS), rectal bleeding subscore (RBS) and a centrally‑reviewed endoscopy subscore (ES).

Induction studies (UC‑1 and UC‑2)

In UC‑1 and UC‑2, 988 patients (473 and 515 patients, respectively) were randomised to upadacitinib 45 mg once daily or placebo for 8 weeks with a 2:1 treatment allocation ratio and included in the efficacy analysis. All enrolled patients had moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis defined as an aMS of 5 to 9 with an ES of 2 or 3 and demonstrated prior treatment failure including inadequate response, loss of response, or intolerance to prior conventional and/or biologic treatment. Prior treatment failure to at least 1 biologic therapy (prior biologic failure) was seen in 52% (246/473) and 51% (262/515) of patients, respectively. Previous treatment failure to conventional therapy but not biologics (without prior biologic failure) was seen in 48% (227/473) and 49% (253/515) of patients, respectively.

At baseline in UC‑1 and UC‑2, 39% and 37% of patients received corticosteroids, 1.1% and 0.6% of patients received methotrexate and 68% and 69% of patients received aminosalicylates. Concomitant use of thiopurine was not allowed during the studies. Patient disease activity was moderate (aMS ≥5, ≤7) in 61% and 60% of patients and severe (aMS >7) in 39% and 40% of patients.

The primary endpoint was clinical remission per aMS at week 8. Table 15 shows the primary and key secondary endpoints including clinical response, mucosal healing, histologic-endoscopic mucosal healing and deep mucosal healing.

Table 15 Proportion of patients meeting primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints at week 8 in the induction studies UC-1 and UC-2

Disease activity and symptoms

The partial adapted Mayo score (paMS) is composed of SFS and RBS. Symptomatic response per paMS is defined as a decrease of ≥1 point and ≥30% from baseline and a decrease in RBS ≥ 1 or an absolute RBS ≤1. Statistically significant improvement compared to placebo per paMS was seen as early as week 2 (UC-1: 60.1% vs 27.3% and UC-2: 63.3% vs 25.9%).

Extended induction

A total of 125 patients in UC‑1 and UC‑2 who did not achieve clinical response after 8 weeks of treatment with upadacitinib 45 mg once daily entered an 8-week open-label extended induction period. After the treatment of an additional 8 weeks (16 weeks total) of upadacitinib 45 mg once daily, 48.3% of patients achieved clinical response per aMS. Among patients who responded to treatment of 16-week upadacitinib 45 mg once daily, 35.7% and 66.7% of patients maintained clinical response per aMS and 19.0% and 33.3% of patients achieved clinical remission per aMS at week 52 with maintenance treatment of upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg once daily, respectively.

Maintenance study (UC‑3)

The efficacy analysis for UC‑3 was evaluated in 451 patients who achieved clinical response per aMS with 8‑week upadacitinib 45 mg once daily induction treatment. Patients were randomised to receive upadacitinib 15 mg, 30 mg or placebo once daily for up to 52 weeks.

The primary endpoint was clinical remission per aMS at week 52. Table 16 shows the key secondary endpoints including maintenance of clinical remission, corticosteroid-free clinical remission, mucosal healing, histologic-endoscopic mucosal healing and deep mucosal healing.

Table 16 Proportion of patients meeting primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints at week 52 in the maintenance study UC-3

Disease symptoms

Symptomatic remission per paMS, defined as SFS ≤ 1 and RBS = 0, was achieved over time through week 52 in more patients treated with both upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg once daily compared with placebo (Figure 2).

Figure 2 Proportion of patients with symptomatic remission per partial adapted Mayo score over time in maintenance study UC-3

Endoscopic assessment

Endoscopic remission (normalisation of the endoscopic appearance of the mucosa) was defined as ES of 0. At week 8, a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 45 mg once daily compared to placebo achieved endoscopic remission (UC‑1: 13.7% vs 1.3%, UC‑2: 18.2% vs 1.7%). In UC‑3, a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg once daily compared to placebo achieved endoscopic remission at week 52 (24.2% and 25.9% vs 5.6%). Maintenance of mucosal healing at week 52 (ES ≤1 without friability) was seen in a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg once daily compared to placebo (61.6% and 69.5% vs 19.2%) among patients who achieved mucosal healing at the end of induction.

Quality of life

Patients treated with upadacitinib demonstrated significantly greater and clinically meaningful improvement in health‑related quality of life measured by the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) total score compared to placebo. Improvements were seen in all 4 domain scores: systemic symptoms (including fatigue), social function, emotional function and bowel symptoms (including abdominal pain and bowel urgency). Changes in IBDQ total score at week 8 from baseline with upadacitinib 45 mg once daily compared to placebo were 55.3 and 21.7 in UC-1 and 52.2 and 21.1 in UC-2, respectively. Changes in IBDQ total score at week 52 from baseline were 49.2, 58.9 and 17.9 in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg, 30 mg once daily and placebo, respectively.

Long-term extension study (UC-4)

Patients who achieved clinical remission in UC-3 per aMS at 1 year were eligible to continue with the same dose in the extension study (UC-4). At the entry of UC-4, there were 96 and 146 patients in clinical remission and 49 and 82 patients in endoscopic remission with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg, respectively. This population is partly, but not fully, overlapping with the population presented in the above table depicting proportion of patients meeting endpoints at week 52 in the maintenance study UC-3. Among patients who achieved remission in UC-3 per aMS at 1 year and had available 96 weeks data, 55/70 (78.6%) and 75/89 (84.3%) maintained clinical remission and 22/34 (64.7%) and 40/54 (74.1%) maintained endoscopic remission after 96 weeks of additional treatment with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg, respectively.

In patients entering the extension study upon completion of UC-3 (1 year) and had available 96 weeks data, improvements in IBDQ total scores and in IBDQ domain scores were maintained through week 96 of UC-4.

The safety profile of upadacitinib with long-term treatment was consistent with that in the placebo‑controlled period.

Crohn's disease

The efficacy and safety of upadacitinib was evaluated in three multicenter, double-blind, placebo‑controlled Phase 3 studies: two induction studies, CD-1 (U-EXCEED) and CD-2 (U-EXCEL), followed by a 52-week maintenance treatment and long-term extension study, CD-3 (U-ENDURE). The co-primary endpoints were clinical remission and endoscopic response at week 12 for CD-1 and CD-2, and at week 52 for CD-3.

Enrolled patients were 18 to 75 years of age with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (CD), defined as an average daily very soft or liquid stool frequency (SF) ≥ 4 and/or average daily abdominal pain score (APS) ≥ 2, and a centrally-reviewed Simple Endoscopic Score for CD (SES-CD) of ≥ 6, or ≥ 4 for isolated ileal disease, excluding the narrowing component.

Induction studies (CD-1and CD-2)

In CD-1 and CD-2, 1021 patients (495 and 526 patients, respectively) were randomised to upadacitinib 45 mg once daily or placebo for 12 weeks with a 2:1 treatment allocation ratio.

In CD-1, all patients had inadequate response or were intolerant to treatment with one or more biologic therapies (prior biologic failure). Of these patients, 61% (301/495) had inadequate response or were intolerant to two or more biologic therapies.

In CD-2, 45% (239/526) patients had an inadequate response or were intolerant to treatment with one or more biologic therapies (prior biologic failure), and 55% (287/526) had an inadequate response or were intolerant to treatment with conventional therapies but not to biologic therapy (without prior biologic failure).

At baseline in CD-1 and CD-2, 34% and 36% of patients received corticosteroids, 7% and 3% of patients received immunomodulators, and 15% and 25% of patients received aminosalicylates.

In both studies, patients receiving corticosteroids at baseline initiated a corticosteroid taper regimen starting at week 4.

Both studies included a 12‑week extended treatment period with upadacitinib 30 mg once daily for patients who received upadacitinib 45 mg once daily and did not achieve clinical response per SF/APS (≥ 30% decrease in average daily very soft or liquid SF and/or ≥ 30% decrease in average daily APS and neither greater than baseline) at week 12.

Clinical disease activity and symptoms

In CD-1 and CD-2, a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 45 mg achieved the co-primary endpoint of clinical remission at week 12 compared to placebo (Table 17). Onset of efficacy was rapid, and achieved as early as week 2 (Table 17).

In both studies, patients receiving upadacitinib 45 mg experienced significantly greater improvement from baseline in fatigue, as measured by FACIT-F score at week 12 compared to placebo.

Endoscopic assessment

In CD-1 and CD-2, a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 45 mg achieved the co-primary endpoint of endoscopic response at week 12 compared to placebo (Table 17). In CD-1 and CD-2, a greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 45 mg (14% and 19%, respectively) compared to placebo (0% and 5%, respectively) achieved SES-CD 0-2.

Table 17 Proportion of patients meeting primary and additional efficacy endpoints in induction studies CD-1 and CD-2

Maintenance study (CD-3)

The efficacy analysis for CD-3 evaluated 502 patients who achieved clinical response per SF/APS with the 12-week upadacitinib 45 mg once daily induction treatment. Patients were re-randomised to receive a maintenance regimen of either upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg once daily or placebo for 52 weeks, representing a total of at least 64 weeks of therapy.

Clinical disease activity and symptoms

A significantly greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg achieved the co-primary endpoint of clinical remission at week 52 compared to placebo (Figure 3, Table 18).

Figure 3 Proportion of patients achieving clinical remission in maintenance study CD-3

Patients receiving upadacitinib 30 mg experienced significantly greater improvement from baseline in fatigue, as measured by FACIT-F score at week 52 compared to placebo.

Table 18 Proportion of patients meeting primary and additional efficacy endpoints at week 52 in maintenance study CD-3

Patients who were not in clinical response per SF/APS to upadacitinib induction at week 12 in CD-1 and CD-2 (122 patients) received upadacitinib 30 mg once daily for an additional 12 weeks. Of these patients, 53% achieved clinical response at week 24. Of the patients who responded to the extended treatment period and continued to receive maintenance treatment with upadacitinib 30 mg, 25% achieved clinical remission and 22% achieved endoscopic response at week 52.

Endoscopic assessment

In CD-3, a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg achieved the co-primary endpoint of endoscopic response at week 52 compared to placebo (Table 18). In addition to the endoscopic endpoints described in Table 18, a greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg (11% and 21%, respectively) compared to placebo (3%) achieved SES-CD 0-2 at week 52. Corticosteroid-free endoscopic remission among patients on steroid at baseline was achieved in a greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg (17% and 25%, respectively) compared to placebo (3%) at week 52.

Resolution of extra-intestinal manifestations

Resolution of extra-intestinal manifestations was observed in a greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg (25%) and a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib 30 mg (36%) compared to placebo (15%) at week 52.

Rescue treatment

In CD-3, patients who demonstrated inadequate response or lost response during maintenance were eligible to receive rescue treatment with upadacitinib 30 mg. Of the patients who were randomised to upadacitinib 15 mg group and received rescue treatment of upadacitinib 30 mg for at least 12 weeks, 84% achieved clinical response per SF/APS and 48% achieved clinical remission 12 weeks after initiating rescue. Of the patients who were randomised to placebo group and received rescue treatment of upadacitinib 30 mg for at least 12 weeks, 88% achieved clinical response per SF/APS and 53% achieved clinical remission 12 weeks after initiating rescue.

Health-related quality of life outcomes

Health-related quality of life was assessed by the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ), Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36), the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Visual Analog Scale (EQ‑5D VAS), the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire-Crohn's Disease (WPAI‑CD), and the Crohn's Symptom Severity (CSS).

In CD-1 and CD-2, patients treated with upadacitinib achieved greater improvement from baseline in IBDQ total score, all IBDQ domain scores including bowel symptoms, systemic symptoms, emotional function, and social function, SF‑36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) Scores, and EQ‑5D VAS at week 12 compared to placebo. These improvements were maintained in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg for IBDQ total score, EQ-5D VAS, and SF-36 MCS scores, and with upadacitinib 30 mg for SF-36 PCS score through week 52 in CD-3.

Patients treated with upadacitinib achieved greater reductions from baseline in impairment while working, overall work impairment, and activity impairment at week 12 compared to placebo in CD-1 and CD-2; and additionally, greater reduction in work time missed in CD-1, as assessed by the WPAI‑CD questionnaire. The improvements were maintained through week 52 in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg for activity impairment in CD-3.

Patients treated with upadacitinib achieved greater improvements from baseline in Crohn's-related symptoms and sleep impact as assessed by CSS questionnaire at week 12 compared to placebo in CD-1 and CD-2. These improvements were maintained in patients treated with upadacitinib 15 mg and 30 mg through week 52 in CD-3.

Paediatric population

A total of 542 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis were randomised across the three global Phase 3 studies, of which 344 were evaluated for the primary analysis. Adolescents in the primary analysis were randomised to receive either 15 mg (N=114) or 30 mg (N=114) upadacitinib or matching placebo (N=116), in monotherapy or combination with topical corticosteroids. Efficacy was consistent between the adolescents and adults. The safety profile in adolescents was generally similar to that in adults, with dose‑dependent increases in the rate of some adverse events, including neutropenia and herpes zoster. At both doses, the rate of neutropenia was slightly increased in adolescents compared to adults. At both doses, the rate of herpes zoster was higher in adults compared to that in adolescents.

Table 19 Efficacy results of upadacitinib for adolescents at week 16

The MHRA has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with RINVOQ in one or more subsets of the paediatric population in chronic idiopathic arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis) atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease (see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use).

Upadacitinib plasma exposures are proportional to dose over the therapeutic dose range. Steady‑state plasma concentrations are achieved within 4 days with minimal accumulation after multiple once daily administrations.

Absorption

Following oral administration of upadacitinib prolonged-release formulation, upadacitinib is absorbed with a median T_max of 2 to 4 hours. Coadministration of upadacitinib with a high-fat meal had no clinically relevant effect on upadacitinib exposures (increased AUC by 29% and C_max by 39% to 60%). In clinical trials, upadacitinib was administered without regard to meals (see section 4.2). In vitro, upadacitinib is a substrate for the efflux transporters P-gp and BCRP.

Distribution

Upadacitinib is 52% bound to plasma proteins. Upadacitinib partitions similarly between plasma and blood cellular components, as indicated by the blood to plasma ratio of 1.0.

Metabolism

Upadacitinib metabolism is mediated by CYP3A4 with a potential minor contribution from CYP2D6. The pharmacologic activity of upadacitinib is attributed to the parent molecule. In a human radiolabeled study, unchanged upadacitinib accounted for 79% of the total radioactivity in plasma while the main metabolite (product of monooxidation followed by glucuronidation) accounted for 13% of the total plasma radioactivity. No active metabolites have been identified for upadacitinib.

Elimination

Following single dose administration of [¹⁴C]-upadacitinib immediate-release solution, upadacitinib was eliminated predominantly as the unchanged parent substance in urine (24%) and faeces (38%). Approximately 34% of upadacitinib dose was excreted as metabolites. Upadacitinib mean terminal elimination half-life ranged from 9 to 14 hours.

Special populations

Renal impairment

Upadacitinib AUC was 18%, 33%, and 44% higher in subjects with mild (estimated glomerular filtration rate 60 to 89 ml/min/1.73 m²), moderate (estimated glomerular filtration rate 30 to 59 ml/min/1.73 m²), and severe (estimated glomerular filtration rate 15 to 29 ml/min/1.73 m²) renal impairment, respectively, compared to subjects with normal renal function. Upadacitinib C_max was similar in subjects with normal and impaired renal function. Mild or moderate renal impairment has no clinically relevant effect on upadacitinib exposure (see section 4.2).

Hepatic impairment

Mild (Child‑Pugh A) and moderate (Child‑Pugh B) hepatic impairment has no clinically relevant effect on upadacitinib exposure. Upadacitinib AUC was 28% and 24% higher in subjects with mild and moderate hepatic impairment, respectively, compared to subjects with normal liver function. Upadacitinib C_max was unchanged in subjects with mild hepatic impairment and 43% higher in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment compared to subjects with normal liver function. Upadacitinib was not studied in patients with severe (Child‑Pugh C) hepatic impairment.

Paediatric population

The pharmacokinetics of upadacitinib have not yet been evaluated in paediatric patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease (see section 4.2).

Upadacitinib pharmacokinetics and steady-state concentrations are similar for adults and adolescents 12 to 17 years of age with atopic dermatitis. The posology in adolescent patients 30 kg to < 40 kg was determined using population pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation. No clinical exposure data are available in adolescents < 40 kg.

The pharmacokinetics of upadacitinib in paediatric patients (< 12 years of age) with atopic dermatitis have not been established.

Intrinsic factors

Age, sex, body weight, race, and ethnicity did not have a clinically meaningful effect on upadacitinib exposure. Upadacitinib pharmacokinetics are consistent between rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, giant cell arteritis, atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease patients.

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology.

Upadacitinib, at exposures (based on AUC) approximately 4 and 10 times the clinical dose of 15 mg, 2 and 5 times the clinical dose of 30 mg, and 1.7 and 4 times the clinical dose of 45 mg in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively, was not carcinogenic in a 2‑year carcinogenicity study in Sprague-Dawley rats. Upadacitinib was not carcinogenic in a 26‑week carcinogenicity study in CByB6F1-Tg(HRAS)2Jic transgenic mice.

Upadacitinib was not mutagenic or genotoxic based on the results of in vitro and in vivo tests for gene mutations and chromosomal aberrations.

Upadacitinib had no effect on fertility in male or female rats at exposures up to approximately 17 and 34 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 45 mg in males and females, respectively, on an AUC basis in a fertility and early embryonic development study. Dose‑related increases in foetal resorptions associated with post-implantation losses in this fertility study in rats were attributed to the developmental/teratogenic effects of upadacitinib. No adverse effects were observed at exposures below clinical exposure (based on AUC). Post‑implantation losses were observed at exposures 9 times the clinical exposure at the MRHD of 45 mg (based on AUC).

In animal embryo-foetal development studies, upadacitinib was teratogenic in both rats and rabbits. Upadacitinib resulted in increases in skeletal malformations in rats at 1.6, 0.8, and 0.6 times the clinical exposure (AUC-based) at the 15, 30, and 45 mg (MRHD) doses, respectively. In rabbits an increased incidence of cardiovascular malformations was observed at 15, 7.6, and 6 times the clinical exposure at the 15, 30, and 45 mg doses (AUC-based), respectively.

Following administration of upadacitinib to lactating rats, the concentrations of upadacitinib in milk over time generally paralleled those in plasma, with approximately 30‑fold higher exposure in milk relative to maternal plasma. Approximately 97% of upadacitinib-related material in milk was the parent molecule, upadacitinib.

Tablet contents:

Microcrystalline cellulose

Hypromellose

Mannitol

Tartaric acid

Silica, colloidal anhydrous

Magnesium stearate

Film coating:

Poly(vinyl alcohol)

Macrogol

Talc

Titainium dioxide (E171)

Iron oxide red (E172)

Not applicable.

Prolonged‑release tablets in blisters: 2 years

Prolonged‑release tablets in bottles: 3 years

This medicinal product does not require any special temperature storage conditions.

Store in the original blister or bottle in order to protect from moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed.

Polyvinylchloride/polyethylene/polychlorotrifluoroethylene - aluminium calendar blisters in packs containing 28 or 98 prolonged-release tablets.

HDPE bottles with desiccant and polypropylene cap in carton containing 30 prolonged-release tablets.

Pack size: 1 bottle (30 prolonged-release tablets) or 3 bottles (90 prolonged-release tablets).

Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.